Best Hidden Gems Sandwiches Restaurants in Los Angeles
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Baba's Deli Subs
Independent deli laser-focused on overstuffed subs with top-tier ingredients.
Notable Picks
8.8
Baba's Deli Subs is a dedicated sandwich counter on Pacific Coast Highway known for stacked cold cuts, soft dark-sweet rolls, and a long board of signature creations. Regulars come for generous portions, crisp produce, and consistent execution that has quickly made it a go-to sandwich stop in South Torrance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baba's Deli #1 Sandwich (bold Cajun turkey on dark sweet wheat), Italian Submarine Sandwich, The Monster Special Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Independent deli laser-focused on overstuffed subs with top-tier ingredients.
#2
For The Win
8.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
For The Win’s Franklin Avenue outpost is a tight, counter-service smash burger stand where thin, crispy-edged patties and very dialed-in fries are the whole point. Locals line up for cheeseburgers buried in fry sauce and shoestring fries that stay hot and crisp on the walk back to nearby apartments or studios.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeseburger with fries combo, Loaded fries with fry sauce, Sweet potato fries
What Makes it Special: Smash burgers and ultra-crisp fries built for obsessive regulars.
#3
Garo's Deli
8.8
Tucked into the European-style St Vincent Court alley since 1989, Garo's Deli turns French baguettes and Armenian-influenced fillings into big, deeply satisfying sandwiches. Regulars come for generously stacked cold cuts, old-school hot pastrami, and a long list of cheese and veggie options served with pickles and little yellow peppers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mortadella Sandwich on 10" French baguette, Garo's Special Combo Sandwich (turkey, mortadella, salami, provolone), Basturma Sandwich with provolone and pickles
What Makes it Special: Long-running alleyway deli known for overstuffed baguette sandwiches and Armenian specialties.
This 57-year-old fromagerie crafts sandwiches that Forbes calls a 'sensation' with luxurious fillings on fresh ciabatta. The La Zucca with fried zucchini and ricotta delivers a perfect balance of crispy, creamy textures while the Dom layers aged prosciutto with jammy sundried tomatoes.
Must-Try Dishes:
La Zucca (fried zucchini & ricotta), The Dom (prosciutto & sundried tomato), Italian Sub (mixed cold cuts)
What Makes it Special: 600+ imported cheeses fuel gourmet sandwiches since 1967
Maciel’s reimagines the neighborhood deli with fully plant-based meats and cheeses made in-house, turning classics like the Reuben and Italian sub into LA-worthy sandwiches. The compact Highland Park space stays busy with locals and destination diners who come for bold flavors, thoughtful sourcing, and a menu that feels indulgent while still being veggie-forward.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Italian, The Californian, Reuben
What Makes it Special: A true vegan butcher shop turning deli classics into plant-based standouts.
#6
Breadlam
8.6
Breadlam is an Arts District sandwich and cheese counter built around house-toasted breads, stacked fillings, and a short, focused menu. Downtown office workers and creatives use it as a dependable midday stop when they want a serious sandwich on crusty bread instead of another salad or grain bowl.
Must-Try Dishes:
Raymond Sandwich, Glendale Sandwich, Breadlam Blend Grilled Cheese
What Makes it Special: Serious, cheffy sandwiches built on excellent bread and cheeses.
#7
Milkfarm
8.6
Milkfarm brings the artistry of specialty cheese to sandwiches, showcasing local and artisanal ingredients on crusty bread. Known for welcoming service and inventive seasonal creations, it’s a go-to for Eagle Rock locals seeking something special beyond ordinary deli fare.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto & French Butter Baguette, Egg & Chive Salad Sandwich, Housemade Pimento Cheese
What Makes it Special: Sandwiches built with rare, small-batch cheeses.
