BMH Italian
7670 El Cajon Boulevard
(between Maple Ave & Thorne Dr)
La Mesa, CA 91941 (619) 698-6333
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: No
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: Yes
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Dinner
- Alcohol: None
16 reviews
Neighborhood: La Mesa
"This place is a find. It's off the beaten path on Lake Murray Blvd in La Mesa, but the food is authentically Italian and very well prepared…" read more »
37 Reviews for BMH Italian
Front-page on Yelp directed me here and the reviews are right.
As catchy as the $5 footlong Subway commerical song is, their meat quality is akin to a kid's lunchables.
BMH on the other hand has some top notch meats and cheese (esp. the multiple types of salami.) They also have frozen italian entrees ready to go in a freezer section.
Plus I always have a soft-spot for local businesses.
Thanks to Yelpers for a great recommendation.
Now I feel sick. My tummy hurts. No, not from anything bad...from gorging myself on the yummy Caprese w/proscuitto sammie.
Aghhhhhh! I'm stuffed!!!
It was very flavorful in a mild sort of way. The hubby had the Bada Bing which also was tasty. We ordered to go and it took about 8 minutes total. Not bad as we were there at 12:45 pm today.
One thing that I don't recall being previously mentioned is that the restroom was neat and clean. That's a biggie in my book. The guy that took our order promptly went into the rest room and washed his hands(the door was open, so that's how I know)...always a good sign.
Oh, and Mama wasn't there...unless she is a burly black man, a regular ol' hispanic dude, or a tiny college age blonde chick. Somehow, I think she isn't. Maybe I'll see her on another visit. Maybe not. Either way, I'll be back ;)
I agree with all the reviews that this is the spot for a great Italian sandwich. The combos will not disappoint as it is enough food to share between two people that want a light lunch.
For me I was here for these five star sandwiches. I ordered the GHD Genoa Salami, Ham, Italian dry salami & Provolone. The ingredients were so fresh yet simple.
My wife got the The Betsy - Turkey, pancetta, avocado & chipotle cheddar cheese in a half sandwich half salad combo. I think I might order that next time if I am in the mood for Turkey.
It was the famous Mama that took our order. The service is very good at this deli and they were very welcoming to our little 22 month daughter. There are only about 6 or 7 tables and no highchairs to the folks with little ones. I'm sure I will be picking up food to go often.
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Good sandwich joint. Nothing to write home about though. Very simple, very friendly.
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This is the kind of place that I say thank you yelp for the turn on. I was and am still turned on. The sandwich I had here was reminiscent of the east coast. It was great. I picked up some frozen Ziti that was hand made by Mama. It was totally worth the drive to La Mesa and parking next to the Meth Lab trailor park around the corner. Park on the main road because this trailor park meth lab area is scary if you are not into deviant behavior. I got a homemade Italian sausage sub. It melted in my mouth. I am still thinking about it two weeks later. I know that a lot of 5 stars have been given to this place but it is so good it still deserves more.
MAMA MIA....uhhhh YEAH! I've only been to a few Italian delis, but this one wins the award! The bread and especially the cheese, all thick and creamy, made this sandwich solid gold in my book. It's on the expensive side, but well worth it! Wish there was a place like this by my work.
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Try the Italiano - Americano!
Roast beef, pepper sopressata & provolone
$8.25
This was the BEST sandwich I've ever tried. I was in heaven. BMH used their own home-made dressing on everything. I believe it's called Love sauce? It sure tastes like love sauce.
BMH also features a fully-stocked, Italian deli/ shop where you can buy specialty Italian ingredients for home cooking.
Try this place. You will not be disappointed. But don't be in a hurry. This is not Subway. It's a special place where you can take your time and be served by a sweet Italian "mama".
I never really crave sandwiches, but for some reason today when I was looking on Yelp for a place to get lunch, I decided to try BMH and I was not disappointed.
I ordered the 1/2 sandwich and salad combo. For my sandwich I got the caprese with prosciutto. The waitress brought out the sandwich first and I thought she made a mistake because it seemed like it was a full sandwich. Then she came out and brought the salad. I was definitely not expecting the 1/2 sandwich to be that big, but hey, no complaints here. The sandwich and salad were both very good.
The salad dressing aka Mama's Love Juice was really good. I was looking to see if you're able to buy it but I didn't see it on the shelf.
I definitely liked the atmosphere there. You could tell a lot of people who go in there are regulars. The lady called Mama was very nice and cute. I was with my friend who just had knee surgery and has this brace on it. Mama walked by, stopped in front of us without saying anything. bent over to look at my friend's knee, then proceeded to lift her shorts up to show us her knees, then tells us she has bionic knees herself. It was random yet funny.
