Zoccoli's Delicatessen - Santa Cruz, California

Sean ?.

**

A Taste of Tradition at Zoccoli’s, a Santa Cruz Mainstay

In the heart of downtown Santa Cruz sits Zoccoli’s, an Italian delicatessen whose unassuming charm has endured since it opened its doors in 1948. Family-run and bustling, it thrives on a blend of nostalgia and efficiency, consistently drawing in locals who treat the establishment as a second home.

On a recent afternoon, I found myself sitting inside, taking in the steady rhythm of customers flowing in and out with practiced ease. My choice, the Mediterranean sandwich, arrived generously layered with mortadella, salami, prosciutto, and provolone cheese, accented by vibrant chopped peppers and an earthy olive spread. The French roll was hearty—perhaps slightly too much bread relative to the fillings—but the overall balance remained deeply satisfying.

Behind the counter, staff members moved briskly, exchanging familiar greetings while swiftly preparing sandwiches moments after orders were placed. Their warmth was genuine and their efficiency notable, reinforcing the sense of community woven into Zoccoli’s identity.

Price-wise, the experience remains refreshingly accessible, an increasing rarity in today’s delicatessen scene. Zoccoli’s does not aim to dazzle with novelty; rather, it stays faithful to the principles of quality, consistency, and affordability. It is easy to see why, after so many decades, the shop remains a cherished landmark in the fabric of Santa Cruz.

Jason A.

Great Italian Delicatessen. It's been there since the early forties. Great sandwiches. You can also purchase a half a sandwich and a cup of soup. The IPA beers are excellent, 7.2% alcohol. They have Italian licorice which is soft and has a brown color and they use molasses in it it's excellent. If you haven't been to this place I suggest you go.

Philip B.

The sandwiches are a great bang for your buck, with amazing bread and high-quality meat and veggies! The deviled eggs and fresh frozen pasta are great too! And the Tiramisu is the best I've had in Santa Cruz 🙂

Chris S.

Quaint deli with a killer meatball sub. A wide variety of cold drink choices and sweet treats to buy as well. Sandwiches were reasonably priced and filling. The staff was very kind and made a second sandwich free of charge for a kid who somehow missed the table as he was setting it down.

Michelle H.

I love deli sandwiches from Santa Cruz and hadn’t gone fo this one yet. The menu had a dozen sandwiches that I wanted to order right then. My favorite standby is the meatball and so I chose it. They are expensive but you get a lot also. It was an excellent sandwich and well worth the money

yafy F.

Best sandwiches in Santa Cruz and most of the bay area. Service is always good despite how busy they are, and the chicken Parm + eggplant Parm are the best ones.

Mj S. -. Y. L. S. C. R.

Looking for a delicious lunch spot? Look no further than Zoccoli's Italian Deli, a local favorite in Santa Cruz. Known for their fantastic sandwiches and freshly baked bread, this deli is a must-visit.

While I usually find myself torn between their classic turkey sandwich, today I couldn't resist indulging in their mouthwatering French dip. The selection at Zoccoli's is unparalleled, offering a wide range of specialty sandwiches, delectable desserts, an impressive cheese selection, and even wine options. It's a gourmet experience all in one place!

Conveniently located near the town clock in downtown Santa Cruz, Zoccoli's Italian Deli is worth the visit. However, keep in mind that it tends to get busy during lunch hours. To beat the rush, I recommend calling and placing a pre-order so you can minimize your wait time upon arrival.

With their friendly service, top-notch ingredients, and an array of irresistible menu options, Zoccoli's Italian Deli is a gem that should not be missed. Treat yourself to a satisfying lunch and elevate your taste buds with the flavors of this local treasure.

Elena B.

Stopped here for a quick lunch after a hike in the nearby state park on a Sunday afternoon. It was quite packed and rightfully so!

I ordered a hot Parmesam chicken sandwich as well as got some chocolate. The sandwich was good with a very generous chicken breast. Very very generous. I do not think I've ever eaten a sandwich that was so big. I also saw soups, salads on the menu. The restaurant is also a grocery store: they sell salami, cheese, Italian sweets, frozen dumplings, and etc. Even though there is a lot going on, the shop does not feel crowded at all, the lines go fast, and the employees are very polite.

I'll definitely come back again to buy more