Bay Cities Italian Deli
Santa Monica, CA 90401-2776
Phone: (310) 395-8279
- Price:
- $
- Cross Street:
- Between Broadway and Colorado Avenue
- Best of Citysearch:
- Sandwich 2008
- Hours:
- Tue-Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 9am-6pm
Editorial Review for Bay Cities Italian Deli – by Lesley Balla
The Scene
This small gourmet grocery store has been one of Santa Monica's most revered institutions since 1925. Aisles are filled with almost every kind of Italian cookie, coffee, high-quality olive oil and cheese imaginable. But it's the sandwiches that lead to the ever-long line of locals mobbing the deli counter. Outside picnic table are usually filled with those who can't wait to devour a sub.
The Goods
Find everything for an Italian feast at home: hot specialties like lasagna, fresh salads, wines and whole loaves of thick, crusty bread hot from the oven. But even with all the gustatory temptation throughout the store, the sandwiches are still king. The Poor Boy is a knockout with bologna, salami and Swiss cheese, but the Godmother is the real deal, piled high with Boar's Head mortadella, prosciutto, salami, ham and provolone with tangy Italian dressing. All come on fresh-baked hoagie rolls and topped with your choice of hot or sweet pepper relish.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoIf you want a hot loaf of bread and it's not in the baskets by the cheese counter, ask the guys behind the deli when the next batch will be out.
ParkingThe lot is one-way coming in from Lincoln. You need to exit through the alley behind the store.
User Reviews for Bay Cities Italian Deli
06/16/2008 Posted by JMorganla
I love Bay Cities!! Best Deli around for sandwiches as well as a wide variety of candy! Tons of people there at lunch time but worth the wait!
04/16/2008 Posted by alo23
"Oohhh my god!!!" That is all I could utter as I was devouring the best sandwich I have ever had! Bay Cities has the most amazing sandwich, the Godmother, which is unlike anything else I have ever had. The prices are resonable and though there was a wait it was well worth it! Besides the deli, the market has the most amazing imported groceries! Enjoy!!
Pros: Amazing rare foods & out of this world sandwiches!
Cons: Parking & wait, but pros definitely outweigh cons!

