Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Papanani's Deli

    4.0 (162 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

    Order Papanani's Deli Takeout or Delivery

    Papanani's Deli Photos

    Business Info

    PAPANANI'S DELI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    More like Papanani's Deli

    Recommended Reviews - Papanani's Deli

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Alan H.

    The good: nice outdoor patio with good view of the marina. Also, there are lots of sandwich and breakfast choices. Lots of fresh veggies on my veggie sandwich. The bad: the cost relative to what you get. I got a veggie sandwich that included olives, spinach, onions, avocado, peppers and they were all fresh. But the whole wheat bread was mushy and couldn't hold the sandwich together--like it got wet and ripped as they mayo was spread. The sandwich, chips, and lemonade was $25-which is a lot even for California.

    Hohoho B.

    We liked it. Walked over from marina towers. Had a ruben and a gyro. We each enjoyed it. Gyro was huge and really tasty but I couldn't finish. Ruben was n pretty good also. We had no issues with service or time it took to make our food. They also have a counter for deli meats and cheese, fridges with cold drinks and beer. Great location right on the harbor.

    #4, egg, hash browns & toast
    Jenn N.

    I wish I would have started here. If you are staying on Harbor Island and don't want to travel a couple of miles into town, this place has solid food & beverages (including hard seltzer, beer, & wine) at very affordable prices. Service was quick & accommodating. There's some seating indoors and a nice outdoor area, with a view of the marina. I absolutely loved their wheat bread toast and both the hash browns & eggs were cooked perfectly.

    Veggie omelet, hashbrowns, ans sourdough
    Becca S.

    This place is awesome. Right on the marina next to the Sheraton. My friends and I were staying next door and weren't very impressed with the offerings at the hotel. You order at the counter and they call your name. They have a few tables inside, but a lovely patio overlooking the marina. The weather was perfect and we really enjoyed sitting outside. The food came out hot, fresh, and plentiful. If you leave here hungry, there is no pleasing you. I ordered the veggie omelet that was packed full and had avocado on top. It came with a heaping portion of perfectly cooked hashbrowns and sourdough toast. So many people don't take their time to correctly cook hasbrowns, but the lovely woman in the kitchen knows what she is doing. They had big containers of hotsauce and grape and strawberry jelly available. There was nothing else we could have asked for.

    French dip
    Loan D.

    Sandwiches were delicious! We ordered the French dip and the au jus said defiantly top notch, the hot pastrami on a roll hit the spot, and the grill cheese was cheesey! Given that the location is on the marina, it was nice to sit outside and enjoy the view. 3 sandwiches costed us $47, so it is overpriced.

    We loved the Gyro sandwich sooo much!
    Carleen S.

    The BEST GYRO SANDWICH ever!! Definitely get extra napkins because it is Juicy. Reminded me of the Carl's Jr commercials "if it doesn't get all over the place it doesn't belong in your face!" I can't wait to eat another one. Mmmmmmm

    Veggie omelette with wheat bread and hash browns
    Audrey L.

    Unassuming little shop in between two Sheraton buildings right along the harbor. They serve all sorts of American-style breakfast and lunch items from pastries to omelettes to sandwiches and ice cream at a surprisingly reasonable price for this area. They don't have much of a drink menu, but there is an extensive fridge of drinks to choose from. While the interior isn't much -- it's pretty much a takeout counter -- the outdoor ambience and seating is where it's at. Especially on the many beautiful, sunny days of San Diego The HASH BROWNS were the best part of the breakfast, in my opinion. They were perfectly fried to a golden brown and very thin, so it's like you're getting the "muffin top" of the hash brown! The photo doesn't do it justice as the hash browns are hiding under the toast. This is how I've always wanted hash browns to be done, but Papanani's managed to execute it to perfection!

    Cheese Burger and Macaroni Salad
    Elvin D.

    We were staying at the Sheraton and wanted something good and not having to drive and I found this place on Yelp. It's literally a 4-5 min walk from our hotel. Serves breakfast, burgers and pizza. Lots of options, made to order food and prices are affordable. There's seating outside next to the boat dock which is nice or u can eat inside. No frills just made to order food!

    Hanging at SD's finest deli...at the marina.
    Troy S.

    This place is another hidden gem with something for everyone. Take a look at their menu, it's only one aspect of their business. It serves as a deli and convenience store so if you're going out on your boat, you don't have to worry about forgetting something because they will have it. We stopped in for lunch and I had to ask the patron, "What are your top three best-selling hot sandwiches?" One of the three happened to be the Philly Steak Cheese...which is what I ordered. We also had the Reuben which was also one of the top three, per woman taking our order. Both of these sandwiches were outstanding and it all started with the amazing bread they use. We definitely will go back so we can work our way through their pretty extensive menu. If you want great deli food and want to sit by the San Diego Bay...get there!!

