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The Appetizer
Categories: Restaurants Italian Restaurants Delis Restaurants Pizza Italian, Delis, Pizza [Edit]
700 Deep Valley DrRolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
(310) 541-1411
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 7 am - 9 pm
Sun 7 am - 8 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
81 reviews for The Appetizer
Review Highlights
"Tucked away n a back street in Palos Verdes."
(in 7 reviews)
"I also LOVE their garlic bread, with marinara sauce."
(in 10 reviews)
"Their hot roast beef sandwich is delicious as well as their..."
(in 4 reviews)
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81 reviews in English
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Review from Samar N.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
1/16/2012
This is one of the few good casual places to eat on the hill. You can go to the counter and order food to go or go in, have a seat and the server will come take your order.
Their pizzas, cold sandwiches and antipasto salad are all delicious. I have never had their pasta. They carry some beer and wine in fridges as well but do not have any hard liquor.
They also deliver to the P.V. area. -
Review from Khoa L.
El Monte, CA
11/20/2011
Such a great place because of the community feel. The food is great, the people are friendly, and the service is helpful.
I found this place on accident, and decided to try it out. Pizzas are good - the spices give it this refreshing feeling. Delicious!
Their pasta and sandwiches are good too, if you're not a big pizza fan. When I walked in to the place, the first thought was that this place has been around for a while and the second thought was that they must be doing SOMETHING right in order to still be here.
If you're in the neighborhood, stop by this place. It's a quiet little place for you to enjoy lunch. -
Review from Fred H.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
2/5/2012
I have lived in PV since 1971 and have gone to the Appetizer all these years. Fabulous service, home cooked tasting food, friendly service and you see people you know from all walks of life.
A neighborhood rough diamond. You gotta go for lunch or dinner. If you are going to an SC game they make up a lunch sack for you that is perfect. -
Review from Lily P.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
1/29/2012
The food here is pretty awesome. Its not often that we crave food but we can't help doing it with the Appetizer's sandwiches and lasagna. They are quick from the time you order to pickup or delivery. Ordering online is also very easy and they've never made a mistake. Thank heavens they are on the Hill.
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Review from C H.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
1/22/2012
Most authentic New York Style pizza I've had on the West Coast. (NY Style is large slices, thin crust, and a little greasy from the cheese). Love me some New York Style Pizza!!!
Spaghetti-Marinara was a little heavy on the red wine, not my taste but for those that are fans of red sauce like this, its the place to go.
The Pasta WAS DELICIOUS. Tastes practically homemade.
When I'm here most people are ordering sandwiches, they must be pretty good by the sheer quanitty of sandwiches ordered.
Family owned since it opened. The Son is now running the joint, he's EXTREMELY cool and loves what he does. Strike up a conversation and you'll see his passion for what he does.
You get a lot of food for what you order, definitely a value! Nice to find in this part of Los Angeles County where everything is overpriced and undersized.
To the person confused about the set up, just ask, or go with the flow. Not important! -
Review from Latisa M.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
2/5/2012
found this place just by searching for nearby restaurants and i saw what good reviews they had and decided to order. they delivered which was awesome,they told me it would take about 45 minutes and they were spot on with the time! the pizza was good and i look forward to trying other things on their menu. it was a little pricey for my taste but it was so worth it!
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Review from Nicole P.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
1/13/2012
It's good, the place is very very crowded and not really my taste. The food is oily But edible. Not a great location either.
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Review from Debbie C.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
9/22/2011
Good food and good service. They also delivery within 5 miles with a $15 minimum which is convenient. Now you can also order online for pick-up.
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Review from Catherine K.
Los Angeles, CA
11/28/2010
I can't believe I finally got around to trying this place. It was poppin' during lunch!
The interior was definitely a lot bigger and nicer than I imaged it would look from the outside, but it's a mom and pop casual dining/deli.
The guy who helped me recommended the TORPEDO cold sandwich!
It was ham, salami, cheese, pepperochinis, italian salad, and tomatoes from what I remember.
