It seems like Subway is almost as pervasive as Starbucks. They are located everywhere and sometimes attached to gas stations. If I find a new sandwich shop that isn’t named Subway, I automatically feel compelled to try it because I yearn for something different. My wife told me about Swell Deli and I told her that I wouldn’t mind trying them.
Fortunately, my wife doesn’t mind my strange obsession with restaurants. Because I was tied up, she visited Swell Deli on my behalf. She found them in a small Catalina Ave shop directly across from Rockefeller.
Opening during a pandemic isn’t the most logistical thing to do. Nevertheless, owner Adam Orr opened Swell Deli’s doors in mid-June. Due to social distancing requirements, a table was set up blocking the entrance, and everything was prepared to go.
The bread is sourced from Pinwheel Bakery, a French bakery in Torrance. Adam added that he obtains the baguettes fresh daily. The quality is there, the exterior is crispy while the interior is fluffy and soft. Because the bread is soft and the meat is sliced thin, biting into it is easy, and you’re not clinging to a thick slice of meat that withdraws from the sandwich.
The Goodfella is a classic Italian sandwich made with various Italian deli meets and thin-sliced provolone. Pepperoncini peppers added a tangy flavor and a crunch factor to the experience. Roasted garlic aioli and a house vinaigrette nicely complemented everything and made the sandwich moist.
Horseradish aioli nicely elevates the Roast Beach, a roast beef sandwich made with thinly sliced beef, and havarti, mild creamy cheese with a slightly nutty taste. Sliced pickles gave the sandwich a nice crunch with each bite. Lettuce, red onion, and roasted red peppers rounded out the insides.
Their vegetarian option is the Caprese. What made their version exceptional was the use of farmer’s market tomatoes, fresh basil, and the delicious avocado pesto. It’s possible they use buffalo mozzarella because it was so soft and creamy. With the exception of the Goodfella and the Roast Beach ($13), all of their sandwiches are $12.
Other sandwiches include the Beach Blanket, turkey with brie, the pork lovers Big Pig, ham, capicola, bacon, and swiss, a vegan sandwich, and a build your own.
Orr created his coleslaw when he worked in Napa. It’s simply made with shredded red cabbage, julienned carrots, and a sweet and tangy dressing that is mayonnaise-based.
Metered street parking is available.
Swell Deli, 1702 S. Catalina Ave. Redondo Beach, Ca 90277; 310.373.2927