Cuisine Scene: Delis
Delicatessens. Those comforting places where simple, good food abounds and sandwiches reign supreme. If you need a tub of pasta salad, a box of cookies to take to a party, a cup of soup to go or a wedge of cheese, a deli will fix you up. Long Beach has a wide range of delis–some in business for decades–where you can find salami, pastrami and much more.
MODICA’S
Family-owned Modica’s Restaurant & Deli (455 E Ocean Blvd) is located in the historic Cooper Arms building and is celebrating more than 25 years of serving cold and hot sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, and Italian desserts in the downtown area. Stop by on Friday nights for live music after 5 p.m. and enjoy a glass of wine with your lobster ravioli on the outdoor patio.
SANTA FE IMPORTERS
Santa Fe Importers (1401 Santa Fe Ave) on the Westside of Long Beach has been in business since 1947. This Old World Italian delicatessen offers specialties like meatball sandwiches, eggplant parmesan, and Sicilian pizza baked with homemade dough. Santa Fe Importers is the place to go if you need Italian groceries like a wedge of parmigiano, Italian sausages, or Sicilian olives from the olive bar. And don’t forget the cannoli!
ANGELO’S ITALIAN DELI
Angelo’s Italian Deli (190 La Verne Ave) is just off Second Street in Belmont Shore and offers classic Italian sandwiches, from calabrese to mortadella, along with pasta, Italian beers on tap, and shelves of pantry staples, like imported olive oil and canned tomatoes. Here you can order your sandwich or pasta, or buy everything you need to make it yourself at home.
MOSHER’S GOURMET DELI
Mosher’s Gourmet Deli (300 W Ocean Blvd) serves a huge menu that, alongside the classics, proceeds boldly into Mexican cuisine, breakfast dishes, and even fresh juices. You can get a bagel with lox and matzo ball soup, but you can also get a chile verde plate with rice and beans. Mosher’s flagship sandwich is the corned beef on rye, which comes with a side and a pickle.
BEACH CITY DELI & BBQ
Go to Beach City Deli & BBQ (1714 Clark Ave) for big sandwiches made with meats smoked in house, like tri-tip and brisket. Try the Cuban, for a classic pork loin and pickle creation toasted in a sandwich press, or order the lamb dip for a twist on a French dip sandwich. Add a side of street corn or baked beans, and make plans to return for dinner for baby back ribs and bacon mac and cheese.