Niko’s Express Italian Deli

Omg so good soooo homemade the best pasta best Italian food ever!!! Amazing service and I love the fact he makes GF pasta and it’s the best!!! You feel like family

Ahhh, if I only lived closer. Great food with a smiling face, doesn’t get any better.

The deli is in the gas station. The man behind the counter was wonderful, he is both chef and owner. Delicious sandwiches. I had the Ruben and my Bf had the giant 12″ Philly cheese steak. I would recommend both. Also we received a few bonus items for being first time customers.

I have tried a few sandwiches and haven’t found I didnt like. But the Pa Pa is my favorite. James is so nice and courteous and goes out of his way to make sure that you’re happy. This is my new favorite sandwich shop

Great service. I had the Pa Paw sandwich and if all their sandwiches are on the same bread, I’d be happy. Their bread is made fresh daily at a local bakery. Pickles were homemade and had a slight spiciness to it similar to banana peppers. Definitely coming back next time I pass through.
Only downside is the location. Most people won’t know it’s there cause it’s in a gas station. And it’s a good mile from the 78 freeway.

After frequenting this restaurant regularly for the past couple of years, it’s time to write a review. A solid five stars is given without reservation. Only superlatives can describe the quality of the food and I’ve tried just about everything on the menu. The owner, James takes pride in providing a quality product.

Great food, great owner, ive been coming here for over a year always had 5 star taste and quality of food. The nikos cali special is my absoluye favorite.

This is my favorite place to grab a bite to eat in probably all of San Diego county. The owner who is always here is the nicest guy you’ll ever meet and don’t let the fact that it’s in a gas station foul you it’s some of the best food Italian food you can get for a pretty decent price. If you haven’t been hear year and you happen to be close to the Vista area you gotta stop by and try it out. I highly doubt you’ll be disappointed. This isn’t the first time I’ve been here and it won’t be the last.

Ok yeah Niko’s is in a gas station but so what because the food is pretty delicious, James is cool and very helpful and the prices are fair. I don’t want to speak on how the prices are so great because I don’t want James to up the prices. Anyway there really isn’t much as in sandwiches in this part of Vista so Niko’s is the place to be.
I had a Pa paw sandwich which was recommended by James and it was probably the best sandwich I ever had. This is a monster of a sandwich but don’t try to be a hero and finish the sandwich. The sandwich is definitely made for two people so keep that in mind. I also had a meatball sandwich with pepperoni and it was very tasty.
I hope Niko’s can stay in business because James is doing a great job. From the food quality, pricing and customer service. When I need a sandwich I’m coming to Niko’s.

I can’t believe I’ve been missing out on this gem for so long! Unbelievable! Pa Paw makes homemade authentic Italian food and killer Italian sandwiches. Note, all sandwiches will be made hot unless you ask otherwise.
I strolled in extremely famished after Bootcamp. I’d read the reviews for this place, so I was already prepared to feast on either the Pa Paw’s special or the Philly Cheesesteak, the two most popular sandwiches (Pa Paw being no. 1). I was undecided, so, Pa Paw asked me what I was in the mood for. I explained that it was between the PA PAW’s special and the Philly cheesesteak. It didn’t help to learn that the PA Paw special is the best selling sandwich, but also that Pa makes his Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches just like Pat’s in Philly. That said, I knew I had to go with the Philly cheesesteak.
Conversation was super friendly and warm as I waited for my masterpiece to be executed. Not only did he go out of his way to get me a complimentary sweet tea for my first visit, but, he also offered me a complimentary Caesar salad while I waited. I thought this was extremely. I’m a sucker for customer service, so this blew me away. It was at this point that I knew I would become a regular… Assuming my girlish figure will allow it.
The Caesar salad was probably one of the best I’ve ever had. I could only imagine ordering this as an entrée with grilled chicken. Pa Paw told me that this was a popular dish along with his Greek salad. This, because he cooks the grilled chicken in garlic and oregano — delicious!
Though my Caesar salad was served gratis, I would gladly pay full price for this. It was just that bomb! I also enjoyed sipping on the homemade sweet tea while I waited; it was truly refreshing on an unusually warm November day.
Now for the best part. I was terrified at the size of the Philly cheesesteak sandwich; But man oh man was that bad boy the bomb! I think the bread is what tops this sandwich off. It’s soft and melt in your mouth good. Loved the banana peppers and pickle that came along with it. I was too full to even open up my bag of Fritos that came with my sandwich; just knowing that they were available to eat with the other half of my sandwich at a later time made me feel like I got my monies worth.
I’m glad that I signed up for Nikko’s frequent customer program. This allows for learning about daily specials and discounts. Nice touch. I’m also excited to use the eat 24 program which allows me to order my food online ahead of time.
Next up — Pa Paw’s special AND some of those mouthwatering fries that I was eyeballing!
My recommendation — run… don’t walk to get yourself some of this homemade Italian cuisine and authentic sandwiches. Otherwise you’re definitely missing out!
Can’t wait to return!!!

Don’t let the fact that this restaurant is located inside a gas station stop you. It’s small if you’re eating in, but the meatball sandwich we had for lunch was fantastic. Meatballs made that morning by the owner were fresh from the oven served on a perfect roll with melted cheese. There was a steady stream of customers while we dined in all of whom appeared to be regulars. We’re looking forward to returning to try something else. Prices are very reasonable. The owner is also the chef and he’s very friendly.

