I've never had better South African food! Cornish Pasties, Curry Chicken Meat Pie, and Chicken and Mushroom Pot Pie all did not disappoint. There is definitely love made into these items. The crusts, breading and innards were so fresh and amazing. The ingredients used were so high quality. When biting into any of these items real delicious butter is what you taste. This place is meant for take out as they only have two small tables inside but you most likely won't make it home with it as you'll want to devour the whole thing in the parking lot. It's a little hard to find so follow the signs. read more

Perky's - Cornish Pasty - Bakeries Near Me - San Diego, California

I'm not sure why this place has so many 5 star reviews. So I read a comment about how they don't have pies until an hour or so after they open, so I went there at 11AM. When I walked in, it was a small place as other Yelpers had mentioned, but I wasn't greeted or anything and the cashier didn't seem very friendly. She just stared at me when I asked for recommendations and she said they only had meat pies. So...that sucks. She didn't even recommend which pie was good. I was kind of stoked to try actual food instead of meat pies, but it turns out they only have curries on Saturdays. However, I still had high hopes because their meat pies are supposed to be good; unfortunately, they ran out of pepper steak meat pies, so I got the mushroom and beef one. Now, I have to agree that the crust was flaky and good, but I guess I felt that the meat pie was very meat-y and didn't have enough sauce? Or it wasn't wet/saucy enough in the inside. Maybe some people like just having JUST meat in their pies, but I just like having a bit more in my pot pie. In addition, the meat was just a bit dry. I was super excited to try this place, but after trying it, I'm kind of disappointed. I might come back to try their curries on Saturdays, but this place is alright. read more

Tucked away in the back of a light industrial park is a world-class kitchen serving up some of the tastiest bites you'll have wrapped in pastry and puffs. Deli SA has been here for a few years, and is starting to get the recognition it deserves. Their meat pies are outstanding, their sausages are amazing, and the owners are some of the nicest people you'll meet. We recently worked with them to set up a special tasting session outside their office/kitchen, and they were absolutely wonderful. Not only was the food delicious, they went out of their way to set up a tent and tables for us and give us a sampling of a variety of their wares. I hope to be back sometime on a Friday when they have fish & chips on the menu, or even better, to coordinate for a catered event for more of my friends. read more

A family that I occasionally babysit for is from South Africa and they frequent this deli. One day for lunch, they brought home a few of the meat pies. I tried the chicken and mushroom pie, which is basically like a pot pie without the extra vegetables. The flavor of the chicken was wonderful and the crust was the perfect amount of flaky. The only thing that would make it better for me would be no mushrooms but once I picked through the "fungi," it was a delicious meal! read more

Possibly the nicest guy I've ever met. Food was delicious. Had the beef and mushroom pie as well as the chicken curry with rice. The portions are large and I could not finish so hooray for left overs. Owner brought out some fresh made marble cake rolled in chocolate and then in powdered coconut. It was amazing. Then gave us samples of beef jerky and dried sausage which were both fantastic. This will be on our list of lunch time rotations. read more

Out of this world delicious meat pies! You can't beat their meat/filling to pastry dough ratio; I feel like I'm getting way more meat in each bite, in relation to the dough. Meat pies are large, one should do the trick for a hearty lunch unless you are ravenous. It was a toss up for me between the chicken curry and the Cornish pasty pie. They are both outstanding and despite being under heat lamps in the display case, the filling was still piping hot when I bit into it. They also sell their pies frozen and in family style sizes. These would make a great family dinner when in a pinch. They also have a small store in the back with South African condiments, candies and other miscellaneous grocery items. Not a lot of places to sit, I recommended taking the food to the brewery next door. read more

Another great find by fellow yelpers. Here are the 3 things you need to do: 1) Be patient in finding the place and dont turn around! 2) Please, just get out of your car and walk in (Because of the weird location you may feel the urge to just drive away...dont!) 3) Order food and enjoy! Portion may look small, but it's very heavy! read more

Yum! Peppered steak meat pie! Can't wait to try more of the menu. You can take your food to society brewing and get a beer to wash it down. read more

