13 Classic California Delis With Sandwiches Locals Can’t Get Enough Of
I still remember my first bite of a pastrami‑on‑rye at a tiny deli tucked behind a bustling LA coffee shop.
The salty‑sweet crunch of the pickles, the melt‑in‑your‑mouth meat, and the hum of locals chatting over their favorite halves instantly made me feel like I’d discovered a secret California treasure.
Over the years I’ve chased that same feeling from San Diego’s sun‑kissed boardwalks to the fog‑laden streets of the Bay Area, sampling everything from a classic Italian sub in Santa Barbara to a daring Korean‑BBQ bánh mì in Oakland.
Each sandwich tells a story-of immigrant families, of neighborhood pride, of generations perfecting a recipe that never quite leaves the counter.
In the spirit of those unforgettable bites, I’ve rounded up the 13 classic California delis whose sandwiches locals simply can’t get enough of.
Ready your appetite; the Golden State’s best‑kept sandwich lore awaits.
1. Langer’s Delicatessen — Los Angeles
Since opening its doors in 1947, this downtown Los Angeles landmark has perfected the art of hand-cut pastrami piled impossibly high between slices of rye bread.
The legendary number 19 sandwich features hot pastrami, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing that somehow transforms simple ingredients into pure magic.
Generations of Angelenos have made pilgrimages here, often waiting in lines that stretch around the block during lunch rush.
What sets this place apart goes beyond nostalgia and tradition.
The pastrami gets cured for three weeks using a secret family recipe before being hand-sliced to order, ensuring every bite delivers that perfect balance of tender meat and crispy edges.
Many food critics consider it the finest pastrami sandwich outside New York City, and some argue it surpasses anything the East Coast offers.
The old-school atmosphere adds to the experience, with vinyl booths and waitstaff who remember regular customers by name.
Located at 704 South Alvarado Street, this institution continues thriving while newer restaurants come and go around it.
2. Canter’s Deli — Los Angeles (Fairfax)
Open around the clock since 1931, this Fairfax District institution never sleeps, serving corned beef and matzo ball soup to night owls, early birds, and everyone in between.
The neon signs glow bright at 3 a.m., welcoming musicians after late gigs, clubgoers needing sustenance, and insomniacs craving comfort food.
Walking through those doors feels like stepping into a time capsule where the menu spans pages and the portions could feed small armies.
Locals swear by the Reuben sandwich, loaded with house-made corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss, and thousand island dressing grilled to golden perfection.
The connected Kibitz Room once hosted legendary jam sessions, adding rock-and-roll history to deli tradition.
Black-and-white photos covering the walls showcase decades of celebrity visitors and neighborhood characters who have made this spot their second home.
Located at 419 North Fairfax Avenue, the bakery counter tempts with fresh bagels, rugelach, and black-and-white cookies.
No matter when hunger strikes, the doors stay open and the griddles stay hot.
3. Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery — Santa Monica
Ask any Santa Monica local about the Godmother sandwich and watch eyes light up with pure food joy.
This Italian sub has achieved cult status, stacked with Genoa salami, mortadella, capicola, ham, prosciutto, provolone, and a secret spread that ties everything together in perfect harmony.
The bakery bakes fresh rolls daily, providing the ideal vessel for all those glorious Italian meats and cheeses.
Lines snake out the door during lunch hours, but the wait moves surprisingly fast thanks to an efficient system perfected over decades.
Smart customers call ahead or order online, though watching the counter staff assemble sandwiches with practiced precision makes standing in line feel like dinner theater.
The deli section offers imported Italian products, fresh mozzarella, and olive oils that could inspire entire Mediterranean feasts at home.
Located at 1517 Lincoln Boulevard, this family-owned gem has operated since 1925, earning James Beard recognition and countless local awards.
First-timers often order half sandwiches, then immediately regret not getting the full size because the Godmother truly lives up to its legendary reputation.
4. Molinari Delicatessen — San Francisco (North Beach)
Established in 1896, this North Beach treasure predates the great San Francisco earthquake and has been slicing salami for longer than most California cities have existed.
Walking into Molinari feels like visiting a European market, with salamis hanging from the ceiling, wheels of Parmigiano-Reggiano stacked behind the counter, and the intoxicating aroma of cured meats filling every corner.
The family recipes have passed through five generations, maintaining quality standards that refuse to bend toward modern shortcuts.
Sandwiches get built on fresh focaccia or Dutch crunch rolls, piled high with house-cured salami, mortadella, and capicola that the shop produces using traditional methods.
Regulars know to arrive before the lunch rush hits, though even crowded moments carry a neighborly warmth as customers swap recommendations and stories.
