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Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery in Santa Monica

Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery in Santa Monica

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4.6 (2610)

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About

Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery, the premier Deli destination in Santa Monica, offers an authentic Italian experience. Our family-owned business has been a staple in the community for years, providing top-quality products and exceptional customer service. As a full-service Deli, we offer a wide variety of freshly made sandwiches, salads, and soups, all made with love and care. Our Bakery is renowned for its mouthwatering pastries, cakes, and bread, baked fresh daily. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a catering service for your event, we've got you covered. Our Caterer team will work with you to create a customized menu that exceeds your expectations. Visit our Grocery store section, stocked with an extensive selection of Italian grocery store essentials and specialty items. From pasta to olive oil, we have everything you need to create an authentic Italian meal at home. Stop by our Sandwich shop today and taste the difference for yourself. Conveniently located at 1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, we can't wait to serve you!

Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery Review Summary

The summary was generated by AI, based on reviews.

Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery is famous for its fresh, flavorful sandwiches, especially the beloved Godmother. The deli offers a wide selection of Italian groceries and delicious baked goods. Friendly staff and generous portions make every visit enjoyable. Expect a busy atmosphere, especially during lunch hours, but the quality and taste are worth the wait. Customers appreciate the authentic flavors and consistent service, making this deli a must-visit for sandwich lovers.

Review Rating Chart

Google: 4.7/5

Yelp: 4.5/5

Tripadvisor: 4.5/5

Facebook: 4.8/5

DoorDash: 4.8/5

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Reviews & Ratings

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4.6

(2610 Reviews)

5

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Hayley Di Naso -Google user

4 months ago

Back like they never left! The short hiatus of one of LA’s most iconic Italian delis was brief, yet tumultuous as I briefly feared a summer without the Godmother sandwich. Thank goodness that’s behind us 😅 Now if sandwiches aren’t your thing, fine and don’t fear, Bay...Read More

Take outLunch$20–30Atmosphere: 5Moderate noiseSomewhat recommendVegetarian menu or section, Clearly labeled vegetarian dishesPlenty of parkingFree parking lot, Paid street parkingBring your kid! They will think this is the coolest grocery store ever!Limited accessibility as the grocery store aisles are pretty narrow, but there is a ramp into the store and all their outside seating is easy to pull up to.

Aleksandr Khindanov -Google user

4 months ago

Great Italian sandwich spot in Santa Monica. I ordered their most popular sandwich - the Godmother, and it was really good. All the ingredients tasted fresh. I also liked the sauce, it mixed very well with all the meat in the sandwich. The bread was also...Read More

Take outLunch$10–20Atmosphere: 4Quiet, easy to talkSomewhat difficult to find parking

NS R -Google user

3 months ago

One of the most iconic Italian markets in town always bustling and have great foods ready to go. For more info and to checkout new hot spots follow us on instagram @gemislist

Atmosphere: 5

Bino Ad Astra Gopal -Google user

2 months ago

Great food still; happy they reopened! Gotta love the Godmother baby!

Dine inLunch$10–20Atmosphere: 4Outdoor patio / terrace

Akeesa Gunn -Google user

a year ago

Ambiance: I actually really loved the inside of this place. Definitely reminded me of being in New York. It was kind of chaotic, but not once you take your number it all works out. Service: I didn't have long interactions with the employees. They...Read More

Dine inLunch$10–20Atmosphere: 4GodmotherSomewhat difficult to find parking

Michael Harrold -Google user

a year ago

Meatball Sub - meatballs, spaghetti sauce, parmesan cheese / 5 ⭐! Godmother Sub - prosciutto, ham, capi cola, mortadella, Genoa salami, provolone cheese, with "the works" (Italian dressing, lettuce, mayo, mustard, onions, pickles, tomatoes) / 5 ⭐! Bay City Italian Deli & Bakery is frequently ranked high...Read More

Take outLunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5Godmother, Meatball Sub

Cherie D -Google user

a year ago

I don't know how this place doesn't have 5 stars. Everything about this place is 5 stars. I ordered the Godmother with hot peppers and purchased several homemade sides and there were many, many more I didn't get to try. I trie both potatoes salads, the...Read More

Atmosphere: 5

Bryan Bishop -Google user

Edited 6 months ago

Great shop with lots of specialty items and fun stuff to browse through. Cash and ATM only though. Whenever I am there I see a person being told they can't use a credit card and it is such a bummer to watch.

Atmosphere: 5

Adam Riemer -Google user

a year ago

Prices are great and it is exactly what you’d expect. The food was what we thought it would be. Nothing spectacular, but if you want a good sandwich and fast, it’s perfect. The prices are incredible and the grocery store is the...Read More

Big D -Google user

a year ago

Really good freshly baked Filone Bread Loaf, in house made Carrot Cake and Gelsinger’s Garlic Spread with Cheddar Cheese. I also ordered the large Godmother Cold Cut Sandwich which was absolutely delicious😋! I highly recommend this Italian Deli! …

Ati -Google user

3 years ago

We ordered large Godmother sandwich and Prosciutto Parma ! Omg both sandwiches were delicious! The bread specifically was amazing! 🥖 it was long line but quite worth it! I highly recommend this place if you are looking for authentic Italian food! …

Grant Jack -Google user

8 years ago

Maybe the best sandwich in LA. Parking is a disater, but completely worth it. Aisles are crammed with delicious European brands and endless tons of people, but somehow the system works . If you dont have 30 mins to get a...Read More

Dylan Samarasinghe -Google user

2 years ago

Super cute deli experience with amazing sandwiches and seating outdoors. The man who served us was delightful. Great selection of wines and fine Italian food too.

