Petite Deli
Categories: Delis, Sandwiches [Edit]
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill752 Columbus Ave
(between Filbert St & Greenwich St)
San Francisco, CA 94133 (415) 398-1682
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: No
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: No
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Lunch
- Alcohol: None
195 reviews
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
"There are few places that I will hike to, and this is one of them. The atmosphere is great, be careful during lunch because it will be hard…" read more »
92 Reviews for Petite Deli
The owner of this place makes it all worth while. She is a very kind and warm person. The prices are good and the food is great it s place go to if you need some quick and good...
Sometimes they can get busy that is just because there food is so good
It's just like mom's food made with love.
This place is owned by and run by the cutest, nicest little Asian woman. She's always really sweet, very motherly. Her prices are affordable on all her foods and she's always very generous. She hand makes all your orders as you order them and everything is fresh and delicious. This is a perfect place for a take out lunch or a quick 1 to 2 person meal (minimal seating).
Sandwiches, cold pastas, salads, and through in an ice tea and you have the greatest lunch.
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I don't think it would even matter what the food tasted like here because the proprietor is so sweet and kind; you can't help but want to come back again and again.
We're in luck, though: the sandwiches are tasty and won't set you back much at all. As an added bonus, they are made with 100% love.
This place is small, as the name implies, so you may find lines out the door. Consider ordering ahead by phone to avoid a long wait.
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This is a great little place just off the Washington Sq, which is good becasue somehow between that and the Wharf not too many tourists venture in to this little, warn piece of heaven. Great sandwiches of all types, quite possibly the best chicken salad in the City. Oh yeah, her tofu is crazy good. I don't even like to tofu that much.
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The woman who runs this place is quite possibly the nicest woman ever. It's kinda like having my grandma make me a sammich. You know, if my grandma were Korean, not senile, and could make a bomb Italian sandwich. Come to think of it, she's really nothing like my grandma at all.
Come for the sandwich. Come back for the love.
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So after living around the North Beach area for 12+ years I finally got the chance to come here.
This cute little shop not only have sandwiches but the nicest owner I have ever encountered. It was around 12pm when I came and this place was packed and the line was out the door.
I ordered the bf a roast beef sandwich on a roll and a tuna sandwich on wheat for myself. The sandwich did take a little longer than most sandwich shops I've been to but come on she's the only one working there. While I was waiting for my sandwiches I saw the owner making the other customers' orders. I could tell she puts a lot of effort and love to every single sandwich that she prepares. The sandwiches tasted pretty good too. It's not Little Lucca but I can sure taste the love.
CASH ONLY!
Count on me being a regular Petite Deli.
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I like it.
1 Previous Review:
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06/25/2008
This is a great place.
I went here on a windy SF afternoon and was surprised by how tiny the shop is and just how friendly the woman who works here is. Sandwiches were good, but not spectacular. If I ever get to feeling demoralized about the sad state of humanity coming here would be a good first step towards regaining hope - she is just so darn nice.
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Don't be fooled by the size this deli is very small but it packs a big punch. The sandwiches are great and the store owner is very polite, i pass by every once and a while when i am in the mood for some roast beef and fresh mozzarella.
This place is so spectacular. The prices are great. The owner is great. The sammiches are great. Whatever magic honey-mustard the owner slathers onto the bread is like some kind of ambrosia. I've had it once and I crave it.
She offers more than one vegetarian sandwich, which makes it a great little spot for carnivores and herbivores alike.
Not too many seats, though, so I would recommend getting your sammie to go and eating it up the street in Washington Sq. Park.
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It was a nice today. I had an interview at CSAA that seemed to go pretty well, but all my job interviews seem to go great!
I met a friend for lunch. She spoke very highly of the Mozzarella, Tomato, and Basil. And since we were in North Beach, I think that would be appropriate! Same stuff that's on a Margheritta Pizza! Plus, I've been cutting down on meat. But there are two kinds of meat I don't think I can ever give up ... 1) BACON, and 2) Hamburger.
Anyway, the good size sandwich comes with the cheese, tomato and basil, plus a good dousing of vinaigrette. There a few standard sandwiches, such as Ham, Turkey, etc, and there may even be some specials too.
It's a tiny place, with all of 8 seats inside and out. The woman behind the counter is legendary for her courtesy. She's the only one behind the counter, and I really can't see how she does it, much less where she stores all the meats, etc.
