Zoccoli's Delicatessen

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.

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.

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

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.

I’m usually not a sandwich person, but the sandwiches here were great. Go in, grab a number. Wait in line until your number is called. Order. Wait in line to pay. Wait for your number and then get your food.

OMG, wonderful. Definitely will return many times. Ordered the hot meatball sandwich. Yum. Huge sandwich could only eat half. Staff were exceptional!

Zoccoli's is a family owned business. I like that. Life gets busy, especially when you're pursuing a career. It gets harder and harder staying close with friends and family. Maybe some people don't want to be that close with their friends and family. Work can be the perfect excuse to enable that lack of connection. That doesn't seem to be the case for Zoccoli's. They mix work with family. I'd imagine if they're making time for work, then they're also making time for family. I like this place more knowing that it's family owned. "Individual owned business" doesn't have the same ring to it. A friend owned business would also be nice. I've lost touch with some of my friends, maybe all we needed to do to get closer was start a business together. Anyway, the veggie sandwich I got from here was delicious.

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.

There's a variety of sandwich options from hot to cold. I've had a few of their sandwiches and theyre always a hit! This time I had the chicken pesto and it was flavored really well with good toppings. I do wish the chicken was cut up a bit more so it wouldn't all come out in one bite but it was tasty nonetheless. I appreciated all the other snacks and deli type of foods in the shop. They have really good sides and solid drink options

For any individual who has travelled.. here is a comparable place to get that feeling again . It is good. It does care. You will like much

Super convenient spot to grab a sandwich for the beach! It gets relatively busy during peak hours so I always try to go right when they open to avoid the crowd. They are super efficient with their lines and have a great spread of sandwiches, pastas, salads and more! It's not really the place to sit down and have a meal, more of a grab and to-go type of deal.

Zoccoli's is a very busy Italian delicatessen located in downtown Santa Cruz. They quickly and efficiently prepare and serve a good array of cold and hot sandwiches, soups, salads, pastas, and Grab-and-Go freshly prepared items. Take a number from the pull-tab dispenser to secure your ordering place in line. The overhead menu board can't be missed and is easy to read. After ordering, proceed to the payment register and remember to keep your number, as it will be called when your order is ready. Vegetarian friendly and vegan options are available. For enjoying your meal/snack on site, indoor seating is limited to three bistro tables. In addition, there are also seating options on the pedestrian friendly Pacific Avenue. In addition to made-to-order foods, Zoccoli's carrys a large selection of grocery items, as well as meats, cheeses, olives, and all the accouterments for special occasions or a fantastic charcuterie board.

Zoccoli's is a family owned business. I like that. Life gets busy, especially when you're pursuing a career. It gets harder and harder staying close with friends and family. Maybe some people don't want to be that close with their friends and family. Work can be the perfect excuse to enable that lack of connection. That doesn't seem to be the case for Zoccoli's. They mix work with family. I'd imagine if they're making time for work, then they're also making time for family. I like this place more knowing that it's family owned. "Individual owned business" doesn't have the same ring to it. A friend owned business would also be nice. I've lost touch with some of my friends, maybe all we needed to do to get closer was start a business together. Anyway, the veggie sandwich I got from here was delicious.

Omg, Zoccoli's is so good with fresh bread and deli meats. I loved my sandwich and cheese ravioli for lunch. I'll definitely return to try other meats and breads. Oh yes, service was great even though it was busy.

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.

Got the meat lasagna, salad, and garlic bread. Everything was fresh and seasoned right. I did think that there was a whole lot more cheese than meat in the lasagna though. Service was fine. They also have a lot of sandwich and entree options as well as drinks and sides/desserts.

Such a fun little place to grab a bite to eat. They have different types of salads and they're made to order sandwiches are delicious. You walk in and you are greeted by the employees and they make you feel like you're family. All of the ingredients in the sandwiches and salads are fresh and the sandwiches are full of flavor. I love a good turkey sandwich and this is definitely one I would recommend. You can also get a bag of chips from their great selection and seating is outside. Spots are limited so I would suggest someone going in an ordering, and someone securing a table outside. This place is charming, clean, and has that wonderful feeling of an old style deli.

