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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Santa Monica

Sandwich lunch spots

Made for those who view a well-constructed sandwich as the only acceptable standard for a midday meal.

Based on 715 Opinions
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01
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Compact cheese shop offers grab-and-go bodega style with a curated selection of fine cheeses, charcuterie, and sandwiches. Atmosphere is adorable and cute, with patio seating and occasional cheese samples enhancing the experience.

Two sandwiches come from a secret lunch menu including the French Girl. A box of Lady Crackers often accompanies the meal.

Sandwiches feature amazing ingredients and a creative menu. French ham and cheese baguettes rank among the best outside Paris.

People are saying

"I had the best sandwich Iโ€™ve had in such a long time."

"The sandwiches here are amazing, especially the creative spread."

Good to know

1

The shop offers a variety of charcuterie board fixings, wines, and sandwiches.

2

Lady & Larder features products from local and independent artisans.

3

They accommodate dietary restrictions when curating gift baskets.

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1940s-style diner with vintage decor and original bar stools creates a nostalgic atmosphere. Cozy indoor booths and a dog-friendly patio with private dividers offer varied seating. Intimate space fills with lively energy, blending classic charm with relaxed outdoor vibes.

A historic spot with a throwback vibe offers counter seating and a menu featuring a notable burger. Parking is usually easy even on Main Street during lunch.

Cilantro chicken stands out as a flavorful sandwich option. Breakfast sandwiches come with fries and salads pair well with the sandwich menu.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has such a cute diner charm."

"The breakfast burrito sandwich was excellent with spicy salsa."

Good to know

1

Parking is usually easy to find in the neighborhood behind the restaurant.

2

The menu features a diverse selection of traditional American diner dishes.

3

Daily specials and fresh juices are offered regularly.

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Restaurant offers open-air seating with a calm, relaxing atmosphere that contrasts with nearby noisy spots. Space feels homey and curated, encouraging guests to unwind in a bright, spacious interior suitable for families.

Lunch features a burger and fries with a house-made dipping sauce. The spot works well for casual meetups and family lunches with kids.

Grilled swordfish stands out in the sandwich options, served on house-made rolls and brioche buns. The menu also features a Thai satay sandwich and a shrimp po' boy, all with pickles made in-house.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's food is delicious and prepared with fresh ingredients."

"The steak sandwich had actual steak, not shaved."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located on the 3rd floor of the Santa Monica Place Mall.

2

The menu offers a variety of dishes at reasonable prices.

3

There are many vegetarian options available.

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Small Mediterranean spot offers cozy, inviting atmosphere with halal and vegetarian options. Menu features fresh falafel and flavorful lamb gyro, often paired with tahini and garlic sauces. Location near college brings a mix of students enjoying reasonable prices and occasional parking challenges.

Offers a quick and convenient option for lunch, ideal for grabbing a meal between classes. The spot serves Halal falafel and has been a reliable choice for over 10 years.

Euro sandwiches stand out with generous portions and spicy, flavorful lamb gyro cooked to perfection. Falafel sandwiches come with a unique hot sauce that adds a delicious twist, while the Dolma sandwich tastes exactly as expected.

People are saying

"This lamb gyro sandwich is spicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection."

"I considered the falafel sandwich the best Lunch Spot I had ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking may be hard to find during school hours.

2

There is a free parking lot with about 10-15 spots available.

3

Only some items on the menu are halal.

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Cozy cafe with warm Eastern European vibes and a spacious sunny patio offers a calm, friendly atmosphere with good background music and a mix of locals and visitors. Seating suits quiet moments or casual chats, and the place is dog-friendly with amenities for pets. The setup encourages an elevated state of mind for working or relaxing without crowds or trendy distractions.

Lunch options include original and generous dishes. The spot suits a quick lunch or a relaxed meal.

Some sandwiches here are very tasty, especially the panini. Others can be poor quality, which is surprising for the US.

People are saying

"The service at this Lunch Spot was so friendly and efficient."

"I thought the sandwiches here were very tasty."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait of 30-45 minutes during peak brunch hours.

2

Payment is made at the counter; no servers for outdoor seating.

3

They offer gluten-free options, but vegan choices are limited.

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Sandwich shop offers a bright, well-designed space with an eclectic gallery wall and Margaritaville-themed bathroom. Atmosphere is loud and lively with a laidback, neighborhood vibe that feels fun and relaxed. Seating is limited but includes a gorgeous curbside patio that adds charm to the setting.

Gourmet quality sandwiches come on house-baked focaccia, including a notable Muffaletta Sandwich. Portions are generous, with a half sandwich often enough for lunch.

Sandwiches feature perfect ingredient ratios and high quality bread. Options like the Reuben, turkey, and mortadella with olive tapenade stand out for their flavor and balance.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches here were fantastic."

"This lunch spot's sandwiches on house-baked focaccia are incredible."

Good to know

1

The joint is small, so seating is tough.

2

Expect long queues around lunch hour.

3

They don't accept cash, only touchless payment methods.

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Traditional Italian deli combines market, cafรฉ, and quick-stop in a bustling, cozy atmosphere with authentic Italian grocery offerings. Outdoor seating includes stone picnic tables for enjoying sandwiches. The vibe recalls Little Italy in Manhattan with a quaint, small-town charm.

Ordering online helps skip the wait during lunch. The Godmother sandwich stands out, alongside potato and cucumber salads and a chicken salad option for next-day meals.

Godmother sandwich stands out with its unique flavor and light, delicious bread. The tuna sandwich and pre-made Caprese sandwich also offer fresh, well-seasoned options.

People are saying

"The Godmother sandwich with the works is the best choice."

"I thought the Godmother sandwich was the best I had ever had."

