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This post took me almost a year to write! I started exploring sandwich delis in February 2021, and what a journey! Before I set out to write this post, I wasn’t necessarily a sandwich person. However, after months of trying different Italian delis around LA, I have gained a deeper understanding of what makes a good sandwich.
Contrary to what people believe, making a great cold cut sandwich is not as easy as going to the grocery store and assembling all the ingredients at home. There’s a huge difference between packaged cold meats and fresh deli meats.
So… what makes a great deli sandwich? Toasty bread, fresh shredded lettuce, housemade vinaigrette sauce, condiments, and of course, the star of the show, high-quality cold cuts.
Yes, the state of New York has undoubtedly the best Italian delis you will find in the US, but LA is not that far behind. Not many people know about this, but you can get a five-star deli sandwich in the most inconspicuous and random places of LA, like isolated warehouse areas, right next to a gas station, right across from the Port of Long Beach, Italian grocery stores, which surprisingly abound in LA.
It would be nearly impossible to go to every single Italian deli sandwich joint in LA, which is why I focused more on the places you don’t see in most LA guides. You can get a terrific focaccia bread sandwich at most Italian restaurants in LA, but I pared the list down to delis. Another thing that caught my attention was how new generations of Italian-Americans are reframing the concept of delis. By bringing a modern and fresh aesthetic through the store design, and of course, the power of Instagram, Italian sandwiches are having a massive resurgence in popularity. Two examples would be Uncle Paulie’s and GGiata.
I hope you enjoy reading this list as much as I enjoyed eating my way around LA’s delis.
Larchmont Village Wine Spirits & Cheese
223 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004
For the life of me, I will never understand why I had never before visited Larchmont Village Wine Spirits & Cheese. During the months of trying out different sandwiches, I’ve been back to this place a few times. Larchmont Wine is no secret to the LA sandwich scene. Unless you go early or on a weekday, you’re bound to find a line. The sandwich here was also the most challenging sandwich to get. Parking is a nightmare in this area and they don’t open on Sundays or the holidays. I drove here on a holiday, and I was disappointed to find the closed sign. Other people who also walked up to the storefront had disappointed looks on their faces.
Order the #3. This is by far their best-selling sandwich. What I loved the most about it is the simplicity. No heavy seasonings to conceal anything. The bread, the mixed greens and the manchego cheese were a feast for my tastebuds. The dressing only consists of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. That’s it! All their staff is super nice, so don’t hesitate to ask any questions.
While you’re waiting for your sandwich, you will see all the freshly sliced cold meats and greens laid out on the counter behind the glass. Trust me, if you’re ambivalent about sandwiches, this place will change your mind. If you don’t eat meat, they have a vegetarian sandwich as well.
The times I went to Larchmont Wine, it was funny seeing most restaurants’ outdoor seating areas half empty, while all of Larchmont’s outdoor seats were fully occupied. Be patient because it’s definitely worth the wait.
Eastside Italian Deli
1013 Alpine St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (Chinatown)
Los Feliz. 1761 N. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA. 90027 (Los Feliz) – New location
Located in a quiet residential street in Chinatown, Eastside Italian has been serving Angelenos for 92 years and is considered the best secret sandwich place in LA. But with the rise of LA social media accounts and Tik Tokkers, this gem is not a secret anymore. In late 2021, they opened a new location in Los Feliz, taking over Rocco’s Italian Deli, which I also went to, but obviously had to scratch it off the list since it’s now EastSide Italian.
Here’s a better close-up.
The tomato from their signature sandwich, the Italian Sub, was the best-tasting tomato I’ve had in a really long time. It was of a superior quality. The owner asked me if I wanted my sandwich with oil and vinegar. Say yes because it will completely elevate the sandwich. Even the shredded lettuce was an immediate standout. The quality of each of the ingredients was superb.
Are you looking for something different? No problem! Their menu features a vast combination of over 20 sandwiches, and you can even customize your own. However, if it’s your first time, you will not go wrong with the Italian Sub. It was remarkably good.
Instagram (Chinatown Location)
Instagram (Los Feliz location)
Jackson’s Market
4065 Jackson Ave, Culver City, CA 90232
Hidden gem! Located in a beautiful residential street in Culver City, Jackson’s Market offers delectable sandwiches inside a local neighborhood deli.
I went in April! Spring was in full swing.
To order, you have to pick up an order slip, write down your name, and mark your desired order by checking the boxes of the options you want. The cashier on the other side will call out your name when it’s ready.
