Best Pastrami in Los Angeles (2026)

Tucked at the edge of Chinatown near Union Station, Philippe The Original has been serving Los Angeles since 1908, making it one of the oldest and most storied restaurants in the city. Famous for inventing the French dip sandwich, this no-frills institution has become a rite of passage for anyone exploring the city's culinary history. The location near Olvera Street and the Los Angeles River puts it within easy reach of downtown landmarks, making it a natural stop for a day of sightseeing.

The menu centers on hearty, straightforward sandwiches, with the French dip reigning supreme, thinly sliced beef, pork, lamb, or turkey piled onto a fresh roll and dipped in savory au jus. Diners typically pair their sandwich with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or the tangy house-made pickled eggs, and the sharp mustard on the counter is legendary in its own right. Breakfast options, pie slices, and a cup of famously inexpensive coffee round out a menu that has changed little over the decades, and that's exactly the point.

Inside, the atmosphere is unmistakably old-school: sawdust-covered floors, long communal tables, and a cafeteria-style ordering counter where visitors call out their order to servers in white aprons. The walls are lined with historic photos and memorabilia, giving the space a lived-in, museum-like quality that feels worlds away from LA's trendier dining scenes. Seating is casual and often shared with strangers, adding to the communal, no-pretense vibe that regulars have come to love.

Philippe The Original is best suited for casual lunches, quick bites before or after a downtown outing, or for visitors wanting a genuine taste of Los Angeles history. It's an easy, affordable stop for families, solo diners, or groups looking for a memorable meal without the fuss of reservations or upscale service.

Since 1947, Langer's Delicatessen-Restaurant has stood as one of Los Angeles's most enduring culinary landmarks, tucked along the edge of MacArthur Park in a neighborhood that has seen the city transform around it. This is old-school Jewish deli dining done right, the kind of place where the pastrami has achieved near-mythical status among sandwich enthusiasts nationwide. For visitors accustomed to Chicago's own deep deli traditions, Langer's offers a fascinating West Coast counterpart, steeped in history and fiercely loyal to its craft.

The menu centers on what many consider the finest pastrami sandwich in America, hand-cut and steamed to a tenderness that borders on unbelievable. The No. 19, piled high with pastrami, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on double-baked rye, is the dish that built Langer's reputation and remains the essential order. Beyond that signature creation, the menu features classic matzo ball soup, hearty corned beef sandwiches, and traditional deli sides that round out a menu built on decades of refinement rather than trends.

Inside, the atmosphere leans comfortably nostalgic, with a dining room that feels like a time capsule of mid-century Los Angeles. Booth seating, attentive career waitstaff, and a no-frills counter setup create an environment focused squarely on the food rather than flashy design. It's unpretentious and lived-in, the sort of space where regulars and first-timers alike settle in for a satisfying, unhurried meal.

Langer's rewards those willing to seek out a genuine piece of Los Angeles history rather than a trendy new opening. It suits a casual lunch, a solo counter seat for people-watching, or a group outing for visitors wanting to sample the dish locals have championed for generations. Anyone with an appreciation for craftsmanship and tradition in a sandwich will find real reason to make the trip.

Since 1931, Canter's Deli has stood as one of Los Angeles's most enduring institutions, anchoring the Fairfax District with a brand of round-the-clock hospitality that has outlasted trends, decades, and generations of Angelenos. This is old-school Jewish deli culture preserved in amber, a place where the neon sign out front has become a neighborhood landmark in its own right. For visitors exploring beyond the usual tourist circuit, Canter's offers a genuine slice of Los Angeles history, the kind of place where entertainment industry veterans, night-owl musicians, and multi-generational families have all pulled up a seat at the same worn booths for nearly a century.

