D.Z. Akin's Deli

Sixteen slices of pastrami, turkey, corned beef and roast beef piled on rye: that is the "fresher" at D.Z. Akin's, a New York-style Jewish deli on Alvarado Road in San Diego's College Area. The deli opened in 1980 and has been one of the city's best-known delis for decades.

A deli that makes its own

Since a major expansion, the kitchen has produced nearly everything in house, including pastrami, bagels, lox and Debi's chopped liver, which regulars point to as a highlight. The menu lists well over a hundred sandwiches and large salads, so choosing takes time. There is a full deli counter for takeout and a bakery turning out breads and sweets from scratch.

Soups, home cooking and size

Matzoh ball soup is a signature, with half a dozen other soups on offer daily, and the kitchen also serves home-style dinners and Eastern European dishes. The restaurant started with 48 seats and expanded step by step to 225 seats, a bakery, a catering company and a gift shop, which is why it works for both a quick sandwich and a family gathering.

Founded by Zvika and Debbie Akin, it has been called "the restaurant that ate San Diego", a nod to how many different functions it now fills.

Common Questions

What are the hours?
Monday to Thursday and Sunday 7 AM to 8:30 PM, Friday and Saturday 7 AM to 9 PM.

What is the "fresher"?
A towering deli sandwich that stacks several meats, such as pastrami, corned beef, turkey and roast beef, on rye.

Does D.Z. Akin's make its own bagels and pastrami?
Yes, much of the food, including pastrami, bagels and lox, is produced in-house.

Does it have a bakery and catering?
Yes, it runs a bakery with scratch-made items and a catering business.

What soup should I try?
Matzoh ball soup is the best-known, with several other soups available daily.