The. Sandwich. It's so simple and so delicious! There is also a vegetarian version, that uses artichoke hearts. The Italian market is the best. Great bread, pasta, olive oil, meats, cheese and more! Small but very curated. And you gotta love Ross, the Italian owner. He is always there. And you can always ask him for recommendations. So happy this place is in my neighborhood. read more

First time here. I had to come try it It's what you want meats cheese Gabagool fogetta bout it This is a great spot to get a good Italian sandwich Not too much just perfect read more

Roma Market - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

Fabulous find - I had a sandwich and bought a few sundries. The sandwich was really delicious in a simple way - just meat, bread and olive oil. The market had some interesting food options, a great pasta section, and patient staff. I was surprised by the quaintness of the ambiance - and by quaint I mean 1920's era style. read more

When I saw that this place makes prosciutto and provolone sandwiches, I dropped everything to get my hands on one. I came once last week and bought two sandwiches and came back today with one--didn't want to be too greedy. Such a simple sandwich, but the quality of the ingredients makes the multiple trips worthwhile and makes it clear to me why people line up for this place. Each time I've been, there's always at least a half a dozen people I front of me (oftentimes just buying sandwiches), but the line moved pretty fast each time. I also bought a couple cans of the blood orange A Siciliana Arancia sodas. I don't even like blood orange, but this drink was delicious. This place is a Pasadena gem. read more

Nice to see the patriarch outside enjoying the sun while I grab my sandwich (or two). Enjoying my sandwich while getting my car washed nearby. The consistency here is amazing. Love that I always get exactly what I expect and crave. Simple. Perfect. Still just $7! read more

See all

Favorite lunch spot when I am in the area. The sandwiches are so good. So many delicious items to shop for. read more

Roma Market - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

My wife and I love to enjoy a good submarine or grinder sandwich from Subways,Jersey Mike's, and other sub competitors, but we like a freshly made sub that uses fresh ingredients including quality deli meats from the U.S. or from Italy. We enjoy mom's and pop's markets, especially Italian markets they traditional making the best sandwiches through years. We went to Roma Market in north Pasadena to get these great sandwiches that I heard they are mouth-watering delicious sandwiches. We step into Roma, and we can smell the aroma of an Italian market and walk around the small Italian market they have a selection of Italian products like pasta,meats, and other items. They have sub already made and wrapped in pink butcher paper or sandwich paper on the corner. I forgot to ask what the prices of each sandwich are. We brought two sub and European cookies assortments and two drinks and took it home. Go home, then unwrapped the sandwich from the pink wrapper. One bite, wow, great flavors in the sandwich like the meats in the sandwich, but I can't remember the name of the meat in the sandwich. It also has mozzarella cheese and olive oil, but the bread was probably the main place in the sandwich. It is soft in the middle and crunchy when taking the bite. The cookie we're amazing good I really enjoy it. Overall, this makes haveb history has been serving Pasadena for many years we would come back again. read more

See all

Have been hearing about "the sandwich" for years ... finally made it here! So easy to get to. Not far off the freeway and easy parking in their lot. Don't be a dodo like me and stand at the deli counter, waiting to order a sandwich. They are already made and sitting in a crate with the cashier. Added a gorgeous loaf of bread and some other goodies. Prices seem unusually reasonable. The sandwich is unique. Crispy outside, soft inside bread with great chew factor. Inside is some simple EVOO, 3 italian meats and 1 cheese. That's it. I was a little surprised at first but then I took a bite. And then another. And then ... it was gone. And I was covered in crumbs! Delicious and highly addictive. I'm wondering now when I can go back??? Love to support a neighborhood business with genuinely nice people running it. Feels like an authentic Italian deli back in time. Will be back. SOON. read more

Roma Market - inside - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

Love this place! Easy parking! I was in the area and stopped in. I got one of the best cult cut sandwiches a bagof cashews. Absolutely friendly service and great atmosphere. Next time I am in the area I plan to stop in again very soon!! read more

See all

This was such a cool spot to stop for sandwiches and there is an endless amount of italian products. The owner was there restocking some of the cookies. This was first time and I didn't realize the sandwiches the italian combo is already made and available at the register. For veggie, it is at the deli counter. I got dirty chips and a root beer as well as a sandwich. I am all about a simple sandwich because the meats make it or break it. It was a perfect lunch that didn't leave me overstuffed. I definitely want to come back again. The ambiance is relaxed and there are plenty of options if you want pasta too. I definitely want to bring my mom. I am sure she would be content with the options too. read more

Roma Market - Italian combo - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