The Italian salad inside the sandwich made the sandwich different from what other delis offer.
FAST, courteous service! You pay at the end of your meal.
Reading the other reviews here, it looks like I have to go back to try their pizzas.
Sandwich-wise, I still prefer Rinaldi's in Redondo, but The Appetizer is A-OK. -
Review from David K.
Santa Monica, CA
10/9/2010
Overpriced and overrated -- at least for pizza. Crust is ehh and sometimes kinda soggy.
I'd much rather have Buca di Beppo, Village Pizza, or Rafaello's (thin crust) if I'm in PV. -
Review from Edwin H.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
11/12/2010
When I was a child, the Appetizer had another location on the hill, inside the Hughes supermarket at Hawthorne and Crest road. Alas that supermarket (now Ralphs) and location no longer exist, but the original Appetizer remains.
The Appetizer is a landmark on the Peninsula, especially for anyone that went to school in the area. Right next to the Peninsula library, the Appetizer would be the default choice for all food activities with friends during the childhood years.
The wonderful taste of the restaurant never changes over the years. I personally was a fan of the Appetizer sandwiches. The sandwiches are quite simple with bun, cold cuts, vegetables, and mayo. Nothing special. But they get the taste done right. In the roast beef sandwich that i had today, i could taste the cold, crisp and water gushing from the lettuce and tomatoes a refreshing taste in my mouth. The bread is legendary. The inside of the bread absorbs the moisture and flavor from the mayo, vegetables and cold cuts, while the outside of the bread remains fresh and fluffy. This just makes the sandwich even more delicious after a few hours before consumption. Although the Appetizer will not win any awards in food innovation, it is a testament to excellence in simplicity. -
Review from Gracie J.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
7/7/2011
We came upon this restaurant today while looking for new places to eat nearby. 1st off, the restaurant set-up is confusing, they have a counter where you order your food (I think) but they tell you to wait to pay until the end. They tell you to grab your drinks from the cooler and take a seat. Other people had servers bringing them drinks, so I don't know if we were never supposed to go to the counter in the first place.
We ordered the garbanzo bean soup, penne pasta, and a pastrami sandwich. The $4.95 cup of soup was a really small serving, and not very exciting. It could easily made at home w/ a few ingredients. The penne pasta also was nothing to write home about, but I probably should have ordered something like the eggplant parmigiano to get a feel for their abilities. My fiance said that his pastrami sandwich wasn't bad, but we both agreed it was pretty bland, overpriced and there was nothing that will be bringing us back there. -
Review from Kelly C.
Los Angeles, CA
8/4/2011
Good for basic food. This isn't fancy so don't expect much and you'll be fine. Pizzas are good and the pastas are American style, pasta mushy not al dente, and sauces thick and loaded with dried spices. Good for nights when you're too lazy to cook and great for parties - though don't get talked in to a full tray of pasta, it serves 30 not 15 like they say. The garlic bread is worth doing extra cardio for - best thing in the menu really.
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Review from H Q.
Placentia, CA
8/7/2010
3 1/2 Stars
I've been here twice. I can't for the life of me remember what I had the first time I was here about two years ago. I dined in and I believe I had a meatball sandwich. I remember the dining area being a little cramped and a help yourself soda fridge.
On this occassion, I had some take-out pizza. I don't know what it is, but I think I have out grown pizza. It's not something I get excited about anymore. It's something you eat because there's nothing else to eat or you're too lazy to think of something will satisfy more than one person. I didn't order it and I didn't order the toppings, so I guess my review is tainted. So, I'll just say the dough was pretty good. It was soft and tore apart easily which I like. The toppings didn't just fall off the pizza when you picked it up, which I also like. It wasn't too cheesy, which I don't like. The tomato sauce was good and had a little kick to it.
A decent, but not great Pizza pie. -
Review from Ryan C.
Los Angeles, CA
5/5/2011
This place looks pretty humble, but it has some of the best pizza we've found in LA. The prices and service were great too.
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Review from Mr Z.
