The 9 Best Sandwiches in Los Angeles
I’m going to take a “gamble” that one of these best sandwiches in Los Angeles is just your style! Since its inception in the 18th century (so the 4th Earl of Sandwich didn’t have to leave the gambling table), sandwiches have become more than just convenience food; they now dominate the whole lunch category! Here are eight that you should really be biting into right now.
The Sandwich (Roma Market)
This is one of my favorite sandwiches because of its simplicity. They are pre-made daily by owner Rosario Mazzeo and piled up on the deli counter to be taken by customers who don’t want customization — because it’s already perfect! It’s made up of a combination of mortadella, salami, and provolone on an Italian roll that resembles French bread. And the price? Sublime at less than $6!
Roast Beef (Garo’s Deli)
In the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, Garo’s Deli is a hidden gem in what I’d like to call “Deli Row” in St. Vincent Court. The owner DK (Dikran), is from Lebanon. What makes all his sandwiches and flatbreads special are the ingredients like Lebanese Pickles and Akawi Semisoft cheese alongside the Boar’s Head you are familiar with. Your must-have sandwich: Roast Beef served warm on a 10-inch French Baguette baked in-house with provolone cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, tomatoes, and Lebanese pickles.
Insider Tip: While they do have a lovely area to sit outside; unless you’re in the neighborhood, the cost of parking could be more than your lunch! Order ahead of time by calling them. They are also on your favorite delivery apps, but why not let the restaurant keep all the profits by dialing them directly.
The Si Roma Deluxe (Si Roma)
Are some of the best sandwiches in Los Angeles being made inside a converted school bus in Glendale? Seriously, I don’t think this town would have it any other way. Si Roma serves authentic Italian sandwiches with everything imported from Italy and sliced to order. They have about five different sandwiches to choose from, but the one to get is The Deluxe made with Prosciutto di Parma on a toasted Italian baguette with homemade pesto, Sicilian Pecorino cheese, signature tomato mix, and sweet peaches.
Place your orders online and early because, by 1 p.m., they are almost sold out. There’s only one table to sit at in the parking lot where the bus is, so you’ll want this to-go anyway.
The Fat Joey (Fat Sal’s)
Have you ever done a 45-minute round-trip drive for a sandwich? Well, if you haven’t, then this might be the one to make you go the distance. Fat Sal’s Deli in Hollywood, among other locations, specializes in huge sandwiches, shakes, burgers, and sides that will have you letting your pants out. They even offer Fat Food Challenge 40-minute contests to see who can eat or drink an entire Big Fat Fatty or Big Fat Fat Shake. The newest winner was announced in October of 2023, and he conquered BOTH the sandwich and the shake.
Unfortunately, my favorite, The Fat Joey, isn’t on the menu anymore – but you can customize it for yourself using the menu below.
Bad Boy (Mario’s Deli)
Mario’s Italian Deli & Market is a Glendale staple with a sandwich that might give The Godmother (next up) a run for her money. Mario’s has probably 60 Subs on the menu, but The Bad Boy is in a category all its own. Choose between hot pastrami, honey turkey, and barbeque mesquite chicken (I like pastrami) and pile it high with lettuce, tomato, onion, honey mustard, cheese, avocado, and hot peppers on a toasted roll.
The Godmother (Bay Cities)
Bay Cities Italian Deli in Santa Monica is another Italian Deli and Market with over 50 sandwiches on the menu, but all eyes are on one in particular. The Godmother is their signature made with prosciutto, ham, capi cola, mortadella, genoa salami and provolone Cheese. They recommend getting it works style with mild or hot peppers.
Insider Tip: Be sure to order ahead because it takes up to 45 minutes to get your order.
Menage a Trois (Ike’s Sandwiches)
Wanna get a little dirty? That’s the invitation you’ll receive at Ike’s Love and Sandwiches when you order the 111, Menage a Trois. It’s served warm with Halal chicken, honey mustard, BBQ Sauce, Honey, three kinds of cheese, dirty sauce, lettuce, and tomato.
While you have a choice in bread, I hands down recommend the Dutch Crunch. It’s the sweet and perfect crunch outside to the soft, savory middle. Ike’s is all over the West Coast, with 45 locations and counting in California alone. While it’s the most “chain-like” you’ll find on this list, it runs like a mom-and-pop operation, complete with lollipops in your to-go bag.
French Dipped Sandwich (Philippe’s the Original)
There’s a debate in L.A. history about who invented the French Dipped Sandwich. Philippe the Original and Cole’s were both founded in 1908 and are located in Downtown Los Angeles. But what makes Philippe’s a winner in my eyes is that it’s actually open for lunch. The French Dipped Sandwich is available with roast beef, roast pork, leg of lamb, turkey, pastrami, or ham. Served on a French roll, it’s been dipped in the jus with your choice of cheese and classic deli sides.
#19 (Langer’s Deli)
Langer’s Deli is one of the original Jewish delis in Los Angeles, and today it’s the only deli to have a Michelin rating. It’s located in MacArthur Park, and all started with Al Langer and just 12 seats. Today, his son Norm runs it. They’ve survived recessions, pandemics, and neighborhood changes all because of that hot pastrami! Order The #19, made with pastrami, swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian-style dressing on rye bread.
