50 Best Delis in San Diego

“Growing up in Hampstead, spending a lot of time in Golders Green and Finchley it was funny to hear how the Deli got its name. Rugeleh was excellent. My wife and mother-in-law who was over from Hendon liked those plus their corned beef.“

“eggplant parmagiana, lasagna and all the sandwiches. go eat it on the pier, beach, cliffs, or your favorite place“

“Best sandwich shop hands down. Anytime I'm near this place I go. The best pastrami sandwich in the world. All the employees treat you great. Super nice people. The owner's work there and are really helpful. It's a must if you're going to Balboa Park.“

“Can’t go wrong stopping at this gem! Excellent food(brisket is super-solid), creative/stylish menu, music/ambiance is on point, healthy drink options, and the best part: the peeps that operate it! Thank you to Justin & John for a great 1st experience! I’ll be back...🌞“

“Me and my family had the best food here and the service was so nice ! The menu covers breakfast through dessert, we got breakfast and then came back for lunch. The croissant sandwich is literally larger than my hand and phenomenal. Not only that but the burger was also amazing, and especially the zucchini fries. This is worth a visit or two if in the area!“

“Very friendly staff the food is great.“

“Great breakfast items! Great family 💙“

“Omg!!! Wow! A hidden gem off Miramar rd! This bagel is DELICIOUS!!!!!! The place is super clean, great variety of drinks, snacks etc but the chef takes the cake!!!! I knew he was a pro as soon as I walked in, but the first bite of this breakfast bagle sealed the deal!!! Wow, my new favorite spot for breakfast!!!!!!“

“Definitely the best deli sandwich I have had in San Diego. They have several sandwiches on their menu and they were able to help me pick based on what I like. The sandwiches are hefty and they use quality ingredients! I will definitely be back especially because they can make any sandwich into a salad as well. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾“

“I pass by Big Front Door often heading to work. Decided to stop in and give it a try this afternoon. I got their Cobbler salad and my friend got the chicken parmesan sandwich. The portion sizes are very generous, I asked for extra dressing with my salad and didn't really need it as there was a decent amount left. The food tasted great and was served up without much of a wait time. The star of the show was the gentleman that helped us though! I wish I had taken the time to get his name to give him proper credit. He greeted us, made small talk while my friend and I decided what to have and as we were leaving he offered to clear our table for us. Very polite and friendly! I will definitely be adding this to my list of regular places to go.“

“Love the cheerful, friendly welcome and the first timer helpfulness! Delicious sandwiches prepared to order, personal preferences are catered to. Always something new to try, creative variations.“

“Fantastic sandwiches and great hospitality! I’d pick this place any day of the week over Subway :)“

“Delicious food and awesome service!“

“Just discovered this place while attending a conference. Nice deli with decent sandwich selection for $12 each. I ordred the hot pastrami with kraut thousand island toasted. The owner greeted me and is friendly. They have TV inside toWatch while you eat hours are 8 to 5pm

Parking: 2min from 15 Aero drive exit freeway

Wheelchair accessibility: Lots of room“

“LOVE the sandwich. It was huge, definitely big enough to share. I was delighted to get to try a bottle of Butterscotch Rootbeer, as well. Highly recommend!!“

“All I can say is WOW! Originally visiting SD for vacation, we stumbled on this lil cute deli. First, we got cannolis and cookies…. AMAZING. Cannoli is creamy and lemony. Cookies were the perfect texture and sweetness. You can tell it was made with absolute passion. We came back 1 more time before going back home to AZ. This time we got a sandwich. Pastrami sub is divine. Definitely will be a staple for future trips to OB. Staff was the most friendliest felt so welcoming. The guy with glasses is the BEST helped us both visits. We Love Hungry Lu’s“

“Bomb place to eat very good sandwiches. Try it out you'll like it�“

“I can’t say enough good things about this place! ⭐️ Since moving back to San Diego, I’ve been looking for a solid deli with great food and an even better atmosphere - this spot delivers on both. The staff here truly go above and beyond, treating every customer like family. You can tell they put a lot of heart into what they do, and it makes all the difference.

The sandwiches are top-notch, made with fresh ingredients and generous portions. But what really stands out is the genuine kindness and warmth of the people who run this place. It’s the kind of spot that reminds you why supporting local, family-owned businesses is so important.

