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Aioli Deli - CLOSED
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
56 reviews for Aioli Deli
Review Highlights
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"Next time I want to try the crab cakes." In 7 reviews -
"Also delicious was the pulled pork sandwich and reuben..." In 4 reviews -
"The ham and brie panini is worth coming back for, as well..." In 3 reviews
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56 reviews in English
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Review from Stephanie V.
Windsor, CA
Just had the grilled veggie panini today, with aioli instead of goat cheese, and again, it just does not disappoint. ALL the paninis, the fish tacos, the (KILLER) crab cake (it's HUGE), and the salads satisfy to the fullest. The flavor and quality of the food you get is worth every penny you spend here.
They use Nightengale Breads (across the street and down the hill about a block and a half), and now after eating this panini, I'm going to have to get a loaf of their seeded sourdough today. It's out of this world!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/18/2011
Very delicious lunch today! I work in Forestville and really haven't frequented this place much… Read more »
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Review from sandy c.
Sebastopol, CA
Updated - 12/2/2011
yup, still overpriced. Top Sirloin? and?
jeez, it's not wagyu.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/20/2011
$11.50 for a sandwich? I'm offended.
I mean it was good, but not $11.50 good. Usually when a… Read more »
Comment from Autumn O. of Aioli Deli 5/21/2011
I do apologize that you were offended. The reason that… More » -
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Review from Lawrence G.
Cazadero, CA
2/17/2012
Went here for lunch today with my buddy from work to settle a UFC bet that I lost (Damn you Nick Diaz!!). Had the fish tacos and they were FRICKEN FANTASTIC!!! I will be going here again for sure.
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Review from Bullwinkle J.
Santa Rosa, CA
10/5/2011
Aoili is a little deli in Forestville which can be easy to miss if you're not familiar with the area. The menu is relatively small (sandwiches and sides) but quality all around. Sandwiches range from around $8 to $12 and sides are about $3 a piece. The prices may seem high, but the sandwiches are all made to order and everything is prepped at the deli itself. Anyway, if you think about it, a burrito is $7+ and a sandwich at a market (like Fiesta, Oliver's, Whole Foods) is $7+ as well.
I've had their Reuben which was very tasty, and I also sampled their green beans with chili flakes and oil which was delicious. They make a fine deviled egg as well ($0.75).
On Wed/Thurs they do a 1/2 lb. burger special with top quality beef. I had it today and it was excellent: Perfectly cooked, juicy yet had some char on the outside, didn't fall apart when I got half-way through. It's served with a small portion of the house-made coleslaw which is decent.
All this said, I haven't had their fish tacos which seem to be the rave of the area so I'll have to make another trip on a Friday. I highly recommend this spot if you're in the area and need to grab a lunch either to go, or for a relaxed hour in a small town.
For the quality, you'll be hard pressed to find a better deli option than Aioli. -
Review from Dean M.
Forestville, CA
7/4/2011
Three words: FISH TACO FRIDAYS.
Holey moley! Their fish tacos are incredible. Moist, juicy, and exceptionally tasty. The fish was freshly fried, balanced in flavor, and paired with a delicious salsa.
Better than the fish tacos? The eggplant panini! A perfectly toasted flavor explosion just waiting for consumption. The panini was well constructed, hearty in size, and filled with eggplant, roasted bell peppers, tomatoes, greens and pesto aioli spread.
Their deserts looked delicious and I plan on spending some "quality time" with them in the near future.
Aioli's service was impeccable. I walked in to a smiling face, they immediately took my order and the meal was prepared right there and ready to go within 10 minutes.
The tacos and panini cost under $20 and were well worth the money. I will be visiting Aioli regularly. -
Review from Cheryl A.
Bodega Bay, CA
12/28/2011
Not bad! The prices are high and the place is small, but the menu is varied and tasty. The crab cakes are very good, and their sandwiches and sides are yummy too, esp. their pulled pork; we're not talking "better than you've ever had before," but it's still very good.
I'd like to see lunch specials that include a side and beverage for $10 or under (or even $12 and under), as I always seem to spend $15-18 for a combo but never leave feeling quite full. -
Review from Bill F.
Santa Rosa, CA
6/18/2011
Very good food, mini diner ambiance.
