Pizza restaurant and deli in San Pedro, CA: The Porthole Deli and Pizza

Context

The Porthole Deli and Pizza is a casual neighborhood restaurant located at 2223 S Pacific Ave, in the coastal community of San Pedro, California, United States. It combines a classic pizza place with a deli-style sandwich shop, attracting nearby residents, workers from the port area and visitors who want a relaxed bite to eat. For anyone comparing options of a pizza restaurant in San Pedro, this spot haS been known for its New York–style thin crust pies, hearty sandwiches and friendly, small-business atmosphere.

It is a simple, no-frills place: a small dining room, a straightforward menu, and a focus on comfort food such as pizza, wings, sandwiches and salads. Some guests mention patio seating being available, making it more appealing for those who prefer to sit outside. At the same time, several recent comments highlight that the restaurant has been closed since sometime in 2023, so anyone planning a visit should verify the latest status before going in person or trying to reserve restaurant in San Pedro for a group meal.

Overall, The Porthole Deli and Pizza is ideal for people who enjoy non-chain, local spots, want generous portions and appreciate being recognized as regulars. It has attracted both quick-lunch customers who stop by for a single slice and people who order large pies and sandwiches for family dinners or small gatherings.

What The Porthole Deli and Pizza offers

The core of The Porthole Deli and Pizza is its pizza menu, complemented by a strong selection of hot and cold sandwiches, salads and sides. Many reviews praise the pizza crust as classic New York style: thin enough to fold (“taco”) but still with a proper edge and some chew. Guests highlight generous portions and abundant cheese and toppings, especially on pepperoni pies and specialty pizzas like pesto or margherita.

Alongside the pizzas, the deli side of the menu stands out. The chipotle chicken sandwich, Italian sub, pastrami and turkey sandwiches appear repeatedly in customer comments. Diners describe them as flavorful, juicy and made with fresh ingredients. Wings, salads and occasional slice deals round out the offer, making it an easy choice for people who want a casual lunch or takeout dinner without spending time in a full-service establishment.

For those who compare prices of pizza in San Pedro, The Porthole Deli and Pizza falls into a moderate range: some guests mention spending around 50 to 60 dollars for combinations of large pizzas and wings, which is in line with many independent pizza places in Southern California. Others comment that prices feel fair considering portion size and quality, especially when ordering sandwiches or a quick slice. When looking for offers in pizza restaurants in San Pedro or a good value on non-chain slices, many locals have considered this spot a solid option.

Menu and specialties

The menu at The Porthole Deli and Pizza is simple and focused, which many guests appreciate. Instead of an overly long list, it concentrates on a handful of well-executed pizzas, sandwiches and salads.

Among the pizzas, several combinations have attracted loyal fans:

Classic pepperoni with lots of cheese and a crisp, thin crust.
Mushroom and olive pizzas, including large sizes that are described as “huge”.
Half-and-half creations, such as half black olive and half roasted red peppers.
Margherita pizza with cooked-on fresh basil and fresh tomato added afterward.
Pesto pizza, praised by one guest who usually does not venture beyond red or white sauces.

Customers often highlight that the crust and sauce are “unique”, which makes the pizza stand out compared with big chains. Some orders have been made through online or phone systems, with people noting that ordering directly from a phone is easy and convenient for takeout or delivery.

The deli section is equally important. Sandwiches mentioned in reviews include:

Chipotle chicken sandwich, described as slightly spicy, with finely shredded, juicy chicken, grilled onions, cheese and optional avocado.
Italian sandwich, considered flavorful and well-balanced.
Pastrami sandwich, moist and tasty, with good pickles.
Turkey sandwich, simple but satisfying for a quick meal.
Shredded chicken sandwiches with house ranch sauce that guests find “so yummy”.

Salads are also part of the offering, and some diners specifically mention fresh, flavorful ingredients and generous portions. Wings are available as a side or shared appetizer, though opinions on them are more divided, with some guests finding them similar to frozen wings.

With this combination of pizzas, sandwiches, wings and salads, The Porthole Deli and Pizza suits many situations: a quick slice at lunch, a casual dinner, or a group order to share. Visitors looking to reserve restaurant in San Pedro for a casual gathering often consider places like this when they want relaxed service, outdoor seating options and comfort food that appeals to different tastes.

Experience of the customers

The overall experience reported by customers is a mix of strong positives and some clear criticisms, giving a realistic picture of what to expect.

On the positive side, many reviewers praise the taste and quality of the food. The pizza is often called “great” or “delicious”, with special mention of the cheese, pepperoni and pesto creations. The slice deals are popular with those who want a quick and affordable lunch. Sandwiches receive even more consistent praise: the chipotle chicken sandwich, Italian, pastrami and shredded chicken options are described as flavorful, filling and unique compared with other nearby delis.

The atmosphere and service also earn many compliments. Guests describe the owners as very friendly and appreciative, treating customers like family and offering “unbelievable service”. Staff are often attentive and welcoming, which encourages repeat visits and makes people feel good about supporting a small local business. Portion sizes are described as proportionate or generous, and several reviewers comment that prices feel fair for what they receive.

There are, however, some important negative experiences. A few customers report receiving burnt pizzas, including one case where two extra-large pies were noticeably overcooked and unevenly sliced. Others mention soggy crust, inconsistent thickness (half thin, half thick) and toppings that slide or arrive as a “soupy swirl” after delivery. A recurring theme is inconsistency: some people say that when the restaurant first opened, the pizza was excellent, but later visits were less impressive.

