Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
oChef » Papanani’s – San Diego
Papanani's - San Diego
Photo from Papanani’s
Papanani's at a glance
San Diego Point Loma
- 🥪 Deli
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 25 of the guests
#343 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#10 Deli out of 13 in San Diego
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
361
Reviews
78.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Marina Views
- Friendly Staff
Frequently criticized
- Pricing Issues
- Service Delays
- Parking Difficulty
The deli in San Diego’s vibrant Point Loma neighborhood offers a delightful culinary experience. You can enjoy fresh sandwiches and more at Papanani’s, whether you choose to dine-in, grab takeout, or opt for convenient delivery.
This spot is perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxed meal by the harbor, with easy access and parking options available for your convenience.
Overview: Introducting Papanani's
Papanani’s generally delivers a pleasant dining experience, with many customers appreciating the quality of their food and generous portions. It’s often seen as a dependable spot for a satisfying meal, particularly for breakfast and sandwiches.
While the overall atmosphere is often praised, some visitors have noted inconsistencies with value, finding certain items a bit pricey. Service is generally friendly, though occasional slowdowns or specific interactions, along with parking challenges, have been mentioned.
Good
7.5
out of 10
361
Reviews
78.1%
Satisfaction
66
negative
13
neutral
282
positive
Papanani’s earns a solid 7.5 overall, reflecting a generally positive experience for many. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 78.1%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This assessment is built upon insights from 361 customer remarks, with a clear majority of 282 positive observations outweighing 66 negative ones. Diving into specifics, the Food (7.7) is a clear highlight, consistently receiving high marks.
The Ambience (8.2) also contributes significantly to the positive experience, often praised for its pleasant setting. Service (7.2) is generally well-regarded, though Value (6.2) presents a more mixed picture, suggesting some items might feel less economical to certain diners.
What people like
- Delicious food variety
- Pleasant marina views
- Friendly, engaging staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent pricing
- Occasional service delays
- Challenging parking
With a solid 7.8 recommendation score, Papanani’s is generally a worthwhile stop, especially if you’re seeking a satisfying meal in a pleasant setting. It’s a good option for those prioritizing tasty food and a nice atmosphere over strict budget adherence.
If you’re in the area and appreciate good food with a view, it’s certainly worth considering. However, be mindful of potential parking challenges and the possibility of varied pricing, particularly during busy times.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Papanani's
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre generally in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction hitting 82.1%, its clear many diners are leaving happy. Based on 151 positive remarks out of 184 total comments, guests frequently rave about the Pastrami on rye, Reuben sandwiches, fresh salads, and generous portions, often praising the overall excellent food quality.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 26 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. Specific items like the egg croissant sandwich received criticism, and some found dishes bland and tasteless or noted issues like plastic cheese and even burned pizza.
Food
184
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
26
negative
7
neutral
151
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Generous portions
- Great deli sandwiches
What people don't like
- Inconsistent item quality
- Some items bland
- Occasional burned food
Often praised
- foodHaving this deli close by was a lifesaver. The food is good, the portions are huge, and the price is right for the area, making it easy to share. I highly recommend the breakfast burrito – it was so good!
- sandwichesMy experience at this restaurant was great! They offer a variety of fresh sandwiches and pizza, along with beer and wine, all served with a friendly smile and quick service. I appreciated that they always had deviled eggs and fruit salad ready to go.
- breakfastIt has everything a person could need, including beer, wine, various groceries, and some really excellent food. Their breakfast was wonderful, and I'm told their sandwiches are first-rate as well. They have some tables outside, allowing you to eat while overlooking the sailboats in the marina.
- great foodThey offered great food, snacks, and beverages.
- breakfast burritoBreakfast burrito is how I would make it at home, packed with eggy, meat pepper, cheese and potatoes.
- ReubenMy experience at this casual deli was fantastic! I enjoyed a GREAT RUEBEN, and the service was great. The eat-in patio on the marina provided a lovely atmosphere.
- beerMy experience at this restaurant was great! They offer a variety of fresh sandwiches and pizza, along with beer and wine, all served with a friendly smile and quick service. I appreciated that they always had deviled eggs and fruit salad ready to go.
