Best Sandwiches Restaurants in Sawtelle
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Canter’s Deli (Santa Monica & Bundy)
Old-guard LA deli sandwiches in West LA with massive volume-proof consistency.
Notable Picks
A branch of a storied LA deli, delivering the full Jewish-deli sandwich canon—thick pastrami, corned beef, and towering Reubens on rye. The scale, speed, and around-the-clock legacy translate well to this Westside outpost.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastrami on Rye, Reuben Sandwich, Matzo Ball Soup + Half Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Old-guard LA deli sandwiches in West LA with massive volume-proof consistency.
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Neli's is a hidden local cafe, beloved for affordable, freshly made breakfast classics, hearty quiche, and daily specials. Family-owned since 1984, they combine catering expertise with a sit-down menu. It’s a staple with reliable quality and super-friendly service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quiche of the Day, California Chicken Grill, White Chocolate Macadamia Cookie
What Makes it Special: Homemade quiche and unbeatable breakfast value since 1984.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Family Friendly Favorites
A Japanese-fusion burger counter on Sawtelle that tops beef patties with crab, nori, and wasabi—the signature Katsu California Roll burger is the draw, not a gimmick. The format is order-at-the-counter with a free parking lot and outdoor seating, built for a quick hit rather than a lingering meal. It works best when you lean into the fusion specials; the soft shell crab and teriyaki cheesesteak reward curiosity more than the straight-ahead options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Katsu California Roll, Teriyaki Cheesesteak, Veggie Burger
What Makes it Special: Sushi-meets-burger fusion from the creators of Chef Katsu's Original California Roll Hamburger, topping beef patties with crab, nori, and wasabi
#4
Ray's
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Old-school West L.A. counter joint where straightforward charbroiled burgers and melts are the point. The patties come hot off the grill with classic toppings, and the breakfast-burger crossover energy is part of the charm. No-frills seating and a loyal neighborhood crowd keep the focus on the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Western Cheeseburger, Mushroom Swiss Burger, Patty Melt
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood grill burgers that taste like L.A. used to.
7.7
An evening-only churrería that fries organic Spanish churros to order and pairs them with thick, European-style hot chocolate — a narrow menu executed with enough discipline to hold a 4.5 Google rating across 650+ reviews. The sidewalk patio on Santa Monica Blvd sets a low-key after-dinner tempo that fits the Sawtelle strip, and the 6:30 PM open means street parking is usually painless. Best used as a deliberate dessert stop rather than a browse-and-decide situation — pick your churro variant, grab a bench, and let the simplicity do the work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Churros con Chocolate, Dulce de Leche Churros, Guava Churros
What Makes it Special: Evening-only churrería serving fresh-to-order organic Spanish churros with European-style hot chocolate on a cozy sidewalk patio.