Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Cloud 9 Deli – San Diego
Cloud 9 Deli - San Diego
Photo from Cloud 9 Deli
Cloud 9 Deli at a glance
San Diego Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District
- 🍔 American Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 11 – 20 €
mentioned by 91 of the guests
#180 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#5 American Restaurant out of 24 in San Diego
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
511
Reviews
82.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Sandwich quality
- Friendly staff
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- Outdoor cleanliness
- Limited seating
The American restaurant, Cloud 9 Deli, in San Diego’s vibrant Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District, offers a delightful culinary experience. You’ll find a casual spot perfect for any meal, whether you’re seeking healthy options or a quick bite.
This welcoming eatery provides a diverse menu, ensuring there’s something for everyone. It’s a fantastic choice for a relaxed dining experience in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Cloud 9 Deli
Cloud 9 Deli offers a compelling experience, largely driven by its well-regarded sandwiches and the genuinely friendly staff. Patrons often highlight the warm atmosphere and the quality ingredients that make their meals satisfying.
It’s a spot where many feel a real passion for food. However, some visits can be hampered by considerable wait times for orders, which can be a point of frustration.
There have also been observations regarding space maintenance outside the establishment, suggesting areas for improvement in the overall environment.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
511
Reviews
82.6%
Satisfaction
69
negative
20
neutral
422
positive
Cloud 9 Deli maintains a respectable overall score of 8.1, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 82.6%, indicating that most visitors leave content with their meal and visit.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 511 customer remarks, with 422 positive observations outweighing 69 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (8.4) truly stands out, earning the highest marks for its quality and variety.
Value (7.7) also scores well, suggesting that what you pay aligns nicely with what you receive. The Service (7.6) is consistently rated as good, while the Ambience (7.3) provides a pleasant, if sometimes busy, backdrop for your meal.
What people like
- Exceptional sandwich quality
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Great value for money
What people don't like
- Significant wait times
- Poor outdoor space maintenance
- Limited seating
Cloud 9 Deli presents a strong case for a satisfying meal, particularly if you prioritize well-crafted food and a welcoming interaction. With a recommendation score of 8.3, it’s clear that many find it a worthwhile stop, especially for its core offerings and approachable pricing.
If you’re not in a rush and appreciate a deli with character, it’s certainly worth a visit. However, be mindful of potential wait times and the outdoor environment.
For a reliable, tasty sandwich experience, Cloud 9 Deli generally delivers.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cloud 9 Deli
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.4 and a customer satisfaction rate of 89%, its clear that most diners are leaving happy. Out of 319 comments, a whopping 284 rave about the amazing sandwiches, wide variety of options, and the quality meats, often highlighting the freshness and flavor.
However, not every bite is perfect. A smaller number of 26 comments mentioned some issues, such as dry fillings, old or burnt bread, and even a sandwich tasting entirely of pickle juice due to a mishap. While these instances are few, they point to occasional inconsistencies in preparation or attention to detail.
Food
319
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
26
negative
9
neutral
284
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing sandwich variety
- High quality ingredients
- Freshness and flavor
What people don't like
- Occasional dry fillings
- Inconsistent bread quality
- Pickle mishaps
Often praised
- foodI’ve been coming here regularly since they 1st opened. The staff is very friendly and you’re not going to find a deli in downtown with food this good especially at this price point. My only gripe is that the menu on their website is outdated and doesn’t have everything that they actually offer listed online.
- sandwichesThis is hands down the best sandwich spot I've ever been to. The sandwiches are unbelievably fresh, packed with flavor, and crafted with care. Every bite was perfection—from the crisp veggies to the perfectly toasted bread and high-quality meats.
- menuMy experience at this cool little deli was fantastic. They make great sandwiches with a large menu and good drink options. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a 5.
- sandwichKid got a cheeseburger and the partner got a sandwich. Both were satisfied with their meals.
- huge menuMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The place boasts a huge menu, and the food is superb. I particularly enjoyed the clam chowder, which was super good.
