Sights & SEANWICHES: The Godmother, Bay Cities, and an LA Love Story
- SEANWICHES
- Jan 15
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 17
If Los Angeles were a movie, Santa Monica would be the breezy rom-com setting: sunlit streets, crashing waves, and impossibly good-looking characters scatter the boardwalk. It’s a place where the ocean breeze feels like it’s been scripted, the sunsets hit their mark, and you can’t help but feel like the lead in your own California story.
And me? I’d be the guy clutching a sandwich, whispering, “You complete me.”
That sandwich, of course, is The Godmother from Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery, a legendary spot on Lincoln Boulevard that’s been making culinary magic since 1925. This isn’t just a sandwich. It’s a co-star, a plot device, and frankly, a reason to get out of bed in the morning. The Godmother is the Italian sandwich against which I measure all others. It even inspired "la madrina" on the SEANWICHES menu—a love letter to a classic, with a subtle twist on the bread.
But The Godmother? She doesn’t bend or compromise. She’s all crusty bread, layers of perfectly balanced cold cuts, and that spicy, tangy pepper tapenade that takes it from great to unforgettable. It’s the sandwich that could make a non-believer fall for carbs again, and trust me, she’s earned her reputation around town.
The Legend of Bay Cities: A Santa Monica Classic
For almost a century, Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery has been a cornerstone of Santa Monica’s food culture. Starting as a small Italian market catering to families craving a taste of home, it has grown into a culinary landmark, renowned for serving some of the best sandwiches in Los Angeles.
Walking into Bay Cities feels like stepping into an Italian grandmother’s kitchen—if your Nonna also happened to run a finely tuned, high-volume deli. It’s a sensory feast: the hustle of locals and tourists jockeying for their turn, the aroma of fresh-baked bread filling the air, and shelves packed with imported Italian staples you didn’t even know you needed. Customers clutch their numbered tickets, eyes darting to the screen, eagerly waiting for their chance to step up and claim their prize. The wait might test your patience, but the experience is a scene—sit back and take it all in.
The deli case is a goldmine, packed with everything from chicken parm to a glorious layered lasagna and golden arancini. Yet, no matter how vast the menu, there’s one undeniable star: The Godmother. Well known around town, this sandwich is a big reason Bay Cities is always buzzing with people eager to grab a ticket and join the deli frenzy.
The Godmother: An Icon in Every Bite
If sandwiches had a Walk of Fame, The Godmother would get its own star, complete with a plaque reading, “Best Supporting Role in Satisfying Cravings.”
This masterpiece of cold cuts is stacked with Prosciutto, Ham, Capi Cola, Mortadella, Genoa Salami, and Provolone Cheese, layered with shredded lettuce and tomatoes, all cradled in Bay Cities’ signature crusty Italian roll. It’s bold, balanced, and finished with their spicy pepper tapenade—the true unsung hero of this edible epic.
The tapenade adds just the right amount of zing, cutting through the richness of the meats and cheese like a sharp plot twist. And the bread? Yeah, it’s tough. It’s the kind of bread that doesn’t bend or break—it makes you work for it. But that’s the point: it’s a sandwich that asks you to slow down and appreciate every bite.
Santa Monica: Where Every Bite Comes With a View
I'm a sucker for an ocean view and a good sandwich, but Santa Monica takes it to another level. Something about this place feels like it was built for moments like this: the beach boardwalk buzzing with life below, the waves rolling in rhythmically, and the sun painting the sky. The view isn’t just impressive—it’s the kind that makes you pause mid-bite, lost in the beauty of the moment, knowing this doesn’t happen everywhere.
The Santa Monica Pier might be the city’s main attraction, with its clanging carnival rides, glowing ferris wheel, and crowds soaking up the touristy energy. It’s lively, chaotic, and fun—but sometimes you want to step back from the noise and take in Santa Monica’s beauty at your own pace.
That’s why I head to the bluffs above the Pacific Coast Highway. Just north of Wilshire on Ocean Avenue, there’s a calmer stretch of grass and benches, offering a more laid-back vibe away from the crowds. The view is unbeatable—sweeping ocean, rolling waves, and a front-row seat to the pier, but far enough away to enjoy the scene without the commotion.
It’s my go-to spot for a Godmother. Whether you sprawl out on the grass or claim a bench for some low-key people-watching, it’s the kind of place that defines a Sights & SEANWICHES moment—stunning views and a sandwich experience that hits all the right notes.
Pro-tip: For a little history with your sandwich, take a short walk to the end of the pier. On the left, you’ll find a photo exhibit chronicling Santa Monica’s growth over the years. It’s not just about the city—it’s tied to world events, giving you a sense of what was happening globally as Santa Monica transformed into one of Southern California’s most iconic destinations. When I worked at the nearby Fairmont Hotel, I’d send guests there regularly, and they’d always come back talking about how it gave them a new appreciation for the city.
A Sandwich Worth Writing Home About
The Godmother isn’t just a sandwich; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of meal that leaves crumbs on your shirt, olive oil on your hands, and a grin on your face that lasts long after the last bite. Whether you’re a local who’s known Bay Cities forever, a tourist discovering it for the first time, or just someone who respects a damn good sandwich, this is a must-try.
The drill is simple: grab a number, lean into the controlled chaos, and wait your turn. When your number is called, you’ll walk away holding something that feels less like lunch and more like treasure. From there, it’s all about finding your perfect spot—maybe the bluffs, the pier, or even your car because you couldn’t wait to take that first bite.
Because here’s the thing: life’s too short for mediocre meals, and The Godmother is anything but. It’s a sandwich that stays with you—not just in flavor but in memory, the kind of food moment you’ll bring up in conversations for years. An undeniable LA icon.
LA has got some great sandwich joints, Got a favorite sandwich spot? Drop it in the comments—I'd love to hear about the sandwiches you think rival the Godmother
buy the sandwich, take the walk @Seanwiches_
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