The Best Italian Delis in Los Angeles

by Jennifer O'BrienJanuary 12, 2022

Mama Mia! Whether you’re craving an Italian sub so good it could solve the world’s problems or you want mouthwatering meatballs that’ll make you ugly cry with delight, we’ve put together a list of the best Italian delis in LA to take the kids. These tasty eateries will fill your belly and soul with great food and warm service that feels like family. Mangia!

Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery

best italian delis around LA — Winnie L. via Yelp

All hail "The Godmother"—Bay Cities's signature sub and after one bite, you'll realize why. Stacked high with ham, capicola, mortadella, genoa salami, provolone cheese and the works, it rates as one of the top sandwiches in town. In addition to the classic sub, Bay Cities serves up dozens of amazing hot and cold sandwiches and sides, along with fresh sliced meats and cheeses that will make your mouth water. Hot Tip: Bay Cities only accepts cash or debit cards—no credit cards.

What to Order the Kids: We’d be remiss if we didn’t strongly recommend ordering the iconic sandwich, The Godmother, but kids might also enjoy the Caprese sandwich or the hot chicken parmesan.

1517 Lincoln Blvd.
Santa Monica
Online: order.bcdeli.com

Ggiata Delicatessen

Best Italian Delis in Los Angeles — Mike C. via Yelp

Drawing inspiration from traditional East Coast neighborhood delis, Ggiata Delicatessen features some of the most incredible Italian-style deli fare this side of Jersey. Their success comes from a great blend of culinary talent and high-quality ingredients sourced from local vendors. With a fantastic selection of sandwiches, salads and sides, it’s no wonder they’ve become one of the most well regarded delis in town. Don’t miss their Rainbow cookies either—they’re some of the best.

What to Order the Kids: The Chicken Parm (order the Spicy P for yourself!), a side of Arancini (fried risotto cheese balls) and of course Rainbow cookies for dessert!

5009 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles
Online: ggiata.com

Eastside Italian Deli

A DTLA staple for over 90 years, award-winning Eastside Italian Deli is known for its rich family history and its to-die-for sandwiches—the most popular being the #7 Roast Beef, Pastrami & Cheese. Can't make it downtown? Another storefront location is open in Los Feliz, where even more folks will have an opportunity to find out why this deli is consistently ranked as one of the tastiest in town.

What to Order the Kids: The Italian Meatball with cooked peppers and cheese is a good choice if little ones are super hungry or, for something lighter, order the turkey and cheese sub.

1013 Alpine St.
Los Angeles
Online: esmdeli.com

Mario’s Italian Deli & Market

Voted one of the best delis in LA year after year, you can see why Mario’s Italian Deli & Market gets raves with their impressive selection delicious subs, hot sandwiches, Italian wines and rare imported items. Also, they put together incredible catering spreads, so definitely keep them in mind for the upcoming holiday season.

What to Order the Kids: You can’t go wrong with their Spaghetti and Meatballs or for more daring kiddos, check out their Spicy Combo Sub which is big enough for two to share.

740 E Broadway
Glendale
Online: mariosdeli.com

Cavaretta’s Italian Deli

Best Italian Delis in LA — Claudia B. via Yelp

Holy cannoli, Cavaretta’s Italian Deli in Canoga Park truly has some of the best cannolis in town, hands down. Serving the community since 1959, Cavaretta’s is known for its super friendly hospitality where everyone is treated like family and of course they're known for their amazing food. From fresh Italian subs and hand-rolled meatballs to a great selection of curated items throughout the store, it’s an experience not to be missed.

What to Order the Kids: Their famous cannolis of course!

22045 Sherman Way
Canoga Park
Online: cavarettasdeli.com

—Jennifer O’Brien

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Why It’s Great to be Pregnant in D.C.

by rthilaryriedemannSeptember 22, 2015

We usually talk about why D.C. is great for kids and families, but we thought it might be fun to ask the area’s main movers and shakers (AKA moms-to-be) why the District is such a great place to be whilst carrying a wee one. We staked out some local hot spots and asked pregnant mamas to bestow some insight into why they love bumping around the Nation’s Capital.

Photo: Aina Vidal via flickr

You’re never the only pregnant lady. “It’s a perk living in such a populated area, because you can find almost anything you need (advice, gently used belly support bands, etc.) on a Facebook group, email list serv, large consignment sale, meetup group, etc.” —Meghan M.

You don’t have to get on a plane to go on a babymoon. “There are lots of local ‘mini babymoon’ options, like the hotels in DuPont Circle, Shenandoah Valley, and Harper’s Ferry.” —Renee W.

It’s a pregant foodies paradise. “No matter what food I’m craving, I can find it within a 10 minute walk or drive of my house (and usually they deliver!). Even if it is ice cream and pickles at 2 am. ” —Jessica A.

Two words: breastfeeding support. “Easy access to the Breastfeeding Center in downtown, which is fantastic.” —Liz B.

