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    Vanessa's Deli

    3.5 (204 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican, Delis
    Closed 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Vanessa's Deli Photos

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    VANESSA'S DELI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Burnt French toast in wheat bread

    My experience was terrible, I ordered French toast and it was burnt and in wheat bread which I wanted in white bread, no syrup was given the app doesn't give you any options on this. I ordered a green drink it had no ginger nor lime or ice as it says on the menu. I called and I got an employee who acted like they didn't know anything. Then I got another employee that spoke English and the only thing she could say is take my number to see if the manager is going to call me on Monday. I do not recommend this place.

    Raw chilaquiles
    Marissa R.

    A little hole in the wall. I have been coming here for YEARS!! I love this place but lately they have been messing up my orders & today is the LAST Straw!!! I ordered chilaquiles rancheros extra crispy... the tortillas were not even cooked and it took 20 minutes to get my food... I called later and told them about my poor food quality and the girl on the phone said "we make the tortilla chips and then once we get an order we mix in our sauce with the chips" ... if that were the case my tortillas would not taste raw. Poor food. Poor customer service. Vanessa's Deli Management please read!!!

    View of the menu against the wall
    Jennifer H.

    update - I LOVE this place. The food is always delicious. My wallet is taking a hit and I am gaining weight but I leave a happy camper. Joshua is such a sweetheart. My friends and I always sit in his section. He is so attentive, nice, friendly, funny and an all around great guy. All of us have a little crush. My usual order for food is the super mixta torta without cilantro or onion. The bread is fantastic. One of the best bolillos I have ever had - soft, a little sweet, fresh. I can imagine eating it warmed with some butter. The torta is huge! I will normally only eat half so the remaining half I give to a coworker or save for dinner. The torta tastes great rewarmed later. Two co-workers of mine introduced me to this neighborhood spot over lunch. We went on a Friday afternoon approx. 11:35 am and found a table immediately. I was surprised that it was a full service restaurant. Since it is a smaller restaurant located in a strip mall, I expected a place where you order, find a table, sit down and then pick up your food from the counter. The restaurant seats about 45 people (8 tables of 4 and 6 tables of 2) The service was great. Joshua was our waiter. He was quick and attentive. Since I had not been there before and didn't have time to review the menu in advance, I asked a lot of questions. He was friendly and descriptive with explaining the ingredients of the various menu items. He took our order without writing it down and got everything correct. The food was served promptly. We only had to wait about 7 minutes. My co-workers wanted to visit Vanessa's to get a Chamango smoothie. I had never heard of it before today's visit. It was nothing like I ever tasted. I think the chamoy is what threw me off. I have never had chamoy before today. How do I describe what it tastes like? Chamoy is a salty, spicy and tart chili sauce with the same texture as mole. I am not a big mango eater but I enjoyed it. The mango is blended in the smoothie but there are chunks left in big pieces. I wish they were a bit smaller so you could drink them through the straw. There were also chunks of tamarindo, which I love. You will need a spoon. If you like tamarindo, then you will most likely enjoy it. For lunch, I ordered the chilaquiles with pollo and scrambled eggs with mole. The mole was pretty amazing. Nice and thick with good flavor. The scrambled eggs were served alongside a side order of beans. The beans reminded me of my grandmas. I would assume made with lard. Very authentic tasting. I tried some of my friend's rice and it was good too. The rice was fluffy and had good flavor. The rice had the right color. My friend got the crispy tacos. She was disappointed as she expect a real corn tortilla deep fried with the meat and toppings. Instead she got a pre-made shell. Having the shell loses the authenticity of a taco. She said the contents of the taco were good but not having the real tortilla made a huge difference. My other friend got three flautas. I don't know how they tasted as she inhaled them without offering me a taste. :) There was ample parking at the end of the lot. I was surprised that the restaurant is also a water store. Raspados, paletas and dulces are also available.

    Francisco C.

    Pésimo servicio, llegue, ordene y decide pagar primero. ordene una orden un bistec y una orden de tacos de 2, uno de asada y de adobada. Me siento, la mesa está sucia el joven que me atendió me dijo que la muchacha limpiaría la mesa. Nunca la limpiaron. Llega mi orden de tacos y son de adobada, le dije que pedí uno y uno. Me dice que se les acabo los de adobada, cuando mis tacos eran de adobada y les falto el de asada. El bistec estaba rico. Pero me entregan las tortillas como la foto que les dejo abajo. No tiene tapa ni nada.

    Super bomb!
    Carlos A.

    Super delicious I love their kind of southern fries with nacho cheese super bomb I recommend them

    Raspado (tamarindo & chamoy)
    Angel G.