- food qualitydon’t be worried about food quality with their huge menu
- qualitythe quality and portion size were excellent for the price
- breadThe sandwiches are unbelievably fresh, packed with flavor, and crafted with care. Every bite was perfection—from the crisp veggies to the perfectly toasted bread and high-quality meats. Mark has created such a warm and welcoming environment that makes you want to stay awhile.
- dessertstheir desserts are divine
- smoothiesthe food and smoothies were delicious
Frequently criticized
- foodWorst food ever!!!
- ABC wrapbreakfast wrap had chopped up flabby bacon. Very unpleasant
- Asian saladOrdered Asian salad and trashed everything
- Fillet Mignon sandwichit was overcooked
- FoodFood:1
- French DipFrench Dip meat was very dry and dip very cold
- Monte Cristomonte cristo was under battered and burnt on one side
- The RachelRachel was underdressed and not much balance
- acai bowl qualityQuality of acai bowl was lacking
- baconBacon fell into the same category as the chicken, dry and off tasting
If you're looking for a place with a huge menu and generally fantastic sandwiches made with quality ingredients, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few diners have encountered minor issues with consistency, so keep an eye out for those details.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7.6 score. With 87 positive remarks out of 128 total, customers frequently praise the friendly staff, great service, and impeccable customer service. Many found the team welcoming, helpful, and genuinely caring, often highlighting specific individuals for their outstanding efforts and efficient service speed.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a 68% mixed bag, largely due to recurring issues. About 32 negative comments point to significant wait time concerns, order timing transparency problems, and a generally slow process. Guests sometimes experienced long waits for food, forgotten orders, or reordering, especially during busy periods.
Service
128
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
32
negative
9
neutral
87
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Great customer service
- Caring owner/team
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Order timing issues
- Slow service process
Often praised
- serviceMark has created such a warm and welcoming environment that makes you want to stay awhile. The service is friendly, and you can tell there’s a real passion behind every sandwich that comes out of the kitchen. In all my years of eating out, there’s only been one place where I’ve ever ordered two full meals in one sitting, and Cloud 9 Deli just became the first sandwich shop.
- staffThis man has been blessed by the sandwich angels! I want to eat EVERYTHING on this menu, and the staff are so sweet <3. I can't stop eating here.
- customer service2. John is made for customer service. He's energetic, friendly, and I'm hopeful he takes over more of East Village with his good ideas and great ingredients.
- ownerThe owner was great and so hospitable!
- workersI’ve tried 5 different sandwiches/wraps so far and every single one was amazing. The prices are reasonable and the workers are all extremely kind.
- JohnJohn is made for customer service. He’s energetic, friendly
- employeesThe employees have always been super nice
- friendly staffThe ham and salami were smoked very nicely, and the satisfying crunch from the vegetables left a refreshing taste with every bite. The service was contagiously good, and the atmosphere felt like a good ol' corner store deli with very friendly staff. I will definitely be eating here again!
- guy behind the counterEveryone was stoked on their meal, praising the huge portions and great quality. I'm big on customer service, and the guy behind the counter was so kind and conversational. We're stoked to have a great new local eatery!
- waitThe food quality is high for the price. Although it's a small spot, it's definitely worth the wait. They serve alcohol, which would pair well with the sandwiches.
Frequently criticized
- wait timethere is always about a 30 minute wait for orders
- orderHowever, on my second visit the following week for an açaí bowl for breakfast, my experience was quite different. Despite being first in line, it took 20 minutes to receive my order, while others who ordered food and smoothies seemed to have received theirs before me. To make matters worse, they forgot about my order, lost the ticket, and I had to reorder.
- servicea clear lack of care and surprisingly poor service
- waiting timeyou should order online if your in a rush
- ServiceService:1
- apologyleft with no apology
- cash systemdon’t have a cash system
- computer systemcomputer system shut down
- cooksthose cooks are slow
- long waitthere is always a long wait
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly and welcoming staff, youll likely be impressed. Just be prepared for potential wait times, especially if you're on a tight schedule, as order speed can be a hit or miss.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 76.6%. Many rave about the welcoming environment and great atmosphere, often highlighting the indoor and outdoor seating options and pleasant music. Its seen as a "quaint place" and a "local eatery" with a clean "space, " drawing 36 positive remarks out of 47 total.
