Coppola’s Deli

The sandwiches are average. Not bad, but nothing special. The neighborhood is neat and the shop has obviously been around for a while so it must have a following.

I have eaten here since 1985. I order the smoked turkey most of the time, since I like it best. It used to be a great sandwich until they switched to Thurman’s meat several years ago. I told them then that Thurman’s turkey tasted like sawdust– nothing like the higher quality meat they had before. Every year I go back to try this sandwich, hoping I will get to like Thurman’s but I am disappointed each time.
I also agree that the sandwiches have less filling in them. Oh well, I guess you can’t turn back the clock!
Their cheesecake is excellent, but ask if it is fresh. Tonight, for the first time, I got one that wasn’t– and it’s too expensive for that.

Stopped in today with family to try out since I’ve heard only good things from our RVA friends. Between all of we tried the Steak Bomb and Smoked Turkey! We only had compliments for the food, just the right portion of food with great flavor. Food was all fresh and bread was delicious. Only complaint was the price of the sandwich didn’t include a side– chips and drinks were extra. With that price it would have been nice to have a little something included. Service was fast. Willing to try again!

Fast, personable service — even for noon on Sunday in Carytown!
Ordered the Pizzaiola sandwich — good, but the marinara reminded me of Sloppy Joe sauce. Served with a pickle spear and very filling.
The crowning achievement here was Coppola’s Chef Salad. Well worth $ 8.99, the salad was loaded with a healthy-​sized portion of lettuce, and deli-​style cheddar, swiss and provolone cheeses, with turkey and ham rolled and sliced, to top it off. Huge, scrumptious salad! Two very enthusiastic thumbs up!

Great service! Very fast, friendly and helpful!
I ordered the Industrial (cold) as I was taking it to-​go. Great meat and cheese. I wish I added more sauce for flavor.
I think the serving is perfect for one person but a little pricey for the serving.

Came in for lunch at noon to see why this place is voted best in Richmond. I got the club sandwich and wished that I got the Industrial after I seen someone else get theirs delivered to their table.
Sandwich was great no complaints. I knew it was going to be a great sandwich because it took about 5−7min to make, they don’t just throw it together. They put love in making the sandwich.

Solid eats. I popped in here during a quick stop in Richmond around dinner time. I was looking for something tasty that I could eat on the go. I’m a fan of the small, no-​nonsense local eateries and this looked like it would fit the bill. I ordered the Industrial upon the recommendation of the friendly young-​ish lad behind the counter and was happy with my sandwich. The deli meats and cheeses had good flavor and went well together. I think that the best thing about my sandwich was the sweet peppers. There were a lot of them and they really made the sandwich. I was also pleased to see that Coppola’s had my favorite San Pellegrino Aranciata to enjoy with my dinner!

Sandwhich was very tasty but the size for the price was disappointing. I’m a sub lover and the difference between a good sub and your average sandwich is definitely one that is packed full of goodness.

I write this review full of sadness. I’ve been eating at coppollas for most of my life. I used to wear the tshirt. When I moved out of town it was always my first stop when returning home. When friends were in from out of town it was the first place I’d take people. The sandwiches are hands down the best I’ve ever had and I’ve travelled all over the world and this country.
The sandwiches have gotten really small not just this most recent visit but the last couple of times I was in. They used to be bulging with meat, cheese and veggies. I actually asked for extra cheese (which I wanted to pay for) this time and the cheese was scarce. I also noticed the cost of my sandwich went up. Which is fine. But don’t have the cost go up and the amount of food go Down.

We were wanting a late lunch after running some errands, and by bf suggested we stop at Coppola’s in Carytown. Apparently it’s a known Richmond hangout and been around for years. We got there around 3pm and ordered the Industrial and Steak Bomb. In true deli fashion you order over top of a cooler/​glass case. It takes them about 5 – 10 minutes and then they bring your lunch over to the table. Nice touch! I was expecting them to scream a number out, but it was much classier. ;-)
I think both subs were above average, but the Steak Bomb was the better of the two. I’d definitely go back for this sub.
Subs are about $ 8 – 10, but I honestly think we could have split one. It wasn’t huge, but they were packed with meat and filling.
If you are looking for a bite in Carytown, they are worth checking out. The signs inside said they offer box lunches too, if you need lunch on the go. Several people got carryout while we were there eating.

I’ve only ever done sandwiches here, but they are consistently awesome, and very open to small changes if requested. A favorite stop in town!

I think we had the place all to ourselves. Service was quick and friendly even when I asked for my Cheese Columbo on lettuce instead of bread, and they dressed it and included some yummy Roma tomatoes. The bf enjoyed his Industrial. There’s also a good selection of market items to take home.
EDIT to reply to Tom’s comments — definitely not our first time, but our first Unilocal review.

I’ve never been to New York City, but I imagine the quintessential New York Italian deli would be much like Coppola’s. From the décor to the food, it is very authentic. I had the smoked turkey melt. At first, I just thought I got a standard sandwich. It didn’t look like anything special, but it tasted delicious! No comparison to a fast food chain sub. The turkey was flavorful and juicy, the veggies were fresh, and it was perfectly warm. The peppers in whatever sauce they use are also delicious! Only thing I would add is I felt like it should come with chips. It did come with a pickle, though. Great place! Can’t wait to take my hubby here!