What We Ordered: The Sandwich "The Sandwich" is well-known in LA for being a simple sandwich. It consists of an Italian sub roll, provolone, salami, and olive oil. I loved seeing the owner still working; it was inspiring to see him continue despite his health. I have a lot of respect for him! "The Sandwich" was okay, but it needed more flavor. I prefer an Italian sandwich with hot pepper relish or some spice. The meat and cheese were okay on their own, but not great. The bread didn't seem very fresh and was too hard for my liking. I wouldn't rush to come back, but it is an affordable lunch option for a day at Kidspace. Roma Market is about a 9-minute drive from Kidspace. We stopped here to pick up sandwiches for our day there. read more

See all

The food offering is excellent. The owner travels to select it himself. From wine to deli to ready to cook lasagna, pizzas, olives, sauces, imported sodas, juices, chocolates, various pastas, olive oils and ice creams, it's a real Italian treat. Don't miss the freshly made sandwiches. read more

I got the meat & cheese sandwich. It was good. The woman at checkout was very friendly. I appreciated the simple, old school vibe. read more

Roma Market - Exterior - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

IYKYK. This spot needs no introduction. Possibly the best cheap simple delicious Italian sandwich. Great selection of Italian treats. read more

Roma Market - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

tl;dr pay this old-school market a visit to stock Italian groceries, and be sure to save your appetite for the signature sandwich -- it lives up to the hype From the outside, Roma Market may not look like much. It shares a north Pasadena strip mall with an Italian restaurant and a seafood market. However, a simple step inside is all it takes to understand why Roma Market has remained a premium purveyor of Italian foodstuffs for more than 70 years. The space simply feels old-school. To the left, produce, dry goods, and refrigerated proteins are arranged with a combination of pragmatism and whimsy. On the right sits the checkout station, and countless shelves of jarred Italian delicacies. Longtime owner Rosario Mazzeo remains a fixture at Roma, posted up in a folding lawn chair between the industrial freezers and beverage refrigerator. While the grocery selection is reason enough to pay Roma a visit (the enormous jar of frozen meat sauce and the plastic bag with countless ravioli are my 2 go-to's), foodies across Los Angeles best know Roma for its signature, intentionally unnamed Italian sandwich. These always-in-vogue hoagies are wrapped in donut box-pink parchment paper and stacked atop the deli counter in the far right corner. Mazzeo first crafted the sandwich in 1959 upon a customer's request. No custom orders are entertained, nor should they be: it's already a masterclass in simplicity. The list of ingredients is short and sweet: thick slices of premium capicola, mortadella, salami, and provolone combine into a balanced flavor of sheer Italian charcuterie. The crisp Italian roll is cut lengthwise and brushed carefully with olive oil. The sandwich is the ideal size for a light meal amid errands. And, clocking in at just $6, it's a refreshing change of pace from the eyebrow-rasing prices throughout the rest of LA. It's no exaggeration to say that Roma's sandwich lives up to the hype. read more

Roma Market - "The Sandwich" - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

Don't expect to have a sandwich with condiments. Spent over $16 for a dry single meat sandwich.

Excellent sandwiches. Good taste, decent price. Excellent sandwiches. Good taste, decent price. Excellent sandwiches. Good taste, decent price. Excellent sandwiches. Good taste, decent price. read more

Overall a very authentic Italian grocery store offering lots of imported goods. The meats and cheeses are very good and they also have a bunch of snacks and wines. They are most known for "the sandwich", a very basic 3 meats with cheese sandwich that is cheap at only $7. However it was pretty underwhelming, the bread was very stale and hurt my mouth, very hard to chew. The meats and cheese were very tasty. The sandwiches are constantly made in the back and brought out in big cartons and they go very fast since it is so popular. read more

See all

A classic old style Italian style deli. Possibly one of the best baguettes I have ever tasted. All the items are very unique. I haven't seen their stuff even at Eataly! It's a very small place. Pre-prepared Italian cold cut sandwiches are wrapped by the cashier for about $9.00. We bought two plus a jar of Giardiniera (Sicilian style) pickles plus extra banquet and some unique Italian pastas. The sandwich was better than any of the sub places. The baguette was crispy crunchy outside, fresh fluffy inside. I strongly recommend this place. It reminded me of a deli from 60's. Love it. read more

Roma Market - The sandwich - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

