Bay Cities Italian Deli

We decided to try an Italian Deli for lunch. The Bay Cities Italian Deli and Bakery was close by so we made a stop there. Parking can be difficult during peak lunch hours. We sampled a lot of different hot foods. The chicken parmesan sandwich was delicious. The chicken was nicely breaded without being over cooked. The tomato sauce is excellent. The amount of parmesan was good, and not over done. My guest had the eggplant parmesan sandwich, which she enjoyed but did not wow her. The cheese ravioli was excellent. The tomato cream sauce was delicious, you want to slurp up the sauce to the last drop. The sausage and peppers were on point. Not over cooked, not spicy, goes well with the tomato sauce if you ask for some on the side. The meatballs, yum. Moist and evenly cooked. The pasta with shrimp was good, but will skip this next time. Mac and Cheese was one of the better ones we've had. It's not baked, but delicious none the less. The lasagna was good, however, the server went heavy with the parmesan cheese and we tasted only cheese. This was disappointing and best to ask for the parmesan on the side. Two Root Beers to wash down the food. Some dishes are 5 stars, some are 4, but overall we would rate it 4.5. Will return to sample the cold sandwiches.

I have to start off this mixed review by stating the most important part. The subs were absolutely delicious (5 stars)! Best in the Santa Monica area. Now, for the rest of the review. The parking is very tight and small, so good luck with that, I suppose you could say that at least they have a parking lot even though small. The shop itself is packed. Every shelf is busting over with items, so the place looks a tad messy and disorganized (definitely disorderly). The staff are absolutely rude and unhappy. But just try to ignore that. And one other very important note: THEY ONLY ACCEPT DEBIT OR CASH.

Awesome store and deli. Definitely make a stop on your trip to Santa Monica. Street parking wasn't too tricky, and they work fairly quickly in there. Delicious sandwiches and the best bread.

I go here when I'm in the area. The sandwich to get is the spicy Gdmother with the works. People line up for this sandwich. They also make them ahead of time as they are so popular. I actually got the tuna the last few times which is also amazing. Their bread is so fresh - crunchy on the outside yet soft on the inside. This is a must go to place! Be prepared to try and find a parking space and to wait in line but it is well worth it.

Most delicious pastrami sandwich I ever had! The bread is soft and chewy. The ingredients were even throughout so you’d get everything in every bite. Huge Italian market and deli. So fun and super busy but definitely worth the wait.