Bay Cities Italian Deli Menu 2026: Sandwiches, Groceries & More

The Godmother is Bay Cities' signature sandwich and one of the most celebrated Italian subs in Los Angeles. It layers Genoa salami, capicola, mortadella, ham, and provolone on a freshly baked French roll, dressed with Bay Cities' famous house spread (available hot or mild). It has been the menu's centerpiece for decades and regularly tops 'best sandwich in LA' lists. Arrive early on weekends — lines can stretch around the block.

Bay Cities Italian Deli opened in 1925 in Santa Monica, California, making it one of the oldest continuously operating Italian delis in Southern California. Now past its centennial, the deli has remained a family-run institution beloved by locals and food tourists alike.

Bay Cities Italian Deli is located at 1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, near the intersection of Lincoln and Broadway. It is a single-location deli — there are no other branches. Parking can be competitive; street parking and a small lot are nearby. Visit the official site at baycitiesitaliandeli.com for current hours and any closures.

Bay Cities does not take table reservations — it is a counter-service deli. For busy periods, especially weekend lunches, calling ahead or arriving early is strongly recommended. Check the official website for any online ordering or call-ahead options, as availability may have changed since this page was last reviewed.

Beyond the legendary Godmother, regulars recommend the fresh pasta (house-made fettuccine and ravioli), the antipasto salad, the imported Parmigiano-Reggiano sold by the wedge, and the prosciutto di Parma sliced to order. The grocery section also carries some of the best curated Italian imports in Los Angeles — San Marzano tomatoes, artisan dried pasta, and aged balsamic vinegar.

Yes, partially. The deli offers several strong vegetarian options: fresh pasta varieties, fresh mozzarella, cheese and produce selections from the grocery, and some prepared salads. The Mozzarella and Roasted Pepper sandwich is a popular vegetarian choice. Dedicated vegan options are more limited given the focus on Italian cured meats and cheeses, but the imported grocery section has many pantry staples (olive oil, pasta, vinegars, San Marzano tomatoes) that are fully vegan.

Bay Cities' weekend lines are legendary in Santa Monica. The combination of a small, single-location format, extremely loyal repeat customers, food tourists making a special trip, and the deli's refusal to franchise or expand means that demand consistently outpaces capacity — especially on Saturday and Sunday lunches. The lines move steadily; most regulars consider the wait worth it. Weekday mornings are significantly less crowded.

Yes. In addition to the deli counter and prepared foods, Bay Cities operates a substantial Italian grocery store within the same space. The selection includes imported Italian wines, extra-virgin olive oil, artisan dried pastas, San Marzano tomatoes, balsamic vinegars, and a curated cheese counter. It is one of the better-stocked Italian specialty grocery sources in the Los Angeles area.