tl;dr the mozzarella focaccia sandwich is a masterclass in simple deliciousness, from the pillowy…read morebun to the delectable sauce When it comes to sandwiches, one of Los Angeles' buzziest options is Bread Head. This focaccia-ciabatta pop-up comes from the minds of the now-shuttered Michelin-starred French restaurant Trois Mec. Their mozzarella sandwich drew buzz from the Los Angeles Times even before Bread Head established their first brick-and-mortar location on Montana in 2024. The Santa Monica location is posted up on a boutique-y block of Montana. Outside, metal patio furniture is arranged on a semi-enclosed slatted streatery. Circumferential windows let plenty of light into the industrial-modern space. The left wall is decorated with an eclectic array of vintage posters, funny photographs, and framed accolades. Filamented bulbs hang from the ceiling. The letter board menu is displayed above the ordering counter in the back. Low-key instrumental tunes blend with chatter, while staff members intermittently shout out names for orders. I visited Bread Head for weekend lunch with a few friends, and the line to order was relatively short (it waxed and waned across our visit, occasionally stretching around the restaurant to the door). We squeezed into the last available seats at a communal bar top, and our sandwiches were prepared in about 15 minutes. Broadly, the mound of toppings on each sandwich was precariously perched on Bread Head's thick, poofy, not-overly-oily focaccia. The sauces and spreads were plentiful and generally vibrant, so we didn't end up needing the side of "Club Sauce" (a zingy pepperoncini-horseradish mayo). Our favorite sando was the Muffuletta, sporting an herbaceous and tangy olive tapenade. A close second was the vegetarian-friendly Mozzarella, paired with plentiful alfalfa sprouts and a rich, zingy za'atar sauce. Also solid was the Turkey Pesto with its uber-fresh basil-forward spread. The surprising dud of the lot was the Combo Grinder, which tasted too one-dimensionally like a grocery store hoagie. The sandwiches run about ~$15 each, and a moderate appetite should be able to tackle a whole one. Even our "worst" sandwich was solid; the best ones are crave-worthy meals worth a dedicated drive to the West Side.

Ambiance - can't speak on it, since I ordered via DoorDash…read moreService - same thing, but I will say the sandwich was wrapped well Food - I got the turkey pesto, and I can see why people like this place! The bread was crunchy, arugula fresh, and the pesto mayonnaise was great. However, it almost felt a little....underseasoned? I wish it had a bit more of a punch to it. You do get a good amount of food for what you're paying for, but personally, I'd rather go to All'Antico Vinaio in Venice and get a sandwich that costs a little bit more, but you get more food and a better seasoning. I'd go here again if I was in a pinch, but personally wouldn't try again.

Since I was in the neighborhood, I picked up 2 small sandwiches (chicken parmigiana and meatball)…read morefor an early dinner tonight. Both my husband and I will share them both and we probably won't be able to finish them because even though they're small, they are jampacked with flavor, protein, and delicious deliciousness! And the bread is so yummy and crusty!!! I'm a big fan-and have been forever! AND I also wanted to go because it's their hundred years of being in business celebration!!!! I support small businesses especially on the WESTSIDE! Plenty of parking and wonderful people behind the counters!!! And the manager is an old friend by now :))) Highly recommend and I suggest you don't go at lunchtime when it's really crowded ... shop when it first opens between nine and 11...that is a good time and after the lunch rush and/or after 2pm.

I'd been wanting to try this place for awhile, after seeing so many others rate it online and on…read moresocial media. The hype was worth it. What looks like an intimidating ordering situations was actually really easy. I think I was expecting a NYC style service counter where you get yelled at if you don't know exactly what you want, but the staff was so nice and helpful. My wife and I split the whole turkey sub with mild peppers and American cheese, no pickles. The bread was great--a little on the crusty side, but otherwise very flavorful. All of the veggies and meat were very fresh, and the experience was cool over all. You grab a ticket at the counter, wait for them to call your number, then you order and step back while they make yours and a handful of others at the same time. I grabbed some chips and drinks while I waited, which only took 5 minutes or so, then paid at the front (cash or debit only) and enjoyed our lunch at one of the outdoor tables. I'll definitely be back to try the meatball sub, which I eyed somebody else eating and immediately wanted a taste. I'll probably grab a turkey sub, too, while I'm at it.

From the moment we walked in, we had a great experience -- greeted right away with warm and…read moreenthusiastic hellos at the door. I ordered The Old Sport, my husband had The Peter, and our three-year-old daughter went with the classic PB&J. We all absolutely LOVED our sandwiches. We also had the chance to meet the two owners (a woman and her partner), who were so friendly and incredibly sweet to our daughter -- such a nice touch that made the visit even more memorable. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the ingredients are refreshingly simple. I really appreciate that they don't use fake processed meats -- they keep it straightforward, yet the sandwiches are still outstanding. The bread deserves a mention too: crisp on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside. I rarely hand out five stars, but they've earned it here. Making sandwiches taste this good with such simple and whole ingredients is no easy feat, yet they pull it off nicely. Highly recommend this spot for both carnivores and vegans alike!

We finally made the trek to north Montana! We ordered the Peter and Wanda. I liked the Wanda more…read more The eggplant in the Peter was a little heavy handed on the salt or soy sauce. I loved the caramelized onions and mushrooms in Wanda. The bread was top 10 breads we've tried. The lettuce was crispy and the tomatoes had a bite. The $20 sandwiches are a little sticker shocking considering there is no protein. Maybe the cheeses are made from nuts. I would definitely appreciate like a marinated tofu slice or even slab or tempeh with the existing dressings/sauces. The old sport had the chickpeas so we'll get that next time. My partner was obsessed with the walnut date syrup brownie.