#8
Monroe Place
8.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Brooklyn transplants Sara Fakhfouri and Alex Maj craft inventive sandwiches on artisan breads from Bub and Grandma's and Out of Thin Air bakery. Their signature builds blend Mediterranean and deli influences with unexpected twists like serrano-cilantro spread and fig jam with turkey, earning praise from Eater LA as a standout sandwich destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Spaniard, Serenity Now, Court Street
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood shop serving creative sandwiches with artisan breads and unique flavor combinations from Brooklyn-trained chefs
#9
Gjusta
8.5
Bakery-deli-market with a sprawling menu, counter ordering, and shaded outdoor seating. Families like the flexibility: pastries for kids, salads and sandwiches for adults, plus take-home pantry items.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Fish Plate, Turkey Reuben, Rotisserie Chicken with Sides
What Makes it Special: Market-style bakery with wide, family-friendly choice and takeaway.
A renowned wine shop and sandwich counter, Larchmont Wine & Cheese draws a loyal lunch crowd for its artisan sandwiches crafted on crusty baguettes. Signature choices like the prosciutto di Parma sandwich showcase thoughtful combinations and ingredient sourcing in a laid-back, local favorite atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto di Parma Sandwich, Roast Beef Sandwich, Turkey & Brie
What Makes it Special: Unmatched baguette sandwiches from a small counter inside a wine shop.
8.4
Belmont Shore's Italian sandwich institution crafts authentic deli sandwiches with house-made garlic spread that locals swear by. The meatball sandwich and Torpedo sub showcase premium imported meats on fresh-baked bread, while the attached market stocks Italian groceries and fresh pasta.
Must-Try Dishes:
Meatball Sandwich, Torpedo Sub, Pastrami on French Roll
What Makes it Special: Signature garlic spread elevates every sandwich with authentic Italian market attached
#12
Open Market
8.4
This Koreatown cafe crafts inventive sandwiches that reimagine LA's immigrant cuisines on Clark Street baguettes and house-made milk bread. The Normandie brisket sandwich with ginger pickled radish and au jus delivers French dip vibes while the Olympic roasted chicken showcases lemongrass and Thai-inspired flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Normandie Brisket Sandwich, Olympic Roasted Chicken, Mariposa Vegetarian
What Makes it Special: Second-generation takes on LA cuisines served on artisan bread with creative fusion flavors
8.4
Potato Chips Deli hides on a residential Beverly Grove block, where thick-cut Italian and turkey subs come on crusty bread with housemade spreads and, of course, potato chips. It feels like a neighborhood sandwich shop built for takeout, with generous portions and a focus on classic deli combinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Combo with hot peppers, Roast turkey avocado sandwich, Meatball sub
What Makes it Special: Residential-side deli turning out hefty Italian-style subs and chips.
#14
Royal Lobster LA
8.4
Royal Lobster LA specializes in fresh Maine lobster rolls, bringing Hawaii’s acclaimed lobster expertise to LA. Known for focusing on lobster and salad, it’s celebrated for buttery, classic lobster rolls and vibrant flavors in a casual setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Lobster Roll, Garlic Butter Lobster Roll, Lobster Salad
What Makes it Special: Direct-from-Maine lobster, executed with pure classic focus.
#15
Station 43
8.4
Station 43 is a focused Melrose counter spot built around house-ground Angus burgers and 14-day cured, 12-hour smoked pastrami, with beef-tallow fries and combos that feel more chef-driven than fast food. The compact space leans takeout-friendly, but locals treat it as a destination for richly sauced burgers and stacked pastrami sandwiches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wild Burger with cherry sauce, Dream Combo burger with fries, Strong or Bold pastrami sandwich
What Makes it Special: A pastrami-and-burger shop where house-cured meats and cherry-sauced burgers feel craft-level but casual.
#16
All Too Well
8.3
Mitchell Jamra brings his Chicago pedigree to Platform LA with hot-pressed sandwiches blending Italian, Lebanese, and classic deli traditions. The inventive builds feature LA-exclusive creations like the Kobe with smoked turkey and stracciatella alongside Chicago favorites, all pressed to crispy perfection.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kobe, Bombay Chulet, Shaq
What Makes it Special: Chef from NY Times-recognized Evette's in Chicago serving hot-pressed fusion sandwiches exclusive to LA
#17
Crack
8.3
Golf course deck restaurant serving elevated smash burgers and tri-tip sandwiches with craft root beer. Owner-operated spot features signature bacon jam on the Dirty Burger, rotating daily sides like white bean chili, and views overlooking Bixby Village Golf Course greens.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bacon Jam Burger, Dirty Burger, Ortega Burger
What Makes it Special: Smash burgers with bacon jam overlooking golf course
#18
Dr. Sandwich
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Hidden Gems Heaven
Dr. Sandwich on Beverly is a fast-casual Middle Eastern counter known for shawarma, kebabs, and overflowing pita and plate combos built from a broad salad and sauce bar. It’s a go-to for quick, filling halal lunches and late-afternoon bites where flavor and volume matter more than décor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma plate, Mixed grill kebab platter, Falafel pita
What Makes it Special: Halal shawarma and grill plates piled high with salads and sauces.