The staff hand-slices everything to order, treating each sandwich like a small work of edible art.
Located at 373 Columbus Avenue in the heart of Little Italy, Molinari represents living history where the past and present deliciously collide with every bite.
5. Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen — San Francisco (multiple locations)
Modern sensibility meets traditional Jewish deli cooking at this Bay Area favorite that respects the past while embracing California ingredients and innovation.
Founded by two friends who wanted to bring authentic Jewish deli food to San Francisco, Wise Sons sources local, sustainable ingredients whenever possible without sacrificing the soul of classic recipes.
The pastrami gets brined and smoked in-house, bagels arrive fresh daily, and the matzo ball soup could cure whatever ails you.
My cousin dragged me here on a foggy Saturday morning, insisting their pastrami hash was worth the trek across town.
She was absolutely right because that dish combined crispy potatoes, tender pastrami, perfectly poached eggs, and enough flavor to wake up every taste bud.
The sandwich menu ranges from traditional Reubens to creative California twists that somehow work beautifully together.
Multiple locations across San Francisco make finding a fix relatively easy, whether you visit the original Mission District spot or newer outposts.
The casual atmosphere welcomes families, solo diners, and groups of friends gathering over platters meant for sharing.
6. Ike’s Love & Sandwiches — San Francisco (origin)
Born in San Francisco and spreading across California like delicious wildfire, this sandwich shop turned the concept of what belongs between bread into an anything-goes celebration of flavor combinations.
Founder Ike Shehadeh created over 600 different sandwich varieties, each named after friends, customers, celebrities, or random inspiration that struck at 2 a.m.
The menu reads like a novel, offering everything from classic deli meats to vegan options that convert even the most devoted carnivores.
Secret dirty sauce gets slathered on every sandwich unless you request otherwise, adding tangy richness that ties together even the most unlikely ingredient pairings.
Fresh-baked Dutch crunch bread provides textural contrast, with a crispy exterior giving way to soft, pillowy interior.
Lines form quickly, but the staff moves with impressive speed, calling out names and handing over paper-wrapped packages of sandwich joy.
The original location sparked a movement that now includes dozens of shops statewide, each maintaining the quirky, welcoming vibe that made the first spot special.
Vegetarians and meat-lovers alike find plenty to love on the extensive menu.
7. Roma Market — Pasadena
Everyone simply calls it The Sandwich, and at Roma Market, that tells you everything you need to know.
This old-school Italian market has operated in Pasadena since 1962, serving a single sandwich option that locals order by number rather than description.
The number seven features mortadella, salami, capicola, provolone, and a proprietary spread on a fresh roll that somehow tastes better than fancier versions costing twice as much.
The market itself feels frozen in time, with vintage signage, narrow aisles packed with imported Italian goods, and a deli counter where orders get shouted in a mix of English and Italian.
No frills exist here, just honest food made the same way for over six decades.
Cash-only policy and limited hours add to the old-world charm, though both policies occasionally frustrate unprepared first-time visitors.
Located at 915 North Lake Avenue, Roma Market represents a disappearing breed of neighborhood Italian grocers where quality matters more than marketing.
Regulars arrive early because when the fresh rolls run out, the shop closes for the day, period.
8. Brent’s Delicatessen & Restaurant — Northridge / Westlake Village (Los Angeles Area)
Valley residents consider Brent’s their secret weapon against anyone claiming Los Angeles lacks proper Jewish delis.
Both locations in Northridge and Westlake Village serve massive portions that challenge even the heartiest appetites, with Reubens stacked so high they require architectural engineering to bite.
The corned beef and pastrami get prepared using traditional methods, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that melts on the tongue.
Black-and-white checkered floors, red vinyl booths, and walls covered in celebrity photos create an atmosphere that transports diners straight to a New York deli circa 1955.
The menu spans breakfast through dinner, offering everything from lox and bagels to hot brisket sandwiches that could feed two people comfortably.
Matzo ball soup arrives in bowls so large they could double as swimming pools for those fluffy dumplings.
Weekend mornings bring crowds waiting for tables, but the bustling energy adds to the authentic deli experience.
Taking home a black-and-white cookie or slice of cheesecake for later feels mandatory, though most people devour dessert before leaving the parking lot.
9. The Hat — Alhambra / Pasadena & Other SoCal Locations
That distinctive orange roof signals pastrami dip territory, where Southern California fast-casual dining reaches its most satisfying form.
Since 1951, The Hat has specialized in one thing done exceptionally well: the pastrami dip sandwich featuring thinly sliced pastrami piled on a French roll and served with au jus for dunking.
Simple concept, perfect execution, and prices that won’t empty your wallet make this spot a regular stop for locals across multiple generations.
