Unearth The Voyage
There is a deli in the San Gabriel Valley that people drive across town for, not because they have to, but because nothing else comes close. The menu is long, the portions are real, and the carrot cake alone has been known to change people’s lunch plans permanently.
Old World Delicatessens in Covina, California has built a loyal following over decades by doing one thing exceptionally well: making food that feels homemade, generous, and genuinely satisfying. From hot pastrami sandwiches to broasted chicken to fresh-baked goods lining the counter, this place is the kind of spot that turns first-time visitors into regulars after a single meal.
A Covina Classic Worth Finding
Tucked inside a shopping center at 126 Shoppers Ln, Covina, CA 91723, Old World Delicatessens does not need a flashy sign to draw people in. The reputation does that work all on its own.
This is an Italian-style deli and restaurant that has been serving the Covina area for well over two decades, with roots that stretch back even further to an earlier location in the Eastland Shopping Center.
The current spot has been open at Shoppers Lane for roughly nine years, and it still draws lines at lunchtime without breaking a sweat. The store is clean, organized, and stocked with more than just sandwiches.
You will find deli meats sliced to order, imported pastas, sauces, cheeses, and a bakery case that makes it nearly impossible to leave empty-handed. The hours run Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 8 PM, and the phone number is (626) 967-6307 if you want to call ahead.
The website at owdeli.com has more details, but honestly, just show up and let the place speak for itself.
The Story Behind the Sandwiches
Some restaurants feel like they were built last year. Old World Delicatessens feels like it was built to last forever.
The business has deep community roots, with longtime customers recalling visits that go back to their childhoods, when their families would make regular trips to the original Eastland Shopping Center location.
That kind of generational loyalty is not something you can buy with a marketing budget. It comes from consistency, from showing up every week with the same quality and the same welcoming attitude that made people fall in love with the place to begin with.
The name says it all. This is old-world cooking in the truest sense, meaning recipes that feel inherited rather than invented, and a menu built on tradition rather than trends.
The staff, many of whom are described by regulars as warm, experienced, and genuinely invested in the customer experience, carry that spirit forward every single day. When a business earns a 4.7-star rating across more than 1,100 reviews, it is not luck.
It is the result of decades of doing things right.
The Sandwich Lineup That Keeps People Coming Back
The pastrami sandwich here is the kind that reminds you what a pastrami sandwich is supposed to be. The meat is stacked generously, the bread is fresh, and every bite has that deep, peppery flavor that is hard to fake.
Both the hot and cold versions have their fans, but the hot pastrami with melted cheese on a half-sized roll is a particular favorite among the lunch crowd.
The corned beef on rye is another standout, and the grinder has been called their best sandwich by the staff themselves, though it is the kind of bold claim that earns its keep.
Beyond the classics, there are daily sandwich specials that rotate through the week, keeping even the most regular of regulars on their toes. The New York-style hot dog loaded with jalapenos has also earned its share of devoted fans.
What sets the sandwich program apart is not just the fillings but the bread, which is fresh, sturdy, and holds everything together without going soggy. For a deli that has been at this for generations, the sandwiches still feel like they are made with real intention.
Soup of the Day and the Lunch Combo
The lunch combo at Old World Delicatessens is one of those deals that makes you feel like you found something most people do not know about, even though plenty of people clearly do.
A cup of the soup of the day paired with a half sandwich is the kind of midday meal that makes going back to work feel almost tolerable.
The soup selection rotates daily with around five options to choose from, and the range is impressive. Creamy chicken with wild rice, chili, and other rotating options keep the menu from ever feeling stale.
One regular mentioned driving from a different part of town just to grab this combo after their workplace moved away from the area, which says a great deal about how good a bowl of soup can be when it is made properly.
The portions are described as just right, not overwhelming but never skimpy either. For the price point, which falls comfortably in the moderate range, the lunch combo is one of the best values in the San Gabriel Valley.
It is the kind of meal that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.
Broasted Chicken That Earns Its Reputation
Not every deli does chicken, but Old World Delicatessens does it well enough that it has become one of the menu’s most talked-about items.
The broasted chicken arrives hot, with a genuinely crispy coating and meat that stays moist on the inside, which is harder to pull off than it sounds.
The three-piece combo comes with large, skin-on potato wedges that are seasoned and served hot, along with a roll that comes with butter and honey. It is a full, satisfying plate that does not leave you reaching for more.
One thing worth knowing is that the broasted chicken can take around 20 minutes to prepare, so if you are in a rush, it is worth mentioning when you order. The wait is worth it, but planning ahead makes the experience smoother.
The potato salad served alongside is also well-regarded, with a clean, homemade flavor that pairs naturally with the richness of the chicken. The bread rolls, served warm and soft, are a small detail that adds up to something memorable.