Possibly one of the best sandwich spots in Los Angeles! Only cause it's priced so fair! Roma market opened at 1946! And became the staple of what we know today as the l"home of the sandwich!" Just under 7 bucks you get a taste of Italian American history. Good bread, cheese and meats with a dash of olive oil! What can go wrong? NOTHING! Grab a back of chips and some pop. You're already winning! I think I've been coming here for a sandwich for almost 20 years and it's never changed. Sometimes they have different variations, even a vegetarian option at times. But mainly the sandwich! Great location right about half a mile up from the 210 freeway on Lake ave. Small parking lot so finding a spot can be scarce at times. So good luck on parking! They got all your favorite Italian foods, from frozen items, to sweets, preserved goods and drinks! Even a small deli in the back for some premium cuts but limited! Wait, can't forget hose artichokes either! Always grab a few! They are amazing. Pro tip! Grab some artichokes and chop them up into your sandwich, and if you're not a fan of that grab something spicy to slather, or maybe some peppers. What I do sometimes is take that sandwich home and add my own tomato, onion, lettuce, mayo, mustard and some vinegar with oregano. Transforms into one of the best sandwiches in LA! Meat and cheese ratio perfect! Can never go wrong! Also it's a super small market so you get what you see! Old school, with lots of options all over the place! If you wanna make your own sandwiches grab a loaf, get some cheese and meat! You're never gonna go wrong here! read more

Simple, delicious sandwiches. In a world full of complicated sandwiches with 10 ingredients that are stacked so high you can't fit them into your mouth without creating a dripping mess, Roma brings a sandwich to the table that is an elevated version of a sandwich you might make at home or a sandwich you might be served at a friend's house. The bread to filling ratio is as it should be, a balanced harmony. read more

Lady behind the counter so rude. Gaslights you. I said you over charged me. Finally she admitted it and gave my money back I used to love this place and I told so many people about these sandwiches One time I told her that the bread the last time I came in has been very stale and it sucks when it's stale you know they just leave them on the counter there with no refrigeration and so I don't know. Maybe they stay there all day I don't know, but she said no they're not stale you're wrong. It would not admit to nothing and I'm like OK. I said well they taste like a cardboard. No it doesn't taste like cardboard. It's your problem. I couldn't believe how rude this lady is and didn't care about her customers at all. I couldn't believe it and I never been back since and I love this place. I love Italian sandwiches that killed me. I have to go back there but when they're good, they're good but when they're bad, they're bad. read more

I saw this on a Insider video and added it to my bookmarks. I drove here to try this sandwich. As I walked into the store. It was a mini market. And a deli in the back. I saw about 6 people in line at the register. I walked to the deli and asked for a sandwich. They said there's a bunch sitting by the register ready to go. It's $6 for a sandwich. Wrapped in a pink paper wrap. You pay and walk out. A simple sandiwich with italian meats, olive oil, provolone, on a Italian roll. At first bite it doesn't seem so special. But as I get biting. I started noticing how each ingredient stands out on it's own and complients each other so well. Such a simple sandwich done perfectly. I left very happy Recommendation: The sandwich read more

See all

On the day of the fires, in the middle of frantically trying to fight back the fires from burning down our home, someone pulled up in a car and said "do you need food?" ..So stressed I didn't realize I hadn't eaten in 16 hours, I said yes and he handed me 2 sandwiches wrapped in pink paper from Roma. Idk who that stranger was but it was the best sandwich I'd ever had. I love our community. read more

Roma Market, a Pasadena landmark. I say this because, to me, the greatest thing about this place is the owner. The guy is in his 90s and shows up to work every single day. I see him as a living legend. If you visit you should make an effort to greet him and say "Hello!" They are known for their ready made Italian sub you get at the cash register. The sandwich is so popular that they have them on the ready to grab and go. The sandwich itself is a minimal Italian sub that is tasty, but I think it could use a dressing to help keep it from being dry. That said, it's an excellent sandwich and super easy for those on the run. The place itself is a market with a deli counter, some fresh meats and cheeses, and plenty of hard to find Italian items on the shelves. The ambiance is typically a busy and friendly vibe. They don't have any other food item ready to eat, so if you're going there for lunch you have one item to choose from, so make sure you want the sandwich or you'll be let down. They have a parking lot, but it can be typically packed because there's several other businesses in their strip mall, so you may have to park on Lake or Mountain. The sandwich, I forgot to add this, is a few slices of deli meat and cheese. If your appetite is large you should get two of them. read more

My favorite local, Italian market. Rosario is a wonderful owner. He seems to be there all the time caring for items. What a gentleman. read more

Roma Market - Beautiful bread. Their sandwiches are simple and tasty. The best. - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

This is a great little Italian market, perfect for picking up some specialty snacks and ingredients. There's a great selection and prices are reasonable. I came for the sandwiches, to bring on a poolside picnic. I got one meat and one veggie and both were exactly what I needed. They held up well (the veggie one didn't get eaten until the next day and was still good), were perfect for taking to the pool, and were tasty with good quality ingredients. I also picked up some tiramisu from the the freezer section for dessert. They had a nice wine selection too. I will definitely be back the next time I'm in the area. read more

Roma Market - The sandwich - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