The Columbo sandwich with artichokes is probably the best sandwich in Richmond. And you won’t find it anywhere else. It’s a tad pricey, but totally worth it!

Awesome deli friendly service EVERYTIME! Beautiful sandwiches! What more could you ask for? Try their imported wine

The short version (out of 5)
Flavor: 5
Originality: 5
Presentation: 4
Service: 5
I was in the mood for a sandwich in Carytown and after reading the glowing reviews, Coppola’s fit the bill.
I went with the steak bomb with marinara sauce. I asked if they could spice it up. They obliged with extra peppers. If you want it extra spicy, order it with «extra hots».
So after a short wait, a server calls out an order number which will be the last two numbers on your order ticket as well as a description of the sandwich.
I was greeted with two portions of a meaty sandwich filled with 100% beef steak and Genoa salami. It’s grilled with onions, sweet and hot peppers and mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and Dijon. I really appreciated that the tomatoes resembled tomatoes and were not processed versions their former self.
The sandwich comes out piping hot. Steam billowing from the meat and melted cheese. One bite and you can taste the quality of the ingredients. I struggled with waiting for it to cool down and so like a good pizza, you continue to bite into it knowing that your tongue might regret it a little later. Luckily, they have a good amount of beverages to quench the heat.
Getting back to the sandwich, it’s kind of a race to finish it before the bread yields to the awesome juiciness of the marinara sauce. The extra peppers give it a really good kick. Red pepper chili flakes are available table-​side if you’re so inclined. Bite after bite you can’t help but feel satisfied with the Italian flavor filling your mouth but sad knowing that the ride will be ending.
The sandwich is shorter that your typical footlong at Subway but it’s definitely more about quality over quantity.
Highly recommended.

No one in the deli when I arrived and still wasted 20 minutes waiting for the worst Reuben I’ve ever had in my life. The meat was tough and cut too thick. I literally had to pull a bite off the sandwich. The bread was barely toasted and the whole sandwich was akin to prison food. The side of potato salad was just as bad having ZERO seasoning.
I don’t know what’s up with Richmond consistently giving rave reviews for substandard, and in-​this-​case inedible, food, but I’ll not join that chorus.
Authentic Deli?
Not even close. …

The first time I came here I ordered an industrial cold. It was only ok. I was disappointed because I had heard such great things about coppola’s deli and it being so close to my apartment I really wanted it to be good. (Later I’d realize my problem was not getting it grilled). Still, I was determined to give it a second chance, mostly because during my first time there the guys behind the counter were friendly and relatable, asking about my day, the weather etc.
The Second time there I struck gold. Because of a fellow Unilocalers suggestion I ordered the steak bomb with marinara sauce. The steak bomb «100% beef steak and Genoa salami grilled with onions, sweet and hot peppers, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and Dijon.»
If you order it with marinara the dijon mixes with the marinara to create an amazing sandwich experience with just the right amount of kick (hidden away beneath the surface) It’s become one of my favorite sandwiches and the experience there is always fantastic. The guys behind the counter are friendly and always nice to talk to.
Coppola’s deli is awesome!

Considering my love for the sandwich, it’s pretty surprising that today was my first time experiencing one from Coppola’s.
The verdict is that it’s solid. The ingredients are fresh, bread was nice and soft and portion of meat generous. I had «The Barnyard,» which was pretty basic– with turkey, ham, swiss, lettuce, tomato, mayo and mustard, and I opted for Rye bread over wheat. Simple but yummy in my tummy. My friend enjoyed his «Cheese Colombo,» which he opted to add eggplant to.
I had the day off from work, so gave into a having a Hardywood Singel with my sandwich. After we paid, we were seated, and the food was delivered to us in a matter of minutes. It was not busy at all, but that’s probably because we were there at 11.
I agree with others in that given that the sandwiches are not served with a side, the prices should be slightly lower. The portion was sufficient for lunch on its own, but typically I would expect to pay $ 6-​$ 7 or so, instead of the $ 8 that it costs. Not expensive enough to prevent me from coming back.

Still love Coppola’s, but yesterday was a day to test a loyal customer and two new ones.
Took two friends out to lunch. Not only did my sandwich come out with a hair in it (which I sent back immediately), but I think they also forgot about our cheesecake. We had to remind them, and when it came out, mine was broken in half with the two pieces piled on top of each other. The guy told me, «It tastes the same.» Sure it does, but if presentation doesn’t matter to you, then you shouldn’t be in the restaurant business.
The situation reminded me of the scene in the movie CHEF where the kid over-​grills the bread and is about to serve it to the customer when his father tells him never compromise your product because that inferior product is what the customer will remember (and subsequently tell the world on Unilocal) — a lesson the kid never forgot. In short, don’t serve broken cheesecake. And don’t give the customer anything less than your best.
I have no idea what happened with the hair in my sandwich. I doubt they made me a fresh one. Probably just removed it. Sigh.