However, its not without its quirks. Some patrons noted limited seating and significant concerns about space maintenance, particularly regarding dog waste cleanup and chemical disposal near the sidewalk. These issues, mentioned in 9 negative opinions, can detract from the overall neighborhood vibe for some, impacting the outdoor experience.
Ambience
47
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming environment
- Indoor/outdoor seating
- Good music
What people don't like
- Poor space maintenance
- Dog waste issues
- Limited seating
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere is a good ol corner store deli
- spaceMy experience at this deli has been fantastic, quickly making it an East Village staple. The food is absolutely delicious, and the space is consistently spotless, clean, and inviting. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating.
- environmentEvery bite was perfection—from the crisp veggies to the perfectly toasted bread and high-quality meats. Mark has created such a warm and welcoming environment that makes you want to stay awhile. The service is friendly, and you can tell there’s a real passion behind every sandwich that comes out of the kitchen.
- musicWith various ballads playing over their sound system including Air Supply, you can help but feel relaxed
- 1950's musicplaying 1950's music which made the experience even better
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- RestaurantRestaurant was clean
- always busyreason they are always busy
- comfortable seatingThe service was very welcoming and friendly. They offer comfortable seating inside and outside. If you work downtown or make downtown your destination often, you will love Cloud 9 Deli.
- favorite placesone of my favorite places in East Village
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- chemical disposalHowever, my enthusiasm quickly turned to disappointment after witnessing how poorly the space is maintained. It’s disheartening to see the lack of care regarding dogs and their waste on the sidewalk, and I’ve observed them disposing of water mixed with chemicals and grease near the trees and sidewalk. Unfortunately, this negligence impacted my own dog, who became sick just from walking by the space.
- dog waste cleanuplack of care dogs are left to dump on the sidewalk without proper cleanup
- morningNot the best way to start the morning
- neighborhood vibeUnfortunately, this negligence impacted my own dog, who became sick just from walking by the space. It’s concerning for the health of our pets, the environment, and the overall vibe of our neighborhood. I hope they take steps to improve their practices because a business should contribute to the community, not harm it.
- pet healthIt’s disheartening to see the lack of care regarding dogs and their waste on the sidewalk, and I’ve observed them disposing of water mixed with chemicals and grease near the trees and sidewalk. Unfortunately, this negligence impacted my own dog, who became sick just from walking by the space. It’s concerning for the health of our pets, the environment, and the overall vibe of our neighborhood.
- seatingSeating is limited
- space maintenanceI was excited to try Cloud 9 Deli and support a new spot in our neighborhood. However, my enthusiasm quickly turned to disappointment after witnessing how poorly the space is maintained. It’s disheartening to see the lack of care regarding dogs and their waste on the sidewalk, and I’ve observed them disposing of water mixed with chemicals and grease near the trees and sidewalk.
- trash canthe one indoor trash can completely full and overflowing
If you're seeking a generally welcoming spot with good seating options and a pleasant vibe, this place is worth checking out. Just be mindful of potential outdoor cleanliness issues and limited indoor seating, which might affect your experience.
Value (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
The value here is definitely a strong point, scoring a solid 7.7 and boasting a fantastic customer satisfaction of 88.2%. With 15 positive remarks out of 17 total, its clear customers are happy with the "fair prices, " "reasonable prices, " and "affordable" options. Many found the quality and portion sizes excellent for the cost, especially for a downtown location, even highlighting "good price on draft beers.
" However, not every experience was perfect, with only 2 negative comments noted. Some guests expressed disappointment when a "discount" wasnt honored, and one unfortunate diner felt their experience resulted in money and food wasted due to the quality.
Value
17
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair prices
- Good portions
- Affordable downtown
What people don't like
- Discount issues
- Wasted food
Often praised
- pricesI’ve tried 5 different sandwiches/wraps so far and every single one was amazing. The prices are reasonable and the workers are all extremely kind.
