Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Submarina California – San Diego
Submarina California - San Diego
Photo from Submarina California
Submarina California at a glance
San Diego Rancho Bernardo
- 🥪 Sandwich Shop
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 35 of the guests
#263 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#12 Sandwich Shop out of 39 in San Diego
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
220
Reviews
79.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh ingredients
- Great service
- Clean environment
Frequently criticized
- High price
- Parking difficulty
- Inconsistent food
The restaurant, a popular sandwich shop in San Diego’s Rancho Bernardo neighborhood, offers a fantastic spot for a quick and healthy bite. When you’re looking for fresh flavors, Submarina California Subs Rancho Bernardo provides a casual and quiet atmosphere perfect for enjoying a delicious meal.
You’ll find it’s an ideal choice for both lunch and dinner, with a focus on healthy options.
Overview: Introducting Submarina California
Submarina offers a solid sandwich experience, often praised for its `fresh bread` and `quality ingredients` that stand out from typical chains. Many appreciate the `friendly staff` who provide efficient service, making for a generally positive visit.
However, some find the offerings a bit `pricey` for the portion, occasionally noting `more bread than toppings`. While the interior is pleasant, `challenging parking` can be a hurdle, and there are occasional reports of less-than-stellar service.
Good
7.8
out of 10
220
Reviews
79.1%
Satisfaction
38
negative
8
neutral
174
positive
Looking at the bigger picture, Submarina holds a respectable overall score of `7.8`, indicating a generally good experience. This aligns well with a `Customer Satisfaction` rate of `79.1%`, suggesting most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from 220 customer remarks, with a healthy majority of 174 positive comments outweighing 38 negative ones, painting a clear picture of consistent quality. Delving into specifics, the `Food` truly shines, earning an impressive `8.1`, reflecting its strong appeal.
`Service` also performs well at `7.8`, showing a commitment to customer care. The `Ambience` (6.9) is generally pleasant, though not a standout.
However, `Value` (5.5) appears to be an area where some customers feel there’s room for improvement, indicating a mixed perception on pricing.
What people like
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Friendly, efficient service
- Clean, pleasant interior
What people don't like
- Perceived high cost
- Challenging parking
- Inconsistent food preparation
Submarina generally delivers a satisfying sandwich experience, especially if you prioritize fresh, quality ingredients and appreciate attentive service. With a strong `Recommendation Score` of `8.3`, it’s certainly worth considering for a reliable meal.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it a bit steep, and parking can be a hassle. If you’re looking for a solid sub and aren’t deterred by these minor points, Submarina makes for a good choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Submarina California
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 85%, it's clear most diners are happy. Out of 127 remarks, 108 rave about the fresh ingredients, quality bread, hefty subs, and delicious meats that make their sandwiches stand out.
However, a few of the 16 negative comments point to some hiccups. Some folks noted a lack of toppings or limited veggies, while others experienced cold bacon or inconsistent preparation. It seems attention to detail can sometimes waver.
Food
127
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
16
negative
3
neutral
108
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Delicious, hefty sandwiches
- Great bread quality
What people don't like
- Inconsistent topping amounts
- Limited veggie options
- Careless sandwich preparation
Often praised
- foodthe food is well above typical sandwiches
- sandwichesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I absolutely love their sandwiches, and they definitely beat any other sandwich shop in San Diego. The bread and condiments are always fresh, and they slice the meat right then and there, which means no pre-packaged meats!
- breadThey get their bread every morning fresh from the bakery
- sandwichMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently excellent, especially when it comes to their sandwiches. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better sandwich in RB. We’ve gone time and time again, and it’s always been very consistent.
- qualitythe rest of the products are the best quality
- fresh breadFresh bread (squaw)
- ingredientsIngredients are a level above most sandwich shops
- meatthey slice the meat right then and there
- subNo other sub is like it!
- subsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best subs hands down and totally loved it. The people who work there are awesome and friendly.
Frequently criticized
- avocadoDon't make me ask for more lettuce, and don't make me tell you when one of the two meager tomatoes falls off my sandwich. Please, just give me sufficient avocado. It's also probably not a great idea to have two different workers asking me what I want on two different sandwiches simultaneously.
- CaliEveryone is very friendly and the food is always good, except for today. I ordered the Cali, and they didn't put avocado on it. 😠Doesn't taste the same.
- House ItalianThe staff seemed more interested in laughing and giggling than attending to my order, which required me to repeat myself several times. Additionally, the "House Italian" dressing was not what I expected; it was different from regular vinegar and oil.
- baconcold, limp bacon on it
- bad tastePut a bad taste in our mouths
- breadThe lack of toppings and meat on the bread needs to change. There was way more bread than toppings, and it was rather annoying. They have a good chance at all of the competition around, but if they don’t make it worth the money, people won’t come.
- chain sub shopsIf you don't prefer Submarina over those other chain sub shops, then you are classless. My experience at the restaurant was defined by the clear superiority of their offerings compared to other sub chains.
