Mark’s Score 8.4
Ocean Deli is one of those places you pass on the way to somewhere else. The somewhere else, in this case, being Chincoteague Island. I have been passing it for years, without giving it a second thought. But I have been on a mission to find the best pizza on the Delmarva and I noticed that its pizza was getting good reviews, so I resolved to have lunch here on my next visit to Chincoteague.
Ocean Deli was opened by Andy Tiftikidis as a combination sandwich shop and convenience store in 1984. It has been a family run business ever since. From the start, their mission has been to provide quality affordable food, with generous portions and friendly service. As the years progressed, they added a broad list of items to their menu, including New York-style pizza, Greek dishes, and seafood.
I had been on a pony tour in Chincoteague and I decided to stop at Ocean Deli for a pizza on my way home. The place is not, much to look at on the outside. The interior is equally non-descript. You walk in the front door and the order counter is straight ahead. To the left is a rather odd-shaped dining area and to the right is an odd combination dining area, and bottle shop. Both sections looked as if they had not been refurbished since 1984.
I walked up to the counter and I was handed a menu containing a large number of items, which I expected, given their business mission. But I was interested in the pizza, and there was an extensive list of options. Having never eaten here, I choose the “Deli Special,” which contained the works; sausage, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and peperoni. I have to admit, given the state of the place, my expectations were low.
After placing my order, I sat in the combination dining room bottle shop. While I waited for my pizza, I noticed a steady stream of take-out customers picking up orders, which eased my concerns a bit. After about ten or fifteen minutes the lady behind the counter brought me my pizza.
New York-style pizza is not my favorite style of pizza, I prefer thin crust, but I have to admit this pizza looked delicious. There was a generous helping of meat and vegetables, on a well-cooked crust. But the pizza had yet to pass the most important test for a pizza. Would the crust remain firm and straight when I picked it up? With a loaded pizza like this, there was a danger that the crust would be soggy and droopy. I picked up a slice, and the crust held firm. I took a bite and it was an excellent combination of meat, vegetables, sauce and cheese.
Though not my favorite style of pizza, I found myself enjoying this pizza. I would certainly have no qualms eating here again. The steady line of take-out customers would indicate I am not the only person to feel that way. Ocean Deli fulfills their mission; can you ask any more of a business?
What else is there to do in Chincoteague?
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