Castelli’s Caffe & Deli. Seacliff area — Restaurant in California

My friend and I saw great reviews on Facebook groups and decided to try it.

The place is hard to find and google maps directs you to one side of the street when it's really the other. Parking may be limited depending on when you go, there is 1 parking spot for the deli in the lot but may be more street parking.

Most of the staff is new and friendly. The owner is there helping and they are attentive.

Overall, the food is overpriced for the quality you get. I describe it as overpriced frozen food.

We ordered a chicken parm and Pantheon. The chicken parm is described as breaded Chicken, what you get is a pre-frozen chicken patty, reminiscent of school lunches. The meatballs in the Pantheon taste like pre-frozen Costco meatballs.

Was it tasty? Sure. Did I expect frozen food from an Italian Deli? no. For the prices I paid, I expected fresh ingredients.

If you're looking for fresh sandwhiches with unique takes on classic flavors, I recommend a variety of other local sandwhich places.

Perhaps they're just getting their footing and their quality of ingredients will...

A good deli sandwich is truly one of my favorite things to eat. While I am not super picky there are definitely things that set a really good deli sandwich above others.. the ratio of ingredients, the type and texture of the bread, the order of assembly, and of course the quality of fresh ingredients. I stopped in late in the afternoon on a Monday and was greeted by the friendly owner and no wait. I decided to build my own turkey with everything and opted for the soft ciabatta (I have jaw issues). My plan was to take the sandwich home to enjoy but it never made it home! I couldn't wait to eat it and ended up devouring it on the drive home lol. And It was absolutely delicious down to the very last bite! I loved the fluffy bread and it had just the right amount of spread and ticked all the boxes. I also sampled a hazelnut beignet while waiting and it was so good, it literally melted in my mouth! So happy to have Castelli's in my neighborhood and can't wait to come back and try all their signature sandwiches. I think it is safe to say they make one of the best...

Wow. Always thought it’d be nice to alas have a decent true Italian deli in Sta Crx - came upon this spot today. Nastiest attitude of the woman taking orders and money and worst food you could possibly choke down. For $30!!! one could get a better sandwich at 7-11. Got the Spicy Italian and Mac salad - salad was undercooked and the sandwitch was like eating not just cat meat but the entire cat. Argh! Bread stale, silly bland processed meats, slab of tasteless cheese, no tomato’s or peppers or sauce and the worst that stringy white no nutritional cabbage lettuce to gag on. They don’t even make there own meatballs - oi vey I felt bad gifting it to the junkie standing on the median down the street. I didn’t want to encourage him.. ( I mean to stay away from this sad deli also..). Seriously county could have done better permitting a dumpster there. Cut out the middle man robbery.

Update: check photo 2.

From Deke’s on 7th (near the harbor). THAT’S what a sandwich should look and taste like / best in Santa Cruz - Deke’s thank you! ...