I ordered their most popular sandwich, the Italian Sub. Just wow. The cheese, the meats, the lettuce, and the oil and vinegar on their crispy French baguette just hit it out of the park. How can something so simple taste so good? I’m telling you, it’s all about the ingredients! You also have the option of creating your own sandwich!
As if their scrumptious sandwiches were not enough, Jackson’s Market has a very relaxing atmosphere thanks to luscious plants, the running fountain and the courtyard they have in the back.
Breadlam
826 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
My post about the best restaurants in the Arts Districts is coming to the blog early next year, so stay tuned! I found Breadlam while driving around the Arts District. I cannot wait to share with you this amazing neighborhood of LA filled with trendy restaurants and hip gastro pubs on every corner.
The interior, just like the majority of places in this neighborhood, is very modern and hip. I loved the wood ceilings and the wall painting of the cheese, salami and bread, which added a very memorable touch to the decor.
The guy at the counter said their best-selling sandwich was the 5th Avenue, so I ordered that one.
The pairing of the prosciutto and the gouda cheese along with the roasted tomatoes, fresh greens, basil and olive oil were simply incredible: it was a sublime combination of different textures. I felt like I was enjoying a fancy charcuterie board because all the ingredients were top-notch. Overall, this place exceeded all my expectations. Breadlam’s tagline rings true to the experience they try to convey:
“Breadlam was founded on the idea that simple things are usually the most complex. With that in mind, we use only the most time honored ingredients to compile our made to order sandwiches.” – Breadlam.com
I emailed them to inquire about their bread and this is what they said: “Our bread is specially made for us by Rockenwagner bakery. The ciabatta was developed specifically for Breadlam which is very cool! We don’t have the space to bake here, but maybe one day.”
I went back to the Arts Districts the next day and they actually had a “sold out” sign hung up on the door! Because the business is on the smaller side, they’re bound to sell out faster than other places. Parking in this area sucks, so try to go early on the weekends.
Although their meat sandwiches are their best-sellers, they also offer a wide array of vegan options, and if you’re not in the mood for a sandwich, they offer salads with added cold meats!
The Heights Deli
2927 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031 (Lincoln Heights)
2135 N San Fernando Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90065 (Glassell Park)
Sheridan, the owner of Shadow Pies, who lives in the beautiful neighborhood of Elysian Valley, recommended this place as one of her favorite food joints in LA. In July, I went to their newer location in Glassell Park, which is right next to a gas station and has been open for 6 months. In November, I went to their old location in Lincoln Heights and I have to say that I liked it a lot better. It’s much bigger, there’s a patio in the back, and the sandwich, in my opinion, was more memorable than the one I had at the other location, so this review will be for the Lincoln Heights location.
I had The Heights Sandwich, which is obviously their signature sandwich. While I was waiting for my order, I saw the cook taking out a tray with a fresh batch of bread loaves. I was starving and as soon as I got in my car, I dove right in. First of all, the bread. No words are enough to explain how toasty and heavenly it was.
The house sauce paired perfectly with the mustard and mayo, and the shredded lettuce was as fresh as it could get. The cold meats — mortadella, hot capiola, genoa and dried salami — were like a match made in heaven with their soft bread roll that was straight out of the oven. The provolone cheese was another favorite. It was very soft and the flavor was subtle yet distinctive in every bite.
The Heights Deli is the perfect place to stop for a quick, freshly-made sandwich. I like that it’s not among the most popular deli places in LA. This is definitely not the place you casually stumble upon while going on a walk, and it’s for this reason that they have amassed a cult-like following. You can also buy their merch at the store. I can’t wait to go back and I can’t thank Sheridan enough for letting me in on this place.
GGiata Delicatessen
5009 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Photo credit: Kaylee Kepple IG @KayleeKepple
Childhood friends, Max, Noah, Jack W, and Jack B grew up in Montclair, New Jersey surrounded by Italian delis. While they spent years toying with the idea of opening a deli in LA, it wasn’t until the pandemic that they decided to take a leap of faith and open their deli on Melrose Avenue.
I went there specifically for the Antonia sandwich, which looked glorious on Instagram.
Noah happened to be working the day I went and when I told him it was my first time, he gave me a full breakdown of the menu. I showed him the picture of the Antonia sandwich and he said that one was his favorite. I found out later that this sandwich was named after his sister. If it’s your first time, let them know!
