Santa Barbara Market — Attraction in Vancouver

I've been coming here for about 10 years. I love the selection at the deli, and the fact they have both meat and cheese ends for when you want to try something new. I love that they allow taster samples as well while browsing. The prices were absolutely amazing, as well as the fact that the deli workers were so attentive to preparing your order as requested (the right thinness of the meat, how you wanted it stacked and wrapped etc.).

Prior to the ownership change, 5 stars. Easily.

Since the ownership change: Most of the practices have remained the same, as far as I can tell. The deli staff haven't been that bad for me (like other reviews mention). They are still patient and will fulfill your order correctly. You can still buy meat and cheese ends, and have samples. The selection has been cut a lot, maybe by half. My prized smoked gorgonzola is no longer there, and nowhere else stocks it (which I have been able to find). I ask them, every time I am there, to bring it back; they say that they make note of the request, but I don't expect anything unfortunately. The prices have gradually gone up, but it doesn't seem that extreme or like the ownership change had much to do with it (more just the general inflation over the years).

I am concerned about them wanting to gradually/eventually turn it into a "Persian deli", as I am not sure how that would further affect the selection...

Sorry guys. I don’t know what has happened but since the last time the store changed ownership the prices have steadily been going up up up. We have been customers since the mid 90’s and would travel there from the West End and save about 30%. Those days are sadly over. The variety in the deli section is exceptional but the prices are unfortunately no longer competitive. We drop by occasionally if we’re in the area but it’s not worthwhile to go out of our way anymore. Sorry guys. Sad but true.(this review was in 2020) Fast forward to July 2025 = I’m not sure if it’s new owners again but some ni$e new coolers have been installed. Looks like they are trying to pay for them asap ! We pay around $3.00 for 1 litre of 2% milk. Here it’s $4.60 ! Over 50% more. There are 3 types of apples beside each other and one price. When you pay it costs more ! Local corn $.19 more per cob. Local peaches $4.49 at City Avenue $2.69 = $1.80 / lb more 50% !!! They save $ by using cheap thin wax paper to wrap the deli meats. Come on guys. Get with the program....

Santa Barbara has always been my go to for deli meats with their vast selection, great prices, and the meats always tasted great with the high turnover rate of the meats.

Fast forward to today a year since ive visited, I moved away from the area but made a special visit to grab some deli meats and cheeses. When I walked in I was shocked by the lack of customers, you usually grab a ticket and wait at the deli counter, the tickets system no longer even existed, that was my first clue something was wrong. The selection of meats and cheeses were about half from my previous visit and the prices jacked up!!! I instantly figured it out they had new owners and what a disaster this is , I still proceeded to buy some meats and cheeses to try it out and wow when I got home they tasted bad like they had been sitting a long time and it makes sense as they have no customers and the meat just sits opened. I will never go back this business lost what they had with the new owners...