I recently checked out this really cute Italian deli-style restaurant, and it was such a great experience. You order at the counter (either for takeout or to dine in), and they have a nice selection of imported Italian goods like sauces and pantry items, which gives it an authentic feel. I tried their meatball sandwich, and it was honestly delicious--super flavorful and clearly made fresh. One of my favorite things is that they also sell take-home pints of their sauce at a really affordable price. I brought one home and cooked with it, and it tasted way better than your typical store-bought jarred sauce. They also offer weekday specials, which is a nice bonus. I've been to both their Long Beach and Seal Beach locations, and both have been consistently good. Overall, it's definitely a thumbs up from me. I'm excited to go back and try more items on their menu! read more

Santa Fe Importers has always held a special place for me, but it just isn't what it used to be. The sandwiches are still good, and the Italian market is fun to browse, but the overall quality doesn't feel the same as it once did. The deli sides are also pretty expensive for what you get. I'd still stop by if I'm in the area, but it's no longer a place I go out of my way for. For me, it's about a 6 out of 10 these days. I hope they can get back to what made them so special years ago. read more

My recommendation is the Special or the turkey sandwich. We always order ours with no lettuce, extra onions, and extra oil. It may sound strange, but let the sandwich stay wrapped for a couple of hours before eating it. Everything melds together and the flavor is even better. We also never leave without picking up some of their freshly pickled olives and jalapeños. They're a perfect addition to any sandwich and one of the things we look forward to every visit. Beyond the sandwiches, it's worth taking a few minutes to browse the market. There are lots of imported Italian products, oils, pastas, and specialty items that are hard to find elsewhere. A Long Beach institution and still worth a stop. read more

Must come and try there delicious food You won't regret it My favorite there SPECIAL SANDWICH Large extra meat Showing only 1/2 the sandwich in picture read more

Santa Fe Importers - The Delicious must have Special Sub Try it you won't regret it - Italian Near Me - Long Beach, California

Was in craving for thick meats filling Italian sandwich and heard about this place so went and check it out. They have 2 parking lots on both sides of the store and street parking. This place is quite popular since it next to the pier for the import/export dock. Was crowned when I went around 11:15am...the line can be abit confuse since there are 2 order lines, one for the hot foods which is right as you entered the order line. Or you can turn left and order the cold foods then you move along to pay. The store is not big with fill with a lot of Italian snacks, drinks and others. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Got the special sandwich - Special ("Extra-Lean Imported Ham, Wine-Cured Italian Dry Salami, Cotto Salami and Swiss Cheese, Large 10" Roll with Double Meat) for $16.87 and a small olives for $3 something, and a dessert which they packed but they forgot to included to my payment. There is a windows seating area, not big but just a long around the corner of the front store for it over looking the street and one side of the parking lot. The sandwich is not bad at all, the bread is nice soft and chewy, the meats are nice but nothing special about it, wish it could be more filling but good combo overall. The olives (I mixed 3 types with peppers) are great, yummy. The sparkling water from Italy was delicious and refreshing. Overall great place for good sandwich's and others for reasonable price with nicely services. read more

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Got a large pastrami sandwich. You order your hot food at the window counter that was located in the back portion of the store. Great tasting sandwich. Good quality roll with the proper texture. The pastrami was flavorful with a medium thickness. There was a counter section inside available for dining. Service was friendly and very prompt. They have their own parking lot so no issues on parking. read more

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Found this place from Instagram and I thought I would give it a try even though lately most of their recommendations haven't been too great. I'm glad I gave them a try because the pastrami did not let me down. If you're going during lunch hour, I highly recommend just calling in your order versus having to wait in line and then have them make it. There was a few places to sit inside. Parking was decent. They have their own little area to park, which was nice.., nice selection of beverages to choose from and a variety of other things to buy. They had a sign that said no public restrooms but honestly if it wasn't for that and they had restrooms for customers, I would probably give this place five stars but because of the restroom situation I had to bring it down to four considering I'm always looking for a place with a clean restroom since I work out in the field. read more

Santa Fe Importers - Pastrami - Italian Near Me - Long Beach, California

4.5 stars Been coming here for a few years and this Italian deli is doing it right. Never disappoints. Selling both hot and cold food plus lots of Italian goods. I personally come here for their hot foods like lasagna, ravioli, and meatballs. Their sauce has so much flavor. The meatball sub was a good sized sandwich. Bread could have been a bit better tho. Plenty of parking, adjacent parking lot, and dine in options. Service doesn't take too long. read more