#19
Irv's Burgers
8.3
Irv’s Burgers is a historic West Hollywood burger stand reborn, serving griddled patties, fries, and shakes with classic roadside energy. The focus is on simple, well-executed burgers and cheerful service rather than frills, making it a go-to for quick, nostalgic American fast-casual.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic cheeseburger, Double burger with grilled onions, Fries with special sauce
What Makes it Special: A revived classic burger stand that keeps the focus on griddled patties, fries, and old-school charm.
8.3
A long-running Pico-Robertson meat counter that happens to turn out one of the neighborhood’s most dependable kosher burgers. The patties are straightforward, juicy, and built for classic topping stacks, with fries that stay crisp enough for takeout. It’s a practical local staple when you want a no-nonsense burger in the corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Beef Burger, Pastrami Burger, Seasoned Fries
What Makes it Special: Kosher neighborhood institution pairing old-school meat craft with solid burgers.
8.3
At the Spring Street outpost of Sami Othman’s Cajun-Creole deli, Lil’ Hotties wings share the spotlight with shrimp po’ boys, gumbo, and big New Orleans–style platters. It’s a hearty, sauce-driven option when you want serious wings with fries plus the option to tack on gumbo or a sandwich.
Must-Try Dishes:
10 Lil’ Hotties Wings with Cajun Fries, Gumbo Mumbo over Rice, Shrimp Po’ Boy
What Makes it Special: New Orleans–inspired deli where wings come piled over Cajun fries alongside po’ boys and gumbo.
8.3
A kosher deli that doubles as a serious smokehouse, turning out long-smoked brisket, pastrami, and burnt ends with a confident, peppery bark and clean beef flavor. It’s more neighborhood workhorse than destination dining room, but the meat program and house sides make it one of Pico’s most reliable BBQ-adjacent stops.
Must-Try Dishes:
18-hour smoked brisket, burnt ends, hot pastrami sandwich
What Makes it Special: Kosher deli with an in-house, long-smoked brisket and pastrami program.
8.3
Sipp is a women-owned café on Westwood Boulevard that leans into composed breakfast plates and toasts as much as its coffee program. Inside, blond wood, soft lighting, and laptop-friendly seating make it a natural morning workspace with a menu that runs from lox toast and veggie omelettes to saffron lattes and pastries.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lox Toast, Avocado Toast, Saffron Latte
What Makes it Special: Women-owned coffee bar pairing saffron lattes with composed breakfast toasts and pastries.
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Tucker's Market & Deli is a family-run corner market that has quietly anchored Walteria for decades, with a deli counter turning out hefty Boar’s Head sandwiches. It’s the kind of place where locals grab an Italian sub, browse the coolers, and eat at the small outdoor setup after a round at the nearby golf course.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot Pastrami Sandwich, Italian Sub, Turkey Bacon Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Long-running market deli pairing Boar’s Head meats with throwback neighborhood charm.
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Attari is a Persian sandwich counter tucked off Westwood Boulevard’s main drag, where lawyers, grad students, and office workers queue together for tongue sandwiches and Osh. It’s fast, affordable, and memorable—ideal when you want a working lunch that shows real neighborhood knowledge rather than another chain salad.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef tongue sandwich, Osh soup, Kabab koobideh sandwich
What Makes it Special: A long-running Persian sandwich counter that eats far above its price point.
