9 Classic California Delis Serving Sandwiches Locals Are In Love With
California may have a reputation for green juices and superfood salads, yet its classic delis tell a whole different, and far more delicious, story. Imagine biting into pastrami stacked sky-high on fresh rye or sinking your teeth into an Italian sub layered with bold, zesty flavors.
These beloved spots have been feeding generations of hungry locals, and in cities like San Francisco and San Diego, their sandwiches are so good, people happily wait in line just to get a taste.
1. Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant: Home of the World-Famous #19
Sandwich lovers make pilgrimages to this Los Angeles institution for one thing: the legendary #19 pastrami sandwich. Warm, hand-cut pastrami sits between double-baked rye bread with coleslaw, Russian dressing, and Swiss cheese.
Open since 1947, Langer’s has perfected their pastrami technique through decades of dedication. The meat is steamed for hours until it practically melts in your mouth.
Many food critics consider their pastrami the best in America, not just California.
2. Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery: The Godmother of All Sandwiches
Santa Monica’s beloved deli draws crowds for their signature Godmother sandwich – a heavenly combination of Genoa salami, mortadella, capicola, ham, and provolone on crusty Italian bread.
The magic happens when they add the works: mayo, mustard, Italian dressing, onions, pickles, tomatoes, and hot peppers.
Regulars know to order online to skip the notoriously long lunch lines. The bread alone is worth the wait – baked fresh daily with a perfect crisp-chewy texture.
Their grocery section also stocks imported Italian specialties you won’t find elsewhere in Los Angeles.
3. Canter’s Deli: The Late-Night Hollywood Legend
Canter’s massive menu has satisfied hungry Angelenos since 1931, with 24/7 takeout and weekend 24-hour service. Their corned beef and pastrami sandwiches have fueled countless late-night adventures for me and friends after concerts at nearby venues.
The retro orange booths and authentic deli atmosphere transport you back in time. Jewish comfort food doesn’t get better than their matzo ball soup paired with a towering sandwich.
Celebrities from Marilyn Monroe to Dave Grohl have frequented this Fairfax district landmark, making it a true Hollywood institution.
4. Molinari Delicatessen: North Beach’s Italian Sandwich Shrine
San Francisco’s oldest deli has been serving authentic Italian sandwiches since 1896. The secret starts with their Dutch Crunch bread, which is then loaded with imported meats and cheeses.
The Molinari Special combines prosciutto, coppa, and salami with provolone, creating flavor layers that transport you straight to Italy. Their hanging salamis and overflowing cheese case create an old-world atmosphere.
Smart customers grab a numbered ticket upon entering and browse the imported goods while waiting for their sandwich masterpiece to be assembled.
5. Brent’s Deli: Valley’s Hidden Treasure Trove of Jewish Delicacies
I discovered Brent’s during a Northridge house-hunting trip and nearly signed a lease just to live closer to their black pastrami Reuben. This Valley institution serves sandwiches so tall you’ll need to unhinge your jaw like a snake.
Their corned beef undergoes a weeks-long curing process before being slowly steamed to perfection. The potato salad recipe remains unchanged since 1967, and for good reason.
Regulars swear by the beauty of their breakfast menu too, with sky-high challah french toast that will ruin all other breakfast foods for you forever.
6. Nate ‘n Al: Beverly Hills’ Celebrity Sandwich Spot
Hollywood power lunches happen over mile-high sandwiches at this Beverly Hills landmark. Their hot pastrami on rye has remained unchanged since 1945, with meat sliced thicker than industry contracts.
Celebrity sightings are common, but the real stars are the no-nonsense waitresses who’ve worked there for decades. They’ll call you “honey” while ensuring your coffee cup never empties.
Their house-made pickles provide the perfect acidic crunch to balance the rich sandwich fillings, with a brine recipe that remains a closely guarded secret.
7. Sherman’s Deli & Bakery: Palm Springs’ Desert Oasis of Flavor
When desert temperatures soar, Palm Springs locals seek refuge in Sherman’s air-conditioned comfort and mountainous sandwiches. Their New York-style deli offerings transport you from the desert to the Lower East Side.
Their Reuben ranks among California’s finest, with house-made corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and Russian dressing grilled between slices of rye. The meat-to-bread ratio always favors the carnivore.
Don’t miss their legendary black and white cookies, the perfect sweet ending to a savory meal that’s been satisfying desert dwellers since 1963.
8. Katella Bakery, Deli & Restaurant: Orange County’s Triple Threat
Los Alamitos locals guard this deli’s reputation fiercely. Part bakery, part deli, and part full-service restaurant, Katella excels at everything it attempts. Their hot brisket sandwich features meat so tender it barely requires chewing.
Family-owned since 1964, the multi-generation operation maintains consistent quality across their massive menu. Jewish, Italian, and American deli traditions merge seamlessly here.
I once drove 45 minutes in rush hour traffic just for their potato knish and never regretted a second of the journey. Their house-baked rye bread alone justifies any travel time.
9. D.Z. Akin’s: San Diego’s Deli Dynasty
San Diego may be known for fish tacos, but D.Z. Akin’s proves the city understands proper deli culture too. Their menu features over 134 sandwich combinations, each served with a smile and a pickle.
Their hot corned beef and pastrami consistently win local awards, with meat imported from the finest suppliers. The cozy booths have hosted multiple generations of San Diego families since 1980.
Their matzo ball soup could cure anything from a common cold to a broken heart, with baseball-sized matzo balls that float perfectly in golden chicken broth.