Perky's - Bakeries Near Me - San Diego, California

I was in the neighborhood and remembered I saw this place on yelp. I have never had a South African meat pie. I got a veggie pasty and a pepper steak meat pie. The owner was so nice, she gave me a free dessert. I loved everything. It was so good. I will definitely be back. read more

When you immigrate there are strange things you miss from home, things you did not know you needed whilst your lived there. The big thing for me is Biltong (well that and Nandos chicken). I tried a couple of local butchers but no one has got it right - that is until I went to San Diego and found the Deli-SA there, the biltong is probably the best I have ever had - bar none. I can now become an American citizen without fear. I also need to make mention of the incredible fudge. Pies were good but the chicken curry made me want to try every thing they made. It was like tasting Durban. I wish I tried the mutton curry but that will give me something to try the next time I past through San Diego. read more

I pass by the little "Deli SA" sign everyday on my way to the bank and have been curious about it. I decided to look it up on yelp and the reviews were awesome. I finally decided to feed my curiosity and went there today to pick up some lunch. This place definitely lives up to its 5 star rating. I got the steak and mushroom pie. It was delicious. Flaky, crispy top with flavor packed goodness on the inside. I'm excited to try their other pies and pasties. Beware: This place is tiny, with only one small table for 3 inside. Certainly a "to-go" kind of eatery. Besides, it's boiling lava hot in there. read more

The freshest and most amazing South African food right in San Diego. Pies are out of this world. Biltong is top notch! Highly recommend

I placed an order for 40 meat pies and 40 sausage rolls last week. When I came to pick up my order (30 minutes before my team of 35 people were to be fed) Graham said, I forgot about your order. I will deliver it to you in an hour. I explained I did not have an hour, so he said I will deliver it by noon, then. I said, "are you sure you can get it by noon?" He said yes, but I did not trust him. Of course 12:20pm rolls around and I call him and say, did you forget about me again? You were supposed to be here 20 minutes ago. He said, no I'm leaving in 2-3 minutes. Another lie. I said it is too late, please cancel my order and issue me a refund. He said OK and hung up. NO APOLOGY. Needless to say I emailed all the administrators at my company of 600 to let them know to not do business with this place ever. Sorry not sorry. PS. I'm still waiting for my refund of $400. read more

Great pie and very friendly shop owner ! We went in to get a pepper steak pie. It was flaky and hot and very dense in a good way (I guess the better word here is hearty). But what was really cool is the shop owner he started telling us about South Africa, then showed us his kitchen in the back, gave us a free sample of the beef jerky he makes and even sent us off w a magazine of South Africa. It was clear he is very passionate about his store, his country and food ! He told us about the many different spices used and history of South African cuisine and it was a real treat to get to know some cultural background on the food we ate :) highly recommend to check out the place if you have the chance, it's a way to"travel" in your own backyard read more

YES! I came here for the meat pies. I'm sad because I only got one. which was the steak and mushrooms, but I definitely need to try the curry and the cornish and the black pepper steak.. and more. I also want to get the chutney I hear it's delicious. The one pie that I got is worth this review and also the possibility of me going for my second time tomorrow. At first, I thought the pie was kind of small for the price, but then half of it actually filled me up. There was so much scrumptious filling in the pie! They definitely dont skimp out on anything. I definitely recommend this place to everyone! the only thing is that it could be hard to find, but it is worth the short adventure. Im definitely going back as soon as i can. I also want to come on a weekend because I hear they have open bbqs? but yes, just do it. I have been searching for delicious meat pies everywhere, and this has got to be one of the best places in SD that carries as many varieties that it does. :D read more

Deli SA is tucked WAY back in an industrial park off Industrial Park Driveway. This place is a great surprise. The selection is small but the food is always very tasty. They have fresh made Cornish Pasties and other meat pies; the beef curry is especially flavorful. They also have an amazing selection of take and bake food, meat pies, sausage, samosas, and some amazing deserts. If you are in Kearney Mesa and you are looking for something quick, easy and delicious I strongly recommend Deli SA. read more