- breadFresh and delicious bread
- breakfast burritosthe breakfast burritos are amazing and fresh
- breakfast sandwichBreakfast sandwich on sourdough with over easy eggs is making my mouth water
Frequently criticized
- mealsMy meals have been over cooked
- Italian paniniThe panini was in fact just a bread roll
- Italian sandwichesTwo skinny Italian sandwiches
- bland and tastelessThe meatballs were bland and tasteless
- bread rollThe panini was in fact just a bread roll
- chocolate cookieswhen I took a bite on my cookie it tasted like A sandwich?
- coffeeThe omelettes were very delicious. However, for those who enjoy coffee, our friends who are coffee drinkers suggested getting it elsewhere.
- cookie drynessso dry, was not sure if it was freezer burn
- cookie flavorCan't even describe the flavor and so dry
- deliDeli was average and over priced
If you're looking for a place with generally good food, especially for deli sandwiches and breakfast, this spot is worth a visit. Just be mindful that while many dishes are praised for quality and portion size, some specific items might be inconsistent or fall short of expectations.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.2 score and a solid 70.6% customer satisfaction. Many of the 68 comments, with 48 positive mentions, highlight the friendly staff, quick service, and great service, often mentioning friendly employees who go the extra mile. Guests frequently praise the attentive and engaging nature of the team, making for a pleasant experience.
However, its not always smooth sailing. Some of the 18 negative remarks point to issues like forgot my order, being rushed, or encountering a rude brown haired lady. There are also mentions of waiting for food' and slow service during busy times, suggesting that consistency can be a challenge, especially during peak hours.
Service
68
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
18
negative
2
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, engaging staff
- Quick, attentive service
- Accommodating customization
What people don't like
- Slow, forgotten orders
- Rude staff encounters
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceThe breakfast #1, which included eggs, toast, hash browns, and sausages, was not only delicious but also generously portioned. May provided exceptional service—offering attentive and friendly service that made the visit even more enjoyable. If you’re looking for a spot that excels in both quality food and great service, Papanani’s is definitely worth a visit.
- staffThe breakfast burrito was huge and very tasty. While the presentation isn't fancy, the staff was friendly, and the tables overlooking the marina offered a nice atmosphere. It's a convenient option if you're nearby and need breakfast.
- employeesExtremely nice, engaging, employees
- friendly serviceincredibly friendly service
- great peoplerun by great people
- MayMay was exceptional—offering attentive and friendly service
- awesome folksAwesome folks
- chefThe chef makes great food
- convenientconvenient if you're nearby
- cook ladythe cook lady she’s so sweet
Frequently criticized
- ownerowner he was very rude and disrespectful
- servicethe service can be slow during the morning rush
- breakfast itemsThey offer a good variety of packaged and deli food. I did notice that my breakfast items took a bit longer than I expected. The staff were nice.
- closedit is closed
- customersApparently, we don't need the money, or customers.
- forgot my orderMy experience at this restaurant during a lunch rush was overwhelmingly negative. The service was severely impacted by the crowd, to the point where they forgot my order. When it was finally prepared, it was rushed, and the food quality was so poor that I had to discard half of my sandwich.
- ladyshe is so rude to the point where it’s uncomfortably nasty
- orderI had breakfast here today. My order took longer than I expected since it was not busy, but the food was good. I ordered the meat omelette and it was served with hashbrowns and your choice of bread.
- parkingWe couldn't park there as we were not members
- pizza orderI waited for over five minutes at the counter to place an order. At 5: 34 PM, I was told I couldn’t order a pizza because they close at six and needed 30 minutes to make one, even though the menu stated they serve pizza all day. For an independent shop, I would have ordered from you if you had shown any value for a customer.