    I rated this review 2 stars just because the price is fair. On the other hand the quality and taste of the raspados (chamoy/ tamarindo) sold at this location is horrible. Maybe I got a bad batch, maybe I have as luck. Who knows. I had high expectations about this deli. Friends and family recommend this place for raspados. Hopefully they improve the taste in the near future. Also the ice tasted a little funky. Not sure if where's it's coming from but it does not taste normal. More like freezer ice when you have a bunch of random things in there. Hopefully I can go back in the future and change my mind about this place.

    One and done!
    D A.

    So my work has been buying us lunches now and then to help support small businesses and reward us during Covid time. We got Vanessa's today, gotta say if I had paid for this I would have sent it back! The portions are ridiculously small for the price this is my $16 beef fajita plate literally not enough meat to fill the 2 small tortillas given.Im all for helping support small businesses but we were all disappointed with portions it's a one and done won't be going back!

    This big ass bowl for three pieces of meat I will be getting my money back for $11

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    7 years ago

    Great food but pricey. Don't think I would be going in there anymore. Online price do not match and they have not changed it

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    12 years ago

    This place is awesome, everything is delicious, my favorite is the torta de lomo, and the order of 3-sopes.

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    11 years ago

    I have seen this deli evolve and they hace maintained the same great authentic mexican taste in there dishes. Just delish!

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    Page 2 of 6

    Vanessa's Deli Reviews in Other Languages

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    Tlaloc Deli

    Tlaloc Deli

    4.4
    (30 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $

    Very delicious pesto chicken torta. They have smoothies, fruit bowls, salsas, sandwiches (bread or…read moretortas). They have some chips and candy bars as well. Nice man that works here. Very accommodating. Call and order ahead. The parking lot is a bit congested as it shares the lot with the beauty school.

    Today (10/24/24) I had a facial appointment at Bellus Academy, and had never been there before. My…read moresister was dropping me off and briefly pulled into a spot for this deli to let me out because it didn't appear that there was a way out of the parking lot in the back. I literally told my sister "oooh a deli, I want a torta after" and then I headed into Bellus. As I was walking in the owner of this deli confronted me telling me not to park there and I let him know I had just been dropped off and wouldn't be taking up any of his parking and he continued "the car, the car" so persistently I had to just about yell at him that she left and we weren't parked there. Mind you his establishment was completely empty at the time. Not that it would be an excuse if we did park there( which I would never do). Throughout my entire appointment I was thinking about how crazy he came at me and when I decided to mention it to the esthetician student doing my facial she mentioned she had ordered some tostilocos from him the day prior that came with apple on them (unusual) and that the cueritos on them were mushy and when she asked for her money back on them he had an attitude about it, which I believe given what I saw from him today. On my way out I stopped to let him know that I was a potential customer and he totally deterred me from patronizing his business. Oh and shocker: his place was still empty when I told him this and it was lunchtime. Interesting.

    Photos
    Tlaloc Deli
    Tlaloc Deli
    Horizontal street sign.

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    Horizontal street sign.
    Whispering Trees Market & Deli

    Whispering Trees Market & Deli

    4.3
    (172 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $

    Pardon my selfish nostalgia, but, I have two distinct fond memories of this cozy deli from my…read moreyounger years. The first was when I was about six-years old and I ate some of the best pizza in my life at that point on the patio during a sunny day while my older sister and her girl scout troop had a party event. The second, my Dad was when my Dad treated me to a mouth-watering and fresh Turkey submarine sandwich after my Confirmation, when I was about 16-years-old. Those were the days, yes, indeed. Forward to present day, and this deli is still unequivocally, one of my favorites spots to grab lunch or dinner. The staff consisting of a very diligent family are always polite and loquacious. The family certainly takes pleasure in making sure all customers are welcomed with open arms. During the past decade or so, the quality of food has not deteriorated. The pizza is always fresh, and hits the spot. I suggest ordering the 20-inch or 28-inch for events such as a movie night, boxing fight-night matches, or a birthday party for your son and/or daughter or for a family-gathering event in general. The crust from the pizza is thick and slightly crunchy...sometimes, I tear off some parts of the crust and save it for later. The selection of toppings are plenty and just enough to create the pizza to your liking. I would say the toppings are from the old-school style of pizza joints....ya know, that 1980's-style feel. As for the sandwiches, I have to refrain from ordering two! The bread is moist, delicious and pairs well with the choice of sub you select. I must warn you, it can be overwhelming with all the choices the deli has to serve. The Philly Steak is one, if not the best I have consumed in San Diego county. The other subs I suggest are: Turkey, ham and cheese, a Turkey sub, Pastrami sandwich and the gyro. I sincerely hope you will not be disappointed when you try what the deli has to offer. In addition, for the appetizers, the French fries, fried zucchini, and cheese garlic bread are supreme and premium side snacks to add if you are feeling voracious and ravenous. And, who knows, you may see Mario Lopez there during your visit. *Side Notes*: Parking lot is never crowded to a point where you become frustrated, the front entrance is visible and you will not miss the turn to drive inside the parking lot, and the establishment is easy to locate off the 805 freeway or if you are traveling from the roads.

