Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Poma’s Italian – San Diego
Poma's Italian - San Diego
Photo from Poma’s Italian
Poma's Italian at a glance
San Diego Ocean Beach
- 🥪 Deli
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 54 of the guests
#131 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#6 Deli out of 13 in San Diego
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
345
Reviews
83.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious sandwiches
- Fast service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Parking difficulty
- No indoor seating
- Food inconsistencies
The deli Poma’s Italian in San Diego’s vibrant Ocean Beach neighborhood offers you a taste of authentic Italian flavors. When you’re craving a classic sub or a hearty sandwich, Poma’s Italian Deli is your go-to spot.
You can easily grab your order to go, making it perfect for a beach picnic or a quick lunch. Plus, with its convenient location, you’ll find it’s a welcoming stop for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Poma's Italian
Poma’s Italian offers a comforting experience, with many praising its delicious food that often evokes a sense of childhood. The service is frequently highlighted as fast and friendly, with staff going above and beyond.
While the value is generally seen as reasonable, some guests have noted challenges with parking. The atmosphere, though often described as having a pleasant beach vibe, has some limitations regarding indoor seating.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
345
Reviews
83.8%
Satisfaction
32
negative
24
neutral
289
positive
Poma’s Italian achieves a strong overall score of 8.3, with customer satisfaction at a healthy 83.8%. This positive reception is evident across 345 customer remarks, with a significant majority of 289 positive comments compared to just 32 negative ones.
The Food (8.5) and Service (8.5) are definite highlights, consistently earning high praise. While Ambience (7.1) and Value (7.6) also score well, they round out a generally positive experience, indicating a reliable choice for many.
What people like
- Delicious sandwiches
- Friendly, fast service
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Challenging parking
- No indoor seating
- Specific food issues
With a strong recommendation score of 8.6, Poma’s Italian appears to be a solid choice, especially if you’re seeking delicious, well-priced sandwiches and friendly service. It’s a place that clearly resonates with many.
However, be prepared for potential parking challenges and the absence of indoor seating. If these aren’t deal-breakers for you, Poma’s Italian is certainly worth a visit for a satisfying and casual meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Poma's Italian
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot truly shines, earning a good score of 8.5 and a good customer satisfaction of 85.2%. With 213 positive comments out of 250 total, guests consistently rave about the delicious Meatball sandwiches, flavorful Roast Beef, and the amazing bread that makes every bite a joy. Many also appreciate the generous portion size, ensuring a satisfying meal.
However, a few of the 20 negative comments point to minor hiccups. Some found the presentation lacking, while others weren't keen on specific hot sandwich toppings like lettuce or whole peppers. There were also a couple of mentions of disappointing pasta dishes, suggesting some items might not hit the mark as consistently as others.
Food
250
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
20
negative
17
neutral
213
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious sandwiches
- Excellent bread
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Disappointing pasta
- Hot sandwich toppings
- Presentation issues
Often praised
- foodI have only eaten here twice, and I love this place. The food tastes like childhood <3.
- breadqualité du pain style baguette française plutôt bonne et croustillante
- sandwichesPoma's sandwiches every Sunday for dinner. Simple but OH, so GOOD!!
- sandwichEverything about this sandwich is legit
- meatball subthe turkey sub with pepperoni and the meatball sub and both where delishious
- torpedoMeatball sub and torpedo were both pretty good
- FoodFood:5
- Meatball subMeatball sub and torpedo were both pretty good
- Torpedo sandwicheat that Torpedo sandwich because of how good it was
- meatballstoasted roll, meatballs, and marinara sauce are just as good as ever
Frequently criticized
- lasagnaLasagna not the best. Tasted good but almost like a soup so much sauce was used.
- sandwichordered a cold sandwich after I told him
- Italian combo torpedoAll bread and barley any meat on it
- Italian rollsthey serve Italian rolls instead of french rolls
- Roast Beef SandwichGot a Roast Beef Sandwich. This specific sandwich should never be served hot.
