![A French dip sandwich and pickled egg from Philippe the Original in L.A.](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/secretlosangeles.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/09093828/LA-best-sandwiches-1024x682.jpg)
With premium menu items ranging from gourmet sushi bagels with wine pairings, to mouth-numbing Szichuan toothpick lamb, everyone knows that L.A.’s culinary scene always does the most. That’s why it’s so enjoyable to take one of the simplest foods — the humble sandwich — and do a deep-dive into all the ways that local chefs have riffed on this classic lunch staple. We scoured the best Los Angeles sandwich shops to create this list, which ranges from Italian deli sandwiches served over the counter to Persian-style beef tongue on a fluffy white hoagie roll. Scroll to the bottom for a map to find your nearest sammie.
1. AllβAntico Vinaio
Italy’s most famous sandwich shop has been drawing crowds to its Florence location since 1991, and we were lucky enough to gain an outpost of All’Antico Vinaio here in L.A. just last year. These globally-famous creations are made with Tuscan schiacciata bread and stuffed with mouthwatering ingredients like prosciutto, truffle honey, stracchino, spicy eggplant, artichoke cream, pancetta, sun dried tomatoes, and so many more. If you’re on the hunt for the best Italian sandwiches in Los Angeles, we’re not sure you can better than this.
π₯ͺ What to order: La Paradiso, with mortadella, stracciatella, pistachio cream, and pistachios.
π Locations:
2. Philippe the Original
Did you know that Philippe’s has been serving French dipped sandwiches in Los Angeles for over 100 years? French immigrant Philippe Mathieu opened the historic business in 1908 on Aliso Street, but it wasn’t until 1918 that he created the famous sandwich quite by accident. The story goes that Philippe was making a sandwich for a policeman when he dropped it into a roasting pan filled with flavorful meat juices from the oven. The patron accepted the sandwich anyway, and then returned the next day with friends requesting more. Hence, the famous French dipped sandwich was born, even surviving through the Depression and World War II. The business moved to its current location on Alameda Street in 1951 and has maintained a steady cult following for decades.
π₯ͺ What to order: French dipped sandwich with spicy mustard. First-timers usually choose beef or lamb.
π Location: Downtown Los Angeles β’ 1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA, 90012
3. Jackson Market & Deli
Jackson Market is another veteran of the L.A. sandwich scene, serving up delicious deli fare since 1925. The restaurant is hidden down a residential street in Culver City with a huge variety of food made fresh daily, which tastes even better on their cozy outdoor garden patio. Choose from their delicious selection of paninis and sandwiches, or order your own custom sub from their huge selection of gourmet ingredients. Their breakfast menu is also worth mentioning, with ample options ranging from freshly-made pancakes to some of the best breakfast sandwiches in Los Angeles.
π₯ͺ What to order: Italian sub with mortadella, capicola, hard salami, provolone, tomato, mayo, and Boarshead deli dressing.
π Location: Culver City β’ 4065 Jackson Ave, Culver City, CA, 90232
4. Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery
Bay Cities has served fresh, authentic Italian sandwiches in Los Angeles since 1925, stacked with premium ingredients that taste even better if you’re willing to make the 15-minute walk for a picnic on Santa Monica Beach. Their most famous sandwich by far is The Godmother, made with five different types of cured meat and protected by a strict “no substitutions” rule. But the truth is that any of their sandwiches taste delicious with “the works,” A.K.A. mayo, mustard, Italian dressing, onions, pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, and a blend of pickled chopped peppers.
π₯ͺ What to order: The Godmother with prosciutto, ham, capicola, mortadella, genoa salami, and provolone.
π Location: Santa Monica β’ 1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
5. Langerβs Delicatessen-Restaurant
If it’s pastrami you seek, Langer’s is a local authority on this smoky and tender lunchmeat. After opening in 1947 with just a 12-seat dining room, Langer’s has grown and served generations of Angelenos, playing a pivotal role in the development and preservation of the MacArthur Park neighborhood. Anyone craving that hot pastrami on crispy-crust rye bread will experience an L.A. staple that’s remained largely unchanged for over 6 decades, earning attention from the James Beard Foundation and Hollywood elite alike. The restaurant is also well-located for you to pick up a to-go order and enjoy it on the shore of MacArthur Park Lake.