Los Angeles, CA
12/18/2010
Happened to be in the area, stopped by on a rainy day for a quick lunch.
Like the reviews say, their hot pastrami seems to be the unanimous staffs' pick.. "we beat Langer's" they told me (though I must point out, if you plan to set a standard, the east coast delis set the bar.. Langer's doesn't hold a candle..)
The pastrami was pretty good, although it didn't hold the flavor too well being that thinly sliced.. I prefer thicker cuts with more spice..
Their bread that made the difference, with slices of pickle and mustard sandwiched beneath the meat and cheese. baked well.
Their pizza was also good.
I have to point out that the menu prices are a bit higher than what I would have liked to pay, so I will hold back a star, but the place seems like one of the rich neighborhood's favorite family joint. A small, warm and cozy neighborhood deli and an overzealous guy behind the counter. -
Review from Food-Doc K.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
6/25/2010
A Peninsula landmark for years.
When it comes to this place I'm a creature of habit. Although I've tried the torpedos, the pastrami, the pizza etc.., the reason that I like this place is for the meatball sandwiches. They are outstanding and some of the best I've ever eaten.
Hanks and even Quiznos has far better subs, Tomboys and Johnny's blows their pastrami away, I've had better pizza elsewhere, but don't get me wrong this place is decent for what it offers. You can just get some similar items elsewhere that are much better IMO. Very reasonable pricies here though. 12" meatball sandwich $6.50.
Once in a while I'll try the hot roast beef for a change, but that's a hit a miss. Sometimes juicy and succulent and at other times dry and a waste. Never had a bad meatball sandwich from here though and now that they have added local delivery I find myself even ordering more often.
Got 2 being delivered as I type. -
Review from Grace K.
8/16/2010
3.5 stars
They've been here for years and they're a Palos Verdes institution.This place was convenient when I was living close by. We'd call ahead and pick it up or have it delivered.
Their torpedo with ham, salami, cheese, mayo lettuce, and tomatoes is decent, but not the best signature sandwich I've had. It would be better with a spiced ham or black peppered ham or both.
I'll usually get their pastrami with cheese, mustard, and pickles. I prefer my pastrami meat to have a little more spice.
Their bbq chicken sandwich could benefit from a little more tang.
Their eggplant parmesan is good. Their marinara is tangy and their eggplant is cooked soft without being too mushy.
Their pizza is actually pretty good. The whole time I had been ordering sandwiches when I should've been ordering pizza. I made this discovery right before I moved.
Their antipasta, macaroni salad, potato salad, and pasta salad are all good sides.
It's good, but I'll only go if I move back. -
Review from Johan N.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
7/14/2010
I simply can not have a Yelp account without reviewing a place that reminds me of my childhood and a place that I continue to frequent in my adulthood. This deli/pizzeria/sandwich shop delivers on every level for me.
I have memories of coming to this place with my dad, brother, and friends and picking up a torpedo or turkey sandwich. Things seemed so simple and innocent back then didn't they? I sometimes miss those simpler times... but at least I can still come to The Appetizer. The people and neighorhood are basically unchanged and it feels so comforting to know that a place from my childhood still exists.
As for the food... I stick to the sandwiches 90% of the time. These sandwiches are pretty simple, but that's what I like about them. Good bread + thin layer of mayo + meat + lettuce + tomato + cheese = heaven. Specifically I would rate my favorites as: turkey, roast beef, meatball, pastrami, and torpedo. For light eaters the small sandwich should suffice. I usually go with the large and sometimes save half for later. It's a little more expensive than what you can get at your chain sandwich shops but you really do get what you pay for. You can take your $5 footlong and shove it! (you may want to go with a 6" if you do that though, lol)
The pastas are solid but not spectacular, although the meatballs are huge and tasty. The pizzas are also very good--not the best I've ever had but certainly better than your usual chain pizzas. They also have a deli counter where you can get sliced meats, cheeses, and salads. Honestly, everything is good... I think the only thing I've ever had that was bad (and this is over 50+ trips to this place) was a ravioli that was way overcooked and mushy (this was just once--usually the ravioli is great).