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mmmm.... caprese with prosciutto. yummy... it was surprisingly light but very very filling.
i'm half-ass'ing this review but read all the other reviews about how yummy this sandwich is!
the only reason why this is not 5 stars is because the cashier/sandwich maker chick... well, she didn't wash her hands or put on gloves before putting her hands on bread (and she just touched cash!).
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I finally decided to hit this little deli up after reading all the great reviews and was not disappointed. I decided on the caprese sandwich with proscuitto and picked up a bag of Poore Boy's jalapeno potato chips to go with it. Took it home and cracked a Franziskaner Hefeweizen with a slice of lemon to wash it all down. An awesome mix!
Great bread and excellent quality proscuitto and mozzarella made this relatively simple sandwich a perfect meal. Paired with those spicy chips and the light lemony beer, dude, total sandwich heaven. I had planned on saving the other half for later, but that didn't happen... Ate it all in one sitting and was very satisfied.
BMH will certainly be getting my business again and I can't wait to try more. I may have to hit up a meatball sub next time. Good job guys! This site has guided me towards a great establishment that I may not have otherwise visited.
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BMH's Caprese with Prosciutto sandwich is to me as crack is to Amy Winehouse.
I recently discovered this place and have been visiting so often I'm slightly embarrassed to walk in.
Try it you'll love it.
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Oh shiznit! The first four star review!
Well, let me first say that the lack of five stars may be my fault. You see, I don't eat meat and this just might be a meat place. My review is based on the caprese (sans prosciutto) and it was good, just not five star good. I will be back to try the other meatless offerings and modify my review accordingly. Don't hate, meat-eaters! Herbivores are people too (you know what I mean).
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I wait two weeks to eat here... FINALLY plans are made... Today go see Indiana Jones, go to BMH ( i was craving their Betsey and a canolli -- damn skippy I did my homework!!!!), get our food "to go" only to end up watching Pittsburgh and Detroit with wonderous delights from an authentic Sicilian deli....
Get this, I even called to make sure BHM would be open... I could not afford to screw this up -- I'd been chatting it up for two weeks... TWO WEEKS!!!
Ring... ring...
BMH: Hello BHM, how can I help you?
Me: How late are you open today?
BHM: Until six
Me: GREAT -- see you later
Freaking lied to me -- not even a f-in note apologizing... or an explanation. This is as bad as ending an engagement via text.
Text: "I don't want to marry you... sorry"
____________________________________
Moral of this Yelp: At least leave a "Dear John" letter.
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It seems like the best places are hidden on El Cajon Blvd. Well maybe just this one. After battling La Mesa in the Audi. La Mesa's street plan was either designed by Dr. Suess or the civil engineer accidentally left his original draft for the street layout on the coffee table and his 3 year old scribbled crayon on it and they decided just to use that.
Seriously for an interesting time take the 94e to Spring St. Then head North and try to get to El Cajon Blvd or even University. You will be amazed at what maneuvers you have to pull to get there.
But back to BMH. Its small the sign may be hard to notice and the little street parking it has is usually already taken. But once you do get inside you just may be warmly greeted by a lady I call "Mama BMH" and you are not left to order one of their amazing sandwiches, or dishes, or you can walk about the deli area and pick up the goods.
I opted for the "Ba Da Bing" sammich. I highly recommend it. As I had to carve out extra room in my stomach to finish it. I was going to only give this place four stars but the food and service makes up for its poor location and parking.
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I thought I had reviewed this place, I guess not! This place is literally just around the corner from me....I would love to go there more but they close so early and with my crazy schedule I haven't been able to go. However, this place is yummy....it just needs extended hours! please :]
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My girlfriend and I live a block away from this place (which is nice, because we can walk and avoid the parking) and we decided to give it a try as we had never been. We came away extremely satisfied with the food and the service. Not much more need be said; just look at the reviews!
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To be honest with you, this place deserves 4.5 stars. The sandwich that I had was very good (but no the best I ever had). The ambience in the restaurant can be richer. The gentleman who served me was very friendly. He gave me some leftover bread because the place was closing and they make their sandwiches only out of the freshest breads (which made me give this place 5 stars instead of 4). I absolutely highly recommend this place.
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thank you, yelpers.
you know, sometimes you people just get things right. i had a hankering for a sandwich the other day, in my new 'hood, and i wanted it to be good.
clickety clickety clack! (that's the sound of me searching yelp.)
BAM! (that's the sound of me finding this place.)
a few minutes later, i'm in this small & homey feeling little deli, ordering up a huge sandwich. a few minutes after that, i'm at home, scarfing it down. for nine bucks, i got two meals (the sandwiches are BIG), a drink & some candy. and, it was delicious.
good job, you guys...
