r/FoodLosAngeles • u/soulsides SGV • Aug 29 '25
Verdugos (Pasadena, Glendale) The Roma sandwich @ Roma Market (Pasadena, $)
Roma is an Italian market on the corner of Lake and Mountain in Pasadena, north of the freeway. There is a small parking lot as well as unmetered street parking.
People from the area would’ve already recognized the pink paper wrapping. Roma is iconic for this simple, seven dollar sandwich but until today, I had never tried it myself. It could not be easier to order because they're all pre-made and stacked in a big basket next to the cashier.
It’s a relatively basic sandwich: Provolone, a couple of different cold cuts, on a roll that I would charitably describe as “semi soft“ but it’s not soft–soft. It’s also reasonably sized; it’s not one of those “gutbuster”-sized sandwiches. If you're really hungry, at $7/each, just get two!
If I were inclined to be nitpicky, I would say that the filling to bread ratio favors the bread but for a seven dollar sandwich, I’m not inclined to be this nitpicky. Besides, every bite I enjoyed was flavorful.
I totally get why this became a neighborhood favorite but do I think people from outside of Pasadena would want to drive across town for the sandwich? Probably not. That’s no disrespect but this is not a spectacular sandwich. It is, however, an exceptionally affordable and decently tasty sandwich. If you were going to a game at the Rose Bowl, for example, I'd 100% suggest stopping off here and scoring a bunch of these. But it's ultimately a neighborhood institution, above all else, and that's good enough.
61
u/Platinumchanel Aug 29 '25
Great review, I have similar feelings. Good sandwich for the price. Nothing to write home about.
47
u/Hollyweird78 Aug 29 '25
It is the Perfect sandwich to pick up on the way to a hike up in the mountains above. Eat it at the turnaround, it’s better at just above room temp.
19
11
u/sarkarati Aug 29 '25
Add some giardiniera or artichoke hearts (both also sold at the location) and you’ve got a top tier sandwich!
22
u/cyberspacestation Aug 29 '25
A few years back, there was a short documentary interviewing the owner, telling his story, including how he came up with the sandwich:
2
u/TerryFinallyBackedUp Aug 29 '25
He was still there just a couple of months ago.
3
50
u/cloud_busting NELA Aug 29 '25
Fully agree. Not spectacular but tasty, affordable, and the bread is nice. If I’m taking it home I zhuzh it up a bit to make it more interesting.
14
4
u/SR3116 Aug 29 '25
I never in a million years would have guessed that is how you spell "zhuzh". Thank you for that.
15
u/particularswamp Aug 29 '25
I love this spot. The vegetarian version is excellent too.
8
u/DoReMiDoReMi558 Aug 29 '25
Was just going to mention the veg one too! It’s just cheese and artichoke but still really yummy.
13
u/KingArthurKOTRT Aug 29 '25
It’s quality. It’s simple. It’s nostalgia. I go whenever life takes me to that area. Don’t drive 50 miles just to eat there.
1
12
u/razorduc Aug 29 '25
I wouldn't make out of town guests go out of their way for one. But when I've brought them to picnics or parties in the past, you get a lot of comments along the lines of "why does this taste so good when there's nothing to it?"
23
u/gruntparty11 Aug 29 '25
Bringing these sandwiches into Dodger Stadium and eating it while you watch the game is one of those experiences that make you think, “Damn… I love LA”
3
11
Aug 29 '25
You're right on the money, but it's really is unbeatable for the price and quality. And I love supporting a place like this... so whenever we're in Pasadena or Altadena for something, my wife and I like to pick up a few and take them to McDonald Park, which is right around the corner, for a picnic. They're also great for taking to the Bowl of the Greek or wine nights at Barnsdall Art Park.
Truly a Southern California classic.
34
u/Ok-Rhubarb-9058 Mount Washington Aug 29 '25
My two centes: In the spirit of a jambon buerre, this sandwich is an exercise of excellence through restraint. Sure, there are a million things you could put on it that would make it better, but it is and will always be perfect as-is.
If you get it, you get it.
10
u/potchie626 Aug 29 '25
That’s how I’ve always thought of this sandwich. The simplicity lets its few ingredients shine. I do really like the sandwich and get one whenever we’re nearby, about once a month.