Marcus Oberlander -Google user

4 years ago

It is not easy to find a good let alone great Italian sandwich in Orange County. On a drive back from my in-laws house in the San Fernando Valley, my wife and I decided to go to Santa Monica to walk along the beach. I...Read More

Jer Baum -Google user

2 years ago

Absolutely crushed it. Great sandwich! This place is legendary and worth the wait. BC Deli has been around since 1925 and they've perfected the Italian sandwich. It's called the Godmother and you're going to enjoy it. …

Payam Ghanbari -Google user

5 months ago

What more is there to say! Got the godmother and the prosciutto, both in large. The wait wasn't too bad on a Saturday during lunch time, but if in a rush, order online. Good quality bread, and meat, can't get much better

Dine inLunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5Varies by time / daySomewhat difficult to find parkingFree parking lot

jess leslie -Google user

4 months ago

New Yorkers - RUN. I’m sorry but you’ll forget our every stories sandwich place the second you bite into the godmother hot. I love my city but this place is a one stop argument to prove my rant of LA HAS WAY BETTER FOOD!!!! Btw aside...Read More

Atmosphere: 5

Spooncy -Google user

2 months ago

Been a while since I have been back to bay cities. While a few things have changed their delicious god mother was still as good as I remember. Wanted a Spaniards as well but apparently those are only in pre-mades and they were out. Gotta...Read More

Atmosphere: 5

Char To -Google user

3 months ago

Here have a 5 star since I still love you guys but ya gotta do something about the roast beef being advertised as the rarest beef when it seems to never be that way like this one:

PATRICIA -Google user

a month ago

My number one place to stop prior going to the beach. A sub sandwich called the godmother. Oh! It's truly truly mouth watering. Pistachio cheesecake! So many homestyle prepared side salads, other sandwiches hot or cold. A little market with so many different items in food,...Read More

Atmosphere: 5

Catherine Cruz -Google user

3 months ago

Good place to take a fresh sandwich to go or to discover amazing Italian food to buy. I ordered the caprese and roast beef sandwich and both were great! Super tasteful, good price and nice size (you can choose from small to large). You can...Read More

Take outOther$10–20Atmosphere: 51 person, 2 peopleHighly recommendVegetarian menu or sectionPlenty of parkingFree parking lot

Emil Babadjov -Google user

3 months ago

The oldest deli in Los Angeles definitely go for the godmother sandwich and wait in line to get it made fresh. The bread and the hot pepper mix are what makes the sandwich. This is one of my favorite Italian sandwiches and I have driven...Read More

DeliveryLunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5Suitable for all group sizes

Rocco Berbetti -Google user

2 months ago

Great place for a good deli. Was recommended by a few locals. Service is quick so make sure you speak up when your number is called. The Godmother is always a great choice and a fan favorite for a reason

Take outLunch$10–20Atmosphere: 41 person, 2 people, 3-4 people

Jasmyne Frostgale -Google user

3 months ago

This is a real culinary paradise for lovers of Italian sandwiches! Definitely worth trying, especially if you like classic flavor combinations. It was nice to feel the freshness of the products and the attentive attitude to each order. The sandwiches are really wonderful: the bread...Read More

Atmosphere: 5

Annie Sanderson -Google user

a month ago

You can’t be a Santa Monica local if you don’t know about Bay Cities. Their sandwiches are ridiculously good, notably the Godmother which is a meaty, cheesy Italian piece of heaven. You can’t go wrong with any of the sides and other sandwiches like the...Read More

$30–50Atmosphere: 4Meatball Sub, Godmother, Chicken ParmNo wait

Rich Ching -Google user

2 months ago

The manager Deana was absolutely incredible! Talk about customer service skills on another level. She was professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and exceptionally kind. I would refer everyone to come here and ask for her specifically! She is such a great breathe of...Read More

Take outLunch$30–50Atmosphere: 52 people

Peggy B -Google user

4 months ago

Best food we have ate in Los Angeles since we got here a week ago. Classic deli. Everything seemed to be made in house. Great ordering system . They take your order then you can shop around to come back to your food items ready. The...Read More

Atmosphere: 5

Elita Toscano -Google user

3 months ago

Bay Cities is one of the most important Santa Monica attractions. If you're in town looking for a decent price on OUTstanding food...go to BC. The sandwiches are legend and the hot case should not be ignored. I LOVE the meatloaf with...Read More

Adele Stanley -Google user

2 months ago

Bay Cities, probably one of the best examples of this sort of anomaly in greater Los Angeles. And part of the reason they'd be a great example of this is because despite their popularity, they have maintain their freshness and quality of …

Jack Steven -Google user

2 months ago

This place is probably one of the only spots in santa monica you can get a great sandwich for less than $20. They have been around for over 100 years. Defiantly a must if you visit santa monica. order online about 20 minutes before...Read More

Features

Service options

Delivery

In-store pickup

In-store shopping

Takeout

Dine-in

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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