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I first came into contact with BMH Italian when I solicitated them for a food donation for my volunteers at KPBS. This was several months ago, and they continue to donate each time we ask. Howard (one of the owners) is probably the nicest man you could hope to meet, and the food is so good that my volunteers sign up early for the night's BMH is catering. I especially love the vegetarian sandwiches with eggplant, and tortellini in any combination. Wonderful place!!!!
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I've lived in Sicily for 7 years and this is one of the few places I've found in San Diego that makes me homesick of Sicilia! First, the warm welcome feeling you get from Mama, like you've known her for years or family! The food is excellent, everything on the menu is tasty!
I have been searching for some good, authentic Caponata since I left Sicily and I've finally found it here! A definite must for those who want and love cucina Siciliana!
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i've been here a few times by now. the sandwiches are awesome. today i had the caprese with proscuitto. it was on a sub style bread with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, proscuitto, and pesto sauce.
the great part about bmh is that they have italian groceries, ie... pasta, canned and bottled goods, cookies etc...
great fast service, and even better food.
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I am also a bit biased by my family connections to BMH, but it really is a wonderful little joint, especially if you're looking for uber-authentic Sicilian food and super friendly service. Their hot sandwiches are to die for and people go gaga over the lobster bisque when they have it. Also, nothing beats dipping freshly baked Italian bread in "Mama's love juice." (I know it sounds wrong, but it's so delicious!). As far as desserts go, try the cannoli if you're looking for something rich or the pignoli (pine nut cookies) for a light way to finish your meal.
BMH also sells Italian groceries, coffee beans, and gifts, which are fun to look through around the holidays. They also cater!
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I LOVE MAMA!!!! This place is perfect in every way! I went to school next door and used to go here a couple times a week sometimes just to get bread. Yes, it's the perfect Italian bread! Back in the day it was called "Mama Lina's" and Mama is still there! I feel like I am biased too!
Beware of the lunch rush--- usually about 15 - 20 hungry contractors invade the place around 12ish. If you are in a hurry call your order in ahead.
I would trust Mama to cater my wedding... seriously that's how good this place is.
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This is the best restaurant of the town. i like that
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This is the most incredible Italian deli around!!! The sandwiches are the freshest and tastiest, the selection of Italian delicacies is suburb and the owners and staff are so friendly. You'd be crazy not to try this one!
Hubby and I ate here for the first time last night. Wonderful sandwiches and service.
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I have been living in San Diego since 2000 and this is by far my favorite spot to stop for a sandwich. I switch between a few different sandwiches, but I always come back to the Bada Bing as my favorite. You have to remember to drench the sandwich with Mama's love juice, the special sauce at the tables. Mama can be a little slow when working the front, but she is so gentle and friendly you can't help but like her. Also, they still offer student discounts on cold sandwiches which only end up being $5, they used to offer the same for hot sandwiches, but recently retracted the discount. Amazing spot, I drive from La Jolla at least once a week to grab a meal there.
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Absolutely phenomenal sandwiches and accompanying foods. I've had the BaDaBing, SoHo, Sweet Italian Sausage and some others and have never been let down. The house salad is generously proportioned. The lobster bisque was great, but could have been a bit more creamy, although the flavor and price were spot on. I enjoy their cannolis and tiramisu. The cheesecake was above average, but nothing to rave about. Eating in here can be a roll of the dice, but I am always willing to take my chances. The dining area is small and may be full or empty, you never know. The service is warm and welcoming and keeps this place as one of my top choices for lunch out of the office.
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It took me a while but I found an Italian Deli in San Diego that is worth the money! Well, I didn't find it, I was introduced to this place and I can't stop going! Everything I've had is good, and I have had a lot of items on the menu. Delicious! I wish it were a tad closer to me though.
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I used to live right down the street from BMH and let me tell you - i LOVE this place.
They're like that neighborhood deli that you always wanted to hang out by... with some of the best rolls, awesome cracked olives and the most wonderful freshly grated Romano and Parmesan.... plus, great cuts of meat...
aside from the food - the people that work there have a knack for making you feel like family... i'd say that i was biased by my familial connection too - except... i'm pretty asian.
all in all, if you're in the area - you'd be a FOOL not to stop by and say hello to Howard and Maria.
WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
-Abby + Tony.