I'm no expert on South African food but I know when something tastes REALLY good and the chicken mushroom pie I had here today is IT! The completely non-descript dull business park building that houses Deli SA makes the whole experience that much better because you go in with low expectations and WOW...what an awesome surprise. Not only was the pot pie baked with a light fluffy crust and fresh chicken and mushroom in a savory sauce (washed down by a Stoney Ginger Beer) but once the owners came out from the kitchen to give us a "South Africa 101" lesson (which I loved!) but then we got to taste the custard pie, and homemade dried beef sausage (sorry I don't know the proper SA names). But it didn't end there...then we got a behind the scenes tour of the kitchen (and meet some of the family) and got to taste the homemade beef jerky. Oh, and there's a big cook out on Saturdays in the parking lot...tent and everything. And apparently even music. Don't expect to to bring the whole office here for lunch as there's only one round table with three chairs and only a few handfuls of tasty treats hot and ready to eat but stop by and grab some of this delicious food. It's really, really good! I can't wait to taste the rest of the pies and pastys! So, while this isn't your Michelin 4 stars I totally recommend it. And my co-worker agrees...he wolfed down his steak and mushroom pie in about 30 seconds! read more

The food and the service here was so good that I finally had to give in and write my first review after using Yelp for years. Nine of my friends and I showed up after going to Societe brewery just down the way. Perky's is a small place, but quickly went about finding a way to accommodate all of us. I felt like I had walked into the home of two superb hosts. They even apologized for the AC being out and were working on bringing fans in to cool us down. I'd never had South African food before, so this was a must. I came for the pepper steak meat pie, but my friends and I ordered an assortment of foods, including a few of the pies, fish and chips and their peri peri chicken sandwich. All delicious. Even the fries were excellent, I'm told (my friends didn't share). Before the meal ended, one of the owner brought us a couple of complimentary milktarts. I'm not a fan of desserts, but this was so simple, mildly sweet and perfect for after the meal. The other owner even gave my friend and I a sample of their beef jerky as we were paying for the meal. Not enough can be said about the excellent service and food at Perky's. If you're in the area, reroute your trip and change your plans to get a taste of South Africa. This place is a gem, and I must find a way to get a few dozen of the pies shipped to me. read more

I was 13 years old and visiting Australia when I had my first ever meat pie. For the past 30+ years, I have been on the search for meat pies. I was starting to lose heart but I followed the rainbow and it ended at Perky's!!! I had the most amazing day in there with the owner Graham. I bought a sampling of pies to go: chicken curry, veggie, peppered steak and a Cornish pasty. Before I left he offered me a sample of the lamb curry. He brought out a huge plate of rice and lamb curry. We ended up sitting down and having lunch together where I had the pleasure in getting to know him and his history. He also had me try a sparkling grape drink and a dessert called a Lamington. Such a generous man! Talking to him, you can tell he takes pride in his cooking and he wants to always offer quality food and products!!! Everything he had me try was delicious! I usually do not care for lamb but his lamb curry was so flavorful and not a hint of gaminess in the meat. All of the pies are so good. Everything about them is on point. Flaky crust filled with a bunch of deliciousness!!! Very generous with the meat portions in the pies. My favorites so far is the Cornish pasty (kinda like beef stew) and the peppered steak. I've been doing the happy food dance for the past 8 hours. I've already told the BF we're going there on Monday. We would go tomorrow but they're closed on Sundays. There is a small grocery store in the back where you can purchase frozen meat pies, sausages, desserts and a wide variety of other products. I will definitely be making room in my freezer to always have a few of Perky's meat pies on hand! This place is a bit tucked away but it's so worth the effort! It's across the street where Daiso is located on Clairemont Mesa Blvd. The building is about 2-3 buildings down from Society Brewery. Look for a small sign that points to his building and their catering van. read more

I've come twice now. Had the peppered steak the first time, chicken curry pasty the second. You can't beat it. The owner is friendly. I read a negative review about him not having food because he is closing for the weekend. LET THIS BE KNOWN: He's not had food when I've gone around 10:30am, and do you want to know why this is good? Because when he doesn't have something prepared, IT IS BECAUSE HE MAKES IT FRESH DAILY read more

Perky's - Chicken Curry pasty - Red curry - Bakeries Near Me - San Diego, California

