Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery

Aggressive, rude and disrespectful manager. Never go there again

They closed down cause the owners are nasty. That's why i stopped going there. Health Department shut them down.

LAND GRAB BY SOMEONE.
Great deli, too bad nazi LA health department gestapo shut them down, funny how cartel sidewalk taco vendors dont get shut down. LAND GRAB??? Can't wait to see what real estate developer gets this site that will speak volumes!!

Becoming here since I was in high school love the people and the food

To the owner of this deli you should be ashamed on how filthy this place is not to mention how sick people can get I will never eat there ever

IM NOT SCARED OF PESTS I NEED BAY CITIES. working in food service taught me you should never eat out if you’re afraid of contamination.
Clean it up and start serving!!

best sandwich you’ve ever had anywhere

The city has closed them down due to infestation.
Bay Cities Importing, Inc

City: Santa Monica

Address: 1517 Lincoln Blvd

Closed: 05/21/2025

Reason: Vermin Infestation – California Health and Safety Code Section 114259.1

Godmother graciously delicious!????

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Godmother, Meatballs

Parking is sometimes a nightmare, & since I moved a few years ago, I am no longer fortunate enough to be within walking distance of the Godmother. this doesn't stop me from wanting it though. So of course i tolerate the 15 mile drive/ride out for one. ?
I have fond memories of the flavor/texture of the bread, but not of the eating experience. i always had to take the bottom off my sandwich to be able to eat it without all the fillings getting pushed out with each bite lol.
i love that they offer lettuce wrapped & "just on the paper" versions of every sandwich. i always pay for the extra meat & cheese, but to be honest i am not sure if I've actually been given it. seems pretty small - but it could just be that it looks smaller without the bread to beef it up size-wise. i would need to order 2 sandwiches, 1 with extra & 1 as is, to be able to actually see the difference to know for sure.

pro tip... the wait can be long so order ahead if you know what you want.
*follow the path to the left going behind the checkout lines - you will see a cheese case & people making sandwiches, keep going. there will be a fridge & a metal rack with sandwiches against the wall.
also in that fridge they do usually have plenty of pre-made menu sandwiches in the back as well (or at least i saw plenty of godmothers!) so if you are not customizing at all & just want it "as is" they might have it ready to grab & go.
there's fresh bread back here too if you want more ?

is it the best sandwich in LA? might not be, i haven't tried them all.
(honestly if we are talkin' favorites, this ties with jersey mikes for me ? but then again, i am particularly fond of the East Coast's sandwiches from my decade spent there. ☺️ i am also not counting Pastrami sandwiches in the running, which i also love, bc i consider that to be in a different Sandwich Bracket lol)

Dietary restrictions: customization options for all sandwiches. also options for low carb/keto, vegetarian, gluten free (obviously not a gluten free environment but you CAN get sandwiches without bread & many sides are gf as well)

Parking: if they aren't busy, no problem! the problem is, they're almost always very busy. lol
going right at open seems the least bad.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sandwich Bread, Godmother, Caprese Sandwich, Meatballs, Caprese, Turkey, Meatball Sub, Cannoli - 4 Pack, Tiramisu, Pickles, Burrata

I’m I was so heartbroken to find this place and see it in Tv and they talk so highly about this deli and I came all the way from Fontana to get the worst customer service. The cashier told me I don’t have to be here. She is short from another country. I asked a question to the deli, and he had such a bad attitude and walked away as well. This is not what you see on TV. It’s one of the worst places to go to.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Worker inside is rude think is big boss bad food don’t come here

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Kind of chaotic deli section but very speedy service. They got most of the sandwiches right but messed one up. I got the hot soppressata and loved it. It was tart, with dressing, mustard, giardinera, and lots of hot soppressata. The bread was fantastic.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

An absolute classic spot!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 4

Solid deli place you cannot go wrong with nearly anything you order here. I usually order the turkey club or the Italian I think it's called the Godfather. Absolutely delicious traditional Italian deli! Wish there was one closer to where I live! I'd be here every week!!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Godmother, Meatballs, Turkey, Tiramisu, Pickles