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being that this place is the number one rated place to eat in sf on yelp, and being that i like to eat, i went here. I actually just got back from there no longer than 10 minutes ago so this review is very fresh in my mind. It's sat at round 1pm right now. When i got there the lady was giving this cute little kid a free cookie, +1. I got youngs chicken, honestly nothing special...it was good, for sure, but where is the niche in this sandwich...sure it's just a sandwich shop, but yelp has this place rated as the number one restaurant in SF...where's the specialty? Sure the lady is awesome, but dont you expect so much more? I'm actually really disappointed in yelp. Anyway, the place is small like other people have mentioned, but cozy. I sat outside and noticed a large crowd of shall we say hotties, which added to my experience. The lady was pretty awesome she reminded me of an elderly lucy lui. So overall my experience was nice.
Now for yelp...yall need to get your shiznit together, i dont know how u do your rankings, but something is messed up in your ranking scheme if you have this rated as your number 1 in sf. i dont even know if i consider this the best sandwich shop in sf...i'd rather have a sandwich from happy donuts to be honest...but yes it is a good place.
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A good deli where, at times, it has taken me 30 minutes to get a sandwich.
Yes the lady is nice, but I don't know if that necessarily warrants all of the 5 star reviews.
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Love this place.
Go here every 2nd day for lunch.
The lady who owns it put a little piece of her charming soul into every meal she serves which makes everything taste a whole lot better.
The food is good, but what really makes this place worth a visit is the owner. You'll never leave Petite Deli without a smile on your face.
Visited this deli for my first time couple months ago after reading the reviews on here. Like what everyone said, the woman here is super nice. I've had the Turkey Delight from here. It's so good, I couldn't try anything else.
Having good reviews about some place isn't only about the food. Yes the food is an important factor, but the people running the place to the people preparing the food makes a big impact.
Pretty good sandwich served with a smile. I tried the Young's Chicken which was simple yet definitely tasty. I'd go here over the "tourist trap deli further up Columbus" any day...
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I admittedly skimmed through all these reviews, not bothering to count how many times "nice" was mentioned to describe her and didn't think anything of it. So a nice person is running a little deli. Big deal, right? This is San Francisco, not New York.
Even despite all the rave reviews and ratings, I definitely wasn't left unimpressed today. Young is, yes you got it, nice, but not only that she is just plain adorable, just so sweet and warm. I asked for half a Young's chicken sandwich and the other a prosciutto and cheese. Both highly recommended! The chicken, like everyone says, is delicious, with a creamy mustard spread and a slight honey mustard tinge. The prosciutto was savory and delicious and had a really impressive spread to go with it - I wolfed it down so fast (and so attractively) that I can't even tell you what's in it, but if you're a prosciutto fan, definitely try it. Also the bread is a winner. I know there's a wheat or white option, but definitely go for the original (ciabatta, I think) roll - crisp and firm on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside and fresh all around. So good!
Also, sandwiches are very reasonably sized! The half size is more my ideal size.
It's hard for a sandwich to impress me seeing as how they're hard to ruin and arguably, Petite Deli's sandwiches may not be the best in the city, but you really won't think anything of it once you've been served by Ms. Young. This is gold star service and just goes to show you how far that'll take you. Definitely regard this as a skewed review because I am incredibly smitten not only with the delicious sandwiches, but the wonderful lady behind the food. If anything, come here to check out what the sweetest lady in the deli business is like (and while you're at it, grab a killer sandwich).
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the smallest deli i have ever seen backed by the cutest lady with the biggest personality...
Ms. Young, the owner is quite possibly the sweetest lady i have ever, or will ever met. She single-handedly runs the entire deli and the quality of the food is not hurt by it. Even if there is a line running down the entire block, each and every sandwich is given an abundant amount of TLC. If you are ever in the area i would highly recommend this little place, plenty of food for carnivores and herbivores alike. The turkey delight, mozzarella, tomato and basil, the veg, the tofu, and the egg salad were extremely delicious. The sandwiches are pretty filling so if you happen to have room try the potato salad and the bow tie pasta salad....so delicious. This place is so good I didn't even bother looking for another place to eat for the rest of my trip.
The only disappointing thing is that I have to wait until i can afford another vacation to eat there again.
Awe this place rocks so much! Young's BLT sandwich was super yummy! And the prices are nice and cheap. This place is great because the owner is so nice and friendly. She loves meeting new people and chatting up the regulars at the restaurant. there is only a few tables in the establishment and is often times filled with local people in the neighborhood and too many yelpers! shish! i prefer to go and get my sandwich to go and eat at the park or with friends.