- pricequality and portion size were excellent for the price. I’ve paid much more elsewhere for far less
- affordableIt’s affordable - some of those sandwiches are easily two meals
- fair pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I went for a quick lunch to celebrate my birthday, and the food was excellent, especially considering the fair prices. The staff and owner were wonderful and incredibly welcoming.
- good price on draft beersDuring a work conference in San Diego, we explored many places, but this diner was by far the best we found for dinner. I highly recommend this diner for its great food, great service, and good price on draft beers. Please support this local business!
- price pointI’ve been coming here regularly since they 1st opened. The staff is very friendly and you’re not going to find a deli in downtown with food this good especially at this price point. My only gripe is that the menu on their website is outdated and doesn’t have everything that they actually offer listed online.
- priced fairlyMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The sandwiches were incredible and priced fairly. I was particularly impressed by the staff member, who seemed to be the owner or manager, as he genuinely cared about our enjoyment of the meal.
- reasonable pricesreasonable prices for downtown and the quality
Frequently criticized
- discountthey would not honor the discount no more
- money and food wastedIt was disgusting, and I threw it out. Money and food wasted.
If youre searching for a spot that offers great bang for your buck, this restaurant seems to hit the mark with its fair and reasonable prices. Its definitely worth trying if you prioritize good value and generous portions, but just be mindful if you're relying on a specific discount.
How are the prices at Cloud 9 Deli?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 91 diners. That puts it in the 11 – 20 € category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests (71 out of 91) spend within this 11 – 20 € range, showing prices cluster nicely around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 91 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar restaurants in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an American Restaurant in San Diego. It offers a good balance without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cloud 9 Deli
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Great Food, Limited Seating
My experience at the restaurant was marked by great food and service. I particularly enjoyed the fresh bread and the generous portions for the hot sandwiches. However, be aware that the seating is limited, so it's advisable to plan your visit accordingly.
- food10
- service10
- fresh bread9
- seating4
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
1
Terrible Experience, Avoid This Place
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative. I tried giving the place the benefit of the doubt and sampled a lot of their offerings, but it was all just trash. The food was awful, and the overall experience was extremely disappointing.
- food1
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
1
Worst food ever!
My experience at the restaurant was extremely negative. I ordered the chicken wrap, Asian salad, and steak sandwich. After taking just the first bites, we trashed everything.
The food was the worst I've ever had.
- chicken wrap1
- Asian salad1
- steak sandwich1
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Incredible Breakfast Burgers!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had some of the best food I have ever tasted. The breakfast burgers were absolutely to die for.
The food quality was a perfect 5/5, and the atmosphere was also rated a 5/5. The service was excellent, also receiving a 5/5 rating.
- food10
- breakfast burgers10
- Atmosphere10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Legit BBQ Chicken Wrap!
I never write reviews, but this place was legit. I’m bummed I never discovered it earlier. I got the bbq chicken wrap, and it was sooo good.
- bbq chicken wrap10
What Cloud 9 Deli offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Salad bar
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility features and parking options are available at Cloud 9 Deli?
Cloud 9 Deli ensures a comfortable visit with wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating. For your convenience, you’ll find both free and paid street parking options readily available when you visit.
Does Cloud 9 Deli cater to families and offer diverse dining choices?
Absolutely! Cloud 9 Deli is good for kids, providing a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, with healthy options, small plates, and even late-night food. Plus, your dogs are welcome both inside and outside.
How does Cloud 9 Deli perform overall?
Cloud 9 Deli earns a solid 8.1 overall, with strong marks for its Food (8.4), Value (7.7), Service (7.6), and Ambience (7.3).
What do customers appreciate most about Cloud 9 Deli?
Patrons frequently praise the high quality and flavor of the sandwiches, the friendly staff, and the reasonable prices that offer good value.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Cloud 9 Deli?
Some customers have noted long wait times for orders and expressed concerns about the space maintenance outside, particularly regarding cleanliness.