The bread was soft and toasty and the turkey and the muenster cheese melded flawlessly with the avocado spread. It was so fresh in every bite! I highly recommend this one if you want to venture off from the typical Italian-style sub sandwich.
Uncle Paulies
8369 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (closed)
820 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014 (DTLA)
3990 Vantage Ave, Studio City, CA 91604 (Studio City)
This was the first place I went to! Uncle Paulie’s is a celebrity among delis in LA. Endorsed by countless influencers and celebrities like Pete Davidson and Travis Scott, owner Paul James, this deli has amassed an impressive cult-like following on Instagram.
Paul, who grew up in Queens, New York and moved to LA a few years ago, brought his knowledge of Italian-American delis to the West Coast. Uncle Paulie’s makes their own mozzarella in-house everyday. The chef also goes to Hollywood and Santa Monica Farmers Markets every week for the produce. All their sandwiches come in very generous portions and they also get bonus points for delivering sandwiches to first responders during the pandemic.
Since I was in the mood for something light, I opted for the Turkey Pesto Sandwich. The bread was good and the arugula was fresh, but I wish the sandwich had had more of a kick to it. Overall, this specific sandwich wasn’t my favorite. Other people who have tried the same sandwich swear by it. It wasn’t a lackluster experience by any means, but it just wasn’t as memorable as other sandwiches I have on this list, like the turkey sandwich I had at Italia Deli in Agoura Hills. More on this later. Here’s what the sandwich looked like:
However, because this place has so much hype, I feel like I have to go back and try their Italian sandwiches. As of November 2021, this location (Beverly) is closed due to a fire, so make sure you double check that it’s open before you head over there. Alternatively, if you feel like dealing with the nightmarish parking situation in Downtown, you can check their location there. Also, they’re currently in the process of opening their new Studio City location, which I will probably visit next.
Lady & Larder
828 Pico Blvd Suite 2, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Lady And The Larder has arguably the most famous charcuterie board in LA. Celebrities like Mandy Moore, Giada De Laurentis and Molly Sims are a few of the celebrities who have used Instagram to share their aesthetically pleasing boards. Lady and The Larder prides themselves on using high quality ingredients from small local food vendors. Why is this included here, you may ask? Well, every day from 12pm to 3pm, you can walk up to the store and order one of their sandwiches, which range from $12 to $18.
Their menu changes all the time, so you’ll never get bored. For November, the closest thing they have to an Italian sandwich is their Hot Girl Salami, but back in August, they had this one, which looks incredibly appetizing.
Here’s the link to the secret lunch menu. They don’t accept pre-orders, just walk-ins.
E Stretto
351 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013 (DTLA)
5652 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
If you don’t feel like walking through a crowd at the Grand Central Market, E Stretto, located just a few doors down, has you covered with their authentic Italian deli sandwiches. Owners Joel David Miller and Dave Fernie, originally from NY, also opened an E Stretto location in Long Island, NY.
There is another LA location in East Hollywood, but the hours and days are more limited than their DTLA location, which is open six days a week from 11 AM to 5 PM.
The ciabatta bread at E Stretto is on another level of goodness.
I had Il Papa, which is your classic Italian sandwich. This one was slightly spicy, which I really like because it added the perfect kick. The wine vinaigrette and dijonnaise blended so well together. Their outstanding bread encapsulated my whole experience. It was so good! I read in an interview that for their Long Island location, they get their bread from Balthazar, one of the most acclaimed French restaurants in Manhattan. I reached out to them to see where they got the bread for their locations in LA. Do they fly the bread in from NY? I haven’t received a response yet, but anyway, the bread is so good.
San Pedro and Long Beach
If you didn’t know already, there’s a Little Italy in San Pedro. I recommend you check out my Europe in LA post and LA pasta guide, where @LittleItalyofLAassociation lets me in on the best Italian places in San Pedro.
Busy Bee Market
2413 S Walker Ave, San Pedro, CA 90731
I don’t understand why this place is not talked about more in other publications. San Pedro is filled with so many Italian gems since it’s officially the Little Italy of LA. San Pedro was also the first place where Italian and Croatian immigrants settled when they arrived to LA. Busy Bee is considered an institution in San Pedro thanks to their messy, yet insanely delicious Italian-style sandwiches.
Their Torpedo Sandwich with avocado and the Mother Load are their most popular. They also have vegan sandwiches as well. Make sure to hit the ATM before you go because it’s cash only.
The first time I went there, back in 2017, I got the meatball sandwich. It was a hot mess to eat, but it was so worth it! You’ll find a line but don’t worry, it moves pretty fast.