WOW! What to say about this deli but TERRIFIC! This is the second time I went to a restaurant based solely on the reviews here and this time I was very pleased with the results. My trek starts @ 1:30 from Sorrento Valley and I decide to look up a good place in the area. Well one of the first recommendations yelp shoots out is this little place with all five star reviews and that was enough for me. I didn't give it a second thought and drove all the way there. Parking is not the best with only three spots in front that I can see but who cares after eating their specialty hot sandwich called The Betsy. This sandwich has a very feminine name for such a manly beast of a sandwich. Smoked Turkey, chipotle cheddar, bacon, avocado, on a toasted soft roll with a squirt of Mamas Love Juice (I don't make this stuff up folks!). Big portions with good prices makes this place my favorite deli. Go Now! (unless their closed then wait till they open) but don't miss out on some good eating there. Thanks to the great reviews here, I can now die happy! Foget about it! Eat up.
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Its good!
Cheap high quality food, big portions. The tuna sandwhich is good. The lobster bisque could have been served in a 5 star restaurant.
One of the owners is also a chef at a pricey Italian place downtown, and you can tell from the food.
Tell them you're a student and they'll give you discounts.
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The best Italian deli this side of the Mississippi. Sandwiches are out of this world. Try the chicken and proscuitto tortellini, also excellent!
BMH stands for the owners names. I forget them all, but M is Momma. This is an Italian deli/bakery that has excellent sandwiches. It can get busy at lunch, since a lot of the locals come here. Most of their business is take out, so you can usually find room to sit. You order at the counter and they wil bring it to your table.
Both hot and cold sandwiches are reasonably priced and delicious! The atmosphere is typical hole-in-the-wall neighborhood deli, but the people working here are great.
Try the famous Torpedo with Momma's Love Juice on it!
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First off, I will admit that I am a biased reviewer as a neice of one of the owners (lovingly known as Mama). However, I am unabashedly critical when it comes to food (what can I say, I'm an Italian girl), and I guarantee that if you're in the market for what BMH has to offer--good, no frills, homestyle Sicilian food and loaded deli sandwiches--you'll love the fare.
Everything at BMH is made from scratch according to old recipes passed down to my aunt, who immigrated here in her early twenties. The bread, sauces, soups, dressings, desserts, cookies, olives, artichokes, sausage, meatballs--EVERYTHING is homemade.
Of particular interest is the fresh baked Italian bread that the sandwiches come on. It is worth it to stop in early as the bread comes out of the oven (around 10-10:30). Mmmm... carby goodness! Also, Mama's Love Juice, a dressing put on all the sandwiches, makes an amazing dipping sauce, salad dressing, and marinade, if you'd like to purchase it by the bottle. (You can get the bottle refilled at a fraction of the cost, if you bring it in!) Soups are always homemade, hearty, and delicious. Try the Sicilian cracked green olives, which are smashed one-by-one with a mallet before they are marinated, in the old world style. If you want a sandwich, favorites are the Ba da Bing and the Torpedo, though I personally love the Mama Mia--grilled eggplant and red peppers, goat cheese, and balsamic vinegar on the warm, soft bread. An amazing and different treat is the Sicilian Pizza, called Sfincioni, available on Fridays (call ahead to be sure). It has thick crust, caramalized onions, cheese, anchovies, and breadcrumbs, and is to die for. For dessert, try a cannoli, a Sicilian pastry, or a piece of Mama's tiramisu.
Seating is limited. You may want to make it to go. Also, beware of the lunch rush between 12-1... make sure you call ahead if you don't want to wait for your food.
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I have lived in this area on and off for years and I just found out about BMH around a month ago. Actually, I am pretty lucky that I just found this place because if I had known about it all along I would be 400 lbs by now.
I love this place. They have a great selection sandwiches including tons of great hot and cold choices. The torpedo is very good at $6.25 with lettuce, tomato, onions, ham, provolone, cotto salami, and genoa salami. The meatball is great too!
Come hungry or plan on splitting a sandwich because they are big.
Also, word of warning the parking sucks.
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I give it 5 for the category of "Italian deli". I mean it is a great deli over all, but definitely Italian. Few legal parking spaces available, pretty busy for lunch, like a half dozen tables, kind of out of the way - but man are their sandwiches good. Their rolls are definitely homemade and delicious. Their house sauce is some sort of oil-pesto-garlic-tasty goodness. I liked sopping up the sauce that dripped off my meaty Torpedo (meaty torpedo!) with the left over crusty-on-the-outside-soft-and-fluffy-on-the-insid e sub roll. I can't wait to go back and try a different one. The place was clean, the staff was very friendly and they had a small Italian pantry of pasta, olive oil and such for sell. I deli case with chunks of meat they must use and sell. I guess they do big phone order business. I had the caprese sandwich in the past which was also good, but I missed the meat, I like meat. I'll be back
+good and quick
+tasty house sauce
+reasonably priced
+friendly staff
-parking sucks
-limited tables
-out of the way
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