Overall, I would say that this is your solid neighborhood deli with great food and a friendly atmosphere. I can understand somebody with no ties to the area and no history with The Appetizer saying it's just an average deli... but for anybody who grew up with this place... it's a real treasure.
4 stars for food, +1 for nostalgia, +1 for neighorhood atmosphere, rounded down to the 5 star max! -
Review from Kelly E.
Berkeley, CA
5/29/2010
I got major love for all the mom and pop restaurants still out there and The Appetizer is one of those dericious, dericious gems.
You can order a single slice of cheese pizza for $2.50 which is nice when you're just meeting with a friend for a quick bite to eat.
I fell in love with their pastrami sandwich though, there's an absurd amount of pastrami in there (literally bursting out and dripping all over your hands and sleeves... mmmm...) with an incredible layer of melted gooey provolone cheese. Oh god, my stomach is rumbling just writing this.
My girlfriends and I hit this place up when we're all in town and need a place to catch up. If you get one of the spaghetti dishes you get a LARGE amount of spaghetti (you can ask them to split it which is nice), a salad/soup and four pieces of garlic bread. Such a good deal!
Vegetarian lasagna is pretty unique, it's not overly creamy and no mushrooms in sight.
Good portion sizes, reasonable prices, a cute old-school deli vibe and most importantly: mouth wateringly delicious food.
Very friendly service and easy online ordering. If you're in PV and want a quick bite to eat with friends drop on by! -
Review from Joan S.
3/10/2008 4 photos
My first visit here today.
The minute I walked in the door I was impressed by the cleanliness of the place, and its uniformed staff. And the brightly colored hand-painted murals of Italian countryside/seascape. Those murals were painted in 1976; The Appetizer has been around for 35 years.
There is indoor seating as well as a rear patio overlooking huge pine trees. Most customers were getting food to go.
I wanted something fast and light, like a salad. They ended up making one custom for me: antipasto on a bed of lettuce. Mushroom, artichoke hearts, salami & ham, and some sliced tomato by request. It was a very ample lunch, and I was charged the small salad price of $4. Wow. Way to win a new customer....
The best part of my lunch for me, in addition to the food, was my view while I ate.....of the tomato-slicing machine in operation! Holy crap they sliced like a gazillion tomatoes while I watched. The whole tomatoes go down a tube in bunches while a guy moves the slicer by hand. They filled up umpteen containers with sliced tomatoes & were still going strong when I left. I assume they will be very busy tonight with pizza orders, etc. if all those tomatoes will be used up in one day, wow.
I gotta go back for an Italian meal, at which point I may add the fifth star.
The Appetizer's catering and take-out service are popular, from what I hear. You can order food online at http://www.TheAppetize..., up to 7 days in advance, & you receive email confirmation.Listed in: Casual Dining, Italian Restaurants & Markets
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Review from Ciara G.
I used to be a frequent diner at the Appetizer yeeeaaarrrrsss ago. I would dine here with a good friend of mine probably 4 times a month for a good solid year. Since my pizza list is on the small side the only right thing for me to do is start eating more pizza. So that is what lead me back to the Appetizer tonight.
Since I always like to be prepared I browsed at their menu on line. I then I saw that I could place my order on line as well so I took advantage of that. On line ordering was easy and a breeze. So I drove up the winding road to get my pizza.
Tonight I ordered a Small (10inch) Pizza with Fresh Tomato, Basil, Roasted Garlic and extra sauce. I also splurged and ordered a Small Torpedo just so I could give something else a try. I mean, I do yelp for food so... q:
Pizza was AWESOME! When I opened the box, the smell of the freshness of all the ingredients blew me away and my iphone out of my hand and onto my pizza! plop! After the initial shock and a quick run to get my mini professional to snap some funny pics I dug in to my first slice. All the memories of past Appetizer meals soon flooded my mind.
How have I stayed away for so long? Well, I am happy to say that I will be back! Toppings were fresh, their sauce is great, perfect amount of cheese and their crust is a good classic crust. They also offer a thick Sicilian style crust as well.
