See all
591 photos

Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery

Deli and Bakery$$$$

West Los Angeles, Santa Monica

Save

8.9^/10

962

ratings

Ranked #8 for delis in Los Angeles
This deli is famous for their Italian food. It's one of the most popular in the city!
"Get the Godmother sandwich with the works."(17 Tips)
"Since 1925, the best sandwich in LA. [Eater 38 Member]"(7 Tips)
"Great deli sandwiches with all the Italian Deli classics."(12 Tips)
"CA (Eat) - The Best Deli sandwiches in LA."(4 Tips)

334 Tips and reviews

Filter:

sandwiches
Italian food
delis
lively
casual
spicy food
good for a quick meal
great value
trendy
bread
meats
wild boar
salads
turkey
picnics
beef
crowded
lunch
desserts
candy
(15 more)

Sort:

Popular
Recent

S LeeAugust 7, 2014
Been here 10+ times
What to get: Godmother with the works, hot peppers, let it sit for a bit so bread soaks and gets softer. Order online so you don't have to wait. Often they have pre-made godmothers in two spots too.
LA WeeklyAugust 4, 2014
Fully dressed, a Godmother feeds a couple of people at least; the guys behind the counter will look at you quizzically if they suspect you're planning to eat a whole one yourself. Read more
Offbeat L.A.March 5, 2016
Classic Italian market opened in 1925, serving deli sandwiches. The "Godmother" sandwich was first made in 1952. The exterior was given a modern remodel in 2010.
The StandardJuly 24, 2015
Get the Godmother sandwich with the works. The perfect sandwich to take to the beach or a night at the Hollywood Bowl. Pro–Tip: order ahead online to avoid having to wait in the long deli line.
Jennifer MaasSeptember 9, 2015
Been here 10+ times
The Godmother is a classic and the reason most people go. But take the time to look around the whole store and grab an authentic Italian soda and some imported candy to go with your yummy sandwich.
Sophie SongSeptember 9, 2020
Top 3 favorite things to eat in LA! Small godmother lasted me 2 meals, although it’s so good you’ll probably inhale it whole!
Eric SterzJuly 9, 2020
Been here 10+ times
Best Italian Deli in West LA. Best Sandwich counter in West LA. If it’s your first time, try the Godmother, it’s their signature sandwich.
ThrillistMay 1, 2014
There're two macaroni & cheese dishes at Bay Cities, but there's only one that you want. It's got eight cheeses and a crusty exterior made from crumbs from their bread, and is crazy -- CRAZY -- good. Read more
Michelle FarrellOctober 14, 2016
What's not to like? Buy 2 loaves of the fresh hot bread that they keep in baskets by the cheese counter. I love everything in this place. Hot food bar and sandwich bar are awesome.
Veronica ChaviraJuly 13, 2018
The Godmother is my favorite sandwich! It is so popular they make them fresh daily and have them available on top of the counter but you can order them from the deli also (long wait.)
Ben K.December 29, 2014
Been here 5+ times
If it's your first time you really need to get the Godmother with the works, definitely one of the better Italian sandwiches I've eaten in my life.
Alex PyatetskyApril 2, 2017
Had the grandmother - *without bread*. It's a good Italian sandwich. Life changing? No. Less a transport to Italy and more to Jersey/Staton island. Want to try the Spaniard sandwich and hot bar.
Caty SoloneAugust 7, 2014
The Godmother is my favorite sandwich at Bay Cities for sure! I also love all of the snack and drink options they carry. They have a unique, but big selection! Love it!
GMoneyMay 10, 2013
The pastrami sandwich I had was very good. I really loved their bread coz it's crispy on the outside. They give you the option of adding either mild or hot chilis. Of course, I went with hot!
Glarence ZhaoFebruary 12, 2016
Not sure what sandwich bread I got but was incredible, nice crunch and soft inside, some of the best ive had, one up on the god mother, check the fridge aisles for packaged foods instead of ordering
Harout DerassoyanJune 15, 2015
Everything is good here... Godmother is their signature sandwich, but don't be afraid to try everything else... I love the mesquite turkey with the works with Dijon mustard
AmateurConciergeJuly 3, 2021
Truly bomb Italian sandwiches and a delicious gourmet Italian market
Connie CollJuly 24, 2014
The Godmother Sandwich Extra Spicy! I am Speechless with their Selections, Food & Service. ...Best away to avoid waiting in long lines, Sameday OnLine Ordering Simple & Easy!! www.bcdeli.com
Rahim HashimDecember 5, 2019
The best sandwiches in all the land. A staple of Santa Monica, and a cant-miss in the LA area
Laura FroelichJuly 7, 2017
Fantastic sandwiches - great bread and the house roast beef is super rare just the way I like it!
Clean Bay Restaurant ProgramJune 18, 2014
Congrats to Bay Cities Italian Deli for passing their Clean Bay Restaurant Certification! They're doing their part to keep the Santa Monica Bay clean! Learn more: www.santamonicabay.org
Jason H.April 6, 2016
Great sandwiches. Be creative and order something OTHER than the Godmother. Order online to save time. Be warned - no bathroom so you need to sneak into Swingers next door....