3 of us ate at Aioli for lunch on a Friday, 2 of us ordered the much heralded daily special: fish tacos and our other diner ordered the duck confit salad.
We were a little disappointed as the food was very good, but not as orgasmic as some of the other reviews led us to believe. Oh well, the price of raised expectations.
The prices seemed fair (a tad high, but not out of line).
Indoor seating is very limited and it gets quite warm on a nice day. If memory serves, there are only one table for 2 and 3 seats at the bar inside.
The outdoor tables were nice, but a little cramped and the traffic noise on the busy street really took away from the experience - especially all the big trucks! Aioli is so tiny we almost passed it by - we were looking for a bigger place based on the reviews.
If you are planning to take any items to-go check with the chef-owner as many of the menu items don't travel well (e.g. the Fish Tacos will get soggy if not eaten soon after they're ready).
The restaurant was clean considering the gravel parking lot and the nearby busy street.
The owner is extremely nice and provides great service.
Overall the 3 star rating in Yelp is calibrated as "A-OK" and it was, but we were not converted to fans (that would be 4 stars). -
Review from Dan H.
Sebastopol, CA
6/24/2011
Incredible sandwiches in Forestville. Don't disregard the deli case either, everything I've tried was great. The patio seating really helps make Aioli the place to be on a nice warm day.
They are pretty pricey, but I think they proved that if you are the best sandwich shop in the county you can get away with it. -
Review from Joel W.
Forestville, CA
1/22/2012
By far my favorite spot in town for great food, all of the specials are awesome, love all their sides, just so hard to pick what I am going to eat. Love the duck,chicken salad, fish taco, cheesesteak, best burger around. Wish they were open Sundays
Comment from Autumn O. of Aioli Deli 3/4/2012
If you arent already friends with us on facebook, please do… More » -
Review from Lulu B.
Sebastopol, CA
1/22/2011
This has become our (my husband and I) regular Friday lunch spot...When we first heard they had "the best fish tacos", we were a little leery. But lo and behold, they've earned their reputation - in spades. It's one of those places that if you're driving through Forestville & not paying attention, you may miss - but if you find it & stop, you've struck gold.
I'm giving it 5-stars alone for those fish tacos...I've also had their Reuben sandwich which was very good, but it's the fish tacos that keep me coming back for more. (Fish tacos only available on Fridays & sometimes Saturdays.) Have yet to be there on Wed's for their crabcake sandwich, but it's top of mind, believe you me!
This place is small, cozy and certainly not fancy - but you go there for the good, wholesome food, friendly staff and the value - which is outstanding. You can also take any of their food/drink (they have beer/wine available) to go and enjoy a nice picnic at one of the many wineries nearby. We love to sit at the counter and watch them make lunch or on nice sunny days, sit outside at one of their few tables.
And big bonus - Nightengale bakery (best breads in Sonoma Cty) is right across the street - of which Aioli uses too. (But Nightengale is a whole other 5-star review...) -
Review from Jenny W.
Brooklyn, NY
8/9/2009
Mmmm, one of the best reuben sandwiches I've had in quite some time. The meat was fresh and tasty and I loved the thousand island sauce they used. Also enjoyed the toasted bread. Great fuel before heading to our last winery of the day.
This deli is located right on the side of the street in Forestville and is so cute and simple. You walk in and order right up at the counter. They have about 10 sandwiches to choose from and lots of amazing looking sides.
I chose to drink water with my sando, but they have a variety of wines and beers to choose from, which makes it even better. I was a HUGE FAN of the cucumber infused water! I kept refilling my water bottle and even had some left for the drive back to San Francisco :)
We all loved this place and next time we're up in Sonoma, we'll be dining outside here again listening to the lovely complimentary live music! -
Review from Josh J.
Forestville, CA
4/10/2011
I have tried most of the food Aioli's has to offer and not one single complaint. Being a single guy who works a lot, Aioli always has something I can take home and cook up quick, the pot pies are KILLER!!!
Of course, no place can't have one complaint and that would be they close to early. really, five o'clock that's when I'm figuring out what I want for dinner. Still a five star place, I don't care!!!!! -
Review from Bill S.
Santa Rosa, CA
12/30/2009
If I were a Dungenesss crab I would write in my will that I want my body to go to Aioli Deli and used for Crab Cake research.