My Torpedo Sub was not to shabby. I really enjoyed it even after eating the Godmother form Bay Cities just yesterday. Generous portions of meats and cheese that spilled out of the sides (perfect tear off pieces for Cat) and filled with lettuce, tomatoes, pepperoncinis and an Italian vinaigrette. Bread is good and soft (Jolie D would approve).
The have inside are and an outside patio for dining. They also deliver and again you can order on line for both takeout and delivery.
The staff here was FANTASTIC! Super friendly and my order was ready when I walked in the door. And when I left I received a big "Thank you Ciara see you soon", "You too Appetizer" (=Listed in: When the moon hits your eye…
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Review from Charles H.
Torrance, CA
Updated - 5/5/2010
I am a finicky pizza snob. I really, really liked the thin crust meatball and mushroom I had last Friday. Slightly burnt edges, which is good.
If Grimaldi's (Vegas and Brooklyn) gets a 100%, Pavich's gets a 95%, this was a 92%. Almost perfection.Listed in: Pizza around the Peninsula
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/17/2009
Just started taking my family there. I have two words: THIN CRUST. Very hard to find good thin crust… Read more »
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Review from John P.
La Canada Flintridge, CA
2/16/2009
3.3 stars. Solid. Turkey sandwich is go-to. I would go back.
Pasta sux. Watcha gonna do? I ordered the wrong thing, but I just had been fiending pasta a few weeks and kept ordering it wherever I went.
Funny, thing, I've been to Italy twice. I love their pasta, antipasta, and pizza. I mean, really love it. But outside of Italy, the most solid place for pasta ain't NY, it's Tokyo.
peace -
Review from Christopher W.
San Diego, CA
8/31/2007
Say no more....lucky enough to be brought up near it...
Order custom stuff off the menu..they can do it...wide selection of sides to an array of dinner items...
Viva Italiano... -
Review from Curtis F.
Cerritos, CA
5/30/2011
went here for lunch today.
what a find. in a quiet road behind a mall. if you know the silver spur area, you know the place.
great food. my nephew and my daughter had slices of the bbq chicken pizza. pretty good.
my bro in law (the one who knew about this place) had the chicken parmegiana. that looked good.
i had to try my fav italian dish, chicken marsala.
nice flavor. lots of mushrooms. nice olive oil and garlic pasta as a side. even better when you lay on the marsala sauce from the chicken. mmmmmm
it's almost worth the drive up the hill
its a must return place.
oh and the guys behind the counter are great. friendly, helpful... just a great neighborhood spot. -
Review from J J.
Los Angeles, CA
3/18/2008
This place is awesome!
Super food.
Super friendly service.
My favorite is their torpedo sub, my mouth is salivating just thinking about it. Their calzone's are huuuuge and also very delicious. Everything is done right here, you can't go wrong.
One time I ordered my torpedo with guac, but they forgot the guac. They had one of their staff run across the street to my car with half a guac in a container and apologized. I couldn't help but smile and told him it was cool. Again, super cool and friendly people.
5 Stars!! -
Review from Alex L.
Los Angeles, CA
6/16/2011
HANDS DOWN THE BEST PASTRAMI SANDWICH EVER! No place, not even The Hat or Busy Bee has anything on The Appetizer. Everything from the soft toasty bread to the massive cardiac pile of melted cheese and pastrami is perfection. You might be able to score a microwave warmed pastrami sandwich at Subway for a dollar less, but if quality is anything to you, you will turn it down every time for an awesome Appetizer pastrami sandwich.
I have tried their meatball and torpedo years ago, but I honestly forgot how they tasted as I haven't had anything but the pastrami sandwich for years. I have ventured into ordering a pizza on RARE occasions in hopes of being surprised. So far I have been striking out.
I come here for the pastrami sandwich and nothing but the pastrami sandwich with pickles and mustard. If I remember I'll pay the $.50 extra to double up on the cheese top and bottom I will. Getting this sandwich without cheese is a HORRIBLE mistake!
