Ggiata Delicatessen

Highland Park’s Newest Restaurant Is a Rollicking Italian Deli Straight Out of New Jersey | Eater LA

"Opening its first full dining room on Wednesday, July 17 in Highland Park, Ggiata Delicatessen is a New Jersey–inspired sandwich shop that I’ve watched expand across Los Angeles since debuting in 2020 (from a Koreatown ghost kitchen to Melrose Hill in 2021, West Hollywood in 2022, and Venice in 2023). The owners—Noah Holton-Raphael, Max Bahramipour, and Jack Biebel—say they aim to grow at a measured pace and to be good neighbors: they canvassed Highland Park before opening, plan to offer a 15 percent honor-system local discount, and intend to hire from the neighborhood. The remodeled 1,500-square-foot space at 5025 York Boulevard seats up to 21 inside (including half a dozen stools along a wood bar built by Highland Park resident Logan Douangsitthi) plus about 10 outdoor seats; the dining room is intended to be comfortable and casual so diners can sit at the bar to watch sandwiches made and wines poured or tuck into a banquette for more privacy. Chef Celerino Cruz’s menu keeps familiar Ggiata favorites—breakfast sandwiches, Italian-American heroes, salads, and sides—with best-sellers like the eggplant Parmesan and the chicken Caesar salad wrap, while pastry chef Christy Erickson will produce more elaborate desserts made possible by the on-site dining room. Drinks include local and Italian beers and four custom wines from Jumbo Time Wines (a chilled red, an orange, a rosé, and a white); orders are placed at the front counter and brought to diners’ seats. Ggiata is located at 5025 York Boulevard, Highland Park, CA 90042, and is open 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Friday and 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Saturday–Sunday." - Cathy Chaplin