Since there is no dine-in area, after you pick up your sandwich, go to the Korean Bell Tower and sit while enjoying the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. Make sure to bring lots of napkins.
Santa Fe Importers
1401 Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813
This place, which has been in business since 1947, is the shining example of a hidden gem. Right across from the Port of Long Beach, this old-school Italian market and deli offers imported Italian goods, sandwiches, pizzas, salads and hot dishes like pasta and lasagna. It’s named after the street it’s located on, Santa Fe Avenue.
I ordered their Special, which has ham, Italian dry salami, cotto and imported Swiss cheese. I was starving so I ordered their larger size, which I only ate half of, because it’s double the ham. If you’re going by yourself, I suggest you stick to the smaller size. The lettuce, as you can tell from the picture, was fresh and crisp and the bread roll was soft.
The cold cuts were excellent and all the condiments (mayo, mustard, onion, Italian dressing) blended together seamlessly.
Additionally, Yelpers deem their meatball sandwich the best in LA. It even had the seal of approval by an Elite Yelper from Queens, NY. Their lasagna is also highly recommended.
Modica’s Deli
455 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
Not too far from Santa Fe Importers is Modica’s Deli, which has been in the same location since the mid-90’s.
Whether you want to have a nice Italian al-fresco lunch or dinner, or one of their made-to-order sandwiches to go, Modica’s will not leave you disappointed. For the sandwiches, there are two sizes and you have four types of bread to choose from: rye, wheat, classic Italian or multigrain rolls.
Modica’s motto is: “We have served over 200 sandwiches daily for more than 25 years.” Although their bigger sandwiches are on the pricier side, they’re completely worth it.
The pastas and cakes are also a must! The only problem is their schedule. Since it operates as a restaurant more than a deli, the hours are more limited than your regular deli sandwich shop.
Bay Cities Italian Deli
1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Featured in countless LA sandwich guides, Bay Cities is considered an institution in Santa Monica. I might get a lot of flak for this, but their Godfather sandwich did not make the cut for me. The bread was really really chewy and I wasn’t blown away by the sandwich as a whole. They put too much mustard in it, which prevented me from appreciating the ingredients. No matter from which side I held the sandwich, my fingers kept getting covered in mustard! It was really messy to eat and the toughness of the bread worsened my experience.
There were so many people coming in and out and the place was bustling with people waiting in line. However, despite the crowd of people and my experience with the sandwich, the service was friendly.
Am I missing something? Should I have ordered something else? Let me know. Overall, it was a huge letdown. 🙁
Eagle Rock Italian Bakery & Deli
1726 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
I went there on a very busy Saturday morning. You take a number and wait until they call it out. This place is known for their cannolis, which are considered the best in LA. You’ll also find imported Italian pantry staples like pasta, tomato sauces, and canned goods.
While I was waiting, almost everyone gravitated towards the cannolis and their pastries.
Behind the counter there’s a kitchen where the bakers go in and out incessantly, putting the fresh baked cannolis behind the glass display case. Everything is baked in-house, even the bread, which is why the smell made my mouth water when I walked in.
A couple waiting in line had a basket with their imported products to make pasta and like me, ordered a sandwich. I ordered their small Italian sub sandwich and it had everything you could ask for in a classic Italian sub: delicious vinaigrette and condiments, tender cold cuts, fresh shredded lettuce and bread straight out of the oven.
Eagle Rock Italian Bakery & Deli has an old-fashioned way of operating, which is why there’s no website and their Instagram, which hasn’t been updated in 2 years, only has 3 pictures.
Potato Chips Deli
Beverly Grove, Century City, Culver City, Little Tokyo, Long Beach
After sitting inconspicuously on Martel St. off of Beverly Blvd since 2013, Potato Chips Deli has finally expanded into multiple locations across LA: Culver City, DTLA, Westfield Century City, Little Tokyo and the latest one, Long Beach.
I’ve been to the Beverly Grove location a few times, long before I started writing this post. It was also the first deli I ever went to when I moved to LA!
Their BLT and tuna sandwich surely do not disappoint. One of the most memorable things about their sandwiches is their bread. Additionally, Potato Chips Deli has an impressive inventory of chips to pair your sandwich with, hence the name.