#26
Burrata House
8.2
Burrata House’s West Hollywood-side location specializes in burrata-loaded panini on crusty bread, with a short menu of prosciutto, turkey, and vegetarian builds. It’s built for quick lunches and delivery, but a few seats and a small patio make it an easy casual sit-down option too.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Prosciutto & Burrata Panino, Spicy Smoked Turkey & Burrata Panino, Burrata Caprese Vegetarian Panino
What Makes it Special: Italian panini shop centered on creamy burrata and high-quality imported ingredients.
8.2
A classic LA deli serving big, old-school American Jewish comfort—stacked sandwiches, soups, and breakfast plates that locals treat like a daily utility. Not a design destination, but consistently satisfying for takeout or a casual booth meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastrami sandwich, Matzo ball soup, Corned beef hash breakfast
What Makes it Special: Old-LA deli comfort with reliably hefty portions.
#28
Garden Cafe
8.2
A secluded Mediterranean-inspired cafe tucked off Woodman Avenue, featuring a wrap-around garden patio with red umbrellas and Tuscan decor. The pet-friendly outdoor space serves wood-fired pizzas, breakfast all day, and American comfort food with notable attention to fresh ingredients and relaxed counter-service dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza, Golden Cowboy Sandwich, Crab Cake Benedict
What Makes it Special: Secluded garden patio escape with wood-fired pizza and Mediterranean vibes
#29
Jackson Market
8.2
Operating since 1925, this neighborhood deli hides on a residential street behind a tranquil backyard patio complete with koi ponds and waterfalls. Custom-built sandwiches on fresh Boar's Head meats showcase quality ingredients in a zen garden setting that feels worlds away from the city bustle.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jackson Club Wrap, Italian Sandwich, BBQ Beef Brisket Panini
What Makes it Special: Nearly century-old market with spectacular hidden garden patio featuring waterfalls and koi ponds
#30
LA Sandwich Bar
8.2
Authentic neighborhood sandwich shop serving hot, toasted French-style roll sandwiches with house-made signature sauces. Owner-operated spot focuses on fresh daily-baked bread and Mediterranean-influenced fillings from pastrami to falafel.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Spicy (Pastrami & Swiss), Buffalo Chicken Breast, Mediterranean Veggie
What Makes it Special: House-made signature sauces and daily-baked French rolls with unique flavor combinations
#31
La Sorted's
8.2
Wood-fired pizza operation from owner Tommy Brockert delivers fluffy, beautifully bubbled crust with creative toppings like Italian sausage with kale and hot honey pepperoni. The casual counter-service format and outdoor seating make it ideal for quick family meals, while the mortadella focaccia sandwich has earned recognition as one of LA's best.
Must-Try Dishes:
Good Boi Pizza, Spicy But Oh So Sweet Boy, Mortadella Focaccia Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Former pop-up now permanent with wood-fired oven creating perfectly charred crusts
8.2
LGBT Center social enterprise staffed by culinary program graduates, serving Verve coffee and artisan breakfast sandwiches in a colorful, inclusive space. Revenue supports life-changing LGBTQ services while delivering excellent coffee bar beverages and Bakers Kneaded pastries.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Pesto Sandwich with Bacon, Breakfast Burrito, Lavender Latte
What Makes it Special: Social enterprise where every purchase supports LGBTQ youth and senior programs
8.2
Melrose Burgers ’N Fries is a glatt kosher grill on Melrose serving cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, and breakfast burritos with options for both meat eaters and vegans. It’s the rare spot where you can get a juicy burger with kosher supervision, non-dairy cheese, and gluten-free swaps without sacrificing flavor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Southwestern cheeseburger, Breakfast burrito, Vegan burger with fake bacon and cheese
What Makes it Special: A glatt kosher burger shop balancing classic patties with vegan and gluten-free options.