The Dungeness Crabcakes- super fresh and lumpy- don't think there was any filler used at all. Served over greens and yellow beets. Best we ever tasted. Not surprised chef is from New England.
Also had Reuben Painini on fresh rye bread- Fresh and tasty corned beef served with pickle spear and tasty apple slices.
Bet the soup is good too- will try that next time. -
Review from Kelly L.
Petaluma, CA
10/19/2011
Great deli, quick service (I had three starving teenaged girls), very reasonable prices for great food.
Awesome potato salad! -
Review from Inga G.
Cotati, CA
8/18/2010
While I usually don't toss out 5-star ratings very often, I felt I had to this time. While I am writing this review, my delicious Greek sandwich is still being digested. My fiancé loved his pulled-pork sandwich, and I couldn't get over how fresh and wonderful the ingredients tasted. The bread was super fresh, and the succulent tomatoes and roasted red pepper flavors burst in my mouth. The smooth and creamy Feta blended in perfectly with the freshly made hummus, and each flavor was tiered perfectly, each one complimenting the next.
You can really tell when TLC goes into cooking and food preparation, and even though the service was surprisingly fast, you could taste the quality and "soul" of the food.
I ate a good sized sandwich, but didn't feel uncomfortably stuffed like I do after I eat at most places... usually this means that your body likes whatever you've put into it. Basically, this is as close to a "gastronomical orgasm" as I've had in awhile. -
Review from Michael R.
Healdsburg, CA
9/8/2011
I'd heard about Aioli from the excellent reviews in the local press democrat such as "Best Fish Tacos in Sonoma County" and today via Facebook saw a post mentioning their excellent Mendocino sourced Grass fed 1/2 lb gourmet burgers. Went there to have one with my son and had it served medium rare with brie cheese. It was hands down one of the best burgers I have ever eaten in my 52 years. Perfectly cooked, the capers were a nice touch and the char broil made it mouthwatering delicious. I will become a regular from this point forward. I highly recommend Aioli Deli. Autum (the owner) was attentive and very kind. 5 stars from my son and I.
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Review from B M.
Pleasanton, CA
7/8/2009
The simplest, yet most delicious little deli. As I walked in the first time, the lady self-proclaimed that she makes "The World's Best Crab Cake". When someone holds herself with such high regard, I have no choice but to try it out. I must say that her crab cakes on golden beets are in my top five of all time.
Also, every single time I go in there, I must have the $12.95 Duck Confit on a frisee salad with a pomegranate vinaigrette. I must say that the soup is also very fresh and delicious. The sandwiches are great, but every time I go, I can not stop ordering the confit.
A must for anyone that loves quality food at ridiculously cheap prices. The ambiance is quaint, but do not let that deter you. -
Review from Pat L.
Aromas, CA
11/14/2010
The only reason I stopped at Aioli' is that the owner is my friend's son. We were taking Hwy 101 through Santa Rosa. Forestville was a little off our path but this was the best opportunity we had to say hello.
Next time I stop at Aioli it will be for the food. The fish tacos were delicious. Autumn told us the tacos were the special so we didn't look any further. Next time I want to try the crab cakes. -
Review from Jennifer H.
Sebastopol, CA
1/18/2012
Excellent food! This spot is not about the atmosphere -- we often get our food to go. It is really all about the food. Everything is always fresh and the dishes all flavorful. We love it! Best deli in the Forestville/Sebastopol/Graton area... by far.
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Review from Dan L.
San Francisco, CA
7/30/2010 1 photo
I have SO much respect for this place. I love that it is owned by a husband and wife, who are amazingly nice by the way. I love that every single thing in this place is homemade and fresh that day. I love that they make a different homemade soup every morning. And more than anything I LOVE the Reuben they make here.
Reuben's are my favorite sandwich and this place makes the best one I have ever had. It has homemade corned beef, homemade sauerkraut, homemade thousand island, and delicious Swiss cheese all grilled on the panini press inbetween two pieces of fresh rye bread. The corned beef made fresh in house sets this off the chain....it is truly incredible.
All of the other food my fiancé and I have tried here has been equally as incredible. This is the type of restaurant/sandwich shop the world needs more of. Anyone wine tasting in Russian River Valley must come here for lunch, you won't be sorry. -
Review from Karin B.