If you’re in the area, do yourself a favor and stop by. You won’t just get a great meal - you’ll get a great experience. 👏🏻“

“Chicken Diablo sandwich is the BEST!!!! This place is delicious“

“This is my favorite deli in all of San Diego! I discovered it when I worked nearby, and still drive the extra 10 mins several days per week for a lunch sandwich. Their bread is exceptional and every single thing on their menu is delicious!!“

“The Sandwiches hands down. The Italian sandwich is a must try. This place could get really busy around lunch time. So call in your order if possible.“

“THE. BEST. turkey, bacon and avocado sandwich I've ever had in my life!“

“Executive Deli is a 5-star operation! Chris is a real stand-up guy—honest, skilled, and runs a tight ship! Their employees are extremely friendly and courteous. I have no doubt you will have a 5 star experience if you visit this establishment, both in customer service and quality of food!“

“Sabrina Cafe & Deli in San Diego serves up a warm, satisfying experience that’s as comforting as it is delicious. The burrito I tried was a flavorful, perfectly wrapped delight, with a tortilla that was beautifully crisped on the outside and soft on the inside, holding together the savory contents with ease. Paired with their rich and spicy sauce, each bite was an explosion of well-balanced flavors that left me craving more. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Sabrina Cafe & Deli is a must-visit spot for a hearty meal that hits the spot.“

“The only family owned and operated Deli Restaurant and Coffee Spot in the heart of Downtown San Diego. If you're new in town, you won't find it just strolling through downtown San Diego, but ask anyone who works within a mile of 4th and B, they can point you to The Plaza Deli and 401 Brew Street. I've been eating here for 26 years. Beautiful family, amazing and friendly staff. Good portions. Sandwiches large enough for two meals, and more salad choices (and salad dressings) than you will find anywhere. My breakfast fave, the croissant with sausage, egg and cheddar - toasted :)“

“los tacos de cabeza y tripitas son los mejores... la asada, adobada la birria el pollito riquísimo todo las aguas frescas deliciosas“

“The best quality , service and prices around! Don’t go anywhere else“

“All the waitresses there are very friendly“

“This is the only place I get lunch from! I started going because it’s so close to my work but I only go here now because the food is always delicious and seriously SO fresh. The owner and his family are really the nicest people ever. The food is such a great price and the portions are so big that even the half size fills me up! This place will forever get my business! I have photos of the Italian but forgot to take a picture of my delicious Cobb Salad. I recommend this place to all my coworkers!“

“We are in LOVE and truly obsessed with this delicious breakfast and lunch place on the outside of the Hilton Garden Inn. The food has been mouthwatering. Deserves a crowd daily. We've eaten breakfast here the last few mornings and everything has been the best food we've ever had. Cute little outdoor patio with amazing San Diego weather. Service fantastic and everyone is so friendly. We are sitting here now eating avocado toast and the English muffin sandwich and saying how this is the best food we have ever eaten. Great smoothies, too. Super sad to leave. Will be coming back to this hidden San Doego gem. IF you are staying at the Hilton Garden Inn this is definitely where you should be eating breakfast. For lunch they have delicious options, too. You won't be sorry if you come here!“

“Fast, easy, tuna and poke bowls are amazing.....and Jackie is awesome!!!“

“this Hilton is top notch. superb service“

“Aside from the fact this place is literally down the hill from me.. the owner & his beautiful family are Gucci ASF. Always smiling no matter what.. I've seen him take over this place, update & upgrade expanding not only his professionalism but the overall popularity in owning/running a well established business. I highly recommend stopping by for one of his infamous handcrafted deli sandwiches. Yooo, you don't even knoow!! 🤤 As for the liquor aspect of it, your boy's got a top notch selection of shelf spirits varying from Bourbon, Rye, Tequila, Gin, Vodka, Scotch whisky, Amaro & even Bitters! Oh Mylanta Georgia I almost forgot.. 🤗 this family owned business even has the types of snacks & munchies we all crave; don't let me get started on the Mexican candies yo 😆 I'm telling y'all if you still think it's too good to be true, just see for yourself!! Well worth the spending xoxo“

“Loved the tofu bowl special here with house made vegan aioli! Tofu cooked fresh and tasted amazing. I asked the owner what oil she uses and she said avocado oil. Her and her son run kitchen, nice to support family owned businesses, especially one with truly has clean food! Plus a huge smoothie menu that looks amazing. I would definitely come back if I lived nearby.“

“A hidden gem in the East Village. Small store with AMAZING cheeseburgers! Far cheaper than fast food and WAY better tasting. ??