    Excellent pizza, generous with the toppings. Fair prices for the quality. And a terrific liquor…read moreselection.

    Photos
    Counter area with pizza sizes
    Counter area with pizza sizes
    The works pizza - chef Jagger art piece
    The works pizza - chef Jagger art piece
    Whispering Trees Market & Deli

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    Beyer Deli

    Beyer Deli

    4.8
    (890 reviews)
    4.8 mi
    $$

    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.

    Delicious sandwiches and great price! Very generous portions and everything tastes fresh…read more You gotta try their New Yorker- one of the best pastrami sandwiches in San Diego. Hot and delicious is one of the best turkey sandwiches we've had. Definitely recommend! Lots of parking in the plaza. Cash only! Family owned and very kind people.

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

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    Indoor seating
    Knockout Deli & Kitchen

    Knockout Deli & Kitchen

    4.0
    (201 reviews)
    9.9 mi
    $$

    This was my first visit to the Knockout Deli near SDSU but it will definitely not be my last! I got…read morethe Boss Burger with fries and it was amazingly delicious! They had a wide variety of free refill drinks that were very good as well. The owner was the only person working when we were there around 6:00 on a Wednesday night. He was attentive, outgoing, accommodating and friendly. He made us feel like family. The restaurant and the bathroom was clean and neat. I liked the Al Capone era pictures on the walls. And the "Cheers" vibe with the set up and decor was nice as well. All in all I loved the experience eating there and will definitely be back and will tell others to check them out.

    Came here a little after lunchtime for a late lunch date. There was only one guy working the whole…read morestore, but regardless he was very kind and helpful with navigating the menu, and got food out pretty quick for being a one man army. I ordered the Al Capone on a torta, and my boyfriend got the chicken club on wheat. Both sandwiches were pretty good, the torta was very soft and fluffy, maybe a little too much bread for me, but still very good. The chicken on the club was flavorful. Both the Mac salad and potato salad are basic, but solid, you get a little 2 oz container with your sandwich. I'll definitely be back to try something else on the menu in the future. My only gripe is that the parking is very limited, likely since it's located within the local apartment complex. We had to park down the road and walk over to get to the shop.

    Photos
    Knockout Deli & Kitchen
    Knockout Deli & Kitchen
    Knockout Deli & Kitchen

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    La Fresca Deli

    La Fresca Deli

    4.7
    (63 reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $

    I've been coming here literally my whole life and I've never had a problem with the food. It's kind…read moreof consistent so that's not what my review is about. This review is mainly about the service. (I also don't write reviews on places unless the service is actually just horrible) I went today, I started my order and the lady turned around after asking for the first two things without even letting me finish my order. I figured that when she came back with the first things I'd let her know that I wanted one more thing. She then came back with the first two things which were a sandwich and a smoothie. She asked "will that be all" and I said I would like another sandwich. I don't know what triggered her but I could tell she thought I was telling her that the sandwich was made wrong when that was not at all what I was telling her I was simply telling her I wanted another one (she btw kept repeating this for like 2 minutes before she realized that I was telling her I wanted one more sandwich). In the many years I've been coming here she has always had some sort of attitude, but this time she was actually so rude. Her tone and her expressions towards me were horrible. She needs to keep her attitude in check. So many people who have gone here that I know always speak of her horrible demeanor (so I know it isn't just me). Also after I said "ushh" (as a sigh of like wth just happened) she yelled out "USH QUÉ". The other lady is rlly nice. But this one *the tall one* RUDE.

    Located inside Price Breakers indoor bazaar - just walk inside the main doors and immediately off…read moreto the right in the corner you will find the deli. Walked right up and no wait, yay! Ordered tuna torta and green juice. Honestly impressed by the size of this sandwich. Included lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese, and mayo on the torta, plus the bread was nice and lightly toasted. Served with a heavy serving of pickled jalapeños. Next time, I will ask for onion on the sandwich. Green juice was great! She made it right before my eyes, all the different fruits and veggies getting juiced right there to order. There were 2-3 bar stools right at the ledge of the walk up counter available to sit at but I just devoured this in my car in the parking lot. $17.75 later and happy tummy.

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    La Fresca Deli
    Menu
    Menu
    Menu

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    Menu

    Vanessa's Deli - mexican - Updated July 2026

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