this small italian market in pasadena seemed to be promising, but as soon as i walked in, i felt slightly disappointed. after eating food from here, both my friend and i felt sick. we did not like the taste of the foods we got from here.. most of the foods are premade which makes for soggy, flavor lacking foods. growing up as an italian american, it was strange to see soft cheeses outside of the fridge and at room temp. the meats in the deli section also tasted old and not fresh! cheese was smellyyyyy. not good typa smelly! we did get a chocolate bar and that was really good, lots of those by the counter. we had some frozen tortellini and it just simply tasted strange. i saw the sandwiches that are like premade but also not refrigerated and we were too scared to try. i would not advise for those with sensitive stomachs to come here. read more

Very friendly neighborhood shop! Looks like their products are very authentic and fresh. I came in here on a weekday afternoon maybe around 1 and became aware of their famous sandwich while reading about them online. To be honest the price point is great but man that bread so stale. Maybe Im missing something ? But yeah I tried to hype myself up about it but overall it's not something I would be back for. Deli meats tasted great but it's a small portion and overall just a dry dry sandwich. read more

Having had it a few more times, I still love "the sandwich..." BUT this review is for their veggie sandwich which I've had two times now. Let me tell you it soooo good. I honestly don't understand how it is so good. Unlike the regular sandwich, you order it at the counter and it's made to order. When I first ordered it, I watched as they sliced up an artichoke, , a few cheeses and drizzled some artichoke marinade and olive oil, then wrapped it up in their pink paper. I though "that's it?" But when I tasted it, it was so delicious I couldn't believe it. I was shocked. The flavor of the artichoke and cheeses is so tasty on the fresh bread. The second time was just as good - I am still thinking about it a few days later. Seriously, the regular sandwich is great but I think I prefer the veggie. Don't sleep on it. read more

Roma Market - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

Fantastic little Italian deli/market with even more fantastic sandwiches. Must visit if you find yourself in the area.

The cutest little Italian grocery store! They make the best sandwiches and have so many yummy treats from Italy. A must visit whenever I'm in Pasadena. read more

My weekend tradition is stopping her to purchase the in-house Italian saugage ragu and marinara sauce (it's in the freezer section) along with a rustic loaf of bread and some mported pasta. Of course, I can't leave without getting The Sandwich wrapped in the candy pink butcher paper - and nor should you. And to the sweet, kind owner who greets the customers, "Grazie!" read more

4.4/5.0 Came for the famed sandwiches. They were good, I'd come back. It wasn't as fast as it should have been for having pre-made sandwiches. Might rate it more highly if the line wasn't so long and obstructive to the rest of the market. The line wraps around like a snake through the main aisles, so you have to constantly ask people to move to get to produce or other imported goods. read more

Roma Market - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

Was at CVS and decided to get the sandwich again. I brought it home and put the bread in the toaster. I reassembled the sandwich and took a bite. Wow! It is so much better toasted. I really like this sandwich now and will be back read more

I came here in search of their famous sandwich and while it was not really what I was expecting, I ended up falling in love with the simplicity of this place. The market itself has a nicely curated selection of imported ingredients at what appeared to be very reasonable prices. Some of the shelves are a bit bare, but I grabbed some Italian butter and and a package of biscotti for less than $10 which was a win for me. I naively walked up to the deli counter and asked for a sandwich before being told they were by the register, guess I shoulda read the reviews! A few minutes later I had the sandwich in hand. The sandwich is simple -- three meats, slice of cheese and a really killer Italian roll. I had my doubts due to the lack of toppings, but somehow the sandwich doesn't need it. Truly some of the best bread I've had in LA. I crushed the sandwich and couldn't believe it was only $6 or $7. Hidden gem. read more

My first time at this family owned market that has been around for many years and it was a hit! They have a wide variety of pastas, including gluten free pastas! they have fresh produce along with a lot of different cheeses and salamis! Fresh Italian products and nice workers! I have also heard their sandwiches are really good but have yet to try them! Will be back to try it another time! :) read more

Just demolished my 1st Roma sando... the bread, the cheese, the meats - all delish! This simple sando was perfection! I definitely will be going back! read more

Roma Market - The end of a cheese and salami sando. - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

One of the best mom and pop joints in Pasadena. Of course, we got the world-famous Italian sandwich (which is hella cheap and hella filling so please, don't skip this treat!). This store has a deli inside and all sorts of Italian goodies from wine, cheeses, and different desserts. There's also a nice assortment of Italian sodas to purchase. It does get busy pretty quickly so you might want to get there as soon as possible and there is a bit of a wait, but it's not too long. Everyone is so friendly and even the people waiting in line with you, lmao. But for real, this is just a great store to visit and I'm very lucky it's close to me. I highly, HIGHLY recommend this place! read more