Unlike sit-down delis, The Hat operates counter-service style, with orders arriving quickly in red plastic baskets lined with checkered paper.
The pastrami gets sliced thin rather than thick, creating a different texture experience that loyal customers fiercely defend as superior.
Chili cheese fries provide the ideal side dish, though many people order them as a meal unto themselves.
Multiple locations dot Southern California, but the original Alhambra spot at 491 North Lake Avenue holds special significance for purists.
Late-night hours accommodate post-game crowds, shift workers, and anyone craving hot pastrami after midnight when most restaurants have long since closed.
10. Saul’s Restaurant & Delicatessen — Berkeley
Berkeley puts its own spin on Jewish deli traditions at this neighborhood institution that sources ingredients from local farms and producers whenever possible.
Since 1987, Saul’s has balanced respect for classic recipes with California sensibilities about sustainability and quality sourcing.
The result tastes both familiar and fresh, like visiting your grandmother’s kitchen if she happened to shop at farmers markets and care deeply about organic certification.
Pastrami and corned beef get prepared in-house using traditional brining and smoking methods, while produce arrives from nearby farms rather than distant warehouses.
Bagels come from a local bakery that follows old-world techniques, providing the proper chewy texture that mass-produced versions never achieve.
The Reuben earns consistent praise, though adventurous eaters should explore specials that incorporate seasonal California ingredients into traditional Jewish preparations.
Located at 1475 Shattuck Avenue, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual setting that welcomes everyone from UC Berkeley students to longtime residents.
The commitment to quality ingredients shows in every bite, proving that tradition and innovation can coexist deliciously.
11. Corti Brothers — Sacramento
Sacramento’s best-kept secret hides in plain sight at this beloved Italian grocery and deli that has anchored the East Sacramento neighborhood since 1947.
What started as a small market has evolved into a destination for food lovers seeking imported Italian specialties and sandwiches built with ingredients sourced from the extensive deli case.
The staff possesses encyclopedic knowledge about every product, offering recommendations and cooking tips alongside your order.
Sandwich options change based on available ingredients, ensuring freshness while encouraging customers to trust the experts behind the counter.
Mortadella, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, and house-made spreads combine on crusty rolls that arrive daily from local bakeries.
The grocery aisles tempt with imported olive oils, aged balsamic vinegars, and artisan pastas that could inspire weeks of home cooking adventures.
Located at 5770 Freeport Boulevard, this family-owned gem represents old-school customer service where building relationships matters as much as moving product.
Locals treat trips here like special occasions, knowing each visit promises discovery and deliciousness in equal measure.
12. D.Z. Akin’s Delicatessen — La Mesa (San Diego Area)
New York-style Jewish deli culture thrives in sunny San Diego thanks to this La Mesa institution that never skimps on portions or flavor.
Since 1980, D.Z. Akin’s has served sandwiches so tall they require strategic planning to bite, with hand-sliced pastrami and corned beef piled high enough to feed two hungry people or one determined deli enthusiast.
The bakery produces fresh bagels, challah, and pastries daily, filling the dining room with aromas that make stomachs growl before food even arrives.
Breakfast draws serious crowds, especially on weekend mornings when families gather over platters of lox, scrambled eggs, and potato latkes.
The lunch menu features every classic deli sandwich imaginable, from Reubens to hot brisket to chopped liver for the brave.
Matzo ball soup earns legendary status, with those fluffy dumplings floating in rich, golden broth that soothes souls and cures colds.
Located at 6930 Alvarado Road, the dining room buzzes with conversation and the clatter of plates, creating an energetic atmosphere that feels authentically New York despite the California sunshine streaming through windows.
13. Beyer Deli — San Diego (South Bay / Otay Mesa Area)
Neighborhood charm defines this South Bay gem where generous portions and friendly service keep locals returning week after week.
Beyer Deli operates without pretension or fancy marketing, focusing instead on making honest sandwiches using quality ingredients and time-tested recipes.
The menu covers classic deli territory from hot pastrami to turkey clubs, with each sandwich assembled by people who genuinely care about the final product leaving the kitchen.
Prices remain remarkably reasonable considering how much food arrives on each plate, making this spot popular with families, construction workers, and anyone seeking value without sacrificing quality.
The atmosphere feels welcoming rather than trendy, with regulars greeting staff by name and newcomers receiving the same warm treatment.
Daily specials offer variety, though many customers stick with favorite orders perfected through years of trial and delicious error.
Located in the Otay Mesa area, Beyer Deli proves that great sandwiches don’t require fancy locations or celebrity endorsements.
Sometimes the best food comes from unpretentious places where passion and consistency matter more than Instagram-worthy presentations.