You can dress cute (so can your kids) without spending a bunch of money. “There are tons of fashionable baby boutiques to help build my maternity wardrobe!” —Marie T.

Pre- and post-natal yoga options are endless. Just endless. “The access to lots and lots of prenatal yoga, which I still credit with helping me deliver a giant baby!” —Meghan S.
Middle of the night diaper runs are no biggie. “No matter what I need—be it clothes, food, gear, gizmos—I can usually find it within 15 minutes of my house.” —Mary G.
Dairy Godmother. “My bump loves their custard!” —Melissa I.
The photo ops are so fun. “Some of the most awesome bump pictures can be snapped at the memorials!” Sarah M.

What did we miss? Why else does it rock to be pregnant in D.C.? Tell us in the comments section below.

—Hilary Riedemann

‘The Best Thing I Ever Ate,’ D.C. Kids Edition

by Ayren Jackson-CannadyOctober 2, 2014

For all the pomp and circumstance that surrounds D.C.’s infamous restaurant scene, sometimes our kids just want a hot dog, ice cream or slurpy bowl of Pho. Little ones are pros at expressing just what they want (and don’t want), so we took to the streets to ask kids about their favorite local munchies. From the mouths of babes, their responses may–or may not–surprise you.

“Tortilla chips at Los Tios!” –Olivia, 4 1/2

“Ice cream! From Dairy Godmother!” –Catie, 2 1/2

“Breakfast at Caboose Bakery.” –Rex, 1 1/2

“Onion Rings at Whitlow’s so I can watch the Firetrucks go by.” –Tige, 5

“Mac and Cheese at Rustico. Mmm-mmm-good!” –Alex, 6

“Fry bread and Agua Fresca at the National Museum of the American Indian.” –Sarah, 4 ½:

“Half smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl when I watch the Nats!” –Adam, 7

Blake, 3 ½: “Chicken Basil at Thai Shirlington.”

“Do all the Truckeroo trucks count? They’re my favorite.” –Jack, 9

“Grilled cheese sandwiches at Cheesetique.” –Olivia, 2 1/2

What is your kid’s favorite D.C. meal of all time? Tell us in the comments section below.

–Hilary Riedemann

Photos courtesy of Hilary Riedemann, Dairy Godmother via Facebook, Caboose Cafe via Facebook, Leichardti F. via Yelp, Cheesetique via Facebook

Oh Behave: Etiquette Classes for Little Ones

by writerredriJanuary 6, 2014

Swiping food from grandma’s plate, forgetting to say thank you to auntie who splurged on the X-Box, or interrupting during a big family announcement with pointless tattle-telling…Has this last round of holiday dinners left you wondering if your kids were actually raised by a pack of wolves? Never fear—we’ve rounded up some of the most fun places where kids can be schooled on social graces and modern manners. No need to thank us.

Sidwell Friends School
Crystal Bailey says it was her classy godmother that encouraged her to learn and teach good manners. Now the Director of the Etiquette Institute of Washington, she teaches table manners and “netiquette” to kids. Her mantra? An attitude of gratitude starts at a young age (#touche). Bailey says six to seven years old is the “sweet spot” to start teaching manners. Her three-week class at Sidwell Friends School starts at seven years old, so until then you’re in charge of making sure Junior doesn’t pick his nose at the table.

When: Wednesdays, year-round (6:30 pm-7:30 pm)
Ages: 7-14
Cost: $175/per three-week session

3825 Wisconsin Avenue, NW (Cleveland Park)
202-670-7349
Online: washingtonetiquette.com

The Dandelion Patch
Christine Chen of Global Professional Protocol is an expert on filling young people in on why manners matter. For two decades she’s been teaching children (and grown-ups) the importance of good etiquette. She focuses on role playing, where—for example—kids dress as knights to explain a handshake. But Chen goes beyond the meaningful handshake. Kids also learn about social media manners, how to properly say thank you, and the fine art of letter writing.

When: Jan. 21
Ages: 5-18
Cost: $40

111 Church Street, NW (Vienna, Va)
703-319-9099
Online: thedandelionpatch.com

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
If your kids already know the basics of etiquette, take them to The Ritz where they can practice their Ps and Qs over afternoon tea. At the Teddy Bear Children’s Tea, kids will love the selection of sandwiches and pastries sized just for them. If she’s not into an herbal blend, ask for hot cocoa, which will keep her warm and on her best behavior. Honestly, though, is there a better way to encourage grown-up attitude (from adults, too) like tea at the Ritz!

When: Saturdays, 2:30 pm-4:30 pm; Sundays, 3 pm-4:30 pm
Ages: 5 and up
Cost: $16

1250 South Hayes St. (Arlington, Va)
703-415-5000
Online: ritzcarlton.com

How do you teach your kids good manners and etiquette? Tell us in the comments section below.

—Sonya Gavankar

Photo courtesy of Etikids via Flickr

ML Interest Tag: godmother

Why It’s Great to be Pregnant in D.C.

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