Good to know

1

They accept only cash and debit card.

2

You need to grab a ticket with a number and wait until they call out the numbers.

3

Expect long wait times, especially during peak hours.

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Seafood market combines fresh seafood displays with a lively oyster bar and casual dining space. Atmosphere balances bustling market energy with enough quiet for conversation. Offers a community hub vibe where people shop and eat in one place.

Offers a quick lunch option with a lobster roll deal that stands out. Works well for a casual meal solo or with friends, especially when arriving early to avoid crowds.

Seafood sandwiches come in large portions and include options like crispy halibut and po-boy sandwiches. Tacos and other sandwich choices satisfy a wide range of tastes.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has excellent, fresh seafood and fish."

"The seafood sandwich here is incredibly fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at the back of the market.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

3

Prices for fresh seafood are comparable to upscale restaurants.

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Local butcher shop offers a large selection of quality meats including A5 Wagyu and unique sausages. The atmosphere feels neighborhood-focused with a popular sandwich counter serving flavorful options like Italian beef and Cubano. Lines often stretch long, reflecting steady demand for both meat and sandwiches.

Large selection of quality meats stands out, including steaks, lunch meats, and sausages. Sandwiches and lunch offerings get the most attention.

Sandwiches come warm and flavorful with soft bread and generous fillings like beef and giardiniera. Options include a Cubano sandwich and a muy grande chicken sandwich offered at affordable prices.

People are saying

"Their sandwiches are fantastic and expertly prepared."

"You have to try the Cubano sandwich; it's got a nice, mild spice."

Good to know

1

They have high-quality cuts of meat, including A5 Wagyu.

2

They serve a wide variety of affordable sandwiches.

3

The shop offers a large selection of quality meats, including steaks and sausages.

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Greek restaurant offers a casual, cozy atmosphere with authentic music enhancing the vibe. Seating includes a nice outdoor area and high chairs for kids, though indoor space can feel warm and smokey. The place fills up during busy times but maintains a low-key, friendly energy throughout.

Offers a quick lunch option with a casual vibe. Serves well for a fast meal during work breaks or casual outings.

Gyro sandwiches feature juicy, flavorful meat with fresh toppings and soft pita, complemented by a perfect touch of tzatziki. Sandwiches take about 25 minutes to prepare, reflecting their quality.

People are saying

"It's a great lunch spot for a quick bite."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during lunchtime, especially on weekends.

2

Online ordering is recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

The restaurant has limited seating, so plan accordingly.

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Outdoor seating fills driveway and backyard with a quiet courtyard and pleasant patio featuring heaters. Atmosphere stays chill and cool, inviting relaxed hangouts without indoor dining. Menu highlights include crispy, juicy chicken and creative sandwiches praised for freshness and flavor.

Quick and healthy lunch options stand out here. Outdoor seating adds a relaxed vibe for a midday break.

Spicy and fried chicken sandwiches stand out with bold flavor and good value. Grilled and roasted chicken options offer healthy, flavorful choices, often paired with red cabbage slaw.

People are saying

"I really enjoyed the spicy chicken sandwich."

"The chili dog at this Lunch Spot has fantastic, thick chili."

Good to know

1

Only outdoor seating is available, so dress appropriately for the weather.

2

They only accept card payments; no cash is accepted.

3

You can bring your pets onto the patio, which is a nice touch.

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Halal restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with industrial/hipster decor and limited indoor seating complemented by outdoor tables along the sidewalk. The vibe stays friendly and upbeat, creating a welcoming space for casual dining or working on a laptop.

A really chill spot great for a quick lunch with friends or family. It works well for both lunch and dinner occasions.

Fresh, flavorful sandwiches include buffalo, brisket, and smash burger options. Halal hot dog sandwiches and satisfying burger sandwiches add variety.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's skillet burgers and crispy tots are fantastic."

"You have to try the brisket sandwich; it's so tasty."

Good to know

1

Urban Skillet is 100% Halal.

2

The restaurant served halal beef and chicken.

3

Urban Skillet is open later than other local burger places.

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Seaside restaurant on a pier offers huge outdoor deck with scenic views and patio seating where dogs are welcome. Atmosphere stays chill and cozy with Bob Marley music and heaters keeping the space warm. Counter service uses buzzers for orders, creating a casual, relaxed vibe.

Lunch offers fresh seafood with a great ocean view. Outdoor seating lets you enjoy a beachside vibe while eating.

Lobster and crab sandwiches stand out for their fresh and delicious taste. The shrimp po' boy and fried chicken sandwiches offer solid options for a perfect lunch.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's seafood is so fresh and delicious."

"I loved the fresh and delicious lobster sandwich."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

2

Expect long lines around noon; arrive early to secure a table.

3

Prices are effectively 10% higher due to a hidden fee.

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Brick walls and concrete floors frame a space filled with multiple TVs showing sports and a full bar serving distinctive cocktails. The atmosphere is friendly and casual with an easygoing vibe despite occasional loudness from busy take-out orders. The place draws a crowd that appreciates authentic barbecue and lively energy.

Lunch offers delicious sandwiches like jackfruit and brisket specials with two sides. Prices stay reasonable, making it a solid choice for midday meals.

Pulled pork and brisket sandwiches come with mild BBQ sauce and pair well with mac & cheese and seasoned fries. Weekend options include ordering buns and coleslaw on the side to build your own sandwich.

People are saying

"The brisket at this lunch spot is the best I've had."

"The brisket sandwich here is tender, juicy, and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $5, but the lot is small and spaces are compact.

2

Dinner plates are large enough to share, but they are expensive.

3

A pound of rib tips costs $38, which is on the higher side.

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Santa Monica, California

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