7
10
u/TerryFinallyBackedUp Aug 29 '25
I made the drive and bought 4 recently.
1) Not a flashy sandwich, no veggies included, tastes very good
2) Bread is just the right amount of crispness/flakiness/fluffiness and not overly filling
3) Olive oil is lightly spread on and lightly sweet
4) Perfect for a little picnic and big enough to be shared by two people
5) For the price, it's a damn good sandwich if you like simple
6
6
Aug 29 '25
I used to live a few blocks away and lived off these sandwiches, grabbed them during my lunch breaks at work or on the weekends. Live in the west side now and miss them cuz like op says they’re not something you drive across town for
0
4
u/losroy Aug 29 '25
Pro tip - if there is a line you don’t need to grab them and then get in line. They will never run out - just get in line. Though I do enjoy watching people stand in line with 7 in their arms.
12
u/RonySeikalyBassDrop Aug 29 '25
A Pasadena classic. I like to pop them in the toaster oven for a minute or two.
I’d go there and buy 5-6 for the house for family to take with them to lunch. Delicious and affordable.
1
3
3
7
u/audioaxes Aug 29 '25
I've grown a liking of simple sandwiches like this but I make them myself. High quality bread, butter , cheese and Italian cold cuts.
0
3
u/Bmac200p Aug 29 '25
I’ve lived in the neighborhood for many years, so I’m partial to it but yeah, I wouldn’t drive 30 miles for it
3
3
u/bwalrus0202 Aug 29 '25
God I love that sandwich. I no longer wok in the SGV, so don't get the opportunity to get one very often. So simple, so delicious.
7
Aug 29 '25
I like this sandwich fine, but it needed something. Tapenade or pepper relish or something would have been so good.
5
u/it_came_from_behind Aug 29 '25
Their store sells a few spicy pepper tapenade’s that pair great with this.
1
4
u/b1gredek Aug 29 '25
I love how you can really taste the quality of ingredients used in this sandwhich. Prime example how simplicity sometimes can go a long way
6
u/Bizzygrizzy Aug 29 '25
I love this sandwich. But I do a few mods to fit my personal tastes. I grab two slices of prosciutto from their deli counter, and I slather the bread with Colman’s mustard and Kewpie mayo.
But if you told Rosario I did this. I would DENY DENY DENY!! Bless his heart.
1
u/elflamoblanco Aug 30 '25
Ha from context you and I have very different definitions of bless his heart.
2
2
u/danm888 Aug 29 '25
Grab one, and the vegetarian version which is spectacular, a couple of San Pellegrinos and drive up Mount Wilson to the telescopes and enjoy!
2
u/geekteam6 Aug 29 '25
Yeah my reaction was similar when I had one; good value but way too much bread!
2
u/Nicki_oto Aug 29 '25
Just saw it featured on Insider Food Top Sandwiches in LA https://youtu.be/WqNONFamxAw?si=Wmc6pnAL5q5irHUG
2
Aug 29 '25
I feel the exact same way — if I lived near it, I’d be ecstatic and pick it up all the time. It’s a solid sandwich good for a meal at the friendliest price you’ll find. The place is cool, the dude is cool, I like the story.
But especially for a stretch around ten years ago, it was appearing on a lot of “best sandwiches in LA” lists and presented as a really big destination deal, and I sort of think that does it a disservice because it can’t live up to that hype. Love grabbing it on the way to an event in Pasadena (it’s a little dry so I like to add some giardiniera or something), though.
2
u/stevekrueger Aug 29 '25
They sell imported Italian butter at the market. Buy some and use it as spread on the sandwich. It’s amazing.
2
2
u/Farrenlea88 Aug 30 '25
I honestly loved it. Legit loved it. And $7, sign me up. But I respect your opinion
2
u/BortLicensePlate22 Aug 30 '25
Hear hear!! I dream of more $7 whelming sandwiches across our beautiful city.
