COASTAL • Ben & Esther’s

Dining: Coastal

THE OSIDER JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2023

Matzo Ball Soup Ruben Sandwich

BEN & ESTHER’S

WORDS: ERIC KLIER PHOTOS: LEAH LEE

With the growth of our food scene in Oceanside, we have been very lucky to have so many new vegan restaurants opening in our area. An incredible new addition is Ben and Esther’s located on Coast Highway in South Oceanside.

Owned by Marc Bennett and Justin King, who met through their barbershop businesses, Ben and Esther’s is a 100 percent vegan deli. “We share a passion for plant-based food and want to introduce it to others,” and they happily brought their passion to Oceanside.

They started just four years ago and South Oceanside is their fourth deli and the only one in North County. They offer everything from authentic matza ball soup to Philly cheesesteaks. They boil and bake their bagels daily and offer an array of flavors and smears. Their bagel sandwiches are delicious, from the classic egg and cheese to steak and eggs, these vegan sandwiches are bursting with flavor and are a great healthy choice.

Now, to the deli sandwiches. You’ll be amazed at how high the reuben is stacked and how freshly the bread is baked. One of my personal favorites is the turkey bacon club on your choice of bread. They offer deli by the pound and sell all of their fresh breads to bring to work or for school. The tuna, chicken, potato, and egg salads are delicious. Throw a latke in there and you have a great picnic. Ben and Esther’s is open daily until 3:00 p.m. and has a great helpful staff that can answer questions if you're not used to vegan food. This great deli definitely isn’t just for vegans—meat eaters will find something on this menu that will keep them coming back. Ben and Esther’s is a great addition to the Oceanside food scene, so stop by. You won’t be disappointed! Ben & Esther’s Vegan Jewish Deli 1904 S Coast Highway, Unit 101 (760) 696-3099 benandesthers.com @benandesthers_sandiego