Jason M.

Prendi e Vai first came to my attention when I visited San Diego last year - the fact that it advertised itself as a Sicilian cafe instantly caught my eye, however it seemed to be closed. I then learned that they were not actually open for business yet, but kept it in the back of my mind for the next time I was in the city. It goes without saying that during my latest trip to the city a made it a priority to check this place out. Prendi e Vai means "grab and go" in Italian, and specializes in Italian and Sicilian fare. For some reason, I was thinking this was going to be somewhat of a small space that leaned more into pastries/sweets, however I found a spacious interior that had coffees and pastries on the menu, but also a wide selection of savory items. In line with the name, most of the items were things that could be eaten onsite or easily able to be packed to go. While the exterior looked super charming, the interior was not - the color scheme and overall aesthetics could use some charm. I already had lunch plans, but I couldn't leave without trying something - or a couple of things. They just took some focaccia pizzas out of the oven, so got a slice. I was also curious how their sfogliatelle were, so I also got one of those. The pizza was quite tasty - super soft crust, and a good balance of sauce, cheese, and pepperoni cups. It's not NY pizza by any means, but I appreciated it for what it was. I was kinda gagged with the sfogliatelle - this was just as good as the ones I've had in NY; it was everything a good sfogliatelle should be. Service was good, and overall I was impressed with Prendi e Vai - the food was great and I would definitely return to explore more of their menu.

Mac B.

Got a sandwich to go last minute from this quaint Sicilian bakery/sandwich shop in Little Italy! Absolutely delicious!!! The service was friendly and greatly appreciated as I came in with only 30 minutes before closing and they still made me a spectacular sandwich will definitely be back!

Vivian T.

Needed a quick lunch so I stopped by Prendi E Vai on my stroll. Their shop has garnered my attention numerous times, but it wasn't until two weeks ago I peeked in and decided to order something. There's a two-page menu back-to-back listed with regular deli sandwiches, or their Schiacciata sandwiches which is a different type of crafted Italian bread they use. I went for their Italian sandwich, and the big sub was able to last me two meals. A generous portion of pepperoncini, salami, capocollo pepperoni made this a heavy sandwich. I'd probably order less oil next time as the sandwich paper was soaked from everything. I'd also order the Torpedo next time if I wanted the same fillings, but different type of bread for a cheaper option. I enjoyed Prendi E Vai for their sub so far, and I'd consider trying more bolder options on the menu. The service was standard and I took my food to go.

Melissa M.

Cute, quaint little cafe on the corner of Hawthorne . They have ready-made pasta salads to go or eat in. Sandwiches take me back to Italy...except they are much meatier than the ones in Italy...two can definitely share. Pistachio tiramisu latte was delish and came with a cookie to dip. I think they still need to work on their cannolis as our pistachio cannoli shell was a bit overdone. Order at the counter and they call your name when your order is ready.

David N.

Food 10/10 Service 10/10 Ambiance 10/10 I've seen this on my feed a few times and been wanting to try out their sandwiches. Today was the day. The Schiacciata Sandwiches we got are Il Siciliano & Truffle Parma and they're so freaking good. Going to go back again and try other sandwiches soon. The experience 10/10

Benjamin W.

Dirty chai and an almond croissant, baby. Dip the almond croissant, in the dirty chai--gah amazing. The almond croissant is lined with almond slivers on the outside and delicious frangipane inside. Just so good. Nice atmosphere, quick service. Sat outside, sunny and gorgeous. Great little place for a day in Little Italy.

Wai F.

Parking -located in little Italy, metered street parking available nearby Service -When we walked in, we were the first in line to order with other customers already dining inside. Server was very nice and efficient taking our order and let us know to expect our free water soon from the beverage side of the store front. Sandwiches came out almost immediately after order! Food -Truffle Parma $19, bread was soft with a slight crisp exterior, you can tell it was made in house. This is the sandwich you want for a hot summer day that feels refreshing and not too heavy. The bed of arugula compliments the saltiness of the prosciutto while the burrata gives it just the right fluff, last but not least the truffle cream gives it just the right push of umami and makes you want to keep coming back for more bites. -II Siciliano $17, same quality bread as truffle parma. This is a sandwich with heavier flavor and packs a more savory punch, can't get enough of the mortadella! The pepperoncini and muffuletta also gave it such a nice pickled profile that I think would be so nice if paired with a sparkling Italian soda. Ambiance -It's a nice airy cafe with door opened but also air conditioning flowing inside. They also have little tables and chairs set up outside that's perfect for people watching the intersection. Seems like a hot spot a lot of people like to visit for lunch.

