Los Angeles has a sandwich scene that rivals its famous taco culture. From historic delis to modern sandwich shops, the city offers incredible handheld creations that tell the story of LA’s diverse food landscape. These aren’t just quick lunch options – they’re culinary experiences worth traveling across town for, representing traditions, innovations, and flavors that make LA’s food scene special.
1. Philippe The Original
Home of the legendary French Dip sandwich since 1908, this historic spot claims to have invented the juicy masterpiece by accident. The story goes that founder Philippe Mathieu dropped a sandwich roll into a pan of hot meat drippings, and a customer loved it anyway.
What makes Philippe’s special is their assembly line of carvers who slice the meat to order – beef, pork, lamb, or turkey – on fresh bread dipped in savory jus. The mustard here packs serious heat too. Locals know to grab a spot at the communal tables, order a sandwich ‘double-dipped’ for extra juiciness, and pair it with a side of their famous coleslaw.
2. Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant
The #19 pastrami sandwich at this Westlake institution has earned national acclaim since 1947. Hand-cut pastrami, slow-steamed for hours until meltingly tender, is piled high on double-baked rye bread that delivers the perfect crunch-to-chew ratio. Swiss cheese, creamy coleslaw, and Russian dressing complete this masterpiece of sandwich engineering.
Founder Al Langer perfected his techniques over decades, creating what many food critics consider America’s finest pastrami sandwich. Despite changing neighborhoods around it, Langer’s remains steadfast in quality, drawing celebrities, politicians, and everyday Angelenos who happily wait in line for a taste of LA history.
3. Eastside Italian Deli
Family-owned since 1929, this Chinatown gem crafts Italian sandwiches that transport you straight to the old country. Their signature D.A. Special combines mortadella, capicola, genoa salami, provolone, and all the fixings on crusty bread that’s just the right balance of soft and chewy.
Generations of Angelenos have grown up on these sandwiches, with the same Italian families returning decade after decade. The deli counter is always bustling with regulars who know exactly what they want.
Beyond sandwiches, the shelves stock imported Italian groceries and house-made specialties like marinated peppers that regulars buy by the jarful to recreate a bit of Eastside magic at home.
4. Fat Sal’s Deli
Forget dainty finger sandwiches – Fat Sal’s creations are unapologetically over-the-top feasts that laugh in the face of moderation. The Fat Texas BBQ, for example, stuffs a garlic hero roll with BBQ pastrami brisket, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, bacon, grilled onions, melted cheddar, and fries… yes, inside the sandwich.
Founded by three friends including actor Jerry Ferrara (Turtle from “Entourage”), these sandwiches embody LA’s entertainment industry excess. Late-night lines form outside their Hollywood location as clubgoers seek post-party sustenance.
Their Fat Fries – loaded with various meats and toppings – are equally ridiculous and delicious, perfect for sharing or tackling solo if you’re feeling particularly ambitious.
5. Johnny’s Pastrami
Since 1956, this West Adams landmark has been serving classic pastrami sandwiches from its vintage neon-lit stand. The signature sandwich features thinly-sliced pastrami piled impossibly high between simple white bread – no fancy additions needed when the meat is this good.
Johnny’s maintains old-school charm with counter service and outdoor tables where generations of Angelenos have gathered. Their 24-hour operation made it a favorite among night shift workers and late-night revelers for decades, though hours have changed in recent years.
The chili cheese fries make the perfect side, and old-timers recommend adding a pickle and washing it all down with a chocolate shake for the authentic Johnny’s experience that hasn’t changed much in over 65 years.
6. Bodega Park
Modern sandwich artistry meets Latin American flavors at this Echo Park hotspot opened by chef Rogelio Gonzalez in 2021. The Cubano Especial elevates the classic Cuban sandwich with slow-roasted mojo pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and housemade pickles pressed between perfectly crispy bread.
Unlike traditional delis, Bodega Park brings chef-driven techniques to sandwich making. Every component – from the 24-hour brined meats to the scratch-made condiments – receives careful attention that transforms familiar sandwiches into revelatory experiences.