Overall, if youre looking for a place with generally good service and a friendly vibe, its worth a try. Just be mindful that during busy periods, you might experience some delays or less attentive interactions. It seems like a hit-or-miss situation depending on the crowd.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.2 and an excellent customer satisfaction rating of 91.4%. With 53 positive remarks out of 58 total, guests consistently rave about the charming mom and pop place feel, the patio seating with great views of the marina setting, and the overall friendly atmosphere. Its often described as a "great spot" to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
However, a few of the 3 negative comments highlight that "parking" can be a bit tricky, and its wise to avoid lunch rush if you prefer a quieter experience. While these are minor points, they're worth keeping in mind for your visit.
Ambience
58
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great marina views
- Relaxing patio seating
- Friendly atmosphere
What people don't like
- Limited parking
- Avoid lunch rush
Often praised
- viewMy experience at the restaurant was marked by a simple yet great view. The people were nice, and the food offered solid value.
- locationI enjoyed their excellent coffee and very good food, which were surprisingly affordable. The fabulous location was a great bonus. I'm thankful to have known PapaNani's was nearby, as it really helped us stretch our travel budget.
- atmospherethe service and atmosphere also received a perfect 5
- outdoor seatingThey offer great sandwiches for lunch and have every breakfast item imaginable, all at a fraction of the price of hotel dining. Additionally, they have ice cream and outdoor seating on the harbor.
- indoor seatingIndoor seating and outdoor as well
- adorable placeAdorable place I really wanted to support
- ambianceThe ambiance was good
- boats and yachtswatch the big, small and time to set afire San Diego boats and yachts
- boats in the marinaThey have stacked Rueben's and Club sandwiches, with lots of choices, and the sandwiches can easily feed two people. There's a little outside patio/BBQ area where you can watch the boats in the marina and the planes take off from SAN. This has been my little secret for a while, but it's time to share the love.
- convenientVery convenient for those staying in the Sheraton hotels.
Frequently criticized
- parkingOnly downside is parking...very limited and weird as to whether or not you'll be charged.
- lunch rushDo not go here during a lunch rush.
If you're seeking a charming spot with fantastic marina views and a relaxed, friendly vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potentially limited parking and consider going outside of the peak lunch hour for the most serene experience.
Value (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
When it comes to value, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.2 and customer satisfaction at 58.8%. Many customers, accounting for 30 positive remarks, found the prices quite reasonable, often calling it affordable and worth the money. They appreciated the great pricing and solid food value, especially compared to other options.
On the flip side, 19 negative comments highlight some concerns. Several diners felt it was overpriced or even a ripoff, especially when factoring in extra costs like convenience fees, service fees, or paid parking. They found it pricey, leading to questions about the overall value for money.
Value
51
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
19
negative
2
neutral
30
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Reasonable pricing
- Affordable option
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Hidden fees
- Paid parking
Often praised
- pricesThe food is great, and I really miss it. The owners are super cool and friendly, and the chef prepares great food for very reasonable prices. Thanks for everything!
- priceHaving this deli close by was a lifesaver. The food is good, the portions are huge, and the price is right for the area, making it easy to share. I highly recommend the breakfast burrito – it was so good!
- reasonable pricesatisfying meal at a reasonable price
- affordableMuch more affordable than your nearest options
- $11.00omelet for $11.00
- best value mealit was honestly the best value meal I had the entire trip
- dealBetter deal than the options
- food valuesolid food value
- french dip sandwichfrench dip sandwhich which was reasonably priced especially with how big and loaded with meat it was
- great pricingI visited this restaurant twice during my stay in San Diego. The first visit was due to convenience, but the second was a deliberate choice because of the great food, great pricing, and great friendly employees. It's totally worth going.
Frequently criticized
- overpricedBoth were overpriced and pretty mediocre
- price$40 bucks. Two skinny Italian sandwiches, three bags of chips along with two beers. That’s fine if you want to overcharge
- pricesoutrageous prices at the in house restaurants
- Hotel pricesprices inside the Hotel are outrageous
- convenience feeA convenience fee and a 10% tip bring the price to $40
- hotel foodI checked out the menu and prices, and they were not bad. Most definitely better than the overpriced hotel food. I ordered an all-meat omelette and OMG!
- overpriced hotel foodThey even offer free coffee refills. It was much better than the overpriced hotel food.