Halle J.

Omggggg I usually prefer my sandwhiches savory (see Siciliano) but I actually liked the Salato better. Both were delicious and I recommend going with a friend so you can get one of each. The siciliano is a classic sandwhich, but the Solano stood out. Creamy goat cheese and guacamole jam??? And balsamic??, 10/10 Also they have a good selection of drinks and sides that I want to come back to try.

Chelsey H.

We loved the porchetta & egg sandwich so much, we came back two days in a row. The sandwich was a recommendation by the person working, and we're so grateful to have taken his suggestion. The sandwich has a pesto that is unreal. The description of the pesto has pistachio in it, and maybe that's the secret ingredient. Idk but it's delicious. We will be making these inspired sandwiches at home now and we will continue to order from here the next time we are in SD. Also got the chocolate croissant, which was huge and delicious warmed up. We sat in the restaurant the first morning. It was nice to have a place to sit. There is one gender neutral restroom that you request a code for as well.

Ariana T.

My Italian wife found this gem, Parma special and tiramisu latte was the best!!!!!! The staff are very polite and inviting. Ambiance is beautiful. The price is fair on all food and drinks. Real quality.

Jennifer A.

I been going to @grabngosubs for over 2 decades and how am8'g they opened this beautiful cafe in @visitlittleitaly Prendie Vai means Grab and go in Italian Prendie Vai Café bringing Italy to Little Italy We said "pane-don me" while ordering two schiacciatas ‍ Di Carlo -- pistachio pesto, mortadella di pistachio, creamy stracciatella & crushed pistachio Il Siciliano -- mortadella di pistachio, capocollo, Genova salami, provolone, muffelatta & pepperoncini with tomato oil & vinegar From bold Sicilian flavors to bagels, buttery croissants, cannolis, and creamy lattes--this spot is pan-believable. Come check out @prendievai.sd @littleitalysd 801 W. Hawthorn St | San Diego

Danielle B.

The schiacciata sandwiches here are SO GOOD! Their bread is freshly housemade so when I came around 10am the person at the counter actually had to ask to make sure there was bread ready to be used for my order and luckily there was! All of the ingredients also looked super fresh/high quality and some of the meats were actually fresh deli cuts done to order right in front on the counter! The price ranges from $17-19 for the schiacciata sandwiches and they also offer sub sandwiches, bagels, coffee, etc! Il Siciliano: I love a good Italian sandwich so I just had to try the "il siciliano" (mortadella di pistachio, capocollo, salami di Genova, muffuletta, peoperoncini, tomato, oil, vinegar). To me sicilian sandwiches are the most classic/well known and this one did not disappoint, it satisfied my craving for an Italian sandwich 100%. Perfectly savory and salty with that touch of acidity and freshness from the tomato. Dolce e Salato: I was recommended the "dolce e salato" (prosciutto di parma, goat cheese guava spread, balsamic, toasted pistachio) for another sandwich to try and it's a delicious completely different flavor profile. The salty prosciutto combined with the creamy goats cheese with the sweet guava spread and the added texture of the toasted pistachios are a perfect combo! The flavors are all present with none being too overwhelming, this is definitely a delicious sandwich if you are looking for something on the sweeter and less savory side! Service was super fast there was no line when I went on a Friday around 10am! The person at the counter also gave me a great recommendation for which sandwich to try as its his personal favorite. Street parking only which is typical for little Italy. There's ample seating with both indoor and outdoor options which makes it dog friendly too and their little water bowl booth for dogs out front is adorable! Very clean and spacious interior, can be a little noisy given that it's near the flight path for the airport but not too bad! Overall, I would come here again! The sandwiches are delicious I do wish the price point was a little better but given the location in little Italy I understand why. Would be a nice spot to stop by on a farmers market day for lunch! They even have an order ahead option according to the sign posted out front.

Adriana M.

This is such a cute and wonderful little cafe!! I was so happy when it came, replacing the generic corporate blah of the Starbucks that preceded it. Great atmosphere and selection. I only had time for a cup of coffee when I was there (3/19/26), but the lady behind the counter was wonderful and made me want to return. She was personable, knowledgeable, friendly and fast . The sandwiches look particularly good and I will be trying one next time. I'll leave an updated review !