Dry sandwich, rude service, and apparently cheese is treated like gold $1 per slice just to add a little extra. Definitely not worth the price or the employees attitude. read more

I might regret this review because if too many people read it and go to Roma's, there is a slight chance they may run out of "THE SANDWICH" the next time I go. This is hands down one of the best quick sandwiches ever. My family and I have been coming here for years, but I haven't been back for so long. I recently remembered Roma's while in the area and returned without disappointment. The old man is still there. The Sandwich is still there. I love for sandwiches is still there. The secret to its success is the quality of the ingredients which haven't changed in years. $7 each. They are made daily. HUNDREDS! Just look for the Pink Butcher Paper wrapping in the wine crate at the counter. Sent my son here shortly after. He and his four friends went in buying one each and ate it in the parking lot. They went back in and bought 3-4 more each to take home. He said some lady in front of them bought a bag full of them. About 10 sandwiches. I ate one in the lobby of a hospital while my mother was having a surgical procedure and a doctor passed by and said, "Hey!!!! Is that Roma's?!?! Love that Sandwich. Think I'll head up there this weekend to take to the beach with my family. Thanks for the idea." Yes, it is that well known. If you don't know about it, stop by here the next time you're around Pasadena. The Sandwich is: Fresh Italian Roll, generous amount of Imported Olive Oil, Imported Provolone, Salami, Mortadella, and Capicola. That's it. That's all you need. If eating the next day(s), just warm up in microwave 30-40 seconds. It's perfect. read more

This place is great. Small Italian market located in a tiny plaza. I came inside expecting to make line and wait for my sandwich to be made, however, there was no waiting in line. Rosario (the sweet owner) has many sandwiches wrapped in their famous pink wrapper ready-to-go. I was in and out of the shop in less than 5 minutes. I had "rosario's famous sandwich" which is very simple (no veggies) just salami, provolone, and mortadella on a (semi-hard) bread. It brought my girlfriend and I back to Rome where we had similar simplistic but delicious sandwiches. It's authentic, it's cheap, and it's convenient. Check them out. read more

Roma Market - Rosario's Famous Sandwich- salami, provolone, mortadella - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

I'm not from the area but I now work out here. I've been trying out different local spots and I was craving for an Italian sub. I take the Metro to work but luckily for me, there's a bus stop right across the street. Definitely super convenient. Back to the sandwich. I was a little skeptical because it was just meat, cheese, oil, and the bread. The bread had a nice crunch to it. Since I was eating it at work, I went ahead and used a ruler to measure it. It's just short of 9" but only for $6! I really liked it and killed my sandwich. I wish I had some kind of oil or vinaigrette because I love to dip my Italian subs in it. It wasn't busy yesterday but I figured because of the rain. It was pretty quick inside. My only regret, I didn't grab two. Definitely keeping this spot on my lunch rotation. Yummy sandwich for an amazing price. read more

Roma Market - 11/07/22 - the pre-made Italian sandwich on the counter. - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

I love this place. I randomly had a craving for a good sandwich while in the Pasadena area and stumbled on this hidden gem. As soon as I stepped through the front door I knew I struck gold. Why you ask? Because the little mom and pop vibe interior is lined with groceries seemingly imported from straight from Europe. I could be wrong but I'd bet a sandwich and bottle of wine on it. The sandwich was awesome and luckily I got there before they sold out for the day. It wasn't at all what I was expecting but blew my mind how delicious it was, especially having no condiments, lettuce, onions, tomatoes on it. I went back for round two a week later to a different sandwich equally delicious and forgot to add condiments etc. Still fantastic. This place is great for much more than just the sand which. Pick up wine, fresh cut prosciutto, salami, cheeses, fruits and deserts when you go. So good. Highly recommended. Touchdown read more

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"The Sandwich"...everything I read about it is legendary. I'd have to agree. It's super simple. Italian roll, salami, mortadella, capicola, provolone, olive oil. It all comes together so well for a synergistic, mouthful of deliciousness. I'd say the thing that makes it is the amazing Italian bread. The bread is crusty on the outside, soft on the inside and such wonderful chewiness. read more

If there's one thing I've learned about this market, it's to come for one thing and one thing only: THE SANDWICH. It's made one way, no modifications. That's how confident they are of it! Of course, just like most finds, I found this gem on Yelp while looking for new sandwich shops to try in my neighborhood. Upon walking in, my fiancé and I looked a little lost as to where we could possibly order this famously known sandwich. An employee noticed and asked us right away, "You here for the sandwich?" We answered shyly as obvious first timers, "Yes!" He pointed to a collection of them and said that they were ready to grab and go. So contrary to other sub sandwich shops where you place an order and they make them in front of you, they had them ready to go. We were sharing sandwiches with a group of friends where one of our friends were vegetarian. They do have this option, but you do have to call it in or wait a few to have it prepared. I had the chance to try the non-vegetarian and vegetarian sandwich. I had to say; I was thoroughly impressed by their vegetarian sandwich even more so than their famous sandwich. If I make it back to Roma, best believe I'll be ordering that veggie sandwich again. PS: take your sammich and add some mayo to it when you get home. I thought that was a game changer! read more

