50 Best Delis in San Diego

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

“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.“

“Very friendly staff the food is great.“

“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...🌞“

“Reminds me of an amazing Deli back home in Kansas City. Ordered the Turkey Italiano and it was better than I could have imagined.
And the cannoli is to die for.

Kid-friendliness: Sicilian personal pizzas for picky kids.“

“Great breakfast items! Great family 💙“

“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!“

“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.“

“Delicious food and awesome service!“

“I live right next to this market and I feel like the luckiest person to have this amazing place so close, they have awesome hot food, super tasty salads and meals to go and snacks and drinks and tons of household items that save me a drive somewhere else.“

“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!!“

“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.“

“Love this place! They are friendly, the bread is amazing, they make a good sub for a reasonable price. I started going when we moved here and it’s quickly become my fave lunch.“

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

“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 this deli! Great, quality food and excellent speedy service. The owners are always so kind and friendly and I love how I can grab a quick fresh and healthy lunch so close to work instead of having to jump in my car. I recommend the Rueben and Tuna Panini, love the Cobb Salad and Tortilla Soup, and be sure to order homemade cannolis during the holidays- they are to die for!“

“Veggie Sandwich just the way I like ot. Same goes with the mocha. I like that the deli has a little view. You can sit inside or outside. It's pleasant. The atmosphere is calm, but they could use some charming decor. Maybe Christmas time they will.It's walking distance to St. John Bosco Mission... they have Adoration Mon-Sat at 11am to Noon, and Confession at 3pm with Mass at 4pm on Sundays. So I always see this deli and am glad I finally got to try it. I know I'll be back and tell others about it.“

“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 :)“

“All the waitresses there are very friendly“

“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.“

“I was coming here a few years back then stopped for a while due to a work relocation. Now I have a new job and the office is around the corner! So happy that this place is still here, the service is how I remembered it and the sandwiches and bagels are really good too.“

“My best friend has lived near this spot for years, and we’ve always ordered the same sandwich: the Park Boulevard. It’s an incredibly delicious choice, but during our most recent visit, we decided to switch things up. He opted for the Sherry's Special, which looked fantastic—and he confirmed it tasted just as good as it appeared. As a transplant from the East Coast now living in San Diego, I couldn’t resist trying the Torpedo. Let me just say, the Park Boulevard may need to wait because I’ll be sticking with the Torpedo for a while. This sandwich was everything I’ve been missing from the classic, ingredient-packed sandwich shops I often reminisce about from back home.

Beyond the incredible food, the staff here truly elevate the experience. Every visit begins with a warm, friendly greeting, and the service is consistently excellent. Whether you’re a regular or trying the place for the first time, you’re treated like family. This spot has mastered not only the art of crafting delicious sandwiches but also making every customer feel valued.“

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

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

“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“

“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 ?“

“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!“

“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“

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

“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!“

“Fresas con crema🍓 y smoothie 🍓“

“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!

:]“

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

“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.“

“Tried you for the first time today and my finicky 86 yr old mom said her sandwich was delicious 😋 I was craving an Italian sandwich like I get in LA and the Stallion did not disappoint! Great 🥖“

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

“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!!!“

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

“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“

“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.“

“this Hilton is top notch. superb service“

“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“

“What an amazing place! The food is soooo amazing and the staff there are so kind and helpful! Beautiful location. Great place to grab lunch then go for a beautiful walk to spanish landing park! The mediterranean salad and roast beef sandwich was a 10/10!!! I would t care if I had to pay $50 for parking to go there! I would still pay it!“

“Great selection!!! Deli items, groceries, wine, liquor, beer, clean and well lit. Nice people working there too!!!“

“Great sandwich shop! Best in San Diego!“