- lettuceDon’t make me ask for more lettuce
- limited veggieslimited veggies similar to Jersey Mike's
- sandwichThey were careless with wrapping my sandwich. When I picked it up, half of the sandwich fell onto the ground because the end hadn't been wrapped. This lack of attention to detail is unacceptable, especially considering the nearly $20 price for a single sandwich.
If you're craving a substantial and tasty sandwich made with fresh ingredients, this place is definitely worth a visit. While there might be occasional minor inconsistencies with toppings or preparation, the overall quality and flavor are highly praised.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, earning a 7.8 score, which is quite good! With 76.7% customer satisfaction, it seems most folks are leaving happy. Out of 60 customer comments, a solid 46 praised the friendly staff, efficient team, and quick service, often highlighting how courteous and attentive everyone was.
However, not everyone had a perfect experience, with 11 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some mentioned issues like staff attitude, rude service, or careless sandwich wrapping. There were also concerns about a perceived diffusion of responsibility among workers and a lack of attention to detail.
Service
60
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
46
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, quick staff
- Efficient team
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Careless food prep
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- serviceso nice at this location! And they stay open until 8:05!
- staffthe staff truly enjoys their work environment
- peoplepeople that work there are awesome and friendly
- employeesI love Submarina and consistently stop by this location when in town. The owner is extremely accommodating and cordial, and he instills this in his employees. A++ would stuff face again.
- customer serviceAs always, their team was on point, showing the efficiency of a NASCAR pit crew. In an era where fast-food workers often seem unmotivated, this place is a refreshing throwback to old-school customer service. Well done!
- Friendly staffFriendly staff
- ServiceI highly recommend adding the pickles and peppers to it. The food was excellent, and the service and atmosphere were also very good.
- StaffStaff was great
- courteousthey were so courteous
- everyoneI love Submarina. Everyone is very friendly and the food is always good, except for today. I ordered the Cali, and they didn't put avocado on it.
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceShe shouldn't work in customer service
- clerkclerk was kinda rude
- effortdoesn’t take much effort to actually wrap the sandwich
- female employeeshe was unapologetic and rude
- laughing and gigglingThe staff seemed more interested in laughing and giggling than attending to my order
- responsibilityI've visited this newly opened location a few times now, and they've got some work to do. There are about 7 people behind the counter, and while I can see they're working hard to deliver quality, the diffusion of responsibility is apparent. Don't make me ask for more lettuce, and don't make me tell you when one of the two meager tomatoes falls off my sandwich.
- rude serviceMy experience at the restaurant was marked by rude service.
- sandwich wrappingMy experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing due to a significant oversight in food preparation. They were careless with wrapping my sandwich. When I picked it up, half of the sandwich fell onto the ground because the end hadn't been wrapped.
- staff attitudesome of the staff specifically the curlier brown hair girl just had a terrible attitude
- workersPlease, just give me sufficient avocado. It's also probably not a great idea to have two different workers asking me what I want on two different sandwiches simultaneously. Between the three of us, somehow we got both sandwiches wrong, and the sandwiches I ended up with were kinda anemic and average at best.
If youre looking for generally friendly and quick service, this place is usually a good bet. While most experiences are positive, be aware theres a chance of encountering some less-than-stellar attitudes or minor preparation slip-ups. It's worth a try for its efficiency and welcoming vibe.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
Alright, lets talk ambience! Overall, the vibe here is pretty solid, with a score of 6.9, landing it firmly in the good category. Customers really appreciate the restaurants cleanliness, the positive atmosphere, and the nicely redone interior.
Based on 15 positive observations out of 22 total, it seems many find it a great, unassuming place for lunch or a weekend visit. However, it's not all sunshine and roses. Customer satisfaction sits at 68.2%, which is a bit of a mixed bag, largely due to some recurring headaches.
The main culprits? Parking and seating. Several folks mentioned challenging parking situations with small or narrow spaces, and a few noted the limited seating options.
These 6 negative comments suggest you might want to plan your visit accordingly.
Ambience
22
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean restaurant
- Positive atmosphere
- Nice interior
What people don't like
- Challenging parking
- Limited seating
Often praised
- atmospherealways nice coming in!
- restaurant cleanlinessRestaurant is generally clean and well-maintained.
- AtmosphereI highly recommend adding the pickles and peppers to it. The food was excellent, and the service and atmosphere were also very good.
- interiorThe bread and meats are so much fresher than Subway. They re-did the interior which looks really nice. Staff was great and they had a great deal on kids meals when you buy a regular meal.
- looked exactly the sameit looked the exact same
- lunchGreat place for lunch
- parking lotFree parking lot
- placeClean place
- positive placeSuch a positive place
- unassuming placeMy experience at this restaurant was great. It's a super unassuming place with fresh subs. They slice the stuff right in front of you, which is a nice touch.