Order accuracy has also been a problem at times. One reviewer notes that condiments like pepper flakes and Parmesan spilled during delivery, and that a specific request (no oregano on part of the pizza) was not followed. Another mentions paying for three toppings and receiving only two, then being unable to reach the restaurant by phone for over an hour and never receiving a callback.

Finally, practical aspects such as parking and accessibility are mentioned. The restaurant is small, and parking around 2223 S Pacific Ave can be difficult, so some guests find it more convenient to order takeout. One recent comment points out that The Porthole Deli and Pizza appears to have been closed since sometime in 2023, so anyone reading older reviews should cross-check current information before planning a visit.

Useful tips before visiting

For those who decide to try The Porthole Deli and Pizza, a few practical tips can improve the experience.

First, because information about current operations is mixed, it is wise to check online listings or call ahead to confirm that the restaurant is open that day, especially if someone is planning to bring family or visitors. This is particularly important for anyone hoping to reserve restaurant in San Pedro for a small celebration or group meal.

Second, parking near S Pacific Ave can be challenging. Allowing a little extra time to find a spot is advisable, or consider ordering takeout or delivery if parking is a concern. The small dining space and mention of patio seating suggest that it may be more comfortable for smaller groups rather than large parties.

Third, based on reviews, the sandwiches are one of the most consistently praised parts of the menu. Those who care about reliability might prioritize trying the chipotle chicken, Italian or pastrami sandwich, along with a salad, especially at lunchtime. Pizza can be excellent when done right, but experiences vary, so starting with a slice or a smaller order may be a good way to judge personal preference.

Finally, because this is a local, non-chain restaurant, it appeals particularly to people who like to support independent businesses. Many guests mention feeling good about supporting local jobs and appreciating the personal touch from the owners and staff.

Opinions and ratings

Several customers highlight excellent pizza with a perfectly crispy, New York–style crust, generous pepperoni and standout cheese, calling it one of their favorite neighborhood spots.
Many diners say the sandwiches are outstanding, especially the chipotle chicken, Italian and pastrami, describing them as juicy, flavorful and better than options at nearby chain delis.
Multiple reviews praise the friendly, welcoming service, noting that the owners remember regulars, make guests feel like family and show genuine appreciation for local support.
Some guests feel the food quality has become inconsistent over time, pointing to burnt pizzas, soggy dough or uneven crusts and saying they now prefer to order only sandwiches or go elsewhere for pizza.
A few reviewers report issues with customer service on bad days, such as incorrect toppings, missing items and phone calls that were not returned, which left them disappointed despite liking the food.

Questions and how to choose a restaurant in San Pedro

When people search for places to eat in the area, they often compare several pizza restaurants in San Pedro before deciding where to go. Key factors usually include crust style, topping quality, price, speed of service and consistency. The Porthole Deli and Pizza has been known for flavorful pies and creative topping combinations, but reviews show that experiences can vary from excellent to disappointing, so it is helpful to read recent comments and decide whether the strengths align with personal tastes.

Those looking for the best pizza in San Pedro usually pay attention to how often locals return, whether portion sizes match the price and how the crust is described. Many guests here love the thin, foldable crust and abundant cheese, while others criticize occasional burning or sogginess. For anyone who prioritizes sandwiches, this place often competes with other delis in San Pedro with vegetarian options and meat-heavy choices alike, thanks to its range of chicken, turkey, pastrami and Italian-style fillings.

Families often need a relaxed setting and simple ordering. People searching for a family-friendly restaurant in San Pedro tend to value casual counter service, outdoor seating and a menu that includes pizza, sandwiches and salads that appeal to children and adults. The Porthole Deli and Pizza fits this profile when open, though the small size of the dining room makes it more suitable for smaller family groups rather than very large gatherings.

Workers around the harbor and visitors to the waterfront frequently look for a quick, satisfying lunch. Those who type in sandwich shop in San Pedro near the waterfront or similar phrases are usually trying to find a place where they can pick up a hot sandwich, slice of pizza or salad in a short break. Reviews suggest that this deli has been a popular stop for that, thanks to reasonably fast preparation and the ability to grab a single slice or a made-to-order sandwich.

For takeout and delivery, many people prefer to order from their phones and compare options for takeout pizza in San Pedro with online ordering. This restaurant has been noted for easy phone ordering and quick preparation, though delivery experiences are mixed due to occasional issues with toppings sliding or condiments spilling. Checking packaging and asking questions when placing the order can help reduce misunderstandings.

Price is another important factor. Customers comparing local pizza deals in San Pedro or lunch specials at pizza places in San Pedro often find that independent spots like this offer good value through slice deals, combo meals or generous portion sizes. While some guests here felt that a large order for several people was a bit expensive, others considered the prices fair given the amount of food.

Finally, anyone considering where to eat should confirm whether the restaurant is currently operating. One recent review mentions that The Porthole Deli and Pizza has been closed since sometime in 2023, so it is wise to check recent listings or call ahead. For those who find it open and running, it can still be a strong candidate when choosing a casual pizza restaurant and deli in San Pedro, especially for fans of creative sandwiches and non-chain, neighborhood-style spots.