This is comfort food done with care, and it shows in every crispy, golden bite.
A Bakery Case That Demands Attention
The bakery section at Old World Delicatessens is the kind of thing that makes you reconsider your dessert budget. The carrot cake, in particular, has developed a following that borders on obsessive.
Multiple regulars have mentioned it as the reason they keep coming back, even after their primary reason for the visit has been satisfied. The carrot cake cupcakes have been called the best some people have ever had, which is a strong claim that the product apparently backs up.
The lemon loaf is another popular pick, described as delicious by those who have taken it home. The limoncello cake, when available, has also earned devoted fans, though it is reportedly seasonal.
Italian cookies line the counter alongside other baked goods, and the selection changes often enough to reward repeat visits.
One note worth passing along: if you are buying baked goods to take home, it does not hurt to ask about freshness dates before purchasing. The in-house items are generally excellent, but like any bakery, freshness can vary depending on the day.
Go on a busy afternoon, and the turnover alone guarantees something fresh is always coming out of the kitchen.
The Deli Counter: More Than Just Sandwiches
The deli counter at Old World Delicatessens is where the place reveals its full range. This is not just a sandwich shop with a few sliced meats behind the glass.
The counter carries a wide selection of deli meats sliced to order, imported cheeses, olives, house-made salads, and specialty grocery items that you would not find at a regular supermarket.
The pasta salad has its own fan base, with the creamy, well-seasoned version drawing consistent praise from regulars who order it as a side or take a larger portion home.
You can also pick up imported pastas like acini di pepe, which is the kind of specialty ingredient that home cooks are always hunting for. Sauces, prepared entrees ready to bake at home, and other Italian pantry staples round out the selection.
The lox and bagel is another counter favorite, though a few customers have suggested it would benefit from capers. The eggplant parmesan and lasagna are available as full entrees and have been praised as deeply satisfying, house-made comfort food.
The deli counter alone makes this place worth a visit even when you are not planning on sitting down for a full meal.
The Atmosphere Inside
The inside of Old World Delicatessens has a character that feels lived-in and comfortable, the kind of space where you can tell the owners actually care about how the place looks and feels.
The vintage, ambient setting has been noted by multiple visitors as one of the things that makes the experience feel different from a chain restaurant or a fast-casual spot.
Everything is clean and well-organized, which matters more than people give it credit for in a deli environment where there is a lot happening at once. The display cases are tidy, the shelves are stocked, and the overall presentation feels intentional.
The line can get long during the lunch rush, but it moves at a reasonable pace, and the staff handles the volume without losing the friendly, attentive energy that regulars have come to expect.
There is something genuinely warm about the way this place operates. The staff members behind the counter, many of them described as experienced and genuinely engaged with customers, offer samples, answer questions, and make the ordering process feel personal rather than transactional.
That warmth is not an accident. It is part of what keeps people driving across town to eat here.
Craft Sodas and Specialty Drinks
Most delis hand you a can of soda and call it a day. Old World Delicatessens puts a little more thought into what goes in your cup, and it makes a noticeable difference.
The drink selection includes craft cola, root beer, and cherry soda alongside the standard options, which gives the meal a small but satisfying upgrade that not every deli bothers with.
It is the kind of detail that signals a restaurant is paying attention to the full experience rather than just the food on the plate. A craft root beer alongside a hot pastrami sandwich is a pairing that makes a lot of sense.
The bottled options also extend to specialty drinks and Italian sodas, which fit naturally alongside the deli’s overall Italian-American identity. These are not gimmicks but thoughtful additions that round out the menu.
For a place that already has strong food credentials, the drink selection is a nice bonus that first-time visitors often notice with pleasant surprise. It is also worth mentioning that the shop carries bottled wine and specialty beverages for purchase to take home, making it easy to put together a full spread for entertaining without having to make multiple stops.
Small details, big impact.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
A few practical things can make your visit to Old World Delicatessens even better than it already is. First, go early in the lunch window if you want the full soup selection, because popular options tend to sell out as the day goes on.
If you are planning to order the broasted chicken, let the staff know as soon as you arrive. The 20-minute prep time is well worth it, but knowing upfront lets you plan accordingly rather than watching your tablemates finish while you wait.
The bakery items move quickly on weekends, so if you have your heart set on a specific dessert, calling ahead at (626) 967-6307 to confirm availability is a smart move.
For takeout orders during peak hours, build in a little extra time beyond the estimate you are given. The kitchen handles volume well, but busy days can push timelines back.
The deli is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM, and closed on Sundays. Parking at the Shoppers Lane shopping center is straightforward and free.
Whether you are a first-timer or a returning regular, Old World Delicatessens rewards anyone who shows up with an appetite and a little patience. That combination has been working for generations, and it is not about to stop now.