OMG! I had the Philly Cheesesteak and it was so delicious! James, Nikko’s dad, treated me like a queen. He offered sweet tea (very yummy), a bag of Doritos and as a new customer, a mini cannoli (I loved it). The sandwich itself was huge and I couldn’t finish it. The bread and meat were divine. Next time I’ll bring my hubby to help me eat the other half of that thing. So good! Highly recommend! Will definitely be back many many more times.

This place is located inside a Gas Station. Came in today and tried Pa paw’s Italian classic hoagie I got the 12 in. Which was $ 10. And salt and vinegar fries $ 3. Portions are huge. I’ve never been able to find a deli place that comes to my standards however this place is on point with everything. The owner James went to culinary school 30 years ago before he joined the police department and then retired. Wow I can definitely taste his love he has for food
with each bite I take. Bread is flavorful, fresh soft. Meats were well portioned unlike other places who don’t give you a lot.
This man is a professional and really enjoys his craft. My husband got the Philly cheese steak $ 10 and Cajun fries $ 3. Also got NYC cheesecake. Simply amazing. Heard from other customers to try the meatballs, something to look forward to for next time. I highly recommend you try this place out. Two thumbs up!

Stopped in here on my lunch break. Grab a slice
Of pizza. This is not your average slice of pizza. Everything about it was great. I mean I have had many a pizza and yet this one hit the spot. Reminded me
Of the old Italian pizza my grandma use to make. I will be back and will be bringing the wife. They are also on EAT24.

Was so in doubt about this place. Wasn’t even sure i was at right place till i saw the Niko’s sign on a nameless gas station window. Wow im so glad i took the chance. Ive eaten in Philadelphia, Chicago and New York. Niko’s meatball sandwich just blew me away and took me to another place and time (New York specifically). The owner James is the real thing and knows what he’s doing like no one else around. The bread, the sauce the meatballs were out of this world!!! The sandwich was huge. Even the homemade pickles were mind blowing out of this world! James, your the chef and you’ve shown your skill, and you go above and beyond in hospitality! Cant wait to return and try the rest of the menu! We loved the cannoli’s and spaghetti. What a chef!!!
When pigs fly is next…
UPDATE:
My sad news update on Niko’s Express Italian Deli. I was so excited about this place. Unfortunately the few times i went back so excited to eat that yummy food, they would say they ran out of this, they ran out of that. They don’t have this, they don’t have that. They apparently also ran out of that awesome bread they first used to make my sandwiches because recently, they made my sandwich with some cheep supermarket sandwich bread. What happened to that crusty soft yummy sandwich bread? This place was so inconsistent. I’m so disappointed and sad that I will never go back there again. So sad cuz I really liked what you did for me the first time. Sad and in search for another Italian deli that can produce.

How good is this place? It’s so damn good that almost every weekend we put a 2 and 4 year old in the car and drive 35 miles each way to get there!
The pastrami and the philly cheese steak are like Disneyland for your taste buds!!! The bread is fresh and slightly toasted, the cheese melted just right, perfectly tender and seasoned meat, and to top it off homemade pickles to go with it!
Asking to choose between the two sandwiches is like asking to choose between your two kids. Both are so amazing and you love them both the same :)
This is a local owned business run by an incredible gentleman known to everyone as «Pa Paw».
Please please please support this amazing business which is kicking out the best sandwiches known to man and supporting his community! I promise you will not regret it! One bite and he will have you hooked!

Do not be put off by the location. This is an excellent restaurant.
So far have had the Pa Paw sub, the Meatball Parm sub, the Fettuccine Alfredo and the cannoli. All have been excellent. Can’t wait to try everything else. Super friendly service, Niko’s deserves all of the great reviews it has received.
Support your local businesses and head over to Niko’s next time you’re craving Italian.

By far some of the best sandwiches I’ve had in the area. The breads are nice and crusty on the outside and soft and chewy inside, and the cheesesteak and pastrami are highly recommended. The pasta I had was al dente and the sauce was terrific.
The owner, James, is very friendly and customer service is top notch. Don’t let the fact that it is attached to a gas station dissuade you. I’ll definitely be coming back and trying much more of the menu.

So we’re having a hangry moment and walked in to what we last knew to be a
Taco Shop for rolled tacos…
Well that was three years ago!
Now it’s the most amazing of Italian
Deli’s we’ve had the pleasure of accidentally discovering.
The gorgeous sandwich was
absolutely amazing… and the Parmesan garlic fries were fought over the entire time.
The owner and preparer of our meal went above and beyond with his service and hospitality!
Can’t wait to see what he can do with the
Pizza Pie !

I have only been here twice in the last few weeks, but, I swear, the food has tasted even better each time.
I originally found Niko’s through Unilocal while searching for «healthy restaurants» and was impressed with the reviews. Both visits I got the spaghetti with meatballs and a salad. Everything was made from scratch and ready to order, right down to the balsamic vinaigrette dressing. James also makes his cannolis from scratch, which I HIGHLY recommend getting each time. Because how often do you find fresh cannolis so local these days?
I will also say that the service at Niko’s is extremely welcoming and friendly. James is very warming and easy to have a conversation with. He holds great passion for his business and for the food he creates that it’s no wonder I enjoy going back. Lastly, I don’t normally drink any other beverages besides water, but when James offers me a complimentary sweet tea, I can’t say no!