Business Details
44 Years
experience
Authentic Italian Deli & Restaurant Since 1982
Papa Napoli has been a cornerstone of authentic Italian cuisine since 1982, rooted in generations of Italian heritage. Our family-owned business began as a humble fruit stand in Belmont, Massachusetts, and has evolved into a beloved Santa Maria institution known for its homemade Italian food and warm hospitality. We pride ourselves on using time-honored recipes and fresh ingredients to create dishes that satisfy both the palate and the soul. From our signature pastrami sandwiches to our handcrafted minestrone soup, every item on our menu reflects our commitment to quality and tradition. Our staff, many of whom are family members, approach each day with the same passion that has defined our business for decades.Over the years, weve built a reputation for generous portions, exceptional service, and a dining atmosphere that feels like home. Our catering services extend this experience to events, offering trays of antipasto and mini subs that bring people together. The legacy of Jerry 'Papa' Napoli lives on through our dedication to preserving the flavors and values that have made us a local favorite. We believe in transparency, using no shortcuts in our cooking, and maintaining open communication with our customers. As a multi-generational business, we embody the trustworthiness and expertise that come from decades of serving our community with love.
Services
Italian Sub Sandwiches
Minestrone Soup
Scrumptious Salads
Catering Services
Desserts
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- Weve served authentic Italian cuisine since 1982 with family recipes and fresh ingredients.
- Our generous portions and homemade dressings set us apart from chain restaurants.
- Catering services provide customizable trays for events, from antipasto to mini subs.
- Multi-generational ownership ensures deep expertise and commitment to quality.
- Consistently ranked as Santa Marias best pastrami sandwich for over 35 years.
What people say
Best pastrami sandwich
Huge portions
Fresh ingredients
Family-owned
Authentic Italian
Services
Italian Sub Sandwiches
Handcrafted Italian subs served on freshly baked French rolls with provolone cheese and house-made Italian dressing. Choose from cold options like pastrami or hot selections with meatballs and marinara. Generous portions ensure a satisfying meal for any appetite.
Catering Services
Customizable catering trays featuring antipasto, mini subs, and salads for events. Options include large antipasto trays and mini sub platters serving 536 guests. Ideal for corporate events, weddings, or family gatherings requiring authentic Italian flavors.
Minestrone Soup
Traditional Italian vegetable soup made with a beef and chicken base, packed with fresh vegetables. Served as a cup or bowl, this hearty dish complements any sandwich or salad for a complete meal.
Scrumptious Salads
Freshly prepared salads with house-made dressings, including antipasto with Italian salami and provolone, or chef salad with ham and turkey. Options range from light dinner salads to full-sized portions for hearty appetites.
Desserts
Classic Italian desserts like cannoli with sweet ricotta filling, New York-style cheesecake, and chocolate mousse cake. Perfectly portioned to satisfy any sweet craving after a savory meal.
People
Mario Napoli
Owner / Operator
Mario Napoli has managed Papa Napoli since childhood, learning the business from his father. He ensures daily operations maintain the familys culinary traditions and quality standards.
Virginia Napoli
Owner / Operator
Virginia Napoli co-owns and operates the deli with Mario, contributing to its hospitality and customer service. She helps uphold the familys commitment to authentic Italian cuisine.
Donna Napoli
Co-Founder
Donna Napoli, co-founder, has worked in the deli since its opening. Her dedication to quality and family values remains integral to the businesss success.
Jerry 'Papa' Napoli
Co-Founder
Jerry 'Papa' Napoli established the deli in 1982, transforming a fruit stand into a Santa Maria institution. His legacy lives on through the familys recipes and service ethic.
Jennie 'Nonni' Napoli
Matriarch
Jennie 'Nonni' Napoli, Jerrys mother, supported the business into her nineties. Her influence shaped the familys dedication to tradition and community.
Questions
What makes Papa Napoli’s pastrami sandwich unique?
Our pastrami is thinly sliced, perfectly spiced, and served on crispy French bread with house-made Italian dressing and provolone cheese.
Do you offer catering for large events?
Yes, we provide customizable catering trays with antipasto, mini subs, and salads, serving 5–36 guests with 24-hour notice.
Are there vegetarian options available?
Yes, our vegetarian hot sub includes melted cheese, marinated mushrooms, artichokes, and olives with all trimmings.
What are your operating hours?
We’re open Tuesday–Friday 10AM–6PM, Saturday 10AM–5PM, and closed Sunday–Monday.
Do you have desserts?
Yes, enjoy cannoli, New York cheesecake, and chocolate mousse cake, all made in-house.
Reviews (7)
Randall Rich
Dec 15, 2021
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Have been going here for 28 years, and always enjoyed it. They make quality custom food and generally are fast.
Nicole Ducker
Nov 30, 2021
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I've been coming here for decades and will, hopefully, come for decades more. Great food and friendly staff! I do miss having Papa around in the shop. He made the place even more special.
Dick Hertz
Jun 29, 2021
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I've been here before I got sausage and pastrami thought I'd try something different. The chicken parmesan i don't recommend it. It's made from chicken loaf, compressed chickens prices and gelatin binder. Waited 15 minutes for them to make it. Probably would have been faster except for there was a line for the microwave. Maybe it's an Italian microwave. Papa is rolling in is cannoli.
Renee Brand
Feb 02, 2021
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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
Theguy
Jan 30, 2021
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My favorite sandwich place in Santa Maria. I always get the hot pastrami sandwich and let me tell you it's the best pastrami sandwich out there period. Place is locally and family owned and very friendly. Definitely come check them out!
Donald Friedlos
Jan 15, 2021
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I have been coming to papas since late 80s when papa was there, the quality and service has only improved since his son took it over in 2005 after papa passed away. This family is a role model to how proud they are to keep the family restaurant alive !! Customer for life... GO YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED!!
Jaime Gomez
Oct 26, 2019
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This is my favorite Italian deli in the area. Great customer service and amazing food! Everything is on the menu is superiorly delicious to anything out there. The pastrami sandwich is to die for. You can't go wrong stoping by here. The chicken parmesan sandwich is a show stopper, and you might just want to order a couple of of deviled eggs while you wait for your sandwich/food. The Best!
