Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery
Deli · Santa Monica
1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Highlights
Iconic deli known for its legendary Godmother sandwich & Italian market
Iconic deli known for its legendary Godmother sandwich & Italian market
"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
"Arguably one of the most iconic sandwiches in Los Angeles, the Godmother is comprised of a house-baked roll filled with Boar’s Head deli meats, cheese, mustard, and veggies. Though there are other excellent sandwiches on the menu, especially the hot variety, this classic Italian sandwich is the most talked about and a must-try for every Angeleno. Actor Matt Damon even confessed his love for the Godmother on the Late Show With Stephen Colbert. It’s available pre-made in the refrigerated section of Bay Cities or made-to-order from the sandwich counter." - Mona Holmes
"A Santa Monica deli noted for offerings including the famous Godmother sandwich, representing iconic sandwich culture on the Westside." - Eater Staff
"A beloved deli known for the Godmother Italian sandwich, a local favorite that exemplifies generous, well-assembled deli tradition." - Regan Stephens
"Even if you just moved to Santa Monica to pursue your dream of posting highly curated beach photos on social media, Bay Cities is a place you’ve heard about. And rightfully so. This Italian deli and grocer has been around since 1925, and is home to one of the most famous sandwiches on the West Coast: The Godmother. This salami, capicola, ham, mortadella, and prosciutto-topped behemoth is a cold-cut masterpiece and one of the few upsides to being anywhere near The Promenade. Tip: Lines are always bad here, so just call-in your order ahead of time and jump to the front." - brant cox
