11 Epic LA Sandwiches That Totally Steal the Spotlight

Los Angeles has become a sandwich lover’s paradise, where creative chefs and longtime delis craft incredible creations that make your mouth water. From classic pastrami piled high to innovative fusion combinations, the city’s sandwich scene offers something amazing for everyone. Food lovers travel from all over just to taste these legendary creations that have put LA on the culinary map. Get ready to discover the most talked-about sandwiches that are making waves across the city.

1. Johnny’s Pastrami

West LA’s beloved institution has been serving up monster pastrami sandwiches since 1962, earning a devoted following among locals and celebrities alike. Their secret lies in the perfectly seasoned, tender pastrami that’s sliced thick and piled impossibly high on fresh rye bread.

What makes this spot special goes beyond just the meat – it’s the authentic deli experience that feels like stepping back in time. The mustard is tangy, the pickles are crisp, and every bite delivers that classic New York-style flavor that’s hard to find on the West Coast.

Expect long lines during lunch, but trust us, the wait is absolutely worth every minute.

2. Bodega Park

Silver Lake’s trendy sandwich haven transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary culinary experiences that Instagram can’t stop talking about. Their creative approach combines California freshness with international flavors, resulting in sandwiches that surprise and delight with every bite.

Local ingredients shine here, from house-made focaccia to perfectly ripe avocados that taste like sunshine. The menu changes seasonally, but favorites like their roasted chicken with herbed aioli remain crowd-pleasers year-round.

Grab a spot on their sunny patio and watch the hip neighborhood buzz by while enjoying what many consider the most photogenic sandwiches in LA.

3. Philippe The Original

Downtown’s historic gem claims to have invented the French dip sandwich back in 1918, and one bite of their legendary creation proves why this story matters. The roast beef is tender, the au jus is rich and flavorful, and the French roll soaks up every drop perfectly.

Sawdust covers the floors, communal tables encourage conversation, and the cafeteria-style service keeps things moving despite the crowds. This isn’t just a meal – it’s a piece of LA history served on a plate.

Pro tip: ask for extra au jus and don’t skip their famous hot mustard that packs a serious punch.

4. Fat Sal’s Deli

Westwood’s most outrageous sandwich shop doesn’t believe in moderation, and their massive creations prove that bigger really can be better. Each sandwich is a towering masterpiece that combines multiple proteins, crispy add-ons, and signature sauces in ways that shouldn’t work but absolutely do.

The Fat Jerry features pastrami, roast beef, turkey, salami, and swiss cheese, while the Fat Buffalo adds buffalo chicken tenders for extra kick. These aren’t just sandwiches – they’re edible challenges that require serious appetite and possibly a nap afterward.

Come hungry, leave happy, and maybe bring a friend to help finish your order.

5. Ghost Sando Shop

Beverly Grove’s mysterious sandwich spot operates like a culinary speakeasy, creating limited-edition masterpieces that sell out faster than concert tickets. Their Japanese-inspired approach elevates simple ingredients through precise technique and unexpected flavor combinations.

The katsu sandwich features perfectly crispy pork cutlet with tangy sauce on pillowy milk bread that melts in your mouth. Each bite balances texture and taste in ways that make you understand why people line up before they open.

Follow their social media religiously – these sandwiches disappear quickly, and missing out means waiting until the next surprise drop to try their latest creation.

6. Eastside Italian Deli

Lincoln Heights’ neighborhood treasure has been crafting authentic Italian-American sandwiches for decades, using recipes passed down through generations of sandwich artisans. Their mortadella and salami combinations transport you straight to a Brooklyn corner deli from the 1950s.

Fresh mozzarella gets sliced to order, imported meats are layered with care, and the crusty Italian bread provides the perfect foundation for these towering creations. The oil and vinegar dressing ties everything together with tangy perfection.

This family-owned spot proves that sometimes the best sandwiches come from the most unassuming places where tradition matters more than trends.

7. Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant

MacArthur Park’s legendary deli has been hand-cutting pastrami since 1947, perfecting their craft through three generations of dedication to excellence. Their #19 sandwich – hot pastrami, swiss, coleslaw, and russian dressing on rye – regularly appears on national “best sandwich” lists.

What sets Langer’s apart is their commitment to doing everything the hard way: curing their own pastrami, baking fresh bread daily, and slicing everything to order. The result is a sandwich experience that food critics and regular folks agree represents the gold standard.

Parking can be tricky, but this iconic spot rewards persistence with one of America’s truly great sandwiches.

8. Dr. Sandwich – Beverly Blvd.

Beverly Boulevard’s quirky sandwich laboratory approaches lunch with scientific precision, creating perfectly balanced combinations that cure any craving. Their playful menu names hide seriously delicious creations that blend comfort food with gourmet touches.

The Korean BBQ sandwich showcases their fusion expertise, combining marinated beef with kimchi and spicy mayo on toasted brioche. Each ingredient serves a purpose, creating harmony between sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that dance on your taste buds.

Don’t let the medical theme fool you – this is pure sandwich therapy that leaves you feeling better than when you walked in the door.

9. Mike’s Deli

Arthur Avenue’s LA outpost brings Bronx-style Italian sandwich making to the West Coast, where third-generation recipes meet California ingredients. Their approach honors tradition while embracing local flavors, creating sandwiches that feel both familiar and fresh.

Capicola gets sliced paper-thin, provolone melts perfectly under the press, and their signature hot peppers add just enough heat to wake up your palate. The bread comes from a local Italian bakery that understands the importance of proper crust-to-crumb ratio.

This is comfort food that connects you to generations of sandwich makers who understood that simple ingredients, treated with respect, create extraordinary results.

10. The Heights Deli & Bottle Shop

Highland Park’s neighborhood hangout combines old-school deli vibes with craft beer selection, creating the perfect spot for sandwich and brew pairings. Their menu reads like a love letter to American sandwich classics, executed with modern attention to quality and sourcing.

The turkey club features house-roasted bird, thick-cut bacon, and perfectly ripe tomatoes on sourdough that’s toasted to golden perfection. Pair it with one of their carefully curated local beers for a lunch that feels like a mini-vacation.

The relaxed atmosphere encourages lingering, making this spot perfect for catching up with friends over seriously good food and drinks.

11. Torta Movil

East LA’s mobile Mexican sandwich masters prove that the best food often comes on wheels, serving authentic tortas that rival any brick-and-mortar restaurant. Their carnitas torta showcases slow-cooked pork that’s crispy on the edges and tender throughout, loaded onto crusty bolillo rolls.

Fresh avocado, pickled jalapeños, and tangy salsa verde create layers of flavor and texture that make each bite more exciting than the last. The beans are creamy, the meat is perfectly seasoned, and everything comes together in Mexican sandwich perfection.

Track them down through social media – this food truck experience delivers restaurant-quality tortas with the added excitement of the hunt.