We tried this place for the first time because we wanted something new. We has the pepper steak meat pie and the lamb curry with rice. Both were excellent. We took a milk pudding home with us and it was excellent as well. It has a very small dining area (3 tables for 2), but you can get it to go as well. The owner was very nice and even gave us a tour. He also does catering and sells frozen meat pies to businesses in L.A., and he has a little store in the back where he also sells frozen meat pies and some other interesting things he makes himself. It's a little hard to find, but worth the effort. The Yelp app led us right to the door. read more

This place has by far the BEST pies I've tasted. Remember its not a pizza pie ;) My favorite is the steak & mushroom, but there's lots to choose from. They have real South African cream soda! Can't find that anywhere. Chocolates are also very good because they actually come from South Africa instead of England. Great place, friendly service, good products :) read more

NOT CLOSED!!! There is an "A" rating in the store window. We were just now here and purchased sausage and small pies! Excellent fare here.

This place is now my favorite place in all of San Diego! I was instantly greeted by the owner (Graham) who was the most friendly person I have ever met. he introduced himself within a minute and we began shooting the breeze making me reminisce of good old Blighty! - I know England and SA are far adrift! I have to say the food was impeccable - I managed to demolish two (yes two) pies about two minutes before writing this particular post and instantly felt the urge to contribute! I'm sorry mum but those pies were awesome! I will be frequenting this place as often as possible! Nice job Graham and crew! read more

Ready for a treasure hunt? This place is not easy to find, but it's definitely worth the trip. I tried the Chicken And Mushroom Pie and was blown away by how tasty it was. No wonder these pies are comfort food in so much of the former British Empire! The crust was incredible. Better than any pie crust (meat or otherwise) I've ever had. Closer to a croissant than anything. I also picked up some house-made jerky (tasty and tender) and some South African candies. They make fudge in-house too, but I was tapped out and will have to try that on my next visit. Graham, the owner, really loves his homeland and sharing it with his adopted nation. He was incredibly friendly with me and proudly showed me all of the behind the scenes workings of his business. To be brutally honest, the location is awful for a restaurant, but this is more of a lunch window than a restaurant. Be prepared to take your pie to go, as there are only two small tables. That said, I highly recommend you make it a point to come visit and grab a pie. read more

In a very small corner of an inconspicuous business park lies one of the only truly authentic South American joints in San Diego. I happened on to this spot because my company moved in next door. The actual move caused hunger beyond belief and when we heard this place across the lot served hot empanada-like turnovers (I think they call them 'pies') we jumped at the opportunity. We arrived for lunch to find that the bulk of their business wasn't drop ins, but people who ordered catering or just picked up a couple small pies during the day. Regardless, the owners were happy to set us up at the small single table inside and serve us some amazing food. We ordered both the chicken curry and beef pies and shared them together. They were delicious and seasoned with such a unique variety of spices that I know I can only find here. A couple more trips later in the week to pick up pies and I started talking with the owners. Great folk they were and told me about how, on the weekend, they put together small gatherings outside with all sorts of food and entertainment. I will definitely need to check that out... but you know how it is on the weekends - you want to be as far away from the office as possible ;) Another cool note about this business is that they will season and vacuum seal food for you if you so choose. My friend caught a big sea bass and brought it to them for preparation. They delivered some of the best tasting fish I'd ever had! Big kudos for their variety of spices and willingness to deliver whatever you may desire. Oh, and also they sell 50-60 authentic snacks, spices and other oddities from SA inside their store. It's definitely worth checking this place out. read more

Another day off and another short field trip to try something new. I had a meat pie with steak and mushroom and it was very tasty. The filling tasted very savory, similar to beef stroganoff. The other flavors were pepper steak, chicken curry, and maybe two more that I don't remember. Four stars only because I was a little disappointed that this is all they had to offer, other than a couple of products in the deli section that none of caught my eye that day. They also had some frozen sausages. The pie looked small but was very filling as my lunch. I think grabbing a couple of these would be great idea when required to bring food to house parties or as gifts. It is a very tiny hole in the wall- take out is the only option as it is very hot inside and eating at a only table that they have could be awkward. read more

Doesn't get much better than this. Delicious pies, sausage rolls, biltong, boerewors, droewors, and various SA goodies.

