Hidden Inside Neighborhood Markets, These Old-School Delis Make The Best Sandwiches In Southern California
By Natasha Kayes|Published June 30, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
Most of us here in SoCal have a local sandwich chain that we know we can hit up when we just need a quick, consistent meal on the go, right? Well, no offense to the chains, but in my experience, there is just something special you can only get from an old-fashioned deli, and fortunately, there are still a few of those around. They may be hiding in some unexpected places, but these little local spots are making some of the best deli sandwiches in Southern California.
Nona’s Italian Deli is located in Old Town Camarillo, inside a neighborhood liquor store called Cork & Bottle, and has been a local favorite for over 25 years.
Loyal locals can’t say enough good things about the delicious authentic creations at Nona’s, from the incredible sub-style sandwiches (all with classic Italian names), the fresh salads, or the deli sides.
“The Nona” is just one of the signature sandwiches on the long menu offered at the deli. Freshly baked bread is split open and stacked with delicious meats, cheeses, veggies, and toppings.
If you can’t find exactly what you want on the list, the Combination Sandwich lets you basically build your own. You choose two meats and one cheese, and all the yummy condiments and toppings are included. Nona’s even has a “Bambino” sandwich for the littles, peanut butter and strawberry jam.
Located at the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard, Harbor Mart is, at first glance, an average convenience market with all the usual snacks and beverages. But the little market has some noteworthy exceptions to the norm like a “gift shop” area with local souvenirs and merchandise, as well as a pretty extensive wine selection.
And then there is the exceptional deli counter. This is not your average sandwich counter, although they do make some epic fresh hot and cold sandwiches, which are piled high on a choice of bread and are absolutely huge.
But unlike most delis, this Mediterranean-inspired shop cooks up a nice selection of Gyros and Kebabs as well as Dolma (stuffed grape leaves) and Hummus - all made to order. You can also get homemade lasagna and big, juicy burgers, from a basic cheeseburger to the Heart Attack Burger - topped with mushrooms, pastrami, and cheese.
This shop is small but they have a little in-store dining area where they even serve beer and wine - definitely a unique and unexpected lunch spot.
Main Street Meats in Ventura is a classic butcher shop, providing the community with fresh-cut, high-quality meats and farm-to-table goods. The shop specializes in the highest quality dry-aged, grass-fed beef. Nearly everything, from steaks to burgers to sausages, is ground, cut, and made right here at the shop.
They say “Don’t shop hungry” but we say go ahead and shop here hungry, then fix your hunger at the deli counter with classic sandwiches made with fresh, local ingredients.
Come here on the weekends and you can also fill up on some fresh BBQ, cooked on-site and sold hot by the pound or as a plate or bowl. And don’t forget the sides - Mac and cheese, street corn, BBQ Beans, and more.
There is just nothing like an old-school deli sandwich served up with a personal touch. Have you heard of, or better yet, been to, any of these hidden gems in Southern California? We would really love to know what you think!