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I didn't spend too much time here as I was on my way to a date (I know, looking for love in the age of corona!) but I researched this place before meeting my date. I wanted to find something that was in Pasadena, easy to get in and out, but also had options when it came to food to take on the run. This place did not disappoint! Walking in feels like you've walked into a tiny Italian market. And that's what it is! Italian products fill all the shelves. From pasta to sardines to olives to drinks. It's just like you would picture it. Being a corner market in a small strip of businesses the inside isn't very big with only four aisles of goods (if I'm being generous) and a tiny deli section at the opposite end of the entrance. But that deli section is popping! People be wanting all those fresh cut meats and cheeses and you get a chance to sample it by taking on the famous "Sandwich". Really, it's just know as "The Sandwich". It's made with three deli meat cuts, provolone cheese, and on fresh Italian bread. There is a pile of them right in front of the deli counter where the old Italian owner sits. No labels. No advertising. Just lots of sandwiches being made and grabbed by the masses in arm loads. I bought 4 myself! And it did not disappoint. It is a simple sandwich but like most great things when you have something simple the ingredients matter most. Because the cut the deli meats and cheese there the freshness is tasted with each bite. The meat isn't too salty like some are if you bought them at a supermarket (to help preserve them for longer shelf life) and the cheese just naturally melts into the fattiness of the meats. Add that beautiful crunch that comes from fresh Italian bread and you have a mouthful of chewing that doesn't want to stop. Pair it with a San Pellegrini or other Italian soda and you're picnic at the park is an elevated one. They do take cash and credit card but since it is a local favorite be ready to wait a little bit to get what you need. But otherwise if you live around the area get some food here! read more

Roma Market - Stack of "The Sandwich" at the deli section ready to be taken - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

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A tasty sandwich for a reasonable price? You can find it at Roma market. While so many places are succumbing to the trend of $15-$20 sandwiches, Roma market keeps it reasonable. Roma has a loyal following as a result. When I went on a random weekday the line was quite long. Thankfully, the Italian sandwich was pre-made and I just got in line to pay. The sandwich was simple but tasty. I give the sandwich a 4 but the value is a 5. I love this place. I wish there were more places like this in SoCal. read more

Roma Market - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I was reminded of Roma Market by a friend. I used to live around the corner back in the late 70's. Stopped by to pick up a couple of sandwiches and boy was I reliving my past! Sandwiches still the same, simple but delicious and worth the journey. Thanks Roma Market for keeping your tradition going!!! read more

The Sandwich for $6? Yes please. You got a customer that'll keep coming back and buying multiple sandwiches. The man that's been making these sandwiches for decades? Yeah, a real one. Support. Buy a ton. Bought some great Italian dried rotini pasta as well. read more

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I had read about the "best sandwich ever" from Roma Market...so I decided to try it. I showed up around 1230pm on the Sunday before Xmas, and there was a line of at least 20ppl in front of me. Only one checkout stand so it gets quite backed up. Too bad the sandwich sucked. What a waste of time. There are no condiments on the sandwich, no lettuce, no tomato, no dressing, no nothing. It has meat, cheese, and bread. I feel bad for the people who live in Pasadena and have not yet been introduced to a proper sandwich. Someone should start a non-profit that can help these poor people get the proper ingredients they need in a sandwich. I have no idea why the LA Times has written this sandwich up multiple times...I think they just like the story of the 85 year old owner who started this deli so many decades ago and has never changed the sandwich, and still sits in a chair near the checkout counter saying hello to regulars. It's a nice story...but not a nice sandwich. read more

I like Roma market. It feels like a small town family business and the staff is friendly. The famous sandwich they sell is good but gauging from the hype I think I expected more. It's a sandwich made with good bread and deli meat but not life changing as the reviews lead you to believe. I wasn't sure what to expect. I will say it's simple and good Italian sandwich. No frills no flash. Enjoyable when you know what to expect. read more

Awesome gem in Pasadena. Authentic Italian sandwiches made fresh daily by the owner. It's a simple true Italian style with just a fresh baked bread, meat, cheese and olive oil. There are no variations of it, you pick one from the box available at the check out area. Many many other Italian imported goods to enjoy along side the yummy sandwich as well. read more

Roma Market - Sandwich: simple and delicious - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Very cute, very charming Italian store with the store owner sitting on his stool either in the back of the store or in front of it and observing customers. Wonderful selection of Italian goods that are hard to get by in other stores. In addition, there are wonderful sandwiches that seem to be very quickly sold out read more

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Read the article in the Sunday LA Times. Drove from Ventura County all the way to Pasadena. Pulled up to a line around the block! It was well worth the drive and the wait in line. The sandwich was perfect! The meat to bread ratio was excellent. The olive oil was a perfect spread. We will definitely return. Be mindful once the bread runs out so do the sandwiches! read more

Get there early for their famous Italian sandwich. Worth every penny! I love getting lots of sandwiches to share.