#34
OBRA HandBakery
8.2
Latin American-inspired bakery specializing in scratch-made baked empanadas since 2014. Chef-owner Cesar Villarreal brings Colombian heritage to creative fillings like chicken curry and BBQ pork, plus Cuban sandwiches and breakfast burritos served alongside specialty coffee drinks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Curry Empanada, Cuban Sandwich, BBQ Pork Empanada
What Makes it Special: Hand-made empanadas baked every half hour with Colombian family recipes
#35
Ray's
8.2
A 1977-vintage takeout window — one of the last original burger stands in West LA — that quietly pivots between charbroiled burgers, teriyaki plates, and breakfast burritos with equal conviction. The chicken teriyaki over rice is the anchor order: white-meat breast, grilled vegetables, and a restrained sauce portioned well beyond the under-$15 price tag. Expect a sidewalk wait, free agua fresca samples, and a meal built for the car ride home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Western Cheeseburger, Mushroom Swiss Burger, Patty Melt
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood grill burgers that taste like L.A. used to.
A Glassell Park bakery-restaurant known for exceptional bread and a daytime menu that makes breakfast feel like a proper meal. Think tight sandwiches, eggs, and baked goods with real craft behind them. The vibe is straightforward, the food is the point.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast sandwich on house bread, Seasonal pastry, Daily egg plate
What Makes it Special: Breakfast built around some of the best bread in the area.
8.1
A compact NY-style kosher deli with hand-sliced meats and classic build-your-own sandwiches. The corned beef and pastrami lean traditional and well-seasoned, making this a dependable neighborhood stop rather than a hype-driven destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastrami sandwich, Corned beef on rye, Turkey avocado sandwich
What Makes it Special: Classic kosher deli sandwiches sliced and built to order.
8.1
An owner-operated DTLA breakfast counter built on from-scratch cooking and oversized portions at budget-friendly prices—the kind of place where a fried egg sandwich and horchata latte become a weekly detour. It runs a tight, small-space operation that rewards early arrivals before the counter fills up, with a calm enough atmosphere for laptop work between rushes.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Toast, Breakfast Burrito, Fried Egg Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Owner-operated DTLA breakfast counter known for oversized portions, from-scratch cooking, and a horchata latte that regulars detour for.
8.1
A family-run kosher bakery holding down Robertson Blvd since 1949, turning out Eastern European and French pastries—challah, cheese danishes, croissants—with the kind of muscle memory that only comes from three-quarters of a century at the same craft. The deli side handles lunch with unfussy sandwiches and lox plates priced for regulars, not tourists. It works best as a morning stop where you grab a bag of pastries and don't overthink it.
Must-Try Dishes:
Challah Bread, Cheese Danish, Bagel with Lox
What Makes it Special: Family-owned kosher bakery since 1949 specializing in Eastern European and French pastries on Robertson Blvd
8.1
A cozy, vegan-leaning neighborhood coffee house that does breakfast with real care, from breakfast burritos to pastries and toasts. The cooking is simple but dialed in, and the backyard patio makes it an easy slow-morning hang. Best for locals who want quality without a scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast burrito, Avocado toast, House pastry of the day
What Makes it Special: Vegan-friendly breakfast done with scratch-level care.
8.1
A Chinatown market counter that has been building banh mi on warm, crusty French bread for three decades—the kind of place where the bread-to-filling ratio and pate spread feel dialed in by sheer repetition. Locals line up for sub-$5 sandwiches that hold up against shops charging twice as much, making it a reliable default for anyone passing through Ord Street on a lunch run.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dac Biet #1 Special Banh Mi, #12 Pork Belly Banh Mi, Tofu Banh Mi
What Makes it Special: A 30-year-old Chinatown market stall turning out some of the cheapest and best banh mi in Los Angeles on warm, crusty French bread.
A 1964-era sub counter that builds every sandwich on lightly steamed sesame seed bread and finishes it with a chunky Italian tomato salad dressed in oil, vinegar, and cracked black pepper—a two-part signature that has kept CSUN students and Northridge regulars cycling through a three-table strip mall space for six decades. The menu runs deep on cold cuts and Italian-style subs at prices that match the no-frills setup, making it a reliable lunch stop where the craft is in the bread and the salad, not the decor.
Must-Try Dishes:
My Hero Special Sandwich, Pastrami Sandwich, Breast of Turkey
What Makes it Special: Open since 1964, every sub is built on lightly steamed sesame seed bread and topped with their signature chunky Italian tomato salad marinated in oil, vinegar, and cracked black pepper.