Stopped here to bring sandwiches to the beach, but Zoccoli's was a letdown for me. The bread wasn't toasted and just tasted so boring. The sandwich itself luckily had a decent amount of beef, which saved it for me. Pricey for what you get. I do love the wide selection of chips you can choose from to complement your sandwich though! TRI TIP SANDWICH: 2.5/5 (~$10) The tri tip meat inside was great, but I wish there was a little more. Mayo was light and helped make the sandwich less dry. Decent sandwich but due to the bread, I didn't enjoy it all that much. It's one of the saddest breads I've been served in a sandwich.

Okay...so I'm here in Santa Cruz with my wife for some R & R...we were hungry and found this place on yes, you guessed it 'YELP'...the place is very quaint with outdoor seating. I got the Meatball sandwich and my wife got the grilled chicken and eggplant sandwich...they were both very good and plenty to eat. The service was excellent and there were many choices on the menu. The prices were about right. A great little stop for some good food. You should definitely try it if you're in the area.

Scrumptious Italian deli with delicious sandwiches made to order in Santa Cruz. Awesome selection of Monin syrups also, in addition to ready made salads, sauces, and pastas. The sandwiches were delicious. I really enjoyed my Castroville Italian sandwich and my husband scarfed down his Eggplant Parmesan sandwich. My kids had the cranberry turkey sandwich. They also had the voodoo chips I rarely see and love.

I've loved this place since I was a kid! There isn't another Italian deli like it in the area! Great sandwiches, sides, and drink selection. I've never waited more than 10 minutes and the folks that work the counter are friendly and know their product. Nice to sit outside on the patio .. but tourists have a way of filling chairs with their shopping bags on weekends so sometimes it's hard to find a spot!

This is a cool little spot to hit up in down town Santa Cruz. I've lived in the bay my whole life, but this was my first time in down town Santa Cruz. It was super cool down there with the classic Santa Cruz hippy vibes, artists, singers, and more. The deli is a cool place with some fresh options. I got a pesto chicken sandwich which was super good. It's served really hot and the bread is super savory and soft. They loaded my sandwich with quality chicken and pesto which made a superb meal. The service is chill and there are a few other options if you don't want a sandwich or want something else to go with your sandwich. Overall, I definitely would recommend!

Zoccoli's has a wide range of sandwiches with high quality ingredients. I like that they have both a lot of meat and vegetables to be well-rounded. The price is also pretty good for the type of sandwich place like this. And even though the sandwiches look small, they are very filling.

Our visit to this amazing deli was an absolute delight. The moment we stepped in, the lively atmosphere from the Santa Cruz friendly neighborhood created a perfect setting for a family outing. Despite being busy, the staff at the deli managed the crowds efficiently, and we didn't have to wait long to place our order. (Keep in mind you do have to grab a number!) The menu offered a variety of options, from soups and classic sandwiches to fresh salads, and we decided to try a bit of everything. The food surpassed our expectations. The sandwiches were generously filled with fresh, flavorful ingredients, and the bread had that perfect crunch. (I got the French dip) The deli showcased a commitment to quality, evident in the freshness of their produce and the attention to detail in each dish. Even the deviled eggs which were pre packaged were good! What made the experience truly enjoyable was the family-friendly atmosphere. The staff was welcoming to families with children, and there was a play area for the little ones. It created a relaxed and inviting environment, making it easy for families to enjoy a meal together. While it was bustling with activity, the deli's layout and attentive service ensured that our dining experience remained enjoyable. Overall, this place stands out not just for its delicious food but also for being a family-friendly haven by the beach. It's a definite must-visit for those seeking a tasty and welcoming beachside dining experience.

This is a local's best kept secret!!! Absolutely delicious food, quick service, and just endless combinations. Whatever mood you're in, if you're craving a sandwich this place is it. The possibilities for your sandwich, drink, chips, and dessert has an infinite possibility. I'll definitely come back here one day!