The bright, plant-filled space draws a hip crowd of neighborhood locals who appreciate both the technical excellence and the laid-back vibe. Their house-made agua frescas provide the perfect refreshing complement to these flavor-packed creations.
7. The Heights Deli & Bottle Shop
This Lincoln Heights neighborhood favorite combines the best elements of an East Coast deli, craft beer shop, and California fresh sensibility. Their Turkey Deluxe showcases house-roasted turkey, avocado, sprouts, and herb aioli on locally-baked sourdough – a sandwich that feels simultaneously nostalgic and contemporary.
Owners Nicole Daddio and Vanessa Acosta opened this woman-owned business to create a community gathering space as much as a food destination. The carefully curated beer and wine selection makes it easy to grab provisions for an impromptu picnic at nearby Elysian Park.
Weekend specials often feature creative seasonal offerings that highlight local produce and artisanal ingredients.
8. Ghost Sando Shop
Born during the pandemic as a pop-up, this Silver Lake sensation specializes in Japanese-inspired sandwiches that blend comfort and innovation. Their Egg Salad Sando elevates the humble classic with soft-boiled eggs, Kewpie mayo, and shaved black truffle on pillowy milk bread with crusts meticulously removed.
Chef Royce Burke creates sandwiches that are visually stunning – perfect squares with precisely arranged colorful layers that look like edible art. The attention to detail extends to temperature and texture, with each component treated with reverence.
Finding Ghost Sando requires some effort – they operate primarily through Instagram announcements and pre-orders – but devotees claim the treasure hunt is part of the experience. Their limited production sells out weekly, creating an almost cult-like following among LA sandwich aficionados.
9. Dr. Sandwich – Beverly Blvd.
This unassuming strip mall gem prescribes Mediterranean-inspired sandwich therapy for whatever ails you. Their signature Chicken Shawarma wraps slow-roasted, spice-marinated chicken with garlic sauce, pickles, and fresh vegetables in lavash bread that’s then pressed until crispy.
Family-owned and operated, Dr. Sandwich maintains a loyal following through consistent quality and generous portions. The owners often remember regulars’ orders and greet customers like old friends, creating a neighborhood feel despite the busy Beverly Boulevard location.
Beyond sandwiches, their fresh-squeezed orange juice and homemade baklava complete a meal that feels both satisfying and somehow virtuous. The affordable prices (most sandwiches under $10) make this doctor’s visits remarkably painless on the wallet.
10. Mike’s Deli
A true hidden gem tucked inside a Chevron gas station in Los Feliz, Mike’s defies all expectations with Italian sandwiches that rival any fancy deli. The Godfather – loaded with mortadella, capicola, salami, provolone, and all the fixings – has developed a cult following among in-the-know Angelenos.
Owner Mike Pak, a Korean-American sandwich enthusiast, meticulously sources authentic Italian ingredients and insists on slicing meats to order. The unexpected location adds to the charm – first-timers often do a double-take when their GPS leads them to a gas station.
Despite the humble surroundings, Mike’s quality has attracted attention from food critics and celebrities alike. The sandwiches come wrapped in butcher paper with Mike’s signature smiley face stamp – a fitting symbol for the joy these unexpected treasures bring.
11. Torta Movil
This family-run food truck parks in East LA, serving Mexican tortas that showcase the sandwich traditions of Jalisco. Their Torta Ahogada – a crusty roll filled with carnitas, then “drowned” in spicy chile de árbol sauce – offers a messy, unforgettable experience that requires both napkins and courage.
The Hernandez family prepares everything from scratch daily, including slow-simmered meats and house-pickled vegetables. Regular customers know to request their preferred spice level – from mild to tear-inducing – and to grab extra napkins before the first bite.
Finding Torta Movil requires following their Instagram for daily locations, but devoted fans track them like culinary detectives. The reward is an authentic taste of Jalisco street food rarely found executed with such care outside of Mexico.
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