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Santa Fe Importers has become my go‑to spot whenever I'm craving a real Italian deli sandwich and comfort food done right. From the moment you walk in, you can tell this place has history, pride, and a serious commitment to quality. Their sandwiches are stacked with premium meats and cheeses, and you can taste the difference in every bite. The bread is exactly how it should be for a great deli sandwich: soft on the inside with a light crisp on the outside, so it holds up without being too hard. The Italian dressing and mustard combo they use ties everything together and gives each sandwich that classic Italian deli flavor. The hot items are just as impressive. The meatball and Italian sausage sandwiches are loaded and sauced perfectly, with rich, homemade flavors that feel like a real home‑cooked meal. Their pastas, like rigatoni with meatballs and lasagna, are hearty, generous, and exactly what you want from a neighborhood Italian spot. It's the kind of food that keeps you full and actually makes you look forward to your next visit. Service is fast, friendly, and efficient, even when the line gets long, and that line is there for a reason. Staff are patient, helpful with recommendations, and you can tell they take pride in what they serve. On top of that, the prices are very fair for the quality and portion size you get. Whether you're grabbing a quick sandwich to go, picking up salads and sides, or ordering trays for a group, Santa Fe Importers delivers every time. If you love amazing sandwiches and solid Italian comfort food, this place is an easy "must visit" and one of the best deli-style sandwich shops around. read more

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Food - pastrami - great balance of natural spices and salt.. The bread has a nice chew that goes well with the meat. Portion is decent and will fill you up. May want to add more mustard if you like it. Cost - special occasion Cleanliness- like a well manicured lawn Bathroom - did not use. Parking - 10 tight spots. Street parking is available. read more

Santa Fe Importers - Half of a pastrami.. sorry took a bite out of the other half before I remembered to take the photo. - Italian Near Me - Long Beach, California

Have lived in Long Beach for better part of 50yrs, and have eaten at SFImporters off and on for many years. They certainly do a business, that's for sure. Had a cold deli sub today, as I have in the past. I enjoyed it, yet at same time I remember why I don't frequent it more often. The meats they use are fine (could use a bit more on a sandwich in my opinion, for prices charged) and the veg, cheese etc. are good. For me, the rolls are a bit too chewy, too thick and large compared to fillings. Question of balance. Maybe it's a personal thing. With different roll could be 5star.Perhaps the rolls would work better for a Meatball sandwich or something hot. read more

WOW. I love me a sandwich. This is their Special sandwich and I can say with certainty that it will hold a Special place in my heart. The meat is so fresh and delicate, not like the oily/fatty meat you get at some places. The bread looks massive but it was quite light and fluffy. Even after taking down this massive sandwich, I didn't feel overly full or heavy like many sandwiches leave you feeling. I paired it with the honey Dijon kettle chips which were a first for me, they were delish! Employees were very friendly and made my sandwich in under 2 min. This has to be my new favorite sandwich spot. read more

Santa Fe Importers - Special - Italian Near Me - Long Beach, California

The sandwich's after eating them for several years tastes somewhat bland and bread is tough. It needs a little extra pizzazz; maybe some oils, or a different bread. The service is ok, however the line to order and get food is confusing. it does have good clientele and I recommend to try and form your own opinion. Let's try some turkey and others. Ambiance is good like a fast food restaurant. Booth seating only. read more

Loved Santa Fe Importers! Parking lot & street parking was easy. Cute counter seating along windows. We ordered our sandwiches in the back - there is a window for ordering hot and counter service for cold. After you order, you pay for everything at register up front. Service was great and we enjoyed walking around the shop while we waited. The sandwiches were big and we both saved half for lunch the next day. Bread was fresh, meats were good quality - overall delicious!!! read more

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And now I can see why they have been around since 1947 I've seen their other location over in seal beach, so when I learned there was one not too far from me, I had to come in. It's in a kind of industrial / trucker area. So I was nervous about parking. But they actually have a nice private parking lot. So, 5 stars! We are off to a great start. As soon as I got out of the car I could smell the delicious food. Like toucan Sam, I just had to follow my nose. I came in and was greeted by all the staff. At first we didn't see where the pastrami sandwiches were. So we finally asked and they pointed to this little tiny counter in the back corner. We ordered their large pastrami, which, really was a LARGE! And we ordered a spaghetti with meat sauce (without meat balls) and then bread is extra. They offer garlic bread and rolls I also had to try their pasta salad from their other section (over by the register) that's where they had their cakes, cannoli and all the salads / pasta salad. I wish I got more of the pasta salad. It was so fresh and not overpowering. The girl said they make theirs fresh everyday. It just tasted like a light tomato, good quality oil and some cheese. Plain and simple. The man who took our order came from the back and handed us our food. (We ordered cheese as well on the pastrami. And if you're a pickle lover on pastrami like I am? Order extra pickles! I like this place because a lot of deli places don't have a bunch of seating. This place has a long row of stools to sit on and a counter to set your food on. Not the most comfortable in the world, but it's better than eating in the car Everything was really clean They had a good amount of wine for sale They had a bunch of premade food in their freezer section I regret not getting any of their desserts. Their cannolis looked absolutely amazing Every single worker here was great and friendly. I wish I got all their names but my head was still spinning from looking around at all the food and I was ready to start digging in. read more