Think you have had the best pastrami, on the fence about your love for pastrami, think pastrami is nothing but a greasy mess... go here for an eye opener. -
Review from Peter L.
Los Angeles, CA
2/15/2009
I didn't want to go anywhere today. It wasn't my weekend with the four year old twins so I just wanted to hang at home. Plus, I just returned from Oakland. I remember another yelper Joan S mentioning this place so I decided to have some food delivered for lunch.
I ordered a torpedo sandwich and three topping pizza (onions, meatball and mushroom). I have to say this is the best food I've had on the hill. The torpedo had ample amount of Italian meats and just enough oil and vinegar. I've had torpedoes where the bread turned soggy after good dousing of oil and vinegar. The pizza was also very tasty and one of the better ones I've had. Price is reasonable. Certainly not the bargain you find at national chains but the quality is much better.
I would recommend and order from here again, again and again. By the way, I am having leftovers for dinner. -
Review from Simon Y.
Beverly Hills, CA
1/3/2009
Been going here since high school, which is a long time ago
For a period of two years I went to their sister counter in the Hughes market on a daily basis, and I went through their entire menu. It was to the point where I started getting experimental, and asking for whatever the staff had selected for lunch that day. I still take the drive up the hill every few months because of the meatball sandwiches.
Best meatball sandwiches. Period. Picture this: the homemade meatballs sit in the gravy (tomato sauce) waiting for you. You can't find that anymore.
All sandwiches are good. The whole pie pizza is much better than the slices. -
Review from Sarah M.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
2/16/2011
ALL ATTRACTIVE WOMEN BE FOREWARNED: the owner, all of the chefs, and every male employee in there creep out on every girl that walks in there. I know this b/c i frequented there often growing up. the food is a C, the cleanliness is a D, and the quality of the owners character: F-. You'll be safer at Subway.
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Review from Brian S.
Tustin, CA
4/10/2009
Best sandwiches ever, bar none. I wish they had one everywhere, I haven't gotten one of these bad ass sandwiches in like 10 years.
I still remember the first time I tried Subway when I was about 15. I was comparing it to this in the back of my mind, going: WTF is this?
Just stick to the sandwiches, why bother with whatever else is on the menu when they're this amazing. They actually carve the meat to order right in front of you. Now that's a deli sandwich. You can't go wrong -
Review from Juliet F.
Brighton, MA
7/29/2010
Great place for lunch, or anytime you want something more casual. There aren't too many good old fashioned pizzeria/sub shops in the area, and for me, there's something about the non-chain, hole-in-the-wall charm that draws me in.
I love the meatball subs, and the prices are not bad, but most things come a la carte, and the pastas seem a bit pricey. I haven't tried the pizza yet, but I definitely will! -
Review from Kanako A.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
5/21/2008
I used to come here all the time in high school while I was supposed to be "studying" in the library. Our study breaks were always at the Appetizer where we got sandwiches or their garlic bread.
Their hot roast beef sandwich is delicious as well as their Torpedo sandwich. Every once in awhile I still crave the roast beef and garlic bread, so I'll stop by to pick up lunch. They also have good pasta dishes which come with a salad and bread. Their mac salad is good too!
Nothing fancy, but good italian sandwiches.
You can call your order in ahead and pick it up for they also deliver on the hill too! -
Review from Laura P.
Boston, MA
2/24/2008
This place I absolutely love and would go there all the time for the deli made subs. I, myself would get a nice salami, provolone, mayo, lettuce and tomato sub that would hit the spot perfectly during lunch time. I did once and a while venture away from the sub and get a slice of pizza which was delicious. It was big and thin kind of like New York pizza but was perfect.
The service there was great and the people working are extremely friendly. The service was fast but even the environment and decorations of the place keeps you occupied. It is all Italian style with a few interesting articles or facts on the wall!
Great Place! -
Review from Jake R.
Diamond Bar, CA
5/20/2009
I am beginning to see a trend. The more down to earth your offerings it seams the better you appreciate your customers.