    View of harbor and outside seating from deli.
    Robert H.

    I got to the San Diego Airport early and had some time to kill, so I decided on breakfast on Harbor Island. Nestled between two Sheraton Hotel towers is a quaint building called Safe Harbor Cabrillo Isle which overlooks the bay. You canSee San Diego's skyline, the Coronado Bridge and North Island. The restaurant is on the backside of the Safe Harbor Cabrillo Isle building and overlooks the harbor. I was impressed on the breakfast selection! Tasty food at a good price! Great views of the bay! The cook snd cashier were personable and friendly. Crappy coffee though...so, purchase something out of the cooler to drink.

    Inside
    Rod H.

    Right on the dock, indoor/outdoor seating. Huge menu, with large portions. Tried the chix and rice soup, and turkey w/bacon avocado sandwich. Good eats!

    See all

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 days ago

    Solid sandwich. It's in tge middle of both Sheraton Hotels within walking distance. Decent sandwich shop in San Diego

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    The food options are fabulous! All is cooked fresh with excellent ingredients. Very friendly staff! Definitely recommend this place!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Hohoho B.
    91
    145
    170

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Jenn N.
    841
    1029
    1588

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Great Sandwiches and service. Nice people. Great location.went back twice. Last time for breakfast. Wow.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alex W.
    33
    141
    249

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Loan D.
    557
    233
    1836

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Carleen S.
    185
    115
    881

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Troy S.
    617
    192
    1639

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rod H.
    4
    159
    878

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Great setting on the water with really good sandwiches and a wide range of choices. Close to airport and great lunch spot

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John Z.
    8
    38
    96

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Karli W.
    24
    64
    94

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lisa P.
    284
    534
    1818

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jade O.
    18
    44
    8

    3 years ago

    Super fresh great deli! Wonderful sandwich. Great prices and good views of the marina!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    One of the best deli awesome customer service they go above and beyond to please you and their sandwiches are amazing

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Food was great along with the views!! Plenty of menu items for everyone in the family !

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Papanani's Deli

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Delis 32,106 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Fatboy's Deli & Spirits

    Fatboy's Deli & Spirits

    4.5
    (912 reviews)
    4.5 mi
    $$

    Coming back to send my love to my favorite sub place…read more I've sadly moved to a different part of town so Fatboy's is no longer a few blocks away. I still try to stop by every few months as this place holds a special place in my heart. A no frills spot. Solid and consistent. To the point but friendly customer service. Fantastic drink, chip and snack selection. Sandwiches are always bomb asf. The hot momma and BLT loaded up is my favorite. My husband still loves their Ruben (it is his favorite place to get it.) You get a small potato or macaroni salad on the side with a pickle (perfect crunch.) I personally think it's a great little add on. Their chili is also simple but delicious. I personally think their chili pairs perfectly with any of their sandwiches. It's not a heavy thick chili. Which is why I think it pairs so well. I won't lie it's a bit pricey but you get what you pay for. It's loaded up and good quality. I never feel gross or overly bloated after eating here. I will be coming back to Fatboy's until I move out of San Diego or die. lol. One of my favorite gems in SD. Always will be worth the drive or walk. Thank you for always delivering even years later.

    I really like the sandwiches here, and that I can get craft soda and Cravory cookies while I'm…read morethere. I also like that the sandwiches come with a macaroni salad or potato salad. I used to frequent Fatboy's because it was close and convenient for a long time, but I am rarely able to visit anymore... parking is a bigger challenge every day in North Park, and finding even a 15-minute spot takes way longer than the drive for me now (but the walk is too far to pick up a quick meal). Today I was down the street for something else so decided to order a sandwich. I was excited, then my jaw dropped when I saw the price increases. It's $18 for the North Park Club now, with no extras. I already had a hard time justifying $15 for a sandwich but I'm officially, 100% priced out now. I know it's not necessarily on the business owners; rent is exorbitant in NP, profit margins are small in the food service industry, and operating costs are high. Our city is eating itself alive, but thank you for the years of sandwiches!

    Photos
    Tons of beverage/soda/beer options
    Tons of beverage/soda/beer options
    Good meat, but nit a lot of it
    Good meat, but nit a lot of it
    Outside.

