Papa Napoli Italian Deli — Restaurant in Santa Maria

Was passing through and thought an italian sandwich sounded good. This place is not too far from the 101, so headed over. Its a relatively small place and decorated very italian. The lady the took my order was very nice. I decided on a half hot pastrami sandwich, a macaroni salad side, and a cannoli. It was not a long wait before I got my food. I started eating it right away. The half sandwich is pretty small which would have been ok if it made up in tastiness. It didn't. Flavors ok. But the meat was tough and hard. Very tough to eat. Definitely over cooked. And they included a whole peppercini pepper! Should have been slices throughout so you get it throughout the sandwich. The only thing good about the sandwich was the bread. I have never had a hot pastrami like that. Next, the macaroni salad. WAY too much mayo. And to me it was bland. I only got the mayo taste, nothing else. Lastly, the cannoli. I have had many cannolis around the USA and even Italy. Need to take a cannoli class. Bland, no flavor whatsoever. I looked at it right when i got in my vegicle and it already had watery substance in it. Sgould necer happen to a cannoli when someone first receives it. A true cannoli should be creamy with italian goodness. Not sure what this was. Even got a second opinion and they agreed with me on all the food. Completely disappointed. Will not be back. Waste...

Talk about a tempting place to eat. Papa Napoli's is a family-owned business that makes their meatballs and sauce on Mondays. They do a lot of pre prep for the week on Mondays and the entire strip mall they're located in smells like meatballs and sauce and deliciousness. Their sauce is traditionally a thinner sauce with stronger basil and oregano taste to it. It is delightful but I am more fond of the thicker style. They are known for their hot pastrami sandwich.. I haven't tried it yet but I hear that it's wonderful. I guess that's a reason to come back and try the restaurant again when I'm in town. I did try their cannoli and it was good. The shell wad premade and it would have been nice had the chocolate chips been a little smaller but it was tasty nonetheless. One thing I thought was really cute was generations of family pictures on the walls and every table had a deck of cards and a small Jenga set to enjoy...

Papa Napoli's Italian Deli is hands down the best Italian deli on the Central Coast. Not only are they family-owned, but also all of their family works there.

The staff are passionate about what they do and offer the highest quality meats, cheeses and toppings for your sandwich. Their Italian dressing is absolutely delicious!

I always order the Papa's Combo but their meatball and pastrami sandwiches are amazing too!

I always order the Papa's Combo, Pastrami Sandwich or Meatball sandwich. If I order the Papa's Combo, I get the dressing on the side because I like to use a lot on my sandwich.

Everything I've ever ordered here is delicious and fresh. I crave these sandwiches weekly and absolutely love this place. Don't miss your opportunity to try their amazing sandwiches and meet the family behind this...