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At the time of this review as I was going to review, Petite Deli is still one of the most popular bookmarked businesses to try and review. And one of them belongs to Matt G.
No kidding about this small deli, in which this Petite Deli is indeed "petite", and also fitting the name perfectly. It's a good thing that I was in my street clothes. If I was wearing my uniform and necessary equipment, I'm not too sure if I can fit or obtain my lunch from one of Yelp's favorite.
I ordered the Young's Chicken Sandwich on a soft roll. The $6.50 cold sandwich is a chicken-breast made with Honey-Mustard and other special spices, and has the usual condiments in a sandwich. With only a three small tables, obviously I was too big and might fear that I'll break the upholstery and decided to take my lunch back home and enjoyed it while watching the NCAA Basketball tournament.
Also, after reading the reviews saying that the Korean lady making my sandwich is very nice, evidence shown that, she is definitely very sweet and friendly. A pleasant generosity like hers is a clear example of how a business's customer service should be operated.
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Although I love Saigon Sandwich, Petite Deli has to be up there. Really really simple sandwich of lettuce,mustard, and bread. I had the young chicken and it was regular chicken that i find on my table(i'm chinese) She was really nice towards me and my girlfriend, and we didn't really have to wait because we were the first ones there on a SATURDAY. She is one of the nicest people around and don't expect it to be always open but because Ms.Young runs it herself with No help
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Three things to sum up everyone's reviews:
1. Average prices
2. Average sandwiches
3. The friendliest Korean woman working at the counter
That's about it. Quit all the fuss!
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Love the owner, unbelievably friendly and sweet, even on the busiest day.
Makes sandwiches like my mom used to make for school - same bread, same cut, same paper wrapping, even the same Korean-mother-esque TLC! Brings back memories.
Tiny space, but on a sunny, quieter part of Columbus. Just down the street, big plus for me. Grab a sandwich and take it to the park. Buy some chips and juice to accompany.
Not the absolute best sandwiches, strictly speaking, but this place has a place in my heart.
GOOD, but definitely NOT great.
VERY NICE Korean lady--if only I were sixty years older. ;0)
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This place is a whole in the wall but the lady is very nice (don't hate on her niceness just because your a sad little person) ....I think she makes the visit pleasant. My friend & I split the Young's Chicken sandwich and the pasta salad. It was really good. The chicken was nice and moist and the spread was tasty. The pasta was really good....my daughter wolfed it down so that says a lot. I would definitely go again.
Since your already there I would go next door and try the truffles at XOXO...they were pretty good especially the black & white truffles. Their white chocolate mocha was tasty too.
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A fine sandwich, but in the end...OVER-RATED!!! OVER-RATED!!! Get over the nice Korean woman behind the counter, people. We get it - she's nice. In terms of the sandwiches themselves, nothing special. 10 other better delis in the city, and 5 are probably in North Beach.
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Mozzarella, tomato, and basil sandiwch with prosciutto... defreakinglicious.
The Korean lady was very helpful and oh so nice! She was extremely helpful and sweet.
The place is small but Washington Park is just around the corner, so I suggest you take your delicious sandwich there. Prices are reasonable: $5-6 for a sandwich.
I had the prosciutto and provolone sandwich which was delicious! Get it on a warm toasted bun and youre good to go.
The lines can be a bit hectic at times but it's worth the wait. And hey, why not? It's located in a beautiful neighborhood.
I would definetly come back here anyday.
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When I walked into the joint, I was skeptical... The place sure was busy enough, but for some reason, I felt this wasn't going to be a five star deli.
Once in line, there was an attractive Asian woman who I thought was giving me the eye. I waited way past the three second rule and asked her, "what's good here?" She mumbled something and said, "well, I'm having the salami sandwich." Rest assured, I didn't have the salami sandwich. She picked up her salami sandwich and smiled @ me as she left. It definitely wasn't a love connection...
I had Young's chicken sandwich. It was phenomenal! One of the best sandwiches I've ever had! The bread is good and all the ingredients are fresh. It's definitely homemade chicken. While waiting for my sandwich, I went next door to XOX and ordered a double espresso, in which they give a free truffle- such a deal!
I ate the sandwich outside in front of XOX and it was such a lovely day in the City!
I highly recommend Petite Deli! I'll probably be back next week. I told Young I came here because of great Yelp reviews and she said thank you and predicted I would be back on Monday. And that might be a good bet...
And I thank yelp and yelpers who reviewed Petite Deli for turning me on to this gem!
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I love you and your sandwitches! But mainly you. Can you please be my mother?
