15 Legendary California Delis Serving Sandwiches You’ll Never Forget
California’s food scene may be world-famous for fresh produce and innovative cuisine, but nothing satisfies quite like a classic deli sandwich.
Across the Golden State, legendary delis have been perfecting the art of stacked meats, crusty bread, and house-made spreads for decades.
Some are old-school institutions with lines out the door, while others put a West Coast twist on East Coast traditions.
These 15 delis prove that when it comes to unforgettable sandwiches, California holds its own in legendary fashion.
1. Langer’s Delicatessen – The Pastrami Kingdom of Los Angeles
Hand-cut pastrami so tender it practically melts in your mouth! Langer’s has been perfecting this craft since 1947, earning praise from food critics nationwide as America’s finest pastrami sandwich.
Their #19 sandwich – pastrami, coleslaw, Russian dressing on double-baked rye bread – creates a perfect harmony of flavors that’s worth standing in line for.
2. Canter’s Deli – Midnight Sandwich Heaven in the Heart of LA
Stepping into Canter’s feels like time-traveling to 1950s Los Angeles.
The neon lights, vintage booths, and 24-hour service have made this Fairfax District landmark a favorite among night owls, celebrities, and sandwich enthusiasts alike.
Famous for their mile-high corned beef and pastrami, Canter’s has been family-operated since 1931.
Their matzoh ball soup might steal the spotlight occasionally, but the classic Reuben remains the star of this beloved Jewish deli.
3. Brent’s Deli – Northridge’s Sandwich Sensation
Family recipes and generous portions make Brent’s a Valley institution. Their Black Pastrami Reuben has achieved legendary status – piled impossibly high with warm meat and topped with melted Swiss cheese.
Ron Peskin purchased this tiny deli in 1969 and transformed it into a sandwich empire. The menu boasts over 650 items, but regulars know the deli sandwiches are the showstoppers.
4. Wexler’s Deli – Old School Techniques Meet Modern Flair
Chef Micah Wexler revitalized traditional Jewish deli fare by focusing on house-smoked meats and handcrafted everything. No shortcuts here – they smoke, pickle, ferment, and bake in-house daily.
The O.G. pastrami sandwich showcases this dedication to craft – tender, perfectly spiced meat on double-baked rye with nothing but mustard.
Located in Santa Monica’s historic market, this newer deli has quickly earned its place among California’s sandwich legends through pure dedication to quality.
5. Bay Cities Italian Deli – Home of the Legendary Godmother
Santa Monica’s sandwich paradise has been drawing crowds since 1925.
The Godmother – their signature creation loaded with genoa salami, mortadella, capicola, ham, prosciutto and provolone – inspires hour-long waits and zero regrets.
The magic lies in their crusty Italian bread, baked throughout the day, and the “works” – a perfect blend of mayo, mustard, Italian dressing, onions, pickles, tomatoes, and hot peppers.
6. Cavaretta’s Italian Deli – Valley’s Hidden Sandwich Treasure
This family-owned Canoga Park gem has been serving authentic Italian sandwiches since 1959.
Walking in feels like discovering a secret portal to old-world Italy – cured meats hanging from the ceiling, Italian groceries lining the shelves.
Their Italian cold cut combo on freshly baked bread has sustained generations of Valley residents. The bread alone is worth the trip – crusty exterior giving way to a pillowy inside.
7. Molinari Delicatessen – North Beach’s Italian Sandwich Legacy
San Francisco’s oldest Italian deli (established 1896) remains a North Beach cornerstone.
The ordering system is part of the charm – grab a number, select your bread from the bin, hand it to the sandwich makers, then choose from their array of imported meats and cheeses.
The Renzo Special combines prosciutto, coppa, and salami with provolone and their secret pepper relish.
8. D.Z. Akin’s Delicatessen – San Diego’s Jewish Deli Landmark
San Diegans have flocked to this family-owned treasure since 1980. Founders Debi and Zvika Akin created a menu featuring over 134 sandwiches, but the hot corned beef remains the undisputed champion.
Beyond sandwiches, their bakery turns out incredible black and white cookies and challah bread. The walls covered with celebrity photos and the bustling atmosphere complete the authentic deli experience.
9. Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen – Modern Take on Timeless Traditions
Started by two friends missing their East Coast deli favorites, Wise Sons brought proper Jewish comfort food back to San Francisco in 2010.
Their pastrami is smoked in-house for hours, hand-sliced thick, and served on twice-baked rye from Semifreddi’s Bakery.
Unlike old-school delis, they’ve embraced California’s local ingredient movement while honoring traditional techniques.
10. Sherman’s Deli & Bakery – Desert Oasis of Sandwich Delights
Palm Springs’ most beloved deli has been serving New York-style sandwiches in the desert since 1963.
Their beef brisket sandwich – slow-roasted for hours and hand-carved to order – draws winter snowbirds and celebrities escaping Hollywood.
Founded by Sherman Harris, a Jersey boy with big sandwich dreams, this desert institution now has two locations.
The retro atmosphere and genuine hospitality make the experience as satisfying as their towering sandwiches. Their potato pancakes make the perfect side!
11. Katella Bakery Deli & Restaurant – Orange County’s Sandwich Haven
Family-owned since 1964, this Los Alamitos institution combines a European bakery with a full-service deli.
The hot pastrami is a masterpiece – steamed to perfection and stacked generously on their house-baked bread.
Early birds catch their freshly baked bagels and breads warm from the oven. Three generations of the same family have maintained their commitment to scratch cooking.
12. Roma Market – Pasadena’s Italian Sandwich Institution
This unassuming Italian grocery store hides a sandwich sensation known simply as “The Sandwich.” No menu, no options – just perfection between bread crafted by owner Rosario Mazzeo for decades.
For around $5.50, you get Italian bread filled with capicola, mortadella, salami, provolone, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Found pre-wrapped in butcher paper near the register, this no-frills masterpiece proves simplicity often yields the most memorable flavors.
13. Mario’s Italian Deli – Glendale’s Sandwich Paradise Since 1961
Three generations of the Magnanimo family have preserved this Glendale institution’s reputation for massive, affordable Italian sandwiches.
The Special #1 – loaded with multiple Italian meats, provolone, and the works – remains their bestseller for good reason.
Beyond sandwiches, their homemade lasagna and cannoli draw loyal fans. The market section stocks imported Italian ingredients for home cooks.
14. Uncle Paulie’s – LA’s New School Deli with Old School Flavor
Founded by New York transplant Paul James in 2017, Uncle Paulie’s quickly earned cult status among LA sandwich enthusiasts.
The Italian combo – mortadella, capicola, salami, provolone, with shredded lettuce and Italian dressing – transports East Coasters home with one bite.
Their bright, minimalist spaces in Downtown LA and West Hollywood attract a hip crowd, but the sandwiches are deeply traditional.
15. Claro’s Italian Market – San Gabriel Valley’s Authentic Taste of Italy
Family-owned since 1948, this Southern Italian market and deli maintains six locations throughout LA and Orange Counties.
Their cold cut sandwiches showcase imported meats on fresh-baked rolls, but the hot meatball sub steals the spotlight – homemade meatballs smothered in marinara and melted cheese.
The markets double as Italian grocery wonderlands. Shelves overflow with imported pasta, olive oils, and cookies.
