30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Long Beach
Master Critic Review
JJ Italian Deli
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family Friendly Favorites
An Italian-Vietnamese deli counter built around Boar's Head cold cuts, scratch-made eggplant parmesan, and homemade meatballs — with Vietnamese coffee as a quiet left-field addition that regulars know to order. The portions run generous for the price, making it a reliable lunch stop for anyone who treats a good sandwich as a serious meal. Expect a bare-bones deli setup next to a Taco Bell parking lot; come for what's between the bread, not the ambiance.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Longshoreman, Eggplant Parmesan, The Long Beach Special
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Italian-Vietnamese deli built on Boar's Head premium meats, homemade meatballs, and scratch-made eggplant parmesan — with Vietnamese coffee on the side.
Who should go: Sandwich lovers craving generous deli portions at fair prices
When to visit: Weekday lunch for full menu; closed Sundays
What to order: Start with The Longshoreman — their loaded signature hot sandwich — add a Vietnamese coffee, and grab eggplant parm if you want a hot plate instead
Insider tip: The eggplant and marinara sauce are both made in-house daily
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot right next to the shop, but the adjacent lot is reserved for the neighboring Taco Bell—street parking on Long Beach Blvd is your safest bet
Dress code: Come as you are—tiny counter-service deli, shorts and flip-flops welcome
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Veggie sandwich available with mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato, pickles, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, onions, and avocado
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - this is a casual, counter-service deli with a divey, no-frills vibe. Great for a low-key lunch hangout, but the atmosphere is more buddy-grab-a-sandwich than romantic dinner. If your date appreciates hidden gems and cares more about incredible sandwiches than ambiance, it could work as a fun, casual first meet-up spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - this is a walk-in-friendly deli. No reservation needed for most visits. It's a small shop so seating can fill up during the lunch rush (roughly 11:30am-1pm on weekdays), but turnover is fast since it's counter-service. Off-peak hours you'll have no trouble grabbing a spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - the casual deli atmosphere is very kid-friendly. The menu has plenty of approachable options like sandwiches and pasta that work well for younger eaters. The laid-back vibe means nobody will bat an eye at noisy little ones. A solid family lunch spot, especially on weekends when they open at 11am.
Is it good for groups? For small groups (4-5), it works well as a casual lunch spot. For larger gatherings, the deli offers catering services which would be the better route - contact them directly at (562) 607-2610 to arrange. Indoor seating is limited given the small deli format, so large parties dining in may be tight.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes - there is a dog-friendly patio with outdoor seating. A nice option for enjoying your sandwich in the California weather. Specific details on coverage or heating are not confirmed - call ahead if weather is a factor.
Best For
Better for: A quick, massive deli sandwich at a steal—order-at-the-counter and grab a seat, perfect for a fast family lunch without the fuss
Consider Alternatives If: You want a sit-down dinner vibe with table service—this is a tiny grab-and-go deli, not a restaurant
Hours
Monday8am - 8pm
Tuesday8am - 8pm
Wednesday8am - 8pm
Thursday8am - 8pm
Friday8am - 8pm
Saturday11am - 8pm
Sunday11am - 5pm