Bay Cities Italian Deli

Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery is nothing short of a Santa Monica legend. Since opening its doors in 1925, this bustling deli and market has been serving up what many consider to be the best sandwiches in Los Angeles. The atmosphere inside is famously chaotic but charming, with locals, office workers, and tourists all vying for a ticket at the deli counter or browsing the extensive aisles of imported Italian groceries, freshly baked breads, and specialty cheeses. The undisputed star of the show at Bay Cities is 'The Godmother' sandwich. This iconic creation features layers of prosciutto, ham, capicola, mortadella, genoa salami, and provolone cheese, all stacked high on their freshly baked, crusty Italian bread and topped with 'the works' (mayo, mustard, onions, pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, Italian dressing, and a spicy pepper salad). It is a masterpiece of flavor and texture. Beyond The Godmother, the deli offers excellent hot sandwiches, including a fantastic meatball sub, as well as a wide array of prepared foods, salads, and hot pastas. Navigating Bay Cities can be an experience in itself. During peak lunch hours, the line can snake out the door, but the deli staff works with impressive speed and efficiency. Many regulars opt to order online ahead of time to skip the line. Whether you're grabbing sandwiches to take down to the beach for a picnic or stocking up on hard-to-find Italian ingredients, Bay Cities is an essential, authentic slice of Santa Monica culinary history.