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Santa Monica  ·  Italian Deli · Sandwiches

Bay Cities Italian Deli

The Godmother — Santa Monica's legendary Italian sub that has been LA's sandwich benchmark for over fifty years

★★★★½ 4.6  (9,800) $ Mon–Sat 9 AM–6 PM · Sun 9 AM–5 PM

About Bay Cities Italian Deli

Bay Cities has been making The Godmother since 1925: a sub loaded with salami, mortadella, coppa, ham, provolone, and their signature 'the works' spread of pickles, pepperoncini, olives, and mustard on a fresh-baked roll. It is one of LA's most argued-about sandwiches and consistently wins. The deli counter sells excellent imported Italian goods — fresh pasta, cheeses, cured meats — and the focaccia baked in-house is worth picking up even without a sub. Pre-ordering online saves significant time.

Must-try dishes

The Godmother subFocacciaImported cheese and charcuterie
Address
1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Hours
Mon–Sat 9 AM–6 PM · Sun 9 AM–5 PM
Parking
Free lot behind the building off Broadway
Reservations
Order online to skip the line — walk-in waits can exceed 30 min on weekends

Perfect for

Casual DiningDinner with Friends

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Frequently asked questions

What is Bay Cities Italian Deli known for?

Bay Cities Italian Deli is the Godmother — Santa Monica's legendary Italian sub that has been LA's sandwich benchmark for over fifty years. Regulars order the godmother sub and focaccia.

How expensive is Bay Cities Italian Deli?

Bay Cities Italian Deli is priced at $ — approx. under $20 per person.

How do I make a reservation at Bay Cities Italian Deli?

Bay Cities Italian Deli takes reservations by phone — call (310) 395-8279 to book.

Where is Bay Cities Italian Deli?

Bay Cities Italian Deli is at 1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, in Santa Monica. Free lot behind the building off Broadway

What are Bay Cities Italian Deli's hours?

Bay Cities Italian Deli is open Mon–Sat 9 AM–6 PM · Sun 9 AM–5 PM. Hours can change on holidays — confirm on Google Maps before a long drive.