Best Sandwiches Restaurants in Downtown LA (90012)
10 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
8.6
A century-old French dip institution with sawdust floors and cafeteria swagger. The rolls are sturdy, the jus is beefy, and the no-frills pace makes it ideal for a fast historic bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roast Beef French Dip, Lamb French Dip, Pickled Eggs
What makes it special: Birthplace-level French dip lore with nonstop local loyalty.
8.4
All-day, chef-y sandwiches piled high on excellent bread with playful public-radio names and real technique behind the sauces. The Chinatown arcade setting is low-frills, but the flavor layering is the main event.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ira Glass, Larry Mantle, Garth Trinidad
What makes it special: Signature, sauce-driven sandwiches that eat like full meals.
8.1
A historic, family-run Italian deli dating back to 1929, famous for stacked hot sandwiches and old-school market vibes. The counter-service setup makes it easy for families to grab lunch or picnic-ready bites near Elysian Park.
Must-Try Dishes:
D.A. Special sandwich, Italian meatball hot sandwich, Cannoli
What makes it special: Nearly century-old LA Little Italy deli with iconic sandwiches.
8.1
A bright, mission-driven café in Chinatown serving hearty breakfast plates with a light, healthy tilt. Expect well-executed classics, welcoming service, and a community vibe that keeps locals coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sunny-side eggs with potatoes and toast, Chile relleno grilled cheese, Carnitas tacos (breakfast-adjacent)
What makes it special: Great breakfast with a real neighborhood mission behind it.
Worthy Picks
#5
Katsu Sando
7.8
Tiny sandwich counter turning Japanese konbini staples into hefty, crunchy sandos. Simple choices—katsu, egg, and chicken—hit hard with buttery shokupan and creamy slaws.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Katsu Sando, Egg Salad Sando, Chicken Katsu Curry Sando
What makes it special: Konbini-style sandos done with chef-level care.
7.8
A classic Chinatown bánh mì counter with crackly baguettes and old-school fillings. It’s no-frills, but the liver pâté, pickled veg, and grilled meats hit with the kind of balance that keeps locals coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Banh Mi Dac Biet, Grilled Pork Banh Mi, Vietnamese Iced Coffee
What makes it special: One of the area’s most consistently crisp, traditional bánh mìs.
7.8
A low-key Historic Core counter spot where breakfast is fast, fresh, and reliably satisfying. The menu leans classic—burritos, sandwiches, waffles—done with care and strong coffee.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast burrito, Breakfast sandwich, Waffles with crispy potatoes
What makes it special: Dependable all-morning breakfast in the heart of downtown.
#8
Café Persona
7.7
A quiet, design-forward coffee shop where sandwiches are made with the same care as the espresso. It’s a low-key workday stop with a notably good turkey sandwich and clean, unfussy flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turkey Sandwich, Tuna Melt, Chicken Pesto Sandwich
What makes it special: Coffee-first cafe where sandwiches quietly overdeliver.
7.7
A Little Tokyo deli that doubles as a morning stop for simple, filling breakfasts before the neighborhood wakes up. Expect straightforward execution, big portions, and a classic counter-service rhythm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Egg and cheese breakfast sandwich, Breakfast burrito, Reuben (for brunchy appetites)
What makes it special: Old-school deli breakfast that’s fast and satisfying.
#10
Cherry Pick Cafe
7.5
A light-filled cafe doing coffee, bagel sandwiches, and deli-style lunches for downtown regulars. It’s a simple spot, but execution is clean and consistent.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Salmon Bagel, Turkey Pesto Panini, Breakfast Croissant
What makes it special: Dependable downtown cafe with strong breakfast sandwiches.