Italia Deli & Bakery
5657 Kanan Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
If you’re willing to make the drive, go to Italia Deli in Agoura Hills. I drove on a traffic-free Sunday on the 101 freeway. I was really lucky because from what I’d read online, this place is always packed with people. After a 35-minute drive from Hollywood, I parked at the strip mall where the deli is. I wanted to deviate from the classic Italian sub, so I had their Honey Turkey and Cheddar cheese sandwich, which looked mouthwatering in this picture I found on Instagram.
I wish I had ordered it in a bigger size. Not only because it was so good, but because even though it looks really big, it was very light. The price is more expensive than the average sandwich joint, but after having eaten the sandwich, it’s a difference I am more than willing to pay.
When you order, they’ll ask you if you want the sandwich on a hard roll or a soft roll. The girl who took my order recommended the hard roll, so I went with that.
This is probably the best Turkey sandwich I’ve ever had. The turkey meat was thinly sliced and very soft in texture, like velvety soft. The cheddar cheese also stood out for its softness and flavor. Overall, the amalgamation of all the ingredients, including their freshly baked in-house bread, balanced each other out perfectly.
It looks like I’m not the only one who loved it. One Yelper wrote: “Both our kids drive 1-2 hours just to get their Turkey subs, which we’ve all been eating for several years. Always fresh and fantastic!!!”
Another highly rated deli I found online is Italia Panetteria in Santa Clarita. Maybe one day I’ll make the trek to check this place out.
All About Bread
7111 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
This place is the number one competitor of Bay Cities Deli in Santa Monica. Writers and sandwich connoisseurs have compared the two places for many years. All About The Bread has a modern atmosphere, as opposed to the old-school influences at Bay Cities, which also operates as a grocery store. All About The Bread’s signature sandwich is “The Godmother”, a take on Bay Cities most famous sandwich: The Godfather. One Yelper wrote: “Word on the street is that a former employee of Bay Cities, a legend on the Westside, left and started All About The Bread.”
The Godmother offered a heavenly assortment of Italian meats, however, their bread, crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, seals the deal. It was all about the bread (no pun intended).
I personally liked this sandwich a lot better than The Godfather at Bay Cities for a few reasons: the bread, it wasn’t an ordeal to eat, and it had just the right amount of spicy mustard. The bread to meat ratio was calculated expertly to allow a deep appreciation for each ingredient.
I did not venture out into the San Fernando Valley, but this area of LA is an enclave for traditional, authentic Italian delis. Here are the three most popular ones.
Roma Market
918 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104
Roma Italian Deli is the best one-stop shop for Italian goods in LA. Rosario Mazzeo, 81, who moved to LA from Italy in the 1950’s, is the owner of this beloved business which has been a mainstay in Pasadena since 1959. There, you will find imported-Italian products such as cheeses, cured meats, pastas and wines. However, the star of the show at Roma is Rosario’s famous sandwich, also known as “sandwich”, which he started making by request of a hungry customer. Upon walking into the establishment, you will see him sitting and watching you as you walk in and pick up one of his scrumptious sandwiches, which come in pink envelopes.
It was so good and reminded me of the sandwiches I used to have back in Spain growing up as a kid. The ingredients were flavorful and exceptionally soft — even the bread was not chewy! And this is coming from someone who is extremely picky with bread. It had the perfect balance between firm and soft. Unlike many sandwich and bagel joints I’ve been to in LA, where I’ve had sore gums for the next day, biting into this sandwich was super easy on my gums.
Another element that instantly brought me back to Europe was the fresh fruit outside in rectangular produce bins, and the butcher slicing the cold cured meats, something that you hardly see in the US anymore.
For more information, please read this caption from Rosario’s interview with @dylanandjeni.
Mario’s Italian Deli & Market
740 E Broadway, Glendale, CA 91205
Mario’s deli is another Italian gem in Glendale that not many people know about. The business space is actually really big and they carry a good selection of Italian goods. Mario’s Deli was actually established in 1961. Isn’t it crazy how these places fly under the radar yet still have a loyal devotion of followers?
The girl behind the counter told me their Italian sandwich was their most popular so that’s the one I ordered. Something unique about their sandwiches is that they put one extra slice of bread in the middle of the sandwich. The cold cuts, as you can see in the picture, were sliced perfectly.
The lettuce, mayo and mustard were winning complements. Because it’s a three-layer sandwich, you will get fuller a lot faster than a regular sandwich. I only had one half. If you’re going with someone else, trust me, one sandwich makes for two meals. They don’t skimp on the quantity that’s for sure.
