11 Must-Try Sandwich Shops In California, Plus 5 That Truly Can’t Be Beat
California doesn’t settle for ordinary sandwiches. Across the state, flavors soar, whether it’s a legendary San Francisco banh mi, a gourmet LA creation, or a classic deli favorite.
These 16 sandwich destinations serve bold, unforgettable flavors that keep locals and visitors lining up bite after bite.
1. Saigon Sandwich – San Francisco’s Hidden Banh Mi Gem
Tucked away in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district, Saigon Sandwich serves the most authentic banh mi outside of Vietnam. Their classic combo banh mi combines succulent pork, rich pâté, and ham on a perfectly crisp-yet-soft baguette.
The tiny cash-only shop often has lines out the door, but the wait moves quickly. For around $7, you’ll get a sandwich that locals have been raving about for decades.
2. Deli Board – SoMa’s Sandwich Masterpiece
Massive, messy, and utterly magnificent – that’s what you’ll get at Deli Board in SoMa. The daily-changing menu features hot and cold sandwiches piled high with premium ingredients that somehow manage to stay perfectly balanced despite their hefty size.
Owner Adam Mesnick crafts each creation with East Coast deli inspiration and West Coast innovation. Plan your visit carefully – they’re only open for lunch hours and frequently sell out of popular items.
3. Lucca Delicatessen – Marina District’s Italian Treasure
Family-owned since 1929, Lucca Delicatessen remains a cornerstone of San Francisco’s Marina District. Their #1 Italian combo on Dutch crunch bread is the stuff of sandwich legend – a perfect harmony of mortadella, salami, ham, and provolone.
I still remember my first bite ten years ago – the crackly top of the Dutch crunch giving way to soft bread and those perfect Italian flavors. The deli counter operates with old-school charm, and regulars are known by name.
4. Gjusta – Venice Beach’s Artisanal Sandwich Haven
Gjusta transforms the humble sandwich into culinary art. This Venice Beach bakery-market hybrid offers standouts like the tuna conserva with house-pickled vegetables and the porchetta melt that’s gloriously rich and savory.
The industrial-chic space buzzes with energy as locals line up for these handcrafted creations. Don’t miss their smoked fish bialy – a chewy, onion-topped roll filled with silky house-smoked fish and cream cheese that rivals anything you’d find in New York.
5. Uncle Paulie’s Deli – LA’s East Coast Sandwich Connection
Uncle Paulie brought authentic New York deli culture to Los Angeles, and sandwich lovers rejoiced. The Italian combo delivers a perfect balance of meats, cheeses, and Uncle Paulie’s signature vinaigrette that ties everything together beautifully.
My Brooklyn-born friend nearly wept with joy after trying their artichoke caprese. With multiple locations across LA, this deli empire continues to grow while maintaining quality that would make any East Coast transplant feel right at home.
6. All’Antico Vinaio – Beverly Hills’ Florentine Sandwich Experience
Florence’s most famous sandwich shop landed in LA, bringing authentic schiacciata sandwiches that have Californians lining up around the block.
Their signature La Favolosa combines creamy stracciatella cheese, spicy ‘nduja spread, and arugula on olive oil-drenched Tuscan flatbread.
The Beverly Hills flagship opened recently, joining locations in Venice and Koreatown. Each sandwich is a masterclass in Italian simplicity – few ingredients, maximum flavor, and bread that’s worth the trip alone.
7. Howlin’ Ray’s – Chinatown’s Nashville Hot Chicken Sensation
Howlin’ Ray’s turned Nashville hot chicken into an LA obsession. Their fried chicken sandwich features perfectly crispy chicken with your chosen heat level, from mild to the tear-inducing “Howlin'” spice that will test even the most devoted spice enthusiasts.
The sandwich comes on a butter-toasted bun with cooling slaw and comeback sauce. With locations in both Chinatown and Pasadena, Howlin’ Ray’s has earned its reputation – Yelp’s Elite Squad named it the #1 fried chicken restaurant in the U.S. in 2025.
8. Board & Brew – Del Mar’s Sandwich Institution
Born in Del Mar back in 1979, Board & Brew has grown into a beloved SoCal chain without losing its surf-town charm. The Turkado sandwich – turkey, jack cheese, and avocado dressed with their mysterious secret sauce – keeps regulars coming back decade after decade.