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Classic Italian spot !! They have EVERYTHING !! I got the Turkey sub, the meatball sub, the Caesar salad and a whole lot more. Everything was super fresh and the ambiance had a classic market feel to it ! The service was straight to the point !! read more

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Great Pastrami Sandwich, this place is real Italian and have a lot of Italian products and variety of sandwiches, not to mention all kinds of homemade sides to go along with the sandwiches. It's worth the drive, trust me read more

This place has come up on my various social media feeds as a must try... I went to the one in Long Beach which was easy to find just off the 710... Service is great which you will see as soon as you enter where you are greeted with a welcome... nice selection of Italian groceries which are priced fairly and often less than a bigger chain store. More authentic too... The deli to order sandwiches etc.. is a little window in the right back corner where again, service is excellent. I tried a meatball sandwich which comes in small or large.. I got a large and it was very good! Soft chewy bread and the sandwich was as long as my thigh... definitely recommend coming in and eating here or take it to go.. your call. read more

Santa Fe Importers - Sandwich Large - Italian Near Me - Long Beach, California

This place has the very best pastrami sandwiches. They are so yummy. Worth every penny paid.

A true Long Beach treasure! Stepping into this iconic Long Beach marketplace is like taking a trip where the aroma of oven-roasted meatballs, sautéed onions, and rich spaghetti sauce fills the air, welcoming you like an old friend. For 75 years, this family-owned gem has been serving Italian comfort food with a passion beyond just cooking and bringing people together. I got a friend to show me a joint that had existed way before their time. This is a generational small business, and the proof is in the framed photos on the wall. Old newspaper and magazine articles can be found in the diner. Pro tip - make sure to order your hot sandwich or plates first before exploring the market. Hot dishes take a while, so ordering it first will save time. PASTRAMI SANDWICH - One of their bestsellers, and for good reason! The pastrami was juicy, and the soft white bread with mustard and pickles was phenomenal. We ordered the large and split it, which was still plenty filling. PESTO SALAD - Available in small, medium, or large containers. We went with the medium, which was more than enough for two. It made for a great side. Tasty, fresh, and a healthy complement to our meal. read more

Santa Fe Importers - Interior - Italian Near Me - Long Beach, California

I had a pizza with pepperoni, sausage and onions and it was very good. I asked about a jarred sauce recommendation and they recommended the one they make and let me try it with a meatball...delicious. The staff was really friendly and helpful. read more

Santa Fe Importers - Great pizza - Italian Near Me - Long Beach, California

If you're a fan of Italian delis, Santa Fe Importers is about to become your new go-to! With locations in both Long Beach and Seal Beach, each one brings something a little different to the table--but both absolutely deliver on flavor. I stopped by the Long Beach location on my lunch break after seeing their Instagram post for Meatball Monday. It was my first time there, and the experience couldn't have been better. The person working at the counter was incredibly kind--after learning it was our first visit, they walked my coworker and I through the ordering process and directed us to the hot window to get the daily special. That kind of warm, helpful service really stood out. The Long Beach location is full of that nostalgic, old-school charm. It has both private parking and street parking, which makes stopping in super convenient. Inside, it's got that classic deli-counter setup with a hot window for warm sandwiches and a separate line for cold ones. It's efficient, homey, and packed with loyal regulars for a reason. They serve up daily specials like Meatball Monday, Eggplant Parm Friday, and Sausage Sunday--so it's easy to try something new each visit. The meatball sandwich is a must, and the eggplant parm comes with bread and could honestly feed two. You really can't beat the portion sizes for the price. Another great surprise? They also offer pizza--with options like cheese, pesto, veggie, or build-your-own with up to three toppings. Plus, there's a full pasta menu, an olive bar, fresh salads, and even lasagna trays for pre-orders. The Seal Beach location feels more modern and sleek--perfect if you're craving the same menu in a newer setting. Both locations are family-owned and bring that same warmth, hospitality, and flavor to every meal. And beyond the menu, there's heart here--Santa Fe Importers has been serving the community since 1947. It all started on Santa Fe Avenue in Long Beach, with the smell of simmering sauces and freshly baked bread, and it's still run with the same family values today. This is more than a deli--it's a piece of Long Beach history. Long Beach Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Sat: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Sun: Closed Seal Beach Hours: Mon-Sat: 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM Sun: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM IG: @santafeimporters1947 Whether you're craving a taste of the past or just hunting for the best Italian sandwich around, Santa Fe Importers will absolutely be your new fave. read more