Encinitas, CA
9/1/2011
After a lovely day at Korbel and the Armstrong Redwood Preserve we happened on Aioli...a family owned gourmet deli. The paninis we had....veggie for me and reuben for hubby.....were scrumptious. Great find!
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Review from heather v.
Fairfax, CA
Updated - 5/16/2011
We've been back several times since that first visit and we've had the crab cakes twice (so good!) and the famous fish tacos (justifiably famous). This is probably our favorite place to eat out these days and hope it sticks around for awhile!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/17/2011
Love this place! Some of the best food in Sonoma county-I've been plotting a way to get back to try… Read more »
Comment from Autumn O. of Aioli Deli 5/18/2011
Thank you so much! We really appreciate your love and… More » -
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Review from Tiffanie K.
Rohnert Park, CA
1/18/2010 6 Check-ins Here
CRAB cakes! CRAB cakes!
You know it is a good place when you call and say you are on your way and they have it set up for you with a wine glass and appetisers sitting out for you.
I will be returning every chance I get! -
Review from Juliet H.
El Sobrante, CA
5/11/2011
I recently had fish tacos on a Saturday. They were large, fresh, and so tasty! For about $8.50 I thought it was a very good deal. I thought my date would be jealous of my choice but his pulled pork sandwich was amazing! It came on a big roll that looked homemade and the pork had just the right amount of spicy sauce. It had coleslaw, sliced apples, and a kosher pickle on the side. We ate every last bite. The folks behind the counter are very friendly. I can't wait to go back.
Comment from Autumn O. of Aioli Deli 5/11/2011
Thank you so much! We cant wait to see you again! Cheers! More » -
Review from Sam B.
Santa Rosa, CA
1/8/2010
Really yummy, melt in your mouth, gourmet food. My drug me in because she went to school with the owner...I was imagining it being ho hum but turned out quite the opposite.
It is yummy good food and great service too! -
Review from K M.
Forestville, CA
1/26/2011
I feel like a scrooge writing this review with 2 stars. My first expereince here was not long after they opened, I ordered a sandwich and the girl that made it didnt wash her hands after handling the money. I walked out and threw the sandwich away because I do not return food or have it remade ever. So a month or so ago I decided to give them another shot, ordered the cheese steak, it was ok, not nearly as good as the Cheese Steak Factory but it was pretty good especially because they are only 5 minutes from my office. I have gone and picked up lunch for me and my assistant twice in the past 2 weeks and the food was very mediocre especially for the price. The Fish Tacos were deep fried and oily, definitely not the best I have had.
Comment from Autumn O. of Aioli Deli 1/28/2011
I always try to make every customer experience wonderful.… More » -
Review from Kristen M.
Santa Rosa, CA
12/17/2010
Oh man! If I could go back and eat everyday, I would. I had THE best grilled eggplant sandwich there. I ate it all in about a minute, and wanted to go back in for another. Except that I had also got a mini pumpkin cupcake. Also DELISH! Actually, I'm not sure why I don't go back everyday. Autumn, the chef and proprietress, was great. Friendly, helpful with suggestions, and offered a few samples of what was in the deli case. Writing this, I am so excited to go back soon!
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Review from Lisa W.
Cloverdale, CA
8/30/2011
Love this place!! So creative, healthy and flavorful. I'm salivating just thinking about the food. Wish I lived closer!
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Review from Margie T.
Sonoma, CA
1/27/2011
Love Aioli! Adorable tiny little spot with amazing food. Had the duck confit last time and it was wonderful. Autumn is a fabulous chef and lovely company at the counter.
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Review from Drew F.
Fairfax, VA
5/6/2011
Red quinoa salad was exquisite, and the cheesesteak was probably the richest and most flavorful take on the dish I've ever had, period. Absolutely delicious. And cheap!
This place is magic. -
Review from Virginia R.
San Francisco, CA
1/8/2010
Eureka! I've been looking for a spot like this for a long time: really great food, reasonably priced, in an unpretentious but nice setting. I met a friend here for lunch, and it was just what we wanted.
She had the vegetable panini which she said was very good. It came with roasted mushrooms, zucchinis, lettuce, tomato.
