OK but not impressed. Main issue is balance, bread is awesome but hard to bite with full of ingredients inside, many different meats what is great but I completely don't taste difference, all taste the same, just one layer of cheese what is almost invisible among whole taste. Cabbage doesn't work for sure, I would like to remove it but keep the rest in a half.
Bay Cities is a staple Italian Deli in Santa Monica that has been here for decades. I have been coming here ever since I was a kid. My favorite sandwiches are the classic Godmother (a famous sandwich of theirs)and their Don Lorenzo. They have everything ranging from delicious meats and cheeses, a huge deli bar, hot food, tons of imported Italian yummies and a good wine selection. This place is always busy and is closed Mondays/Tuesdays. Order online once you become familiar with what you want on a regular basis but nowadays you often have ti still go in since online gets overwhelmed. Amazing place with great food. You haven't been to Santa Monica if you haven't eaten here.
This is a pretty good deli near downtown Santa Monica. We shared a Turkey pesto sandwich and it was quite tasty. Prices are pretty reasonable as Santa Monica goes. This was not a huge sandwich and goes for approximately $10. You can also buy some delicious cannoli for approximately the same price. There is a full service deli and shop. There’s a fair amount of parking outside which is free and cars tend to come and go pretty quickly
I love, love, love the experience of shopping at Bay Cities Deli. I moved out of state almost 2 years ago and on a return trip to LA, a visit to Bay Cities was a must! I crave their Godmother sandwich and have looked for a similarly perfect sandwich in Oregon, but have yet to find one. Yes, they have other sandwiches, but why??? Godmother = perfect blend of Italian cold cuts & provolone, “the works” toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, hot/mild peppers, Mayo, Italian dressing, and that amazing crusty bread. Yummm. I know I should get a small but I always get a large along with some red potato salad. Just pull a number and wait - the line can be LONG, but it’s quick moving. While waiting for my number, I wander through the aisles of their wonderful little Italian grocery store. But don’t miss your number or they’ll move right past. Oh, if you don’t want any changes to the sandwich, you can always grab prepared sandwiches from the case - only question then: hot or mild peppers? Definitely worth a stop and 8 blocks from the Santa Monica beach.
The hype is real.First thing you need to know is to grab a number upon entering. It will take time for your number to be called and you’ll have plenty of time to peruse the shop (so many unique cooking items and an impressive wine collection!).Listen for your number and have your order ready. Order it with the works and pick a cheese or your sandwich will be just meat and bread (but honestly even that would probably be bomb).I ordered the ham with swiss, no Mayo and no peppers. The dressing they use is something else …. I’ve never had anything like it before but it’s delicious and I’m craving it while writing this review. And I’m a picky eater.If you’re in a rush they do have pre-made sandwiches near the cashier.The ham was thinly sliced and piled on, the dressing dripped from the sandwich (in a good way) and the bread was just perfect. Comes with a pickle.You take your sandwich and any other goodies to the cashier and enjoy. You take one bite, and suddenly the line and tiny parking lot was worth it. I paired mine with a beach sunset.Cash/debit only, and the cashiers have forks/napkins.If I lived/was staying in the area, I’d pick up their other food as well. The lasagna and house salad looked great. They have all the fixings for a delicious dinner/lunch, especially if you plan to take it to the beach (just please remember to take your trash with you!)
You can't go wrong with Bay Cities. The food selection is extensive and delicious; they have the BEST Italian subs in California! The customer service is extraordinary and everyone is very nice and helpful. They really enjoy helping their customers. The deli is always busy. I never mind waiting to be helped because there is so much to look at and buy. And, they always have great music playing. You're in for a treat if you're lucky enough to be there while the guys behind the counter are singing. It's a great Italian-style market with every imaginable food item you want and need!I suggest parking on the street. Their parking lot is always full, and it's a very tight squeeze to get into a space. If you need to wait for a space to open, please be patient!
Been going here since the late 80s. Their food is always excellent. I partial to their poor boy. They have a spicy pasta that is my second favourite food! Their basil chicken is really tasty, my family loves it! And to top it off, you can't leave with getting a fresh baked load of bread! Oh my God is the bread soooo delicious just plain!
Excellent Italian deli! Sandwiches were great, full of flavor with the freshly sliced meats and cheeses. Although the line was long, it was worth the wait. If you are in the Santa Monica area and you are craving a sandwich or Italian deli pasta salads check them out, good stuff!
Great Italian deli and market. They have a nice big display case stretching the span of the store with premade delicious Italian eats. My favorite and is a staple at the store is the Godmother sandwich. Not only is it really good eating but it's priced super reasonably. The only annoying part of going to BC is the wait time. It's not super terrible but if you try to go there on your lunch break you're probably going to be late back to work. It's been about 20min trying to get out of there with sandwich in hand most times I go there.
Every time I visit Bay Cities I leave in an incredible mood. It’s a complete antithesis to all of the artificial ingredients and corner cutting that dominates the food scene in this country. It’s simply a godsend for those who love Italian cooking and cuisine — aisles of authentic Italian ingredients and products that can be so hard to locate elsewhere, sandwiches made by hand with freshly sliced meat, and fresh baked bread wheeled out every few minutes. God bless this place, the owners, and all of the staff.