Try something a bit different! I only come here 2-3 times a year for bitlong and meat pies around soccer season. The owner is super nice and VERY prideful about his food and it shows. A wonderful variety of cuisine that you cannot get anywhere else. I love the curry too! read more

I really liked this place a lot. Food was delicious, the owner was super friendly and I got to try something I've never had before. I recommend the Cornish pasty. read more

You had me at "meat pie" - Deli SA is a lot smaller than I expected, but I was quickly steered to their case of meat pies. Getting there at 12:30 on a weekday, some types were already sold out, but there were still some options left for me. I got a chicken and mushroom pie and took it home. Dang, that's a good flaky crust. I'm surprised I didn't get it everywhere. The chicken and mushroom insides were pretty tasty, but the crust was the best part! I'd definitely come here again! While they have signs directing you toward their location tucked into a large light industrial complex, it's still hard to find. They totally need a big sign on their building. read more

I miss South Africa ! So every time I want to remember the good times I had in SA I go to Perky's I grab some biltongs and sometimes meat pies ! I also buy borwers there ! It's good market too bad it's not a full blown restaurant read more

Very small place behind a bunch of business offices. They only had 3 different kinds of pies and chicken Curry with rice. Tried the pepper steak pie and chicken curry/rice. Both were delicious and filling. Had a marble cake dipped in chocolate and coconut and that was amazing as well. The pie was $7, curry was $12, and the cake was $2. The service was great since the place is ran by a South African couple. They took me to the back kitchen to show me how they prep the food, as they do a lot of catering. The place also sells some international chocolate bars Will definitely go back and can see myself being a regular. read more

Just had the most delicious Chicken curry pie. Grahame and Mez really know what SA food is about. Try their lamb curry and rice, milktert and fudge read more

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Having never had South African food I decided to try this place! Had the vegetable curry pie, it was unbelievable! I'm not a vegetarian and got there after the rush, so that's all they had.... Although I get that every time now! Some of the best curry I have ever had! This place is a true find, and it's evident if you can find it! read more

I've been here a few times and tried almost all his food. Firstly, the pastry is industrial - not home made and you can taste it. Bought puff pastry in the US sucks. The pies are tasty and filling. The milk tart is awful - a sponge cake base - revolting. The fudge is excellent. Everything is extremely expensive and generally a hit-n-miss spot. Sometimes good, sometimes awful. Friends of mine actually got food poisoning from his curry. His boerewors is also very hit-n-miss: sometimes good, other times very fatty and too salty. I understand that the venue is small - rental is incredibly high nowadays, especially in San Diego so I can't blame him for a small place. He should make it known that it is not the kind of place that caters to a sit down meal - take out only. Graham is friendly and pleasant but again very expensive for what you get and this includes the groceries in the back. read more

No biltong or droewors. Apparently it's their busy season but they didn't prepare well. Also, all their signs point to a location that they no longer occupy and their cards still have their old address after a year and a half in the new spot. Lazy or just don't care. read more

I simply love this place. The owners are super friendly and always engage in conversation with me. They even offered to display my business card at their counter too :] It seems like every time I go in I leave with a smile! They area always eager to please their customers and share with them the wonders of South Afica. This place is a little hard to find if your not familiar with this area, but its worth it to come check it out and meet some of the nicest people ever! Now as far as food, they have various South African products, candies, and drinks. They make delicious meat pies, pies, fudge, Curry, Samosas, their own Jerky and sausage. They have frozen meals for sale as well! The curry is simply amazing.. although it is a little pricey(like $12 or so but don't take my word for it), its actually worth it.. the Portions were quite large. I am definitely a fan and recommend this place! read more

Such a friendly guy. Like super duper friendly. 8 bucks for a delicious ground beef curry meat pie. I practically shoved it in my mouth. I DEFINITELY recommend this little corner treasure. Guy has a little South African market in the back. He highly recommends the Monkey Gland sauce. read more

What a lovely shop and VERY tasty pies and pasties! There is an array of different South African goodies :) I actually learned of Graham's Pastys and pies in Ventura at my favorite British Shoppe (shout out to Susan) Rosie Lee Imports. So you can imagine how excited I have been to visit his shoppe! read more

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