I had three salad sides and they were each wonderful: A golden beet salad with a rich sauce, lentil salad, and barley and arugala salad. They were all beautifully spiced.
The chef was helpful and nice.
I am looking forward to visiting here again, especially in warmer weather when we can sit outside. -
Review from Kim D.
Forestville, CA
3/24/2011
delicious sandwiches and always a tasty sweet or two in the case for afterward... but aioli gets that fifth star for the fish tacos on fridays. mmmmmm.
the chef-owner is always sweet and attentive to her customers, even when she's clearly slammed. this is a great neighborhood joint that is SO worth a special trip on fridays. -
Review from Doug F.
Maupin, OR
2/18/2011 1 photo
Wow, let me say that again, Wow. I have never eaten crab cakes with so much flavor and the presentation was beautiful. My only complaint is I don't live close. If I did I would go there every day. Autumn could not have been nicer. I read one review which gave them only one star. I must say this lady must have gotten some negative drugs, a speeding ticket or had her car repoed earlier that morning. This place is great. I would give them ten stars if I could.
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Review from Jeff A.
American Canyon, CA
10/18/2011
Simply good food and service. Feels like home. Look forward driving there with my family from AmCan Napa. Cheers!
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Review from Elle N.
San Jose, CA
8/7/2011
Great place to stop off for lunch after having spent the morning hiking through Armstrong Redwoods State Park. It was a Saturday and the special for the day was two freshly caught wild rock cod fish tacos with chipotle lime cream, pico de gallo and lemon oil dressed cabbage. Yay! (I thought I had missed out on the fish tacos since it's usually the Friday special but so glad they also had them on the Saturday when we were in the area.) They were just as scrumptious as everyone else has described earlier. Nice crispy crunch from the fried batter surrounding the ocean fresh fish with the subtle spice of the chipotle cream sauce and the added textures and flavors of the cabbage and pico de gallo -- it was a wonderful and yummy combination. I love it when something lives up to all that it was hyped up to be. We also shared a cup of the mushroom soup which was the soup special of the day. It was the best creamed mushroom soup I have ever had, with lots of little chunks of mushrooms throughout and a great depth of complexity and flavor. Would definitely recommend a stop here for lunch if you're here in the area. The service was very friendly and helpful as well.
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Review from DEE D.
Petaluma, CA
5/8/2010
I am visiting the area this weekend for Mothers Day.
We went into Aioli for lunch. Service staff was curt, and child running around behind the counter by store was quite dangerous. We all (3) ordered the fish tocas. Soggy fried fish, and no flavor. I do not recommend it at all.Comment from Autumn O. of Aioli Deli 7/31/2010
I stand by my food whole heartedly. I stand by my customer… More » -
Review from Lucinda S.
San Francisco, CA
11/5/2010
Super Reuben. And such friendly folks! Check this little gem out.
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Review from Rachael M.
Santa Rosa, CA
3/23/2008
I like this chef-owned and operated place because it is close to my work... I work in the middle of nowhere, so lunch options are slim pickings. But this deli is only about 10 mins drive for me...the staff was super friendly and the place had an overall welcoming feel to it. My friend ordered a pastrami Reuben sandwich that looked killer, I order a portabella sandwich that was yummy and we enjoyed beers on their nice patio. Also I thought the fresh boutiques of rosemary on each of the tables were a nice touch. Their menu was simple... the chicken sandwich might have been overkill on the bread but still good. Check it out if you're in the Forestville area for lunch, as its only a lunch spot. They also have catering options .
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Review from Pam B.
Santa Rosa, CA
4/2/2010
I love this little place. Very tastey soups and sandwiches are like homemade (by a good cook!). They have also added comfort food takeout. Flavorful and good value. I love the shepherd pie and other take out, plus there are a few small tables, both indoors and out. Great for a quick lunch. It's the kind of food you would find in a good restaurant, but in a very low key setting. The cooks are the owners.
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Review from Roger C.
Cotati, CA
11/21/2010
Great food, good prices! The fish tacos on Fridays are the very best I have had in a long time! Go early they sell out fast! And don't miss the duck confit and on Wednesday, in season, crab cakes! The eggplant panini is excellent for a vegetarian option!