8.1
Family-run deli tucked inside a Citibank building serving traditional New York-style sandwiches, wraps, and breakfast items with notably fast service. The bacon, egg, and cheese on a bagel and California wrap draw consistent praise, along with their house-made chicken soup and smoothies made with fresh ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bacon Egg & Cheese on Bagel, California Wrap, Chicken Soup
What Makes it Special: Exceptionally warm family service and classic deli execution in an unexpected bank setting
#44
D'Todo Natural
8
D’Todo Natural is a health-focused cafe and juice bar where breakfast leans nutritious, with mega breakfast plates, huevos rancheros, vegan pancakes, and acai bowls. It functions as the neighborhood’s nutritional corner, balancing classic Mexican breakfasts with plant-forward options and a long list of fresh juices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mega Breakfast, Huevos Rancheros, Acai Bowl
What Makes it Special: Health-minded breakfast cafe blending Mexican plates, vegan options, and made-to-order juices.
Open since 1949, Eagle Rock Italian Bakery & Deli is famed for classic Italian sandwiches, fresh cannolis, and friendly counter service. It’s a beloved, old-school spot for takeout brunch favorites or a quick sweet treat in a nostalgic setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Combo Sandwich, Pistachio Cannoli, Tomato Focaccia
What Makes it Special: Family-run bakery serving Italian deli classics since 1949.
8
Fat Sal's at the base of Washington Blvd is a late-night favorite for over-the-top sandwiches, chopped-cheese style burgers, and loaded fries a short walk from the sand. It’s less about restraint and more about big, messy, satisfying comfort food before or after bar time.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fat Jerry, Fat Texas, Fat Hot Chick
What Makes it Special: Maxed-out, stunt-level sandwiches and burgers served deep into the night steps from the beach.
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Neli's is a hidden local cafe, beloved for affordable, freshly made breakfast classics, hearty quiche, and daily specials. Family-owned since 1984, they combine catering expertise with a sit-down menu. It’s a staple with reliable quality and super-friendly service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quiche of the Day, California Chicken Grill, White Chocolate Macadamia Cookie
What Makes it Special: Homemade quiche and unbeatable breakfast value since 1984.
#48
Pane Bianco DTLA
8
Chris Bianco's lunch-only counter shop at ROW DTLA builds each sandwich on split focaccia baked to order in a wood-fired oven, filled with house-cured meats and local produce—a format that rewards the single-item visit over a full meal. The patio runs conversational rather than chaotic, and the free two-hour garage parking removes the usual downtown friction. With only 55 reviews it's still proving itself at this location, but the 80% five-star rate and Bianco's James Beard pedigree suggest the Phoenix playbook translates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roast Beef Sandwich with Green Garlic Aioli, Mortadella Sandwich, Green Slice
What Makes it Special: Chris Bianco's lunch-only sandwich shop where split focaccia is baked to order in a wood-fired oven and served with house-cured meats and local produce.
#49
Pikunico
8
A Michelin-trained chef applying fine-dining karaage technique to a tight, mostly gluten-free counter menu inside the ROW DTLA complex. The fried chicken sandwich — built on pickled daikon, jalapeño, and miso jam — has carved out real neighborhood standing in a district that burns through concepts fast. Works best as a quick, purposeful stop where the technique-to-price ratio does the convincing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Golden Chicken Sandwich, Pikunico Bowl, Classic Fried Chicken
What Makes it Special: A Michelin-trained chef's take on Japanese karaage — nearly the entire menu is gluten-free, and the fried chicken sandwich with pickled daikon, jalapeño, and miso jam has become a DTLA icon.
8
Ponsonby Road Cafe brings a New Zealand-inspired cafe menu to the Beverly Grove side of La Cienega, pairing savory pies and salads with a small lineup of toasted bagels. It’s more of a cozy all-day cafe than a dedicated bagel shop, but the egg-and-cheese bagels and coffee make it a mellow alternative to the busier 3rd Street brunch staples.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs and Cheese Bagel, Plain Bagel with Cream Cheese, Steak and Cheese Pie
What Makes it Special: New Zealand-style cafe where bagels share menu space with savory pies and espresso drinks.