π₯ͺ What to order: The #19 with pastrami, swiss cheese, cole slaw, and Russian-style dressing.
π Location: Westlake β’ 704 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90057
6. Jeffβs Table
In developing the menu for Jeff’s Table, chef-owner Jeff Strauss took inspiration from the home-cooked Jewish food he grew up eating while experimenting with flavors from international cuisines. It’s hard to pick just one must-try sandwich at Jeff’s, with favorites like the classic “Jeff’s Special,” a hot pastrami reuben; the “Hot KimCheezy,” with house-made kimchi and pork shoulder; and the “Yuzu Kosho Chicken,” with turkey breast and avocado. But we’ll leave you with our favorite…
π₯ͺ What to order: The Dirty Baby, a spicy chicken salad melt with Point Reyes toma cheese, smoked gouda, crispy shallots, shiso-pickeld red onions, and chili-crisp on grilled Hokkaido-Challah bread.
π Location: Highland Park β’ 5900 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042
7. Open Market
Open Market is a newcomer to the L.A. food scene, having just opened its doors in Koreatown in 2021. Nevertheless, this corner store rivals even L.A. sandwich shop veterans with its modest, yet carefully curated menu featuring delightful ingredients like nam jim vin, grilled oyster mushrooms, Korean tuna salad, and more. The market is stocked with an ample beer and wine selection, which covers a huge variety of regions and price points that will cater to just about anybody. Take a seat in the cafe for breakfast and lunch, or add the market as a stop on your grocery rotation.
π₯ͺ What to order: The Normandie, which Open Market presents as an ode to Philippe’s and Yoshinoya. It’s stuffed with Creekstone Farm’s brisket, provolone, mustard mayo, ginger pickled radish, and scallions with a side of au jus.
π Location: Koreatown β’ 3339 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010
8. Attari Sandwich Shop
Discover the best Persian-style sandwiches and kebabs at Attari, a cult-favorite sandwich shop in the heart of Little Tehran. Something about these rich Middle Eastern flavors is just so delightful in sandwich form, especially on Attari’s homey outdoor patio. You’ll have to come back multiple times to feel like you did the long sandwich menu justice — in fact, lamb brain and beef tongue notwithstanding, the selection is quite ample for vegetarians, too.
π₯ͺ What to order: Beef tongue sandwich with onions, spices, and saffron. If you’re not feeling that adventurous, a safe bet is the Attari sandwich with beef koobideh.
π Location: Westwood β’ 1388 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024
9. Ggiata Delicatessen
This popular L.A. sandwich shop was inspired by traditional neighborhood delis on the East Coast; specifically in Montclair, New Jersey, where Ggiata’s childhood friends-turned-owners grew up. Nosh on Italian lunchtime staples like marinated eggplant, cured meats, and fresh mozzarella, many of which are sourced from local vendors. The deli is a fun place to visit in person, but they also offer delivery all over the city so you can enjoy these gourmet ingredients at home.
π₯ͺ What to order: The Spicy P with chicken cutlets, spicy vodka sauce, mozzarella, romano, basil pesto, and fresh basil on a charred seeded baguette.
π Locations:
- West Hollywood β’ 7998 Santa Monica Blvd C, West Hollywood, CA 90046
- Venice β’ 83 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291
- Larchmont β’ 5009 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
- Highland Park β’ 5025 York Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90042
10. Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese
This family-owned and operated business has served Larchmont Village since 1995, sourcing some of the best artisanal cheeses, meats, condiments, and drinks from all over the world. The market includes a full deli service with freshly baked baguettes and ciabatta, which make the gourmet sandwich selection even more mouthwatering. The modest 7-item menu is small but mighty, with all of the ingredients chosen so carefully that you really can’t go wrong.
π₯ͺ What to order: Soppressata salami sandwich with manchego cheese, mixed greens, sundried tomato spread, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
π Location: Larchmont β’ 223 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Next time you need to make lunch plans, don’t discount the L.A. sandwich scene! Whether you need something easy for your next picnic, or you find yourself out and about with your stomach growling, these are some of the best sandwiches in Los Angeles that you should try at least once. Where will you go first?