The menu reads like a love letter to classic deli fare, with towering pastrami and corned beef sandwiches piled high on fresh-baked rye that comes from the on-site bakery. Matzo ball soup arrives in a broth that regulars swear by, while the overstuffed Reuben and the potato pancakes remain steady favorites. Breakfast runs all day, meaning diners can order fluffy matzo brei or a classic lox and bagel platter well past noon. The bakery case up front, stocked with black and white cookies, rugelach, and challah, makes it hard to leave without a sweet souvenir.

Inside, Canter's leans into its mid-century roots with warm wood paneling, vinyl booths, and a bustling counter service area that hums with activity at nearly any hour. The adjoining Kibitz Room has hosted its share of late-night music sessions over the years, adding a layer of only-in-LA lore to the space. It is unpretentious and a little worn around the edges, which is precisely the charm, a room that feels lived-in rather than staged for photographs.

Canter's suits nearly any occasion, from a solo 2 a.m. bowl of soup to a lively Sunday brunch with extended family. Diners looking for comfort food, deli nostalgia, and a genuine piece of Los Angeles history will find plenty to love here, and the all-hours schedule makes it a dependable stop whenever hunger strikes.

Tucked into the heart of Cypress Park along North Broadway, The Heights Deli & Bottle Shop has become one of Northeast Los Angeles's most beloved neighborhood institutions. This hybrid deli, pizzeria, and bottle shop occupies a modest storefront that belies the depth of flavor and community spirit found inside. It's the kind of place where the sandwich counter and the beer fridge share equal billing, drawing in everyone from local families to craft beer enthusiasts making a special trip across town.

The menu leans into New York-style deli classics with a distinctly Los Angeles sensibility, and the pizza program has earned a loyal following of its own. Thin-crust pies come out of the oven with a satisfying char, while the sandwich menu rewards those willing to build their own combination from house-cured meats, artisan cheeses, and fresh-baked bread. The bottle shop side of the operation stocks an impressive rotation of craft beers, natural wines, and hard-to-find spirits, making it just as easy to grab a growler to go as it is to settle in for a pint alongside a slice.

Inside, the space feels unpretentious and lived-in, with exposed brick, simple wooden tables, and a counter-service setup that keeps things casual and efficient. Shelves lined with bottles create a market-like backdrop, while a small patio area offers additional seating for those who want to enjoy the Southern California weather with their meal. The overall vibe is more neighborhood hangout than polished restaurant, and that's precisely the point.

The Heights Deli & Bottle Shop works well for a quick lunch, a casual weekend hang with friends, or a low-key evening picking up dinner and a six-pack for later. Its combination of quality food and a genuinely well-curated drink selection makes it a standout stop for anyone exploring Cypress Park, whether it's a first visit or a regular routine.

Tucked into a small unit along E Cesar Chavez Avenue in the Boyle Heights area, this Subway location serves as a reliable, no-frills option for diners looking for a quick, budget-friendly meal in this part of Los Angeles. As part of the well-known international sandwich chain, it offers the same familiar format found across the country, giving both longtime locals and visitors passing through East LA a predictable, fast dining experience without any surprises.

The menu follows the standard Subway format, with build-your-own sandwiches, wraps, and salads that let diners choose their bread, protein, vegetables, and sauces. Popular picks include the classic Italian B.M.T., the turkey breast sub, and the meatball marinara, each customizable to taste. Combo deals and daily specials are typically available for those looking to stretch a budget, and the chain's rotating footlong promotions remain a draw for value-conscious diners in the neighborhood.

The atmosphere here is simple and utilitarian, consistent with the fast-casual sandwich format. Bright lighting, counter service, and a handful of tables make it a practical stop rather than a destination for lingering. Seating is limited but functional, suited to a quick sit-down bite or an easy grab-and-go order for those on their way to work or running errands nearby.

This location works best for diners who need a fast, inexpensive meal without much fuss. It's a sensible choice for a quick lunch break, a casual bite between errands, or a simple dinner option when time and budget are the priority. While it won't be the centerpiece of a special night out, it fills a practical need for convenient, affordable food in the Boyle Heights area.