I love that this place smiles and truly appreciates your business. This is refreshing.
Ive been to too many "high end" places that treat me like I'm wasting their time. I like feeling like Im in a store that likes me.
the Sandwiches are pretty great. I had the pastrami melt which was good, not the best pastrami but its up there. I do not think I got the full effect since I took it to go and It got a little cold.
I really suggest eating the hot sandwiches there for the full effect
Well I hope more businesses take note and learn from these "Mom and Pop" operations.
I mean I do not think it takes a brain surgeon to know that customers like feeling welcome and appreciated. They do a great job here not only on the food but on the service as well. -
Review from Michael L.
Orange County, CA
9/30/2011
Best place for pizza and subs. I've been going to Appetizer since I was little. I used to live right around the corner and grew up eating it every Friday. About 13 years ago I moved to orange county, about an hour drive away, but I still make the trek every few months when I'm craving some good pizza. The place hasn't changed a bit, other than the original owner retired and his son took over, but the quality remains the same. Good price, nice relaxing deli atmosphere, and awesome food.
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Review from Keith L.
Redondo Beach, CA
5/4/2011
Great flavors and decent prices. We are big fans of their sandwiches and love their pasta salad. Service is polite and efficient.
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Review from Sheri S.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
11/9/2010
Yay! We FINALLY found great pizza in the PV area!!! And they deliver to our house, even though we're 15 minutes away.
The first time we had their food we dined in and the restaurant itself is nothing special. Huge deli counter dominates the place so it feels a bit awkward to dine there, almost as if you really should just take your food to go. And it smelled like cleaning solution towards the back, which isn't very appetizing, but we were eating near the front and couldn't smell it (only discovered it when walked to the back to use the restroom).
Service was fine. Friendly. Prompt.
Order a "glass" of wine and they bring you a mini-bottle, the kind you get on an airplane. Odd.
We ordered a small pizza and a plate of pasta with a salad and garlic bread to share so that we could sample a bit of everything. The pasta (ravioli with meat sauce, if I recall correctly) was delish and made an even better leftover the next day. The salad dressing is a classic Italian with wonderful herbs, so freakin' good!!! The veggies are basic but man, I could bathe in that dressing. Garlic bread was good.
The pizza, however, was on the verge of greatness. We like a thin crust and immediately realized that we should have ordered a large pizza because the crust wasn't as thin as it should have been (as we could see from other diner's large pizzas). We ordered a large pie for delivery the next time and found our winner - the crust thinned out just enough to be a great NY style fold-able slice of pizza pie!!! They have salami (bonus! so much better than pepperoni) and fresh garlic (for HIS half, not mine) and both were perfect. The right amount of toppings covered the pizza with a little cheese showing but not too much. The cheese was flavorful and gooey and delish. The sauce was just right - tasty, not too sweet and the right amount. The only place they could improve is the thickness of the edge of the crust - it's just too thick, too doughy. Get yourself some dressing or sauce to dip the crust into or feed it to your dogs, like we do...LOL.
We regularly order their pizza and salad to be delivered and couldn't be happier. I order on-line (convenient!) and on average they arrive about 45 minutes later (not bad considering the 15 minute drive!). We love it!!! -
Review from duke c.
12/18/2009 1 Check-in Here
Appetizer has always been a staple in PV for as long as I can remember. Recently went back just for the hell of it and I'm glad to see that it didn't go under in this recession.
Still a lot of people and it seems like the 2nd generation has taken over the restaurant. Still the same menu essentially and the service I received were great. I always get the sandwiches there. Meatball and pastrami never fails. Of course you can't go wrong with the garlic bread either.
They also have good pizzas. If you are tired of all the big boys like Pizza Hut or Domino's, and you live near the area, try their pizzas. It might be a little pricey but average for a neighborhood spot. They also have a great tomato sauce for their pastas and it seems like whenever I see kids they always get the spaghetti with red sauce.
Just very simple food, done the same for as long as I can remember.
