12 California Sandwich Shops You Have To Try, Plus 4 That Set The Standard
California’s sandwich scene is full of surprises, from sun-soaked beachside delis to bustling city counters where flavor reigns supreme.
Some shops craft inventive combinations that make every bite an adventure, while others have perfected classic sandwiches that set the standard for the entire state.
Each spot brings its own personality, local ingredients, and dedication to the craft, proving that in California, a simple sandwich can become a memorable, must-try experience for any foodie.
1. Little Lucca Sandwich Shop — South San Francisco
Walking into Little Lucca feels like stepping into your Italian grandmother’s kitchen, except she’s slinging massive sandwiches instead of Sunday gravy.
This family-owned gem has been feeding South City since 1980, and their Dutch Crunch rolls alone deserve a standing ovation.
Order the house special and watch them pile Molinari salami, mortadella, and provolone so high you’ll need an engineering degree to bite it.
The bread crackles perfectly, and every ingredient tastes like it was chosen by someone who actually cares.
2. Submarine Center — San Francisco (West Portal)
Tucked away in West Portal since 1981, Submarine Center proves that simplicity wins when you nail the basics. Their subs aren’t trying to reinvent anything, they’re just doing everything right with zero shortcuts..
Locals swear by the turkey and avocado, built on soft rolls that somehow stay sturdy under all that filling.
The vibe screams old-school San Francisco, back when neighborhood spots actually knew your order by heart. Cash only, so hit the ATM first.
3. Rhea’s Deli & Market — San Francisco (Valencia St)
Rhea’s flips the script on traditional deli fare by throwing Korean flavors into the mix, and honestly, it’s genius.
Their sandwiches pack heat, crunch, and umami bombs that’ll make you forget what bland tastes like. Try the pork belly banh mi or anything with their house-made kimchi, which adds the perfect tangy punch.
Located on Valencia Street, this spot captures San Francisco’s multicultural food scene in one glorious bite. Vegetarians also get serious love here with creative plant-based options.
4. Bakesale Betty — Oakland
Prepare to stand in line, because Bakesale Betty’s fried chicken sandwich has achieved cult status for good reason.
Crispy, juicy chicken meets tangy coleslaw on a soft roll, creating a flavor combo that haunts your dreams in the best way.
Betty herself started this operation as a literal bake sale before upgrading to a permanent spot.
The strawberry shortcake also deserves attention, but let’s be real, you’re here for that chicken. Cash only, outdoor seating, pure Oakland charm.
5. The Refuge — San Carlos
Beer and sandwiches make perfect partners, and The Refuge understands this sacred truth better than most.
Their menu reads like a greatest hits album, with creative combos that somehow balance indulgence and actual flavor.
The Pulled Pork Perfection lives up to its name, loaded with slow-cooked meat and pickled everything. Pair it with one of their rotating craft brews for maximum happiness.
The space feels relaxed and welcoming, perfect for lingering over lunch without any pretension whatsoever.
6. Bertucelli’s La Villa Delicatessen — San Jose (Willow Glen)
Willow Glen’s Bertucelli’s has been slicing mortadella since 1956, and they’ve perfected the art of the Italian sub down to a science.
Everything here tastes authentic because it is, from the imported meats to the family recipes passed down through generations.
Their Special Combination packs seven different meats and cheeses into one glorious creation that requires unhinging your jaw.
The staff treats regulars like family and newcomers like future regulars. Grab some homemade pasta salad while you’re at it.
7. Compagno’s Market & Deli — Monterey
Since 1974, Compagno’s has been Monterey’s not-so-secret weapon for amazing sandwiches that fuel tourists and locals alike.
Their Italian subs come loaded with premium ingredients that taste exponentially better when eaten near the ocean.
Order the Compagno Special and take it down to the waterfront for an epic picnic situation.
The bread stays fresh, the portions border on excessive, and the prices remain shockingly reasonable for a tourist town. Their potato salad also hits different as the perfect side.
8. High Street Deli — San Luis Obispo
Nestled in downtown SLO, High Street Deli serves up sandwiches that college students and professionals both line up for daily.
Their menu strikes that perfect balance between classic comfort and inventive twists that actually work.
The Chicken Pesto Melt achieves near-perfect sandwich status with grilled chicken, fresh pesto, and melted cheese on sourdough.