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking at this location can be challenging during peak hours
- parking situationthe parking situation is a joke
- parking spacesParking spaces are a little small
- seatingNot a lot of seating
- spacesthe spaces...they are TOO narrow!
If youre looking for a clean spot with a good atmosphere and dont mind a potential parking adventure, this place is worth checking out. Just be prepared for a bit of a squeeze if you hit it during peak hours, especially regarding parking and finding a seat.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, there are definitely some bright spots! Many customers appreciate the loyalty card for freebies and praise the great deal on kids meals, finding the overall price to be reasonable. These positive sentiments, accounting for 5 comments, suggest that for some, its always worth it.
However, the value proposition isnt universally loved. With an average 5.5 score and mixed 45.5% customer satisfaction, others found things a little pricey, especially for lunch or when portions felt small. Five comments expressed concern that items werent always worth the money, ' indicating a need for better perceived value.
Value
11
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Loyalty card benefits
- Great kids meal deals
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Portions feel small
- Not worth money
Often praised
- kids mealsgreat deal on kids meals
- loyalty cardGet the loyalty card and get a freebie
- lunchalways worth it though
- priceprice reasonable
- reasonable pricesreasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- lunchnot wanting to spend $10 on lunch every day
- pricenearly $20 for one sandwich
- priceyA little pricey though
- smallOver $9 for a small
- worth the moneyThere was way more bread than toppings, and it was rather annoying. They have a good chance at all of the competition around, but if they don’t make it worth the money, people won’t come. Parking is hard too.
If youre strategic and use the loyalty card or opt for kids meals, you might find some good value. Otherwise, be aware that some items, particularly lunch, can feel a little pricey' for what you get, so set your expectations accordingly.
How are the prices at Submarina California?
On average, you’ll spend around 12 per person – from 35 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Sandwich Shop, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Interestingly, while the average is 12, a good chunk of diners also spend in the $1–$10 range, showing there are plenty of budget-friendly options alongside the slightly pricier ones.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 35 reviews.
See how this Sandwich Shop’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
For a Sandwich Shop in San Diego, we think this pricing feels quite fair. It offers flexibility, catering to those looking for a quick, affordable bite and those willing to spend a little more for a heartier meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Submarina California
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Best Sandwich in San Diego!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the best sandwich I’ve ever had in San Diego, and I highly recommend getting the peppered club – it was so good! Everything tasted and looked incredibly fresh.
The staff were all cheerful and friendly, contributing to a great atmosphere. The restaurant itself was generally clean and well-maintained.
- sandwich10
- peppered club10
- fresh ingredients9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Fantastic Sandwich and Service!
I was in town visiting and decided to stop by. My experience was excellent! The sandwich was 5/5 and the customer service was fantastic!
One of the staff members kindly recommended her favorites, and I went with the Santa Fe, which was delicious! I would definitely eat here again!
- sandwich10
- customer service10
- Santa Fe10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Sandwich and Service
My experience was great! I had a really nice sandwich with a good balance of fillings, veggies, and sauce. The pickup was quick, and they even recognized I was waiting, saving me time by handing me my sandwich instead of making me wait in line.
The service was excellent, and the food was delicious.
- sandwich9
- balance of fillings8
- veggies8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Simply the best sandwich place!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to the exceptional quality of their food. The bread, veggies, and sauces were all much better than many other sandwich places I've tried, even those recommended by others in the area. I'll definitely be back to rockin' it here!
- bread9
- veggies9
- sauces9
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Sandwiches and Great Atmosphere!
I stopped in for lunch today and had a fantastic experience. The sandwiches were great, and the bread was delicious. It was my first time eating here, and I was impressed.
The atmosphere was also a highlight, contributing to a very enjoyable meal.
- sandwiches9
- bread9
- atmosphere10
What Submarina California offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Submarina California Subs Rancho Bernardo?
You’ll find convenient free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of spaces. The restaurant is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom for your comfort.
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Submarina California Subs Rancho Bernardo?
You can enjoy a casual and quiet atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. They offer healthy options for lunch and dinner, with seating available. It’s also a great spot for kids, with high chairs provided, and catering services are available.
How does Submarina California rate overall, and what are its strongest areas?
Submarina has a good overall score of `7.8` and a `Customer Satisfaction` of `79.1%`. Its `Food` (8.1) and `Service` (7.8) are particularly well-regarded, while `Ambience` (6.9) is pleasant, and `Value` (5.5) is seen as average.
What makes Submarina's sandwiches stand out?
Customers frequently praise the `fresh bread` and `quality ingredients`, noting that the meat is often sliced right in front of them, contributing to a superior sandwich experience.
Are there any common issues customers experience at Submarina?
Some customers find the pricing a bit `pricey` for the portion size, and parking can be `challenging`. There are also occasional comments about inconsistent food preparation, such as `limited veggies` or `cold bacon`.