Get the sandwich. Yes it's that good. The market itself is super cute and filled with lots of Italian goodies. My husband and I got a bottle of olives to go with the sandwich and they paired very nicely. Service was quick and there was a separate line specifically for the sandwich. read more

This review is about one thing - their Italian sandwich. I've tried it a few times when our friend would bring it on road trips. I remember their Italian sandwich was so simple, yet so delicious. I finally went to get it for myself and to my surprise it was also very well priced. I got their Italian sandwich, chips and a soda for just under $10. That's such a value nowadays. read more

i love this place. i wish i had discovered sooner. get all my staples here. I feel really bad that people write bad reviews about the sandwiches lacking condiments like mayo, mustard, and oil. This is exactly how sandwiches in italy are. Very simple. Not like Italo/America sandwiches that are loaded with ingredients. And mind you, I love loaded American sandwiches! But I also appreciate the traditional style Roma offers, good quality ingredients and bread (its homemade) not drowned in condiments. If you go to Japan and have sushi, it also very different then American sushi. very simple, no rainbow rolls, and spicy mayo sauces like sushi here. Just simple high quality fish over rice. read more

Just go! Take your time. Speak with owner. Buy some wine, sandwich, sopresseto, cookies, olives and adopt this market as your source for your Italian food desires. Everyone is knowledgeable, helpful, welcoming, and kind. read more

Quality Imported Italian goods on a budget! Ok maybe a little pricey, but less expensive than your local luxury market or higher end Italian market/deli. At a glance, this market seems chaotic and small (or limited), but if you take the time to look around, it is pretty well stocked. The vibe is totally old school and I love it! Roma market overall just has great selection of high quality Italian goodies. My favorite things here are too abundant to list. However, I was super happy to find "Caputo 00" pizza flour here the other day, they been low on stock. Popular item I guess. If you dont see something or item you need just ask. Staff is friendly. The owner Rosario is an absolute sweetheart and very helpful. Haha talk about great customer service, He tried to help me to the car with my groceries, the problem was the stuff was bigger and heavier than him! Bless his heart. I truly love his store, "the sandwich", and that man! read more

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Great sandwich Sandwich was good both veggie and meat! One of the best sandwiches in Pasadena. read more

Roma's is my favorite Italian market, hands down. It's also convenient that it's walking distance from my apartment! All the other reviews here communicate how wonderful this place is. Nothing fancy, just really good. The owner, Rosario, really takes pleasure in sharing the delicious food and culture of his country and his recommendations are always spot on! We get huge cans of olives and olive oil here and I love that they also have gluten-free pasta (made in Italy) available. Any time I make lasagna, I come and get all my ingredients here to make sure it tastes right. Also the spumoni is my husband's favorite. And of course the sandwiches! They make stacks of them every day and you will often find people lines up around the store to buy lunch, even on weekdays. I can't say enough good things. Just go enjoy for yourself. :) read more

Roma Market - My haul. It's going to be a good dinner tonight! - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

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$5+ sandwich to go left on the deli counter. Sandwich is simple with nice bread, good quality layers of meats, 1 layer of cheese and olive oil on the bread. We see ppl walk out with bags if these sandwiches. Maybe they go home to customize it more. Market with some fruits, snacks, wine, breads etc. Wine sale like 3 Cabernet for $10! Unsure if it's good....tbd next days at home haha Free parking. read more

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So I just had their famous Italian sandwich. Oh My God. In terms of cost to deliciousness ratio this is #1 in Los Angeles. Hands down. THE SANDWICH WAS $6. And it was YUMMY. Nothing fancy. Just good meat and cheese on good bread. Unfortunately I don't live nearby. I should have bought 20. Next time. read more

Simply delicious sandwich. The bread is perfect. Pillowy, with a crispy crust. I could probably eat roll after roll but won't because I want to save soon for the meat and cheese. While You won't have a large selection but you won't need one. The sandwiches are piled high in a stack, you go in, grab some chips and a drink and they will hand you a sandwich...easy! read more

This place never disappoints. My coworker always brings these for us and I love it each and every time. I have not physically been to the location, but can't wait to visit. Price is extremely comparable and you can tell the food is made with a lot of love. I personally always get the Veggie sandwich, but others in our group get the variety of deli meats. read more

Roma Market - Veggie sandwich - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California