Everything tastes made-to-order because it is, and the staff somehow remembers half the town’s preferences. Grab a seat outside and soak up that Central Coast sunshine.
9. Surf City Sandwich — Scotts Valley / Santa Cruz area
With a name like Surf City Sandwich, you’d expect decent beach vibes and maybe mediocre food, but this spot delivers serious quality alongside the laid-back atmosphere.
Their sandwiches fuel surfers, hikers, and anyone smart enough to stop by. Try the tri-tip sandwich, which comes loaded with tender meat and all the fixings on a roll that holds up to the juice.
The portions justify the price, and the friendly service makes you want to become a regular. Perfect fuel before hitting the Santa Cruz boardwalk.
10. Busy Bee Market — San Pedro
Busy Bee Market has been a San Pedro institution since forever, serving longshoremen, locals, and anyone who appreciates an honest sandwich made without fanfare.
This no-frills spot focuses on what matters: fresh ingredients and generous portions. Their roast beef sandwich comes piled high with meat that’s actually roasted in-house, not some sad deli counter mystery.
The market also stocks all your grocery basics, making it a true neighborhood cornerstone. Cash preferred, attitude nonexistent, sandwiches legendary.
11. Giamela’s Submarine Sandwiches — Los Angeles (Atwater Village)
Giamela’s has been quietly dominating the Atwater Village sandwich scene since 1959, long before the neighborhood became trendy.
Their subs taste like someone’s nonna is back there making sure every ingredient meets her strict Italian standards.
The Original Italian comes loaded with salami, mortadella, ham, and provolone on bread that’s baked fresh daily.
Regulars know to call ahead because these sandwiches take time to build properly. The old-school vibe remains refreshingly intact despite LA’s constant changes.
12. Sessions West Coast Deli — Newport Beach
Sessions brings elevated deli culture to Newport Beach without the typical Orange County pretension that can ruin a good sandwich.
Their menu features creative combinations using quality ingredients that justify the slightly higher price point.
The Caprese Chicken Sandwich hits all the right notes with grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and balsamic reduction.
Everything tastes bright and fresh, perfect for the beach town setting. The craft beer selection also impresses, making this a solid lunch destination year-round.
13. Eastside Italian Deli — Los Angeles (Victor Heights)
Eastside Italian Deli sets the standard for what an Italian sub should taste like, period.
Located in Victor Heights, this spot serves sandwiches so good they’ve achieved near-mythical status among LA sandwich fanatics.
Their Godmother sandwich packs Genoa salami, mortadella, capicola, ham, provolone, and all the toppings onto perfectly crusty bread.
The family running the place sources ingredients like they’re feeding their own relatives. Lines form early, so plan accordingly or face serious FOMO.
14. Corti Brothers — Sacramento
Corti Brothers operates as both a specialty market and sandwich destination, offering a level of quality that’s set Sacramento’s standard since 1947.
Their deli counter serves sandwiches built with ingredients you’d find in their carefully curated grocery aisles.
Order anything with their house-roasted meats and imported cheeses for a masterclass in sandwich construction.
The staff knows their products inside out and can recommend pairings that’ll blow your mind. This place proves that Sacramento’s food scene deserves way more respect.
15. Rubicon Deli — San Diego (Mission Hills / La Jolla)
Rubicon Deli has multiple locations because San Diego couldn’t survive with just one spot serving sandwiches this good.
They’ve mastered the balance between generous portions and actual flavor, avoiding the trap of thinking bigger automatically means better.
The Turkey Bacon Avocado sounds basic until you taste how fresh everything is, from the roasted turkey to the perfectly ripe avocado.
Both Mission Hills and La Jolla locations maintain consistent quality and friendly service. Their cookies also deserve a shoutout for being dangerously addictive.
16. Mario’s Italian Deli & Market — Glendale
Mario’s rounds out our list by setting Glendale’s gold standard for Italian deli excellence since way back when.
This family-run spot treats sandwich-making like an art form, with attention to detail that separates good from legendary.
Their Italian Combo features imported meats and cheeses layered onto bread that’s baked fresh every morning without fail.
The market side offers all the Italian pantry staples you need for cooking at home. Mario’s proves that doing one thing exceptionally well never goes out of style.