I was in Santa Cruz for the day and was deciding between here and Seabright Deli. I ended up choosing here as it was near where I parked. Zoccoli's is a dimly lit, spacious deli with SO many sandwich options - hot, cold, veggie, make your own, etc. I ended up getting an egg salad make your own sandwich where you choose type of bread and filling. They were unfortunately out of sprouts which I think would have really added to the freshness of the sandwich, but it was good nonetheless. It was a hefty sandwich for $9 and I was SO FULL after it. The egg salad was yummy - very creamy! Ciabatta texture was good too.

Despite the sandwiches being around 10$, I still think it was overpriced because there was barely any filling in the sandwiches. It was overwhelmingly bread. I'd come back for the pasta salad though! It was so delicious and I love a pasta salad that isn't mayo based! Line moves quick, despite the restaurant looking super crowded! I recommend ordering and then paying while you wait for your order to save time.

Great sandwich spot! Food Notes: Anti-pasto Sandwich (4 Stars) I ordered with Mortadella instead of salami, no cheese, add mustard, mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, onions. Deviled Eggs (3 stars) nothing special Reuben (3 stars) It was good, adder mustard. Maybe next time get with pastrami Until next time... Try eggplant next time

Love the vibes here. The process: You walk in, pick up a ticket, and wait in line for your ticket number to be called on to place your order. After ordering, you wait in another line to pay. They have drinks and various snacks for you to choose before getting in line to pay. After paying, you wait outside until your order is ready and then they call your ticket number once more. The sandwich I got was the Mediterranean: mortadella, salami, prosciutto, provolone cheese, sourdough French roll, Italian dressing, chopped olives, and chopped peppers. Pretty good but it's a bit on the sour/acidic side for me. I think if I cut out the olives and/or add Mayo or some creamy sauce to the sandwich, it would taste better (for me) and help balance out that acidity. Just personal preference otherwise, it's great! Everything was very fresh.

Went here for a quick bite to eat. My boyfriend and I got two sandwiches to go with a bag of chips and drink. It's a pretty traditional Italian deli shop with a lot of snacks and sandwich options. I devoured mine before being able to take a picture but trust, it was delicious!

Wanted a quick bite to take to the beach and Zoccoli's hit the spot! You grab a number and wait to place your order. The lady who took our order was very kind and gave us recommendations. You then get directed to the pay line. My veggie friend got the Greek feta sandwich and loved it! She also appreciated how all the veggie sandwiches were in one column and easy to see on the menu. I got the Italian club and it was very decent. Didn't blow my mind but it was a good sandwich! Would come again!

Tiktok recommended this sandwich spot and it did not disappoint! Our service very quick on a Saturday around 12:30pm and the size of the sandwich was the perfect amount for a beach day! Definitely coming back again!

I normally love coming here but the last few times have been a major disappointment. The last few weeks I've been coming here on a Sunday about an hour before closing and the sandwiches made for both me and my husband have both been very disappointing. The sandwiches are sloppy. How hard is it to spread a pesto mayonnaise blend on a piece of bread? Most upsetting is the fact that they are leaving out basic ingredients listed on the description: like tomatoes and onions. Please let the customer know if you are out of ingredients BEFORE we place our orders.

Stopped by this deli for a quick lunch. - chicken pesto: the chicken is very tender and bread was soft and warm - French dip: the sandwich was quite plain and the soup didn't add any more flavor to it. The beef was alright, didn't have too much seasoning

This place has that good vibe that everyone's looking for. The sandwiches are a pretty good size. I went with the Italian Club and it was very tasty and fresh. Had to save half for later. Wifey got the breakfast sandwich and she was very impressed with the simple yet tasty combination. The worker that dispatched us did great! She helped us make some choices since it was our first time here, and the little shop has some great options while you wait. Definitely would come here again.

Wonderful lasagna - perfection! We had it for our Firewise Community - a big hit! Loved working with the employees about the details as well. They're very helpful.

honestly just not my favorite. the portions felt good tho ordering was a bit crowded its in a super convenient spot

Favorite place in Santa Cruz. So many foods to choose from and easy ordering system. Every city should have a zoccolis.