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If you're in the LBC and you want a great pastrami sandwich, this is your place to go. Of course, they offer a lot more than pastrami sandwiches, but that is my favorite. This business is a combination, deli, market, and a great place to grab a meal. The way this business works is, you walk up to the order window on the right side of the store, if you're looking for a hot sandwich or pasta salad, tell the clerk what you want, and it is prepared for you very quickly. That's one of the great things about this business, if you want something quick, this is a great place to get it. They also have a deli section over near the cash register. Here you can get your deli meats, cheeses, and things like that. They also have a good selection of drinks. If you're looking for a water, soft drink, beer, they'll have something that'll fit your needs. Once you place your order and get your sandwich, grab your deli item, or get whatever else they are offering in their shop, you walk up to the cash register and pay. Simple as that. This really isn't a dine in restaurant. So, keep that in mind. What it is, however, it's a great place to get your food to go. Overall, very good place to get your deli, orientated meals, products, and all the things like that. read more

There are a lot of great places to eat in Long Beach and constantly new places pop up. But don't forget to show love to those who are long standing. Give the OGs the love and support that they deserve. This spot has rewards that are well deserved. Thank you for feeding me! I got the sub special and tortellini salad and I'd love off it if it were allowed. read more

Went there and ordered a Pizza. Yea, won't do that again. The service was great from Mgmt. and cashier. The Cook was kinda a Jerk but it was close to quitting time, so he get's a pass..... however the PIZZA is something I will not buy again. Next I will try the sandwich counter read more

Old school since 1947. This deli has been on my bucket list for some time now and since I was nearby I had to stop by and try out their sandwiches. We ordered the popular meatball with cheese added as an extra item, some chips, and a bottled lemonade. The tomato sauce was very thick and flavorful and so was the fresh tasting bread. They have plenty of room inside to sit and eat for the customers who don't want take out. read more

Santa Fe Importers - Old school since 1947 - Italian Near Me - Long Beach, California

This is the place for great sandwiches and authentic Italian food for a great price. I have been here a few times and any time I stop by it is always busy. Parking lot is a bit small but there is plenty of street parking. If you come during the lunch break expect a line from all the workers from the ports. There is some seating areas to eat there but it is best to take it to go. There are two lines: one for hot and one for cold sandwiches. The line for hot sandwiches is usually longer since there are some favorites. For this visit, I ordered the small ham and cheese sandwich, Italian style (with Italian spread). I wanted something simple and fast to get back to work. My favorite, is Meatball Mondays so I will def be back for that next time. There is a little market inside where you can buy noodles, pasta sauce, candies, and desserts that you can take home. You can also order salads, pizza, and pasta, too. Great place and definitely a staple whenever in the LBC! You will love it! read more

I finally made it here. Santa Fe Importers is a smaller, more homey Italian deli. Store sells a small selection of Italian imported goods ie pastas, olive oil, etc. They also have separate counters for different things - deli case for cold sandwiches and the back window for the hot stuff. I shared the following: -Italian beef ($18.19 for a large): tender shredded beef with sautéed onions, peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes -pasta with meatballs ($11.99): rotelli with two meatballs + sauce & garlic bread ($1.99) The Italian beef was pretty good. The beef was nice and tender and they're quite generous with it. The beef is piled high in the sandwich, but it could have stood for more onions, peppers , (or cheese) etc. - something to break up all the meat. Did I mention the bread? It was garlicky, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfect for an Italian beef. All the pastas use a universal red sauce which made me a little skeptical because how? But yes, it absolutely works. The red sauce is full bodied and so flavorful. Eons above your regular ole marinara. My rotelli rolled and soaked up that red sauce. I thought I'd miss melty cheese on my pasta, but I didn't. This was a solid deli pasta. I had a really enjoyable lunch at Santa Fe Importers. I'll definitely be back to try some pasta salads and a cold cut sandwich. read more

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Our first time at Santa Fe Importers HANDS DOWN staff was extremely helpful from the time we walk in they were very patient and happy to recommend all the different cold/ hot sandwiches I was very pleased with all the pasta salads and desserts we can choose from not only was the Service exceptional the food was Amazing!!!! highly recommend very excited to come back with family and friends to try others items on menu overall 5 -stars winning ~ Thank you read more

