Best Sandwiches Restaurants in Chinatown
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Philippe The Original
Credited as the birthplace of the French dip sandwich since 1908, with meat hand-carved and rolls dipped in natural roasting juices
Notable Picks
8.2
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
The 1908 original that put French dip on the map—beef hand-carved to order, rolls dunked in natural jus at the counter, sawdust still on the floor. The communal-table, cafeteria-line format rewards decisive ordering and a willingness to elbow in during peak hours. Go for the double-dipped beef and expect the experience to feel like a working lunch counter that happens to be a monument.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef French Dip Double-Dipped, Lamb French Dip, Pickled Eggs
What Makes it Special: Credited as the birthplace of the French dip sandwich since 1908, with meat hand-carved and rolls dipped in natural roasting juices
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
7.9
A counter-service deli built on Bub & Grandma's bread and NPR-themed sandwiches—the roast beef comes with pickled beets and French onion dip, the Italian sub leans meaty and East Coast-inspired. The Chinatown arcade location served the same thoughtful builds as the Frogtown original, with Dole Whip rotating through flavors like lime and Tajin. Note: This location is currently listed as closed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roast Beef Sandwich, Dole Whip, Pasta Salad
What Makes it Special: Creative deli sandwiches with nostalgic touches like Dole Whip and house-pickled vegetables in a Chinatown storefront
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.
#6
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.