We spend Friday nights hunting for the best pizza in Los Angeles and Sunday afternoons hunting for the best sandwiches. After plenty of tasting, we’ve found standout sandwiches across the city and the Valley — from an outstanding classic Italian sub to a favorite vegetarian option and a truly unique preserved-lemon creation. Here are the sandwiches we return to again and again.
These picks come from neighborhoods all over Los Angeles. If you’re looking for the city’s best sandwiches, start here.
We had to open with one of the most iconic sandwiches in LA…
The Godmother from Bay Cities
Santa Monica
The top Italian sandwich in Los Angeles comes from Bay Cities. The Godmother is a classic Italian sub done to perfection — savory Italian meats, melty provolone, the signature “works,” and bread that holds everything together. Bay Cities is also a great place to browse for Italian groceries; their meatballs are worth trying too.
Larchmont Wine and Cheese
Larchmont Village
Larchmont Wine & Cheese is a local favorite and consistently named among the best sandwich shops in LA. Favorites include the #4 (turkey), the #3 (soppressata), and the #5 (prosciutto). They pile on extra spread if you ask, and choices of baguette or ciabatta make each order customizable. Sandwiches sell fast — call ahead to reserve yours before they sell out.
Ira Glass from Wax Paper Co.
Frogtown
Wax Paper Co. has developed a cult following for good reason. The Ira Glass is one of the best vegetarian sandwiches around, loaded with sprouts, shredded cheddar, and avocado. It’s fresh, satisfying, and a top pick for anyone looking for a meat-free option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Lemon Turkey from Olive & Thyme
Burbank
Olive & Thyme’s Lemon Turkey is distinctive enough that we had to include it, even though it isn’t always on the menu. When they have preserved lemons available and will make it on request, this sandwich delivers a bright, citrus-forward flavor that hooks people who genuinely love lemon. It’s unlike any other turkey sandwich and worth seeking out.
Breadhead
Beverly Hills
Focaccia is underrated as sandwich bread, and BreadHead fills that gap beautifully. This pop-up spot turns out excellent roast beef and BLT sandwiches on pillowy focaccia — a delicious and memorable combination. We hope it sticks around so it can remain part of our regular rotation of favorites.
Ggiata
Hollywood
As a New Jersey native, finding Ggiata — a New Jersey-owned spot in LA — was a treat. Their sandwiches have a familiar Northeast quality, and the capers sandwich stands out. Every sandwich we’ve tried there has been reliable and flavorful.
Hank’s Bagels
Burbank
Hank’s Bagels brings authentic bagel flavors to LA. Their sandwich menu is strong: the #1 (fried egg, maple-glazed bacon, cheddar, tomato, and aioli) is perfect for breakfast, while the #4 (vegan/veggie, which we often add cheddar to) and the #6 (turkey and gruyere) are excellent later in the day. If you’re a salt-bagel fan, Hank’s nails it; if you want spice, try the everything jalapeño cheddar.
Not So Fried Chicken Sandwich from Mendocino Farms
Multiple Locations
From a national chain, this Mendocino Farms sandwich still earned a spot on our list. The Not So Fried Chicken features chicken with their signature “Krispies,” crunchy slaw, and a mustard pickle remoulade that you should definitely add. That sauce elevates the sandwich and makes it a go-to order for us.
All About The Bread
Melrose
All About The Bread lives up to its name: the bread makes any sandwich exceptional. It’s a classic sub shop with creative specialty options, like the Honey Cilantro Lime Chicken, so you can count on great texture and flavor no matter which sandwich you choose.
“The Sandwich” from Roma Market
Pasadena
Roma Market offers a simple but exceptional sandwich — the only one on the menu — and simplicity often signals quality. Capicola, mortadella, salami, provolone, and a drizzle of olive oil create a straightforward, satisfying experience that highlights each ingredient.
Did we miss any must-try LA sandwiches? There are plenty more to discover, and we’ll add new favorites as we find them. For now, these are the sandwiches we crave most and the ones worth seeking out across the city.