Roma Italian Market is an institution in Pasadena, indeed all over So California, since I have met people waiting in line for "The Sandwich" driving to Las Vegas and stopping for a fix. And my grandparents had an Italian grocery in Kansas City, so I am an expert! There is absolutely nothing Italian missing from this little market--including the solemn but lovely owner who once insisted that he roll my cart to the car. (I am 77 and visibly handicapped.) But I am such a fan that I would limp in and out if necessary. Whether you want delicious traditional cookies, a chunk of great pecorino to grate or some fresh pasta, you cannot fail to find your bliss here. Don't forget to say "Buon Giorno." read more

My mom, daughter and I went here for the first time today. My mom got a vegetarian sandwich (artichoke and cheese with olive oil) mt daughter and I had the regular sandwich with meat. Everything was delicious and authentic. The staff and owner were very informative and kind. Even a fellow customer gave my mom some suggestions. We will definitely come back! read more

Wanted to let everyone know that they are open after the Jan. 2025 fires and still making those delicious $6 sandwiches. There is a 4% fee to use credit cards. read more

Roma Market - Fresh produce Jan. 2025 - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

Goto the deli counter in the back corner and ask if they sell sandwiches. Got 2 free bags of chips and cokes because I went to the back deli counter to ask. Sandwich is good. read more

The sandwiches sold here give me nostalgia. I used to buy them in my college days. It really takes me back. Simple delicious! I'm happy this market is still here and serving the community. read more

Came here for "The Sandwich" and this has quickly become one of our favorite spots. It's a no frills Italian sandwich with slices of cured meats, provolone cheese and a dash of olive oil. The bread has the perfect crispness, the meats are flavorful and overall the sandwich is a good size considering its only $6 (cash price). The sandwiches are pre-made, you can't order one directly from the meat counter and have to get one from the crate by the register. There usually isn't much of a wait and they have not ran out any of the times we have been but we've always gotten there before 2pm. The market also offers other Italian goodies but we've only tried the sandwiches. Although the owner no longer makes the sandwiches, you'll most likely still see him sitting outside (or inside on a cold day) saying hi to customers. There is a small shared parking lot but we have never had trouble finding a spot here and usually stay in our car after to eat the sandwich right away. If you're going to be in the area, be sure to stop by and grab a sandwich, you won't regret it! read more

Roma Market - The sandwich - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

Small, humble specialty Italian deli market with a limited selection of groceries. I come here for the pre-made Italian sandwiches wrapped in that signature pink paper. $6 each and while simple and humble like the market, the sandwich simply shines! We will also buy some prosciutto to add to the sandwich and even then, it's such a great value for an Italian sub. YUM! read more

Roma Market - Their signature sandwich - no substitution and $6 each - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

Love Roma Market! "THE SANDWICH" is the best- delicioso! Rosario is a legend!!! I'm from PA but whenever I'm in Pasadena I stop in Roma Market- what a treat. Janice read more

Food Sandwich just plain but no what good.Just like he said good quality meat n cheese nice crispy bread Service Was really good Ambiance Small Italian market good vibes Everything and everyone nice read more

See all

I finally tried "the sandwich" at Roma Market an iconic Italian sandwich in Pasadena. It is exactly as described, $6 and very simple. Surprisingly, the bread was really good, crusty on the outside and soft on the inside and lightly drizzled with olive oil, between the bread is provolone cheese and three meats (capicola, mortadella, salami). My son enjoyed the plain sandwich and I enjoyed it with the hot sliced cherry peppers! The owner recommended the peppers to make it spicy, I definitely enjoyed the kick. The sandwiches are pre-made and you order them at the cash register. I went during lunch, the parking lot was full and busy. Luckily I was able to get parking right away. read more

Roma Market - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

I LOVE Roma Market! We've been going there for years! The food they have is delicious! Homemade meatballs! Pasta! Ravioli! The everyday sandwich in fabulous bread! Roma Market can't be beat! They have all kinds of products from Italy. Meats, cheeses, condiments, olives, oil, etc. It is a MUST! Great service, wonderful old world atmosphere. read more

This. Fucking. Sandwich! How can it be so good? It has no business being so good for $6! It beats Ggiata's fancy-pants Italian sandwich by a mille miglia at 1/3 the price. Did you hear me? One-third the price! Why you would go anywhere else beats the fuck out of me. Unless you wanted a place to sit, while you eat your beautiful sandwich, that's not your car. read more

I was in Pasadena and wanted to grab a quick bite before heading home. Stopped at Roma Market for their famous sandwich and was not disappointed. The bread was fresh, the cold cuts and cheese were tasty, and the serving size was generous, especially for the price. If I lived in the area, this would be a regular stop. read more

Roma Market - Roma Market - Delis Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all