Aquino’s Deli — Restaurant in Carlsbad

I've had old school and new-school Italian heros in NYC (Regina's, Joey Roses), hoagies at Primanti Bros in PA, and some sandwiches in Texas by Northeast transplants. Trust me when I say this place is legit! Nice folks, too, who clearly take their product seriously. Great balance of high quality ingredients top to bottom. I had the Godfather-- an absolute classic Italian sandwich you could hand to anyone in NYC and get a fistbump and a "Nice, Bro!" I'll be back whenever I'm in town. Looking forward to trying more items. This is a significant culinary addition to Carlsbad... even the region!

Update: Also had the Crauti pastrami Reuben panini-- Incredibly good ingredients, generous and perfectly balanced component portions, and REAL housemade Russian dressing (not thousand island!). I prefer seeded rye, all things equal, but their unseeded marble is so good I'd take it over most seeded ryes.

Do get the Tiramisu! It's a traditional scratch recipe with egg & mascarpone, and the ladyfingers are fully saturated,...

I am new in town and was craving something fun and "not commercial." I found this cafe on maps and was instantly interested. I had the Margherita Sicilian and the pasta. The dough has a wonderful flavor and was thick and airy, but has that chew you look for in thicker crusts. This could easily be shared if with a friend (to make room for dessert 😉). The pasta was clean, subtle, and an amazing pallet escape from the richness of my pizza. So I recommend the combination. The person I encountered was pleasant and gave me some ideas of what I wanted as my first time. There is parking on the side of the building as well as in the back to make for easy accessibility. I already made my next meal plans here and will be trying some of the delicious desserts made from scratch in the house. You if haven't with this place.. You should. On a cute note, children get a free cookie if they finish half a sandwhich off the childs menu. Happy plates deserve...

What a pleasant surprise. I have always thought that a little deli that serves traditional Italian style sandwiches would be something that would really add flavor to this town's food scene (which to be honest is severely lacking.)

This is a charming down-home little place that has a welcoming vibe. We ordered a couple of the hero sandwiches and the tiramisu. The food was flavorful, fresh, satisfying and made with love.

Saw others order the pizzas and we shall be back to try that another day. This establishment has my...