- garbagetake peoples money for garbage
- ham & provolone subI didn't like that it had mayo on it
- lettucebeaucoup de salade type laitue iceberg
- lettuce on a hot sandwichWhy on earth would you put lettuce on a hot sandwich.
- meatbarley any meat on it
If youre craving a fantastic sandwich with amazing bread and generous portions, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of specific hot sandwich toppings or if youre considering their pasta dishes, as they might not always live up to the high standard of their subs.
Service (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.5 and a customer satisfaction rate of 87.2%, its clear that most folks are leaving happy. Out of 47 remarks, a whopping 41 praise the friendly staff, quick service, and great hospitality, often going above and beyond to make your meal enjoyable.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups. A small handful of 3 comments mentioned instances of unprofessional attitude or being turned away during business hours. While these experiences are rare, they do suggest there's a tiny bit of room for improvement in consistency.
Service
47
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
3
negative
3
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Unprofessional attitude
- Turned away early
Often praised
- serviceMy go-to order is always the roast beef special with cheese. The service is fast, and the sandwich itself has consistently been the best. I would highly recommend Poma's.
- Servicewithin 10 minutes they hand you your order
- staffThe staff is always chill.
- customer servicego above and beyond in the customer service department
- AbbyLet Abby help you out
- StaffStaff is super friendly
- family traditioncarries on with the family tradition
- friendlierThe crew couldn't be friendlier
- grandkidsthey loved it today
- guy behind the windowthe guy behind the windiw is phenomanal!
Frequently criticized
- Poma'sPoma's for turning me away during business hours
- attitudecontinued with an attitude
- servicewas very unprofessional
If youre looking for a place with generally stellar service, youre likely in for a treat. While a rare misstep might occur, the overwhelming consensus points to a friendly and efficient experience that makes it well worth a visit.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
Many find the ambiance here quite charming, with a solid score of 7.1, reflecting a generally good experience. Customers often praise its gem of the neighborhood feel, the beach vibe, and the down home feel. With 18 positive remarks, guests particularly enjoy the tables outside for people watching in the California sunshine.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 66.7%, indicating some areas for improvement. A significant drawback for some, highlighted in 6 negative comments, is the atmosphere being lacking due to the absence of inside seating. Additionally, parking can be quite challenging, which detracts from the overall experience.
Ambience
27
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Neighborhood gem
- Outdoor seating
- Chill beach vibe
What people don't like
- No indoor seating
- Tough parking
- Lacking atmosphere
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was equally impressive with a score of 5
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- California sunshineenjoy it in the warm California sunshine
- beach vibebeach vibe always chill
- breath of fresh aira breath of fresh air
- businessI see people walking up to the window left and right
- down home feelloved the down home feel
- family atmospherethis place is family and a breath of fresh air
- gem of the neighborhoodA gem of the neighborhood
- people watchingPeople watching outside is good
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere was a significant drawback
- ParkingParking was a bear
- inside seatingThe service also received a top score of 5 stars. However, the atmosphere was a significant drawback, only receiving 2 stars because there is no longer any inside seating available. While people-watching from the outside seating is enjoyable, the lack of indoor options limits the overall ambiance.
- parkingParking can be tough because there's no designated parking spots
If youre looking for a casual spot with a lively outdoor atmosphere and dont mind a bit of a hunt for parking, this place could be a real treat. However, if indoor seating or easy parking are priorities, you might find the experience less appealing.
Value (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at a strong 81%, its clear most diners feel theyre getting a good deal. Many rave about the price point, great prices, and overall value, especially for the quality and portion sizes.
Out of 21 total opinions, a whopping 17 were positive, highlighting everything from affordable menus to fair pricing. However, a few folks did mention some minor hiccups. While the food's price is often praised, a couple of comments touched on the overall price experience, specifically regarding parking and lot charges.
These three negative mentions suggest that while the menu offers great value, external costs like parking can sometimes detract from the perceived affordability.