Justin OrdovezaSeptember 19, 2014
Parking is a nightmare especially around lunch. There is an express lane to get the godmother sandwich on the opposite side of store across from the deli counter.
Nick BurdApril 11, 2014
Been here 5+ times
The Godmother with the works and hot peppers. Also: their sandwiches may get all the love but spice heads should check out their stellar hot sauce selection.
Phillip WoodOctober 18, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Take a number & keep your ears open for it - they move fast. The deli gets a lot of the attention, but the European grocery carries loads of little continental treats.
Senator FeldmanJanuary 22, 2021
Been here 5+ times
You can’t go wrong here. Breads / meats and so much is so good & delicious. It’s worth the trip.
Meg L.August 19, 2011
Order online to avoid the madness of lunch rush. For your first time or anytime, the Godmother (with the works) is a solid classic. Their bread is also delicious to buy/take. Fun drinks inside.
@jasonyi924February 20, 2012
Been here 10+ times
Any sandwich is amazing here -- they use only the best deli meats from Boar's Head and they use their crunchy sourdough bread. Order a loaf of freshly-baked sourdough bread to enjoy at home.
Justin DeanJanuary 3, 2015
Skip the line: order The Godmother ahead online or get a meatball sub at the hot counter. They are, respectively, the #1 and #2 sandwich of LA.
Matt PinnerDecember 30, 2012
Always grab a couple fresh loafs from the back; one for you and one for a friend. They even sometime have them baked with tomatoes and basil inside
Nina MoJune 9, 2011
Been here 10+ times
the godmother works, caprese w prosciutto and the ready made baguettes w prosciutto (if long wait). Love the market! The exploratore cheese, hot sauces, fresh bread, creamy balsamic, truffle oil..yum
Tom OdellSeptember 3, 2011
Been here 50+ times
Probably best deli in Los Angeles. My favorite sandwich is the tri-tip but they're world famous for their "Godmother" sandwich. Staff is incredibly friendly despite being swamped from open to close.
RossDecember 30, 2018
Besides the delicious sandwiches, there is a great variety of freshly prepared salads in deli case.
Clean Bay Restaurant ProgramJanuary 8, 2013
Bay Cities Italian Deli is part of the Clean Bay Restaurant Program, helping to reduce stormwater pollution in Santa Monica Bay! To learn more, visit: www.santamonica.org
Scott R.July 24, 2013
Known for the sandos but a full Italian market with a great selection of cordials/liqueurs and kitchen accoutremonts.
ben mDecember 1, 2014
Believe everything everyone says about the Godmother. Order ahead so you can skip the line.
Steve JohnstonOctober 16, 2014
The place can get a little hectic, but they crank out a lot of great food. Try the meatball sandwich, a simple approach to a classic.
Alyssa BereznakOctober 25, 2015
Subs so good I wanna cry. The Godmother and caprese sandwiches are my faves. Truffle oil chips make a nice side.
Brian WilliamsonNovember 7, 2013
Here for a sandwich? Godmother w/ the works. Spicy. Order ahead online and save yourself 30-45 minutes (long wait, but worth it).
Voice PlacesMarch 11, 2013
Our members say, "Squid Ink is always raving about this place. I now see why," and "this is pretty much hands down your best bet for sandwiches in LA." Read more
Lina A.April 27, 2015
All sandwiches are amazing, if you can't make up your mind just order the special and make your own sandwich ;)
Stephen KoontzSeptember 9, 2014
Amazing and large sandwiches. Best in Santa Monica. Extremely popular. I recommend ordering online to cut down wait time.
Trent RipperAugust 14, 2013
So busy but easy to just walk in and grab a Goddess sandwich. Great local vibe that travelers can feel a bit cool being amongst.
Joe YocumMay 11, 2014
The Godmother sandwich is their signature sandwich. I totally recommend it. The lines can be really long though at this Deli !
Robert La BiancaApril 9, 2019
Best Italian deli in Los Angeles maybe all of California
kristine b.November 2, 2012
If you're in a hurry, pre-order online (and of course, order the Godmother). If you have some time, browse the crazy selection of all things cooking.
Jinnie LOctober 16, 2014
Godmother is very popular here n I love it too but Richard's pastrami sub is also the bomb!!
Casey SchendelAugust 18, 2013
There bread pudding is THE best bread pudding of anywhere. Grab it in the cold case behind the first check out lane.
Jamie FMay 18, 2013
The most amazing Italian food market w everything you could possibly dream of and the Godmother sandwich..to die for.
Alison WallisApril 28, 2015
Spicy godmother is simply amazing! The bread, peppers and deli meats make for a perfect symphony.

1 2 3 4 5 6

591 Photos

Planning a trip to Los Angeles?

Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to.

Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery

Related Searches

You might also like

Places people like to go after Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery

Appears on 897 lists

Top places in the area

Is this your business? Claim it now.