I’ve been ordering the same sandwich since college surf trips, and it tastes identical every time. Their commitment to consistency alongside quality ingredients explains their expansion throughout Southern California while maintaining their laid-back coastal vibe.
9. K Sandwiches – San Diego’s Bánh Mì Paradise
K Sandwiches serves San Diego’s most authentic Vietnamese bánh mì with a California twist. Family-owned and beloved by locals, their menu features over a dozen bánh mì variations that blend traditional Vietnamese flavors with fresh local ingredients.
The bustling Linda Vista shop also offers pastries and Vietnamese coffee that pair perfectly with their sandwiches. Their drive-thru line often stretches around the block during lunch hours, but the efficient service keeps things moving quickly.
10. Mona Lisa Italian Foods – Little Italy’s Sandwich Legacy
Mona Lisa Italian Foods stands as a cornerstone of San Diego’s Little Italy, serving authentic Italian subs from their bustling market deli. Their cold-cut combos feature imported Italian meats sliced paper-thin and stacked generously on fresh-baked rolls.
The market atmosphere adds to the experience – browse imported Italian goods while waiting for your sandwich.
Generations of San Diego families have made Mona Lisa their go-to spot for a taste of Italy without leaving Southern California.
11. Roxie Deli & Barbeque – Sacramento’s Sandwich Heavyweight
Sacramento locals guard Roxie Deli like a precious secret. Their signature Roxie House sandwich combines hot turkey and pastrami on Dutch crunch bread with all the fixings, creating a sandwich so substantial it could feed two people.
During college in Sacramento, my roommates and I would split these massive creations before finals week. The neighborhood deli vibe feels refreshingly authentic in an era of Instagram-designed eateries.
Their online ordering system makes pickup quick and easy for regulars.
12. Langer’s Delicatessen – LA’s Pastrami Royalty
Langer’s #19 pastrami sandwich isn’t just the best in California – many food critics declare it America’s finest pastrami creation. Hand-cut pastrami, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on double-baked rye bread create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
Located near MacArthur Park since 1947, this Jewish deli institution serves sandwiches that rival (some say surpass) New York’s finest.
The meticulous preparation – from meat selection to the signature double-baking process for their rye bread – explains their legendary status.
13. Bay Cities Italian Deli – Santa Monica’s Godmother of Sandwiches
Bay Cities’ Godmother sandwich has achieved mythical status among Angelenos.
This Italian masterpiece stacks prosciutto, ham, capicola, mortadella, salami, and provolone on fresh-baked bread with the works – a sandwich so popular that online ordering became necessary to manage the constant crowds.
After a brief closure in early 2025, their reopening in June was celebrated across LA. The market surrounding the deli counter offers imported Italian groceries that make the inevitable wait time fly by.
14. Philippe The Original – LA’s French Dip Pioneer
Philippe’s claims to have invented the French dip sandwich in 1918, and they’ve been perfecting it ever since.
Their beef French dip – thinly sliced roast beef on a French roll dipped in savory jus – paired with their fiery house mustard creates a simple yet extraordinary sandwich experience.
The historic restaurant near Union Station maintains its early 20th-century charm with sawdust floors and communal tables.
Open from early morning until late evening, Philippe’s serves as both a tourist destination and a beloved local institution.
15. Molinari Delicatessen – North Beach’s Italian Sandwich Legacy
Molinari’s has been serving authentic Italian sandwiches in San Francisco’s North Beach since 1896, making it one of America’s oldest delis.
Their Italian combo on Dutch crunch showcases their house-made salumi alongside imported cheeses and the perfect balance of oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs.
The narrow deli with its hanging salamis and Italian grocery items transports you straight to the Old World.
Locals know to take a number and select their bread before browsing the market while waiting for their sandwich masterpiece.
16. Wax Paper – LA’s Literary Sandwich Experience
Wax Paper creates sandwiches named after NPR hosts in a converted shipping container under the Frogtown bridge.
Their Larry Mantle combines avocado, cheddar, sprouts, and cucumber on country bread – a quintessentially Californian creation that manages to be both simple and extraordinary.
The tiny shop’s minimalist aesthetic belies the complex flavors in each creation. Their bread comes from local bakeries, and ingredients change seasonally to showcase the best of California’s produce alongside premium meats and cheeses.