Nasty soggy meat ball sandwich money down the drain a heads up would've been nice ruined my lunch and appetite

A downtown classic for lunch. Last time I went I got the Italian club. Food is great as always! Solid delicatessen and I don't think you could go wrong getting anything from there. Workers are very nice and work quickly during rush times. Not directly a fault of the deli but the homeless situation downtown continues to make the whole thing a lessened experience. Employees having to forcibly get involved with vagrants at the outside dining area really puts a damper on going downtown, but I guess until the businesses all unite and push back against the craziness the city allows, it is what it is.

This sandwich was mid at best. The bread tasted like it was from an airport. I couldn't believe people were waiting in line for this disappointing sando. Also, there was an olive pit in the middle of my sandwich and I almost cracked a tooth.

Perfect place to either eat at or stop at before taking it to the beach. Its right smack in the middle of downtown santa cruz you'll have to park in meter spots or find a lot and walk. The place itself is set up like an Italian deli, you get a ticket. After you place your sandwich order, you go grab all other items such as chips, other deli goods, drinks before going into the pay line. It gets really crowded so be prepared! Seating is super limited too so be prepared for that. The staff here was super nice too! We ordered the chicken pesto and the antipasto with some iced tea and an order of deviled eggs. Chicken Pesto: this is a hot sandwich that you can either get grilled or breaded chicken (we got breaded). The pesto and red peppers are perfect for this sando. It is perfectly simple and delicious. Antipasto: a classic Italian style cold sandwich with salami, provolone, and marinated artichokes, mushrooms and olives. It was good, but a little underwhelming. The sourdough roll was a little cold, and when bread gets cold its a little dry. The deviled eggs were good too, but could have used a little more paprika (thats more my personal preference). Overall, this is a pretty solid sandwich place that can give you a decently sized sandwich that is not only delicious but good value. $11 for a sandwich of this kind of quality is much better than going to a sandwich chain. If you're in the area, check it out!

Great little deli in a quaint part of town. I'd come here every day if I lived here. We ordered a basket of items (Tuna and artichoke sandwich, roasted turkey sandwich, potato salad, pesto pasta, egg plant sandwich, tortellini pasta, dill pickles) and fed ourselves on the road for the 2 days (we were on vacation). Food was great and staff were friendly. We will be coming through Santa Cruz again next year, and we'll be sure to stop here for food supplies.

This must be THE sandwich spot of Santa Cruz. So many people come in daily, and the service is quick and easy, delicious delicious pickles you must buy one, they are known for these pickles. I come here very often and every time I know I'm going to find the best little seating outside in a perfect spot to people watch and chow down on the most delicious sandwich ever the outside seating really is such a bonus, it adds so much to the experience!

What a great find in Santa Cruz! Everything was fresh and delicious. Highly recommend as this is one of those hidden gems. I had the mufalatta and it was amazing! Other Sammie's ordered were turkey and an Italian with marinated artichoke hearts. Wonderful combinations and good quality ingredients. I'll be back!

Came back this year 2023, not the same business anymore. Looks like they changed up their recipes for sandwiches and salads. Everyone agreed (we had big company), food is just not the same anymore. Pickle in the jar is not even real pickle, marinated cucumber. Disappointing

Quaint little shop in downtown with extremely good food for takeout (Italian deli). They're busy with a stream of steady customers but service is extremely quick and friendly. The food we got was excellent (we only had hot food items and hot sandwiches) and wouldn't hesitate to return.

Wow! Can't believe I never came here before! Walk in and see a refrigerator full of drinky drinks (always a good sign) and low and behold I see Yoo-hoos! When was the last time I had one of those? Probably childhood. It was a YMCA camp in Michigan, summer 2012. Drinking a Yoo-hoo at the doc after a day of swimming and paling around with the gals. Did we know then how good life was? Or what would happen that summer? Childhood is wasted on the youth. I also got the chicken pesto sandwich. Very tasty.