Value
21
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great price point
- Amazing value
- Affordable menu
What people don't like
- Parking costs
Often praised
- pricegood food at a reasonable price
- pricesprices are more than reasonable
- Great pricesGreat prices for quality food.
- eggplant parmfor a reasonable $10
- fair priceTo complete the experience, they provided fresh, juicy pepperoncinis with the order. All of this was offered at a really fair price. I can't beat Poma's!
- great price pointThe bread used is fantastic, a welcome change from the typical American bread that often tastes like cardboard and stays unnaturally fresh for weeks. Poma's Italian Deli offers delicious food at a great price point.
- menueverything on the menu is affordable
- price per personWe enjoyed a delicious lunch, and the recommended dish was the Roast Beef. The price per person was between $10–20.
- price pointprice point is great considering the times
- pricingCan’t beat the pricing
Frequently criticized
- lot chargesThe nearest lot charges $10
- parkingonly problem, no parking, had to pay $14 to park across the street
- priceNot worth 5 stars or $10
If you're looking for quality food without breaking the bank, this place is definitely worth checking out for its excellent value. Just be mindful of potential parking costs, as that seems to be the main external factor affecting the overall perceived price.
How are the prices at Poma's Italian?
Youre looking at roughly $17 per person – reported by 54 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Deli, its comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most folks stick right within that $11–$20 sweet spot, so prices are pretty consistent around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 54 reviews.
How this spot’s value stacks up against similar restaurants in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Deli. Its a solid choice if youre looking for good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Poma's Italian
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Torpedo Sandwich & Meatballs!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely amazing. I highly recommend ordering the torpedo sandwich and asking for it "hot" to have it toasted. Their meatballs are also on par with the best I've had in Chicago and New York.
It's a true gem of the neighborhood.
- torpedo sandwich10
- meatballs10
- gem of the neighborhood10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
6
Bread Improved, Atmosphere Lacking
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The bread seems to have changed since my last visit, but it was still decent. The atmosphere was quite lacking, scoring a 2 out of 5.
While the food received a 3 out of 5, the overall experience was impacted by the ambiance.
- bread6
- food6
- atmosphere2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Best Sandos and Garlic Bread!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the best sandos in OB, and their garlic bread is out of this world. The portions are huge, and everything on the menu is affordable.
I especially appreciated that you can’t beat the pricing. The staff is super friendly and they are always very sweet to my dog, going above and beyond in the customer service department. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out!
Foxtrot says “thank you for the treats! ”
- sandos10
- garlic bread10
- portions9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Eggplant Parm and Subs!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I tried their eggplant parm, and it was truly amazing. The subs were also fantastic.
This place is a real gem.
- eggplant parm10
- subs9
- place9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Best Turkey Sandwich Ever!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best turkey sandwich I have ever had. The ingredients were so fresh, and I absolutely loved the bread.
Thank you for a wonderful meal!
- turkey sandwich10
- ingredients9
- bread9
What Poma's Italian offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Service Options
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
FAQs
What convenient service options are available at Poma's Italian Deli?
At Poma’s Italian Deli, you can easily enjoy their delicious offerings with convenient takeout service. Whether you’re planning a meal at home or a picnic by the beach, simply place your order and pick it up to savor authentic Italian flavors on the go.
Does Poma's Italian Deli offer accessible facilities and parking?
Yes, Poma’s Italian Deli is committed to welcoming all guests, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance for your convenience. Additionally, you’ll find free street parking readily available nearby, making your visit hassle-free and enjoyable.
How does Poma's Italian generally perform?
Poma’s Italian holds a strong overall score of 8.3, with high marks for Food (8.5) and Service (8.5). Value (7.6) and Ambience (7.1) also contribute positively to its reputation.
What do customers appreciate most about the food at Poma's Italian?
Many customers enjoy the sandwiches, often describing them as simple yet delicious, with quality bread and comforting flavors reminiscent of childhood.
Are there any common concerns about the dining experience at Poma's Italian?
Some customers have noted difficulties with parking and the lack of indoor seating, which can impact the overall atmosphere for some.