Italy's quality cold cut sandwiches have landed in LA. The bread is fresh and delicious. The meats…read moreand cheeses are high quality. La Paradiso is the goat. If it's your first time here, or you're not sure what to get, then order this (unless you have a nut allergy). The meat, cheese, and pistachio paste will change your life. It's the best sandwich.

Seriously good sandwiches! The pistachio pesto was incredibly creamy and flavorful, and you can…read morereally tell they care about the quality and freshness of their ingredients. The bread tastes freshly made in-house, which makes such a difference and really elevates the whole sandwich. My only small critique is that I personally enjoy a little more texture in my sandwiches, particularly some crispiness to balance out the softer ingredients. That said, this really comes down to personal preference and doesn't take away from the overall quality.

This butcher shop has amazing lunch and I've had a couple of their meals. The Cubano is the real…read moredeal and I love their BLT as well but I usually get it on a pretzel bun. I tried the red hot for the first time and it's legit. Love this place.

Damn how have I missed this gem?…read more Went here with a couple of friends and this is a great butcher shop. The staff is friendly, the prices are "Santa Monica Fair (aka way too high but that's the reality of life in 2026) and the food is high quality. I got a pastrami sandwich and it was tasty. A few things to know. First off the service is a bit slow but that's okay since they are making everything to order. They also have a lack of seats so it isn't great for big groups. But ifs damn good and I'll be back for sure

This has been a place bookmarked for a while. The one thing stopping me was driving to Santa…read moreMonica. I found out this is just a short couple blocks from the metro station. This made me so excited I was finally going to be able to try this famous sandwich place. When we arrived, there was no line. They offered a sample of their ham and it was delicious. My son and I decided to share a the La Toscana. It was delicious. I was a little nervous about the truffle honey, but it was perfect. Now I probably could've eaten a whole sandwich, but since it was our first time we shared. The staff was so friendly. Please keep in mind this location does not accept cash. There are plenty of tables inside to sit and enjoy your sandwich in the air-conditioning. There is also a restroom for customers. I can't wait to go back and try another sandwich from the menu. I'm sure everything is delicious. If you're in the area, stop by and grab a sandwich you'll be glad that you did.

Best Authentic Italian sandwich in Los Angeles, I had the La Dante was delicious …read more Awesome

I stumbled on this little gem after a work event when I didn't want to face rush hour traffic…read more What a lovely surprise. Atmosphere Live jazz Service AND hospitality Wine and focaccia Outstanding experience. Everyone was amazing but a special shout-out to Remus who greeted me and sat me and checked up on me.

We went here for a late dinner and it was delicious!…read more I recommend sitting outside. Not only is it a beautiful patio, but since they have a pizza oven, inside is unbearably hot. Our servers were friendly and checked in on us regularly. Our food was prepared quickly. I enjoyed a cocktail and the prosciutto pizza. The cocktail was refreshing and cold. The pizza was crunchy and chewy and had a balanced ratio of toppings to crust. The waitress did inform me it's not like other prosciutto pizzas, and she was right--it's more like a flatbread pizzas crust with olive oil base and prosciutto draped over top. So tasty and different than other prosciutto pizzas I've had. They also have a great wine selection. Other people in my group had pasta dishes, which were also delicious. We enjoyed their desserts too. If you're in Santa Monica looking for a great Italian restaurant, check out Sogno Toscano!

This popular neighborhood spot has gotten even better of late under new management. The menu used…read moreto be all over the map, but has been streamlined. Whether you're there for brunch (bacon pancakes, yum!) or lunch, all the dishes are delicious and reasonably priced. The staff is very friendly and makes you feel at home - the new owner treats all his customers like family, which is why the place is always filled with regulars, cops on break from the precinct down the block, and even celebrities.

You know what definitely enjoyed this spot. I love breakfast and was in the area. I would see it…read moreand took the chance til now. Love the pan cake combo two hot cakes eggs turkey sausage is tasty and spicy and added the bruatworst man hit the spot Service is great friendly and fast service for it being packed that day. Highly recommend if you are in the SM area. Parking is a bit tough but you can park in the back lot its cheap reo bucks for 2 hours.

Spectacular wrap! Super fresh and balanced flavors…read more It was super big too, it would last me entire day to finish it. Order took little longer which is expected for fresh and good food, popular place. Will be back.

We had our sandwiches delivered, so can't speak to an in-person experience but the food was…read morefantastic! We had the Antonia (yum!!), the Italian (yum!), a crispy chicken Caesar wrap, and the Burr. Great portion sizes, reasonable prices, and great flavors! We will definitely order again next time we're in town - lots of great options on the menu to try.

They have some really interesting sandwiches an intense menu. Was thinking of getting a plain…read moreturkey sandwich (shockingly I don't think they have a tuna sandwich) but opted going for a buffalo chicken cheesesteak. Was reeeeally good. Soup on the side. No complaints. Will definitely be back. Nice sized sandwiches on a cool cutting board for a reasonable price

Not our first try and have been ordering on door dash for a while…read more First time in the restaurant though and very impressed with the set-up. Spacious lobby and the carving board theme was apparent in the set up and presentation of the meals. All sandwiches were served on cutting boards. Fries and chips were delicious and homemade. Excellent flavor and salted to perfection. The French dip sandwich was filled with roast beef , sandwiches were good portions and the au jus sauce was seasoned well . Soft bread and delicious provolone. The chicken salad club sandwich was great with shredded chicken, grapes, tomatoes and bacon. The smash burger was flavorful, with plenty of veggies and quality meat. Perfectly paired with chips.