- paid parkingPaid parking only, no validation
- parking$9 for 18 min
- priceythey're pretty pricey
Overall, this spot offers decent value for many, especially if you're looking for an affordable option compared to pricier alternatives. However, keep an eye out for potential extra charges like service fees or parking, as these can quickly make it feel overpriced for some.
How are the prices at Papanani's?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 25 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Deli, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find themselves in this price bracket, though there are a few options for those looking for a lighter bite or a more indulgent treat.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 25 reviews.
How this Deli stacks up against similar spots in San Diego when it comes to value for money.
We think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Deli. It offers good value without breaking the bank, especially for a quick, quality meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Papanani's
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Restaurant closed before stated hours
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing. Google stated they were open until seven, but upon arrival at 6: 10 PM, we found the establishment closed. This was unexpected and inconvenient.
- closed1
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
5
Disappointing Cookies, Good Danish
I was craving sweets and saw that this place had bakery items. I debated where to get a nice pick-me-up and ended up getting 2 chocolate cookies and a cherry danish. The sandwiches must be amazing, because when I took a bite of my cookie, it tasted like a sandwich!
I was baffled and took another bite, thinking my taste buds were off. Nope! I had to spit out the second bite.
I've never refused a cookie before; it was that bad. I can't even describe the flavor, and it was so dry. I wasn't sure if it was freezer burn or if they had been sitting out for days.
Even after one day, cookies get funky from improper storage. They were displayed unwrapped in a dessert case, which might be why my cookie tasted like a turkey sandwich 😆. I was already in my hotel when I realized how horrible they were and was too lazy to walk back for $3.
I dare anyone to try those cookies and tell me I'm wrong! The danish was good, and it was individually wrapped. Sadly, I was greatly disappointed, even though they looked great in the case.
I'll be back to try a sandwich, and hopefully, this criticism can help. I hope to see next time that the cookies are individually wrapped; I might give them another try!
- cherry danish8
- bakery items7
- cookies7
- chocolate cookies1
- cookie flavor1
- cookie dryness1
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Spot with Delicious Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The place is situated in a great spot, making it very convenient, especially if you're staying at the Sheraton Resort. The food was delicious and fresh made, and I would highly recommend it.
The service was very friendly, and they offered a great selection of food at a reasonable price. The portions were large and worth the money.
- fresh made food10
- friendly service9
- selection of food8
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Overpriced food, but nice staff
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The food took quite a while to come out, and I found it to be a bit overpriced for the quality. However, the staff were nice.
- food5
- nice staff8
- overpriced3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Reuben and Friendly Staff!
My experience at this restaurant was truly outstanding. I had the most amazing Reuben sandwich I have ever tasted. The staff were incredibly polite and friendly, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.
The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, which is a great option. It's conveniently located just outside the marina dock, making it a perfect spot if you're on Harbor Island and enjoying a stroll. The menu is quite good, offering a nice selection for both breakfast and lunch.
- Reuben sandwich10
- staff9
- indoor seating7
What Papanani's offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
FAQs
What service options are available at Papanani's Deli?
At Papanani’s Deli, you have several convenient service options. You can enjoy your meal right there with dine-in service, perfect for a relaxed experience. If you’re on the go, takeout is readily available. For ultimate convenience, delivery service is also offered directly to you.
Is Papanani's Deli accessible and what are the parking options?
Yes, Papanani’s Deli is designed for accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. For all visitors, free street parking is available nearby, making your visit hassle-free and easy to plan.
How does Papanani's generally rate with customers?
Papanani’s holds a good overall score of 7.5, with customer satisfaction at 78.1%. Its Food (7.7) and Ambience (8.2) are highly rated, while Service (7.2) is good, and Value (6.2) is considered average.
What are the standout features of Papanani's dining experience?
Customers frequently praise the delicious food, especially breakfast items and sandwiches, often highlighting generous portions. The pleasant atmosphere, particularly the marina views and outdoor seating, is also a significant draw.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks when visiting Papanani's?
Some visitors have noted that pricing can be inconsistent, with certain items feeling overpriced. Occasional slow service, especially during busy periods, and limited or paid parking options are also mentioned as potential drawbacks.