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Really simple delicious sandwiches. I ordered the Turkey Delight (turkey, provolone, lettuce, tomato, sprouts, avocado, cranberry sauce, dijon mustard and honey mustard) on Ciabatta bread. We went Sat during lunchtime and there was a bit of wait since there were 6 orders ahead of us and Ms. Young is a one woman shop. There are only about a dozen sandwiches on the menu but I am sure each one is delivered with a smile.
Remember Hung on Top Chef? Well, the lady here is the opposite of Hung. Not to say she has no technical skills, but she is full of soul and love (and clean, 99 point inspection card) and I think that's what makes the sandwiches taste so good?? Its just a sandwich after all, but like everyone says, it is super duper delicious.
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I was first turned to this place when I was hungry for a sandwich and Marlena, the rec director of North Beach Playground, told me about this place. So I was curious after listening to Marlena talk about the soups and the dolmas and what now. So I decided to go there while taking a break from tennis practice. Yes, I play tennis. Still do so shaddap. As I was saying, I walked over to the shop, about half a block away. I step inside and this shorter than my grandmother lady stands just barely over the counter. Never in my life have I ever seen such a small shop let alone a place that actually makes sandwiches in such cramped quarters. I marveled at the way things are organized in the joint. All the breads on one shelf, seasonings and what not on another. The meats are in the display case with the chicken for the chicken soup she makes herself and the salads that she has as well. Everything she sells you can just about see with your own eyes. That's how small the place is. So I ordered an Egg Salad sandwich with some dolmas. I wasn't sure what was going on but I saw her chop up some eggs right then and there. Maybe I came when she didn't have any prepared. Or maybe she does this with every order. I kinda forgot this part because it's been a while since I last saw Ms. Young. Forgive me.
I must say, the sandwich was very good and that kinda hooked me onto her sandwiches for a while. I later branched out to her soups and the healthier salads that I love. Everything made to order and with care. I think her special ingredient is love because it looks like she loves her job and she loves her customers. And we love her back!
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This place gets super love.
I've only been once, on a Thursday at 2-ish, and got premium service. She greeted me as I entered (called me a young man, heh) and didn't ignore me as she made the two orders before mine. I got the Italian combo ($6.50) and she so told me it's good on the roll so that's what it came on. I don't know everything (some sort of pickled thang) that was in it but I would definitely get it again. Get a candy bar..lower left corner of the display. Will retuuurn.
Petite only gets three from me because in the past three weeks I have gone to try this place for lunch and it has been closed! I hear about this lovely Korean Lady and their tasty sandwiches, but I have yet to enjoy this meal. If your hours say you are open on Saturday... OPEN THE DOORS ON SATURDAY!!!
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I am totally on the Petite Deli bandwagon! Not only are the sandwiches really flavorful and the owner really wonderful but the whole experience made me want to be a better person.
So the woman behind the counter of this very small shop is soooo nice and soooo helpful; it's like watching somebody getting to do their dream job. She made me a prosciutto and provolone sandwich which was high lighted by the dressing she uses on the lettuce and the warm roll that holds the sandwich together. It was delicious and fully satisfying. This isn't just the sandwich freak in me either getting all juiced about one of my favorite styles of food.
While eating the sandwich I smiled at all the people who dropped in just to say hello and was elated to see the owner greet everybody with the same enthusiasm.
So now that your expectations are all out of wack and you'll be expecting to find the answers to all you problems please just remember that it is just a sandwich shop that makes salads too.
I'm totally jonesing now
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I was really surprised by this place. I got the Young's Chicken sandwich on wheat, with lettuce tomato and mayo. That's it. And it was amazing. I could've eaten 5 of them. I never thought such a basic sandwich could be so good. Somebody give this lady a medal.
Simply put great, great, great, great sandwiches made me love! I hate to admit she makes better sandwiches than my Mother ever did (sorry Mom-I love you!)! There is nothing I've ordered that wasn't good and the pasta (ribbons, with sundried tomatoes, olive oil-i believe) is to die for!! gawsh, it's been a long while since I went there (used to be closer to my old job) i'm hungry now!!
(oh, yes mrs. young is the best, always sweet, smiling and super friendly!) did you know she collects the cans for a local who needs the $ and recycles them. She's soo sweet!)
It is sad to me how hard it is to find a great mozzarella, tomato and basil sandwich in North Beach. Well here it is. Perfect. And that special sauce makes it even more magical. The lady that works there couldn't be sweeter. Love. love, love it here.
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