    See all

    Outside.
    DZ Akin's

    DZ Akin's

    3.6
    (2.2k reviews)
    9.5 mi
    $$

    Captain's Log, Stardate 21509.7…read more This past Friday I set my course for Did Z Akins in La Mesa -- a roadside star on I‑8 that my crew and I had passed a thousand times but never boarded. At long last we beamed down, and the experience surpassed every expectation. From the moment we entered, the atmosphere felt like coming home to a welcoming starbase. The staff treated us with genuine warmth and patience as we navigated a menu full of storied classics. Their attentive service turned a simple meal into a memorable mission. My first officer aka wife enjoyed a superbly composed salad, and chose the Turkey Club -- both delivered with thoughtful care. I began with the biscuits and gravy, a traditional hit that tasted like comforting shore leave. But the true highlight was the patty melt: perfectly seared, with lush caramelized onions and melted cheese that achieved harmony at warp speed. It was, without hyperbole, the best patty melt I've encountered in this quadrant. Each bite was a cascade of flavor that felt like discovering a thriving new world. This kitchen knows how to respect ingredients and execute classics flawlessly. No extra condiments were necessary -- the craftsmanship spoke for itself. DZ Akins is now a plotted course for every future convoy through I‑8. Highly recommended for anyone seeking honest, stellar diner fare and service that treats you like family among the stars. Captain 619, stay salty my friends!

    Service: 5 stars Food: 2 stars…read moreDrinks: 2 stars Sadly, won't be coming back. Pancakes were so bland. Beef hash was so salty. Iced coffee needed a little more sweetness

    Photos
    Crowded!
    Crowded!
    Matzo ball soup
    Matzo ball soup
    Swiss Patty Melt add mushrooms, Homefries add fried egg and jalapeño

    See all

    Swiss Patty Melt add mushrooms, Homefries add fried egg and jalapeño
    Beyer Deli

    Beyer Deli

    4.8
    (892 reviews)
    13.2 mi
    $$

    The service was friendly and very helpful, as it was my first time ordering from Beyer Deli. They…read morewelcomed us like family and I could see that their long time customers felt the same way. Additionally, the food was delicious. I ordered the New Yorker and I just loved the pastrami included in the sandwich. I would highly recommend coming for a sandwich and will love to come back. Thank you for the experience!

    Visit July 2026…read more Ironically I was in NYC last week and ate at a deli there. That visit was a so-so experience and made me miss Beyer Deli so ta-dah! Still incredibly huge sandwiches. Hefty enough that half will fill me and I'm fat. The torta bread is the way to go for your sandwiches and yeah I know it's not a NYC thing but ewwww I had stale white bread with my NYC meal. I don't get here often but it looks like the menu has expanded with smoothies, pasta, and iced coffees. Still incredibly amazing prices (seriously the price for a pastrami sandwich at the NYC deli was twice the price here). Still the MOST INCREDIBLE AMAZING WELCOMING service you will ever experience. Dina, the owner who runs the front, makes you feel like you've pulled up a chair at her own kitchen. Loves to talk and gets to know you. I'm always a fan of seeing a restaurant acknowledge their regulars it just makes such a positive vibe and Dina welcomes them by name so tells you how often they frequent. Still located in a tiny business mall and if it weren't for the red on the sign you might miss it. Still cash only. Still the safest place on the planet as it is frequented by every form of law enforcement possible from BP, SDPD, CVPD, to the MIB (seeing if you're still with me). Its great that they support and receive support from first responders. If you want a satisfying deli experience stop by. I suggest....well everything.

    Photos
    Fresh flowers on tables at Beyer Deli!
    Fresh flowers on tables at Beyer Deli!
    Fernando Special Quesadilla
    Fernando Special Quesadilla
    Indoor seating

    See all

    Indoor seating
    The Marketplace

    The Marketplace

    4.6
    (764 reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $

    What a great surprise! This place looks like a neighborhood market and convenience store from the…read moreoutside, but it's so much more. They have an impressive deli with made-to-order sandwiches, fresh salads, pizza, and plenty of grab-and-go options. The sandwiches were excellent and definitely the highlight of our visit. Everything tasted fresh, and it was the perfect spot to grab a quick bite before heading out to enjoy San Diego. It's clearly not much of a secret anymore with all the great reviews, and after visiting, I can see why. If you're looking for a delicious sandwich, a quick lunch, or food to take on a picnic while enjoying San Diego's beautiful weather, this is a fantastic choice. We'll definitely stop by again the next time we're in town.