Top 3 best sandwiches I've had!! Something about a straight and to the point deli just hits!! It tastes so fresh and it's so simple which makes it delicious. I ordered the Italian sub but switched out ham and got prosciutto instead. My husband got the castroville and he loved it too! Can't wait to go back and try other sandwiches

Was visiting Downtown Santa Cruz and saw this place rated as one of the top places to grab a quick bite in the area. I recommend coming early! We arrived around 11:30 AM on a Saturday and the place was packed with tourists and locals. Despite the crowd, they do have a pretty efficient ordering system. Grab a number and place your owner at the counter, then wait outside for your sandwich to be called. It took about 30-min for my sandwich to be ready (a little long...). I ordered the reuben for about $11 with tax. Sandwiches range from $10-$12 so reasonably priced. Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed with the quality of the sandwich. The meat portion was skimpy -- this place does not "pack" on the meat. In fact, most of the sandwich was... bread. Not sure if they offer "extra meat" for an added price, but I would definitely recommend asking for it. When I order a reuben I want more MEAT, less bread! That being said, the bread was toasted well and the balance between the corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese was good. Just needed more substance. I don't think I'll be back given the value and portion size.

The food here is really good, one of my favorite in SC. I ESPECIALLY like the French Dip sandwich.

In Santa Cruz to celebrate our daughter's art exhibit tonight. Wandering around downtown and discovered a line in front of a deli. Well you know me and lines...if the locals are lining up something must be good. We took a number and placed our orders. I finished my sandwich before I took a pic - rookie mistake ‍ Paul ordered a pastrami sandwich and it came out with Generous pile of pastrami on toasted sourdough. Everyone was so friendly. Highly recommend this family owned (since 1948!) deli, if you are in the area and craving a decent sandwich. Worth the line.

If you work in or near downtown Santa Cruz, it wont take you long to find out that Zoccoli's is THE lunch go-to in the area. Place can get pretty busy on most days from 12-1. Nothing really mind blowing in my opinion, but in general, their sandwiches are fresh, simple, large sized, and sold at a great price! Pretty much the perfect place to go grab a quick bite on your lunch break. They only have outdoor seating but most people come here get their stuff to-go so theres always open tables. They also have a good selection of chips and drinks to choose from as well as other lunch items like salads, deviled eggs, soups, pastas, etc but most people come here for their sandwiches. They even have random groceries like raw spaghetti, sausages, crackers, etc. Staff are always super friendly and personable, ingredients are fresh and food is prepared from scratch daily. Overall, a great local business to support!

This Reuben sandwich really hit the spot. Super simple hot pastrami, sour kraut and cheese, I sub'd Dutch crunch roll! Absolutely perfect, to be honest, personally I would add more meat, definitely not enough for muscle building. I tried my friends French Dip! Which also didn't have enough meat but it was a perfect pair with the aju sauce. I also tried a baybel cheese and deviled egg, the whipped egg yolk on top was perfectly seasoned with a drizzle of paprika on top. I don't always like deviled eggs but these were bomb! There's only outdoor seating which was perfect for this amazing weather. They had a wide selection of chips and other snacks, pies, cheese, salami, it was a fully stocked deli! I will definitely come back!

The good: reasonable prices, great sides (chips, salads, salami, etc), plentiful outdoor seating, and the service is friendly and efficient. The bad: the sandwiches. The hot ones are microwaved and soggy within a few minutes. The rolls are like those pre-baked ones you can get at Safeway-- undercooked, soft, and flavorless. To be fair, I've never tried one of the cold sandwiches, and I could see them being better since they're not microwaved. I'm sure you could get a very good meal here just based on what they have to offer in the deli and sides section, but I'd recommend skipping the hot sandwiches, in particular the eggplant parm. Giving it 3 stars since everything else about the experience was great and who knows? Maybe I just got them on a bad day.

Chicken Parmesan sandwich was the best sandwich i've ever had in my life! Absolute perfection! I think about it everyday lol.

Santa Cruz local here, been going here for 15+ years, hands down best sandwich in the Santa Cruz area. Tons of variety, I personally love the bandwich with breaded chicken but never had a bad sandwich here. Nice add ons like real root beer, good chips etc. Their take home stuff is tasty too, gotten the lasagna and it's great. Awesome service, even when it's busy things move quickly and efficiently.