Sam, the owner, is salt of the earth! Super kind and accommodating. Get a burger today! I promise you won’t regret it.“

“The sandwiches are delicious and hearty!! At a great price too.“

“One of the hidden gems in this area. Whenever I'm in the area I always make sure to come by and pick up a sandwich or two.
The lady working there is always so nice and smiley, it certainly made today's rainy weather feel less gloomy.

The prices are very generous and the ingredients are very fresh.
-The mayonnaise, mustard, banana peppers, red onions, lettuce, tomato, and giant slither of pickle ("pickled" cucumber?) was very well-balanced, nothing overwhelmed one-another.

-I ordered The Valley Melt -corned beef, turkey (on sourdough I think)
The other was The Pastrami melt
And 2 slices of Bacon on the side (which was devoured as soon as I got in the truck)

Support small businesses and give Yummy Deli a try!

:]“

“great sandwich. best in town in my opinion“

“Great service and seating“

“I’m from another state, but we have an office nearby. I was looking for someplace that a group could quickly go for lunch so we could get back to our meetings. This was a short walk, service was quick, and the food was fresh and quite tasty!!!“

“Good little deli spot off the main road in Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Ingredients were fresh, good selection of bread choices, a huge selection of deli meat combination for sandwiches and a good balance of mayo, mustard, meats, tomatoes and lettuce.
Prices are also very affordable. Most of sandwiches were $8.50 and some were a bit more but not by much.
All its missing to complete the meal was a pickle but sadly it's not included with the sandwich.
It's available for purchase though, so maybe I'll do that next time ?“

“Fresas con crema🍓 y smoothie 🍓“

“yall need to try their dynamite sub on a french roll extra cheese extra lettuce for a nice refreshing crunch with every bite! diced up banana peppers inside and *peperchini on the side with a pepperedpickle on the side omg just writing this review makes my mouth watery“

“1st time here, not my last. I will be back real soon“

“Objectively, I believe this is around 3-4 stars but personally a 5 for me. Entering inside, it has a plain yet homey atmosphere- a personal like for me. Nothing like the interior of a high end restaurant or the modernness of say, Subway. You could say the food is like that too: Something your family would likely cook for you. In this case, it was the lovely grannies who made this Philly cheese steak sandwich for me. Nothing terrible but neither out-of-this world amazing. Very much- homemade. A very unexpected find in a business district of places.“

“They are so NICE here! I have crazy sandwich orders and they never complain. As a matter of fact, I always end up having a great conversation with the person working. If you are looking for Sandwiches that are PACKED with toppings, this is your place. Great experience every time“

“Staff were friendly & helpful. They offered samples to help me decide what I liked best. It was all delicious & a sandwich was not shy on the meat! Their specials were kind to the wallet. They sell their ham bones with meat some meat still on so it makes for a delicious, healthful crackpot easy meal with some beans.“

“After a disappointing 3 hour wait at Lab Corp came to this Quest Diagnostic to do my bloodwork. Was upset by this awful start to the day and $12 parking but the day ended in a smile ?. The owners especially the gentleman cashing out and taking orders restored my faith in humanity. A kind man and and great tasting reasonably priced food to boot. If anyone has seen the old Black & White Episode of twilight zone about Willoughby, a fantasy dream town where a train ride takes him when he sleeps… this would be it. This Deli transforms you to simpler times and great service! If I’m ever near by I’m sure to stop by again. The .75 chocolate chip cookies ? were delicious it’s no wonder you guys have been around for 27 years as you told me !!! Thanks for existing! Every town needs a place like this. Any 1 star reviews are obviously people discontent with their own existence as I see it & can just pay the over priced food elsewhere! You guys are amazing! Thanks Jill & Richard“

“A grill come small convenience store all rolled into one. Went there for some odd groceries and found that the grill was pretty good as well. There was nothing bad their. Again nothing fancy but certainly good value for money and could not complain about any of the dishes I ordered. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.“