You’re driving down Del Amo Boulevard and you see it. It’s a unassuming storefront tucked into a Lakewood strip mall. From the outside, you might just keep driving. Honestly, most people do. But if you walk into Foggia Italian Market & Deli Lakewood CA, the smell of sliced mortadella and aged provolone hits you like a brick wall in the best way possible.
It’s crowded. Always.
This isn't your sanitized, corporate sandwich shop where every slice of ham is weighed to the micro-gram. This is a real-deal, old-school Italian deli that feels like it was teleported directly from a neighborhood in South Philly or New York and dropped into the heart of Southern California. It’s loud, it’s chaotic during the lunch rush, and the sandwiches are bigger than your head.
People obsess over this place for a reason. It’s not just about the food; it’s about a certain kind of "market culture" that is rapidly disappearing in an era of digital ordering and ghost kitchens. Here, you see the guys behind the counter moving with a frantic, practiced energy. They know the regulars. They know exactly how much oil and vinegar to splash on a sub without making the bread soggy. It’s a craft.
What Actually Makes a Foggia Sandwich Different?
Most delis use bread that’s basically a soft sponge. It’s fine, I guess, but it doesn't hold up. Foggia uses bread with a crust that actually fights back a little. It’s got that essential chew. When you order something like the "Foggia Special"—which is basically the heavyweight champion of their menu—the bread has to act as a structural foundation for an ungodly amount of Italian cold cuts.
We’re talking ham, cotto salami, mortadella, and provolone. But the kicker? The dressing.
It’s an Italian dressing that isn't just bottled vinegar. It’s got a zing that cuts right through the richness of the fats in the meat. If you’re a purist, you might go for the Caprese or a simple Prosciutto and Mozzarella, but most people come here when they want to feel like they’ve actually eaten a meal. You’ve probably seen the photos on Yelp or Instagram where the meat is stacked two inches thick. It’s not a camera trick. That’s just how they do it.
The Grocery Side of the House
Don't just grab a bag of chips and leave. Look around.
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One of the coolest things about Foggia Italian Market & Deli Lakewood CA is that it’s a functional market. If you need a specific brand of San Marzano tomatoes or a jar of those tiny, spicy calabrian chilis, they usually have them tucked away on the shelves. It’s the kind of place where you go in for a sandwich and come out with a bottle of imported olive oil and a box of pasta you can't find at the local Ralphs.
They carry a variety of Italian sodas—think San Pellegrino or Chinotto—that provide a much better pairing for a salty sub than a standard fountain drink.
Dealing With the Lakewood Lunch Rush
Listen, if you show up at 12:15 PM on a Saturday, you’re going to wait. It’s just a fact of life. The line often snakes toward the back of the store. But here’s the thing: the line moves.
- Pro tip: Call ahead if you're in a hurry. Seriously.
- Grab a number if they’re using the ticket system.
- Don't block the aisles while you wait; people are actually trying to buy groceries.
The staff is efficient, but they aren't there to hold your hand through the menu. Have your order ready. It’s a fast-paced environment. It’s not that they’re rude—far from it—they’re just focused on getting hundreds of sandwiches out the door before the bread runs out. And yes, they do run out of certain items if you get there too late in the day.
The Pasta and Hot Foods
While the cold subs get all the glory, the hot sandwiches are the unsung heroes of Foggia. The Meatball Torpedo is a beast. The meatballs aren't those perfectly spherical, frozen-tasting things. They’re dense, seasoned properly, and smothered in a marinara that tastes like it’s been simmering for eight hours.
Then there’s the eggplant parm.
Eggplant is easy to mess up. It gets greasy or rubbery. At Foggia, it’s breaded and fried just right, layered with cheese and sauce until it’s basically a lasagna in sandwich form. If you’re not in the mood for bread, they have prepared pasta salads and hot pasta dishes in the deli case. The tortellini salad is a staple for a lot of locals who are picking up sides for a backyard BBQ.
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Why Authenticity Matters in Lakewood
Lakewood is a great city, but a lot of the food scene is dominated by chains. You have your standard burgers, your fast-casual Mexican spots, and your pizza huts. Foggia Italian Market & Deli Lakewood CA provides a necessary counter-balance. It represents a family-owned vibe that feels personal.
When you see the same families coming in for twenty years, you know the quality hasn't dipped. That’s rare. Usually, when a place gets popular, they start cutting corners. They buy cheaper ham. They find a cheaper bakery. Foggia seems to understand that their reputation is built entirely on the fact that they don't do that.
The prices are fair, especially considering the portions. You can easily split a large sandwich between two people and both feel full. Or, you know, eat the whole thing yourself and take a very long nap. No judgment here.
Comparing Foggia to Other Local Giants
People in the Long Beach/Lakewood area love to debate delis. You’ll hear names like Santa Fe Importers or various spots in Belmont Shore.
- Santa Fe has that massive warehouse feel.
- Foggia feels more like a "neighborhood" secret, even though it’s not really a secret anymore.
- The flavor profile at Foggia tends to be a bit more "bright" thanks to their vinegar-heavy dressings.
It really comes down to what you grew up with, but Foggia consistently ranks at the top because of the consistency of their bread. Bread is the soul of a sandwich. If the bread is bad, the whole thing falls apart. Foggia’s bread is never bad.
The Logistics: Parking and Location
The shopping center on the corner of Del Amo and Woodruff can be a bit of a nightmare. The parking lot is small and people drive like they’re in a Mario Kart race.
- Best time to go: Mid-morning, around 10:30 AM, or late afternoon after the lunch crowd thins out.
- Accessibility: It’s ground level, so wheelchairs can get in, but the aisles are narrow.
- Outdoor Seating: There are a few tables outside, but don't count on them being open. Most people take their loot to go.
Honestly, the best way to enjoy a Foggia sandwich is to take it to a nearby park. Heartwell Park is just down the street. Grab your sub, grab a cold drink, and find a tree. It beats eating in your car or sitting in a cramped deli while people stare at your sandwich waiting for your table.
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Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you’ve never been to Foggia Italian Market & Deli Lakewood CA, don't overthink it. It's a deli, not a five-star gala. But a little preparation goes a long way in making sure you actually enjoy the experience instead of getting stressed out by the crowd.
Check the Daily Specials First
They often have specific sandwiches or soups that aren't on the permanent board. Ask the person at the counter what's fresh today. Sometimes they have a porchetta or a specific pasta bake that is worth pivoting for.
Stock Up Your Pantry
While you're waiting for your number to be called, grab some dry goods. Their selection of balsamic glazes and imported peppers is actually better than most high-end grocery stores. It saves you a trip later.
Don't Forget Dessert
They usually have cannoli or cookies. Get the cannoli. They fill them to order so the shell stays crunchy. There is nothing worse than a pre-filled cannoli that has been sitting in a fridge getting soggy. Foggia knows better.
The Catering Factor
If you're hosting a party, their 3-foot or 6-foot subs are legendary in the neighborhood. Just make sure you give them plenty of notice. You can't just walk in and expect a 6-foot sub on a Sunday morning without calling ahead.
Ultimately, Foggia is a reminder that good food doesn't have to be complicated. It's just quality ingredients, a lot of tradition, and a staff that knows exactly what they're doing. It’s a Lakewood institution for a reason. Whether you're a lifelong local or just passing through, it’s one of those places that defines the local food culture. Go for the Foggia Special, stay for the atmosphere, and leave with a bag full of Italian groceries you didn't know you needed.