You walk right in to history, when you open the door grocery isles in the center hot foods to the far corner and deli in front of you. I had a sandwich with a combination of deli meats, lettuce, tomato, and cheese. All on a hard roll. This is European style bread with a hard crust and a delicious flavor. You can get a variety of salads and sides. As well as desserts. There is seating by the front windows where you can eat. Pick up some olives from the olive bar and check out the variety of imported goods before you leave. The staff move the line quickly and are happy to answer questions and offer recommendations. read more

Grabbed a sandwich and a few sides (olives and pasta salad) for a family picnic and we SWALLOWED everything. Super yummy and fresh. Can't wait to come back. It's one of those places you know is going to be good, right when you walk in. Nice staff and long (but moving) line. read more

We picked up a couple of sandwiches and in two of them there was plastic in them....one of them had a really big piece of plastic wrapping..... read more

Santa Fe Importers - There was a big piece of plastic wrap in my sandwich..... - Italian Near Me - Long Beach, California

I've heard nothing but good things about their pastrami here so I made a long drive out of my way to get it for lunch. The sandwich is large and for $22 you hope and it lives up to its price tag. Unfortunately, this did not. Another reviewer compared the pastrami meat to velvet in his mouth, which sounds kind of weird, but it means it's nice and tender and soft? Not the one I had... Tough and chewy. I threw the sandwich away. I will say their bread was very tasty. I pay to add cheese on top and I couldn't even see or taste the cheese. Like I said, very disappointed. If I hadn't headed home already, I would've taken it back and got my money back. It was that bad and that underwhelming. read more

A Long Beach legend! Old school feel delicious with variety of wines, and food. You can smell the aroma as soon as you walk in. They are known to have the best sandwiches in town. Today, I tried the lasagna and it was delicious. Portion size is generous enough to share. Fast and friendly service staff. read more

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I haven't been bck here since I worked in the area (20yrs ago) but today hubs wanted me to met him there so a go I went.. It's super clean, organized and pleasing on my eyes. You grab your drink on your way to put in your order... They have a hot sandwich and a cold sandwich and drinks. There's dry pasta and other goodies...the food is so yummy read more

First time here, the market is really nice inside. I got the pastrami and added grilled onion and mayo. The meat was flavored well. Would give it a 7 out of 10. The worker Jasmine was really rude so my first visit wasn't great. More than likely won't return as customer service is everything to me. The other staff were nice. read more

Santa Fe Importers - Pastrami - Italian Near Me - Long Beach, California

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I've been wanting to try this deli and I just saw them featured on social media recently so I decided to try them on Meatball Monday. I came during lunch time and I was able to find a parking spot in their lot. Inside, I was impressed with all the Italian grocery items they offered and they even had an olive bar and cheeses. I ordered the meatball sub as it seems that's what they're known for. I tend to not get meatball subs but this one was really good! Meatball tasted fresh and the sauce wasn't too sweet or salty. Overall, this was such a hidden gem and I would come back again and try other items off the menu! read more

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It was a decent sandwich at a somewhat decent price ($15.99 out the door for a double meat, 10" sandwich). I guess with the 75 years in business and the buzz I have heard about this place, I expected to be floored by an unbelievable unicorn sandwich. I think it gets the job done and will get you full. I don't know if I would drive across Long Beach to get it though. Next time, I am going to order the Italian Beef sandwich and see if that wasn't what everyone was raving about. The cold sandwiches were not where it's at though. read more

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Wife brought home a lasagna to go. I ate it room temperature and omg, it was like an Italian grandma and entered my house. Solid 5" square of lasagna with a single meatball. That meatball was just there as an amuse-bouche and boy did it tease the tastebuds. That alone was so good I wanted to try the whole menu. But once I tasted that lasagna, I was in heaven. They have mini meatballs in the lasagna like a nonna would do. The sauce wasn't too sweet or acidic, balanced and seasoned to perfection. The hype about this place is real. read more

I love this place, and my family frequently purchases from this location. Between my father, my youngest sibling, and myself. The customer service is excellent and the staff is always patient. When I heard they might have switched owners a while back; I was a bit worried & have come to see there was nothing to stress about. There has been some changes and from what I've noticed; I see more options. The quality has stayed the same over the years. There's an ample selection of Italian imported food, beverages, wine, snacks, candies, & desserts. They recently added a cold brew Italian LAVAZZA coffee to the menu and of course it's delicious. If you're curious the staff does offer a small sample. In addition to all the amazing food service, I have taken notice that Santa Fe Imports supports small local businesses as well. You will find local baked goods on the counter, and recently someone mentioned that they might start selling gelato made locally. read more