Lanza Brothers Market
1803 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90031
The coolest thing about Lanza Brothers is the odd location: an industrial area close to DTLA. This is not a walkable area or a place you would happen to casually stumble upon. Inside a liquor store, you will find the deli counter, which has been in business since 1926. They have a wide selection of sandwiches and the staff does a great job at walking you through the menu.
The Italian Special sandwich had exquisitely sliced cold cuts, each with its own distinct flavor. The bread was nothing to write home about, but the freshness of the rest of the ingredients made up for it. The veggies were crisp and the shredded lettuce was very refreshing. If you don’t want the typical French roll, you have more bread choices to choose from, like sourdough rye bread. Additionally, they also offer homemade soups!
There’s a $10 minimum charge in order to use a credit card. I did not reach the $10 minimum amount so I just got a toothpaste at the liquor store section. Lanza Brothers is probably one of LA’s best kept secrets.
Domingo’s Italian Deli
17548 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91316
Domingos is one of the oldest and most popular Italian delis in the Valley. With celebrity clientele like Hilary Duff and Gwen Stefani, Domingos has earned quite a reputation for their high-quality ingredients.
I’ve only tried their pasta and it was top-notch. Their classic Italian sandwich, known as The Dom, is served on ciabatta bread, which is baked in-house. If you want to take it up a notch, you can spice it up and order their Spicy Dom. Otherwise, their extensive menu offers a great array of sandwiches. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed! Other popular sandwiches include the Premio, which has Culatello, and Coppa Secca which has creamy burrata and arugula.
A yelper wrote:
“I’ve lived in Los Angeles for over 20 years and these are the best Italian sandwiches I’ve eaten. The sandwiches aren’t cheap but the quality is off the charts.”
Cavaretta’s Italian Deli
22045 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91304
Along with Domingo, Cavaretta’s is also among the best delis in the valley. They’ve been around since 1959 and have been featured in a handful of publications. Their classic Italian sub, made with fresh baked bread, is a must-have if it’s your first time. Longtime loyal patrons of Cavarettas say the same thing: the quality and the flavor are still there. They also have lunch specials and offer gluten free products in their grocery store section.
Dan’s Super Subs
22446 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
If you want to see the longest sub sandwiches ever, Dan’s Super Subs is another valley favorite. Definitely don’t come here for small portions. Their specialty subs have earned them numerous accolades and awards.
The South Bay
Mickey’s Italian Delicatessen & Liquor Store
101 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
With its pristine location next to the beach, Mickey’s Deli has been serving the South Bay community since 1959. With pastas, salads, pizzas, and endless options of sandwiches, Mickey’s Deli is a favorite for a reason. As you can see in the picture below, the sandwich is stuffed with all the classic Italian cold meat staples. The bread roll was fresh, as were all the ingredients. It was also bigger than it looked!
Expect to find people walking around barefoot on the sandy floor while you’re waiting. Even though it was busy, the staff was very nice and accommodating. If you don’t want to wait, you can also order online and pick it up, which is what a lot of people did while I was there.
Claro’s Italian Market
19 1/2 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91006
Claros is an Italian grocery haven that has been open to the public since 1948 in the San Gabriel Valley. The space is fully stocked with all things-Italian: garlic bread, sausages, coffee, pastas, and of course, homemade deli sandwiches! Their most famous sandwich is Spicy Mike, but if you want to stick to the classic Italian, then Cousin K or Great Grandpa Joe will have you covered.
Pop-ups
After scouring Instagram for deli sandwiches in LA, I found these three business! For schedules and pop-ups, please check their latest stories.
Picnic Sandwich
LA Sorted’s Pizzeria
Happy Mediums Deli
After I shared this post in the LA Food Reddit thread, a few redditors chimed in with their recommendations.
Redditor fingers-crossed wrote:
“Solid list, got most of the big hitters. I’d add a few I didn’t see on there:”
- Sorrento’s in Culver City
- Giamela’s & Santoro’s in Burbank
- Angelo’s in Long Beach
MakeSouthBayGR8Again wrote: “Giuliano’s in Gardena“
“At least in the West side:
- The OMG from Heroic
- Meatball sub from Bay Cities“
porkchopleasures: “Tony’s in Montebello makes a mean sandwich for a good price.”
SR3116 : “Gotta try Sandwiches By Connal in Pasadena and a Blockbuster at Galco’s Soda Pop Stop in Highland Park.”
What are your favorite sandwich delis? Are you as impressed as I was by the LA deli sandwich scene?
