The Ultimate L.A. Sandwich Bucket List

WHERE TO FIND (AND FEAST ON)

THE CITY’S MOST SENSATIONAL SANDWICHES, PERFECT FOR YOUR NEXT PICNIC.

by TIFFANY TSE

L.A.’S SANDWICH SCENE has never been better. From delightful riffs on classic deli favorites to wildly innovative creations, the nine spots we’ve chosen for sublime sandos can’t miss—as well as where to enjoy them while the weather’s still wonderful.

Open Market The mouthwatering sandwiches at this Koreatown cafe (which doubles as a market and wine shop) blend American and Asian flavors, reflecting the culinary ethos of its second-generation founders who grew up in L.A. Sandwiches are named after some of the city’s vibrant thoroughfares—like Hill St., a tasty take on Cantonese salt-and-pepper pork chops, and Normandie, an homage to Yoshinoya’s gyudon beef bowl, and L.A.institution Philippe the Original’s iconic French dip. On Fridays, Open Market rolls out specials with a host of items that might include galbi jjim (braised short ribs), Italian sandos, or McDonald’s-inspired fish filets.

> Where to picnic: Nearby Seoul International Park has ample picnic tables, as well as a playground and basketball court to keep kiddos of all ages busy.

Daybird Renowned “Top Chef” winner Mei Lin crafts irresistible Szechuan hot chicken sandos from her Silver Lake shop, frying Jidori chicken thighs to an earthshattering golden crunch and serving them with pickled chile and cabbage slaw. Masterfully seasoned with tingling Szechuan peppercorns and other spices, each sandwich delivers a kick that leaves you craving more. Can’t take the heat? Don’t worry, the spice level ranges from no heat at all to extreme.

> Where to picnic: A little over 2 miles away, the Silver Lake Reservoir offers a welcome respite from the city with a grassy meadow, a dog park, and a nice 2.2-mile loop trail if you’re in the mood for a walk.

Ggiata Delicatessen Started by childhood friends who grew up eating New Jersey’s Italian-style deli sandwiches, Ggiata serves up their rendition of those hefty hot and cold sammies made with locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re sinking your teeth into crispy chicken cutlets smothered in spicy vodka sauce or layers of breaded eggplant bathed in pomodoro, these substantial sandwiches are crafted to deliver all the nostalgic flavors of traditional East Coast neighborhood delis.

> Where to picnic: Catch a movie screening at the picnic-friendly Hollywood Forever Cemetery just a few blocks away.

Banh Oui This fast-casual spot in Hollywood specializes in Vietnamese banh mì–style sandwiches, each thoughtfully constructed to give you the perfect balance of flavor and texture in every bite. Each one marries a flavor-packed protein, such as five-spice pork belly or peppery grilled steak, with the tart acidity of pickled carrots and daikon—all nestled in a crusty French roll smeared with house-made chicken liver pâté.

> Where to picnic: Head to a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, which has picnic tables available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Fat Sal’s Indulgence is the name of the game at this booming sandwich empire. Fat Sal’s turns out guilty-pleasure heroes—onion rings and fries stuffed into a succulent rib-eye steak sammie or mozzarella sticks, bacon, and chicken fingers packed into a barbecued pastrami-brisket creation. These over-the-top masterpieces are served at any of seven L.A. locations.

> Where to picnic: Venice Beach is only a few minutes away from the Marina del Rey outpost by foot, so grab a spot on the sand in time for sunset.

Lorenzo California

This Beverly Hills spot makes traditional Florentine sandwiches with an artisanal approach, swapping out the usual schiacciata bread for focaccia. The bread’s generous square format offers more room to showcase high-quality imported Italian meats and cheeses—such as paper-thin slices of mortadella in the deli’s namesake Lorenzo sandwich as well as piles of tender Levoni ham prosciutto served with truffle cream and fresh brie in a dish named Cotto.

> Where to picnic: Stroll down Santa Monica Boulevard to Beverly Gardens Park, where you can lunch in full view of the Beverly Hills sign.

Carla Cafe Everyone who has tried a Carla Cafe sandwich agrees that this remarkable operation, which began as a pop-up in 2020 out of founder Avi Ahdoot’s home, is one of the pandemic’s silver linings. Although he now offers takeout and delivery via West L.A.’s shared Colony Kitchen, Ahdoot continues to test, experiment, and perfect his now-famous sammies, such as the chicken aioli that put him on the map and a tuna chop that’s a treat for your tastebuds.

> Where to picnic: Drive to the Getty Center, where you can picnic before taking in the latest art exhibits.

Fat

Jeff’s Table This hidden micro-deli behind a Highland Park liquor store is the brainchild of owner Jeff Strauss, who draws inspiration from his favorite delis, the Jewish food his mother cooked, and flavors and ingredients from all over the world. You’ll find innovative twists on classics: The Dirty Baby is a hot, smoky, spicy take on a chicken salad melt that incorporates smoked gouda, crispy shallots, and chili crisp. Meanwhile, the Ham n Jam n Cheese is a flavor bomb of pork shoulder ham with salted plum jam mustard and Manchego.

> Where to picnic: With tennis courts and children’s play areas, Sycamore Grove Park is an idyllic setting for a picnic on the banks of the Arroyo Seco.

Bodega Park An ode to New York’s beloved bodega, this Silver Lake gem makes phenomenal sandwiches, such as a hype-worthy chopped cheese and a spicy pork bulgogi roll that nods to chef Eric Park’s Korean roots. The menu is rounded out by an excellent selection of handcrafted coffee drinks, showcasing ingredients like nutty black sesame or house-made vanilla syrup derived from whole Madagascar vanilla pods. > Where to picnic: Los Angeles State Historic Park offers 32 acres of open space, sporting lawns, picnic areas, and pathways with a view of downtown.

Details /Open Market 3339 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 213.232.3851 / Daybird 240 N. Virgil Ave., Los Angeles, daybirdla.com / Ggiata Delicatessen 5009 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, 323.798.5713 / Banh Oui 1552 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, 323.645.7944 / Fat Sal’s 37 Washington Blvd., Marina del Rey, 310 452.3229, and various locations / Lorenzo California / 9529 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 424.332.2949 / Carla Cafe 11419 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, instagram.com/carlacafela / Jeff’s Table 5900 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, 424.835.5353 / Bodega Park 2852 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, bodegapark.la

JULY 5 to SEPT 1

CHECK WEBSITE FOR DETAILS. FestivalofArts.org

See Art. Make Art. Tour Art. Buy Art.

This highly acclaimed juried fine art show features 120 of Orange County’s finest artists – offering avid art collectors and festivalgoers an outstanding variety of mediums to browse and purchase in a beautiful open-air gallery setting in Laguna Beach. Plus enjoy art demonstrations, live music perform ances, art classes, special events and more.

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Watch Art Come to Life in Laguna Beach. This iconic, long-running Orange County tradition combines artfully costumed people, extravagant sets and theatrical illusion to re-create famous works of art on stage. Prepare yourselves for an inspirational adventure that acknowledges the deep connections and memorable stories of artists assisting one another throughout the world and throughout history in this summer’s production, Art Colony: In the Company of Artists.”