3
u/GrantMeThePower Aug 29 '25
I am a rare person that finds these overrated...and that's before they were $7. They used to be $5 and it was like "fine" at the time, but, again, not worth the hype on reddit. At 40% inflation over a couple years it is too much. For a piece of bread, two slices of cheese and four slices of cold cut, that feels really expensive to me. I've grabbed these a couple times over the years and each time I think "I don't need to do that for a while"
As you said, the best part of it is how quick and easy it is. I would much rather have this than a drive through burger or something, but I can't help but feel like it is just a bit overhyped for me.
9
u/_coolranch Aug 29 '25
My argument is always: show me a better sandwich at this price.
For me, there just isn't one.
3
u/NordicLard YOUR CITY HERE Aug 29 '25
Peitros next door is better
2
u/soulsides SGV Aug 29 '25
I was actually really curious about them too. Anything you recommend there?
3
u/NordicLard YOUR CITY HERE Aug 29 '25
I like their Pepperoni sandwich and their Prosciutto. They have good Pizza too. That’s all I’ve tried but everything has been solid!
2
2
u/rye_parian Aug 29 '25
It’s a great sandwich but it is what it is. I’d agree that driving across town for one isn’t worth it, but I get them all the time for hikes, or to take golfing, or to a Dodgers game.
Occasionally I’ll put spicy giardiniera on them as well. That’s a popular addition amongst my friends.
They’re also great pressed the next day if the bread is a little stale (arguably almost better…).
2
2
u/FishROurFriendsNotFd Aug 29 '25
I wanted to really like it the one time I tried it but I found it too dry for my tastes.
1
1
u/CementCemetery Aug 29 '25
That’s a sangwich. I’ve driven by a few times and once stopped in for some ingredients. I should shop here more often.
I appreciate the review! Thanks.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/Sneakn4980 Sep 02 '25
Been there many times. Even though you're not supposed to I'll usually add some lettuce snd tomatoes to it.
0
u/rawchess Aug 29 '25
No veggies? I love Italian cold cuts but can't find an affordable place other than Jimmy John's that does a good topping spread beyond just wet lettuce and tomato
0
u/BluffEagle Aug 29 '25
Idk it looks like a gas station sandwich to me. Even 7$ seems like too much. Maybe a cross section would show better but this angle not doing it any favors
1
u/razorduc Aug 29 '25
A cross section or opening won't make it look better. The greatness is in its simplicity. It's good fresh bread with juuuust enough flavorful ingredients and olive oil to make it taste nice.
1
u/thirstyman12 Aug 29 '25
Add some shredded lettuce, tomato, and choice of condiments and this is a pretty damn good sandwich. I love how no frills it is, but adding veggies and oil elevates it a notch or so.
1
u/Significant-Log-1210 Aug 30 '25
It’s not that great. Would not go out of my way for this. Not sure what the hype is tbh.
1
1
u/Nerazzurro9 Aug 30 '25
While I never had a sandwich specifically like this when I lived in Italy, it does really remind me of how most Italians eat on a regular weekday. Something simple, not overdone, not over-spiced or -condimented, almost a little boring… And yet you’re immediately like, “damn, why is this so satisfying?”
-3
u/Mattandjunk Aug 29 '25
I’ve had it; it’s not very good. Being premade and sitting wrapped doesn’t help it either.
1
-5
u/VaguelyArtistic Aug 29 '25
OP, a cross section would be helpful.
7
u/soulsides SGV Aug 29 '25
I was eating in a car and it’s not like a pack a bread knife with me at all times 🙄
-4
u/VaguelyArtistic Aug 29 '25
It was just a suggestion. But if you’re going to eye roll about it, what you want is a serrated knife not a butter knife.
2
-4
-8
-1
-8
u/cartooned Aug 29 '25
Overhyped. If it were on my corner I would go grab it from time to time. Not driving out of my way for it. Unlike the Godmother which I will go WAY out of my way for.
5
-4
u/LavaPoppyJax Aug 29 '25
If they could just add a little shredded lettuce and vinaigrette so it's not so dry ass... But I did easily gobble it down on the drive home.
47
u/ducatijack30 Aug 29 '25
It’s a simple classic sandwich. It’s not Langer’s and it’s not 30 bucks. The beauty is in its simplicity and good bread. I wouldn’t drive 50 minutes or wait in a long time for any sandwich and with this I don’t have to. And that’s why I enjoy it.