Santa Monica’s Bay Cities Italian Deli Shut Down by Health Department | Eater LA

"Known for its meat-and-cheese–stacked Godmother sandwich, the long-running Santa Monica deli was temporarily closed after a County of Los Angeles Public Health inspection found a vermin infestation and cited additional violations for hot- and cold-holding temperatures, inadequate cleaning and sanitizing of cooking surfaces, and handwashing practices. A pre-recorded message plays when calling the deli, saying the decision to close was made "in consultation with the Health Department." A representative confirmed to Eater that the deli is temporarily closed and provided this statement: "We want to acknowledge the recent temporary closure of our store due to health infractions. We take full responsibility and recognize the seriousness of this matter. This situation does not reflect the standards we uphold. We are actively working with the Health Department and third-party professionals to address all concerns and improve our store as a whole. This is a challenging time for us, but we are committed to regaining our customers’ confidence and loyalty. We appreciate your patience and trust as we work toward a brighter future." The reopening date has not been announced; the restaurant remained closed as of May 27, 2025 (story updated May 27, 2025, 5:45 p.m. to include comment). Open in Santa Monica since 1925, the shop serves a wide range of Italian deli sandwiches alongside well-stocked aisles of Italian goods, fresh baguettes, and packaged cold salads, and has drawn near-constant crowds over the last century for cold-cut sandwiches made at the in-store deli counter. A previous health inspection in 2024 resulted in a "B" and cited improper handwashing and glove usage and cleanliness issues on food-contact surfaces. The temporary closure follows a pattern of recent high-profile vermin-related shutdowns in the area (for example, a cockroach found in the tonic bar at a Santa Monica grocery’s smoothie station in April) and other past Los Angeles temporary closures such as Casa Vega, 101 Noodle Express, Philippe’s, Rainbow Bar and Grill, and the Original Pantry Cafe." - Rebecca Roland