    Last night around 5pm I stopped in to grab sandwiches so I could get back to late-night work--and…read moremy office is just down the street, so this was the kind of place I expected to become a convenient regular stop. Unfortunately, the staff attitude was surprisingly rude. While I was standing there, a staff member walked behind me and twice said, "watch your back, sir." I'm a woman. Whether it was meant to provoke a reaction or passed off as a "joke," it came across as mocking and targeted, and none of the other staff appeared to check it or even acknowledge it. For a deli in the heart of Bankers Hill, you'd expect basic professionalism and courtesy. Instead, the vibe felt entitled and dismissive. I've been to other delis around town with far kinder service. I won't be returning.

    Photos
    The Marketplace
    Feelin' blue?
    Feelin' blue?
    Happy Holidays from me to you.

    See all

    Happy Holidays from me to you.
    Big Front Door

    Big Front Door

    4.4
    (908 reviews)
    3.7 mi
    $$

    My new favorite sandwich spot! Portions are proper, ingredients are fresh, and prices affordable…read more Tucked in University Heights there's convenient parking out front. There's and indoor/outdoor area so pet-friendly! They also have a dog treat they make in house as well David and all of the staff today were incredibly welcoming. The chicken salad sandwich was so full and toasted to perfection, the wasabi beef was flavorful and also did not lack protein!

    This place is one of the top 5 best sandwich shops in San Diego hands down. They also serve salads,…read moresoups, and some awesome sides. I heard they're going to start serving beer and wine soon as well! *Best 1st-timer options*: The Keeper (if you like it spicy) or the L.G.B.T. My favorite hot sandwiches are the Cali Cubano, B3, and The Keeper, while my favorite cold sandwiches are the Avocado Highway, L.G.B.T. (lettuce, gouda, bacon, tomato), and Caprese. My favorite salads are the Grapevine and Duck Cranberry. For sides I recommend the potato salad and tomato basil bisque. The aioli they use is to die for -- can't hurt to get a side of it with any sandwich! The restaurant is situated on the corner of Park Blvd. and Polk Ave. (more generally, it's on the strip of Park Blvd. between University Ave. and El Cajon Blvd.). There is usually a good amount of parking on Park Blvd. and Polk Ave., which is nice. The space has a simple-yet-tasteful modern design and interior, is always clean, with friendly and helpful staff. Great for lunch hour or a weekend date. Update: Came back today with my friend and we ordered the B3 and the Turkey & Cheddar Mousse sandwiches, plus sides of potato salad and cucumber salad, and a double chocolate cookie with pistachio and sea salt. Everything was really good, but the Turkey & Cheddar Mousse sandwich was the star of the show. The cookie was great too. We both agreed the potato salad could use some salt, but besides that it was a solid meal all around.

    Photos
    Ordering area
    Ordering area
    Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
    Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
    Checkout area

    See all

    Checkout area
    Siesel's Old Fashioned Meats

    Siesel's Old Fashioned Meats

    4.2
    (506 reviews)
    3.9 mi
    $$$

    Been going here for years. Great sandwiches and always, always helped by a friendly team!…read more Their sandwiches are our go-to for picnics and beach days. They also have a great selection of potato salads and pasta salads. Love that it's a one-stop shop for our picnics and beach days!

    I have been coming here forever. It is not cheap but the quality of everything here is fantastic…read more This is a real butcher shop. There aren't many left in San Diego. Other than its sister store, Iowa Meat Farms, Tip Top Meats in Carlsbad (yes, they have returned), and the Wise Ox, also in Carlsbad, there are hardly any real butcher shops around. But these guys know what they are doing. Try their burgers and meatloaf. They are easy to cook at home. Try their steaks. You can get a legitimately excellent steak here for a fraction of what you would pay at a steakhouse and it will be BETTER than the steakhouse version. Make sure you ask the counter guys to season it for you before they wrap it up. Try their freshly-made sandwiches. Make sure you try their beans behind the deli counter. Their pimento dip in the refrigerated area is legendary and more addictive than crack (or so I have read). They have interesting sodas, craft beers, different mustards, El Indio chips, fresh breads, and a small but very well-curated wine selection. Is there anything they do not do well here? "No," is the answer to that question. They do everything well here. They have their own parking lot but it fills up quickly. There is not much other parking in the area. In the past, I have walked several blocks away in the residential neighborhood to get to the store when there is no parking available. And it was worth it.

    Photos
    If ever the phrase "A little slice of heaven" were appropriate, this is it.
    If ever the phrase "A little slice of heaven" were appropriate, this is it.
    Siesel's Old Fashioned Meats
    Siesel's Old Fashioned Meats

    See all

    Papanani's Deli - delis - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...