There are sandwiches… and then there’s pastrami. That smoky, peppery, juicy perfection that turns bread into a dream. And if you’re a pastrami lover? You’re going to want to watch this episode of Eat Live Love San Fernando Valley.
We’re rolling through four must-try pastrami spots in the 818 — from time-honored institutions to seriously underrated gems. Some you may already know, others you’ll be glad to discover, but all of them bring the flavor.
First stop: San Carlo Italian Deli in Chatsworth.
Family-run since 1959, San Carlo knows how to stack a sandwich. Their hot pastrami is hand-sliced, griddled just right, and layered on freshly baked bread that somehow holds it all together — juicy meat, mustard, pickles and all. It’s a classic that’s stood the test of time for a reason.
Next, we head to Northridge to Brent’s Deli — the icon.
Known far and wide, Brent’s isn’t just a deli — it’s a pastrami institution. The Pastrami Reuben is the stuff of legend. From the first crunch of double-baked rye to the blackened edges of perfectly cooked meat, every bite is a flavor bomb. This one’s big, bold, and unforgettable.
Third on the list is DeFranko’s Submarines in Van Nuys.
Don’t blink or you’ll miss it — this 180-square-foot shop has been slinging serious sandwiches for decades. Their hot pastrami sub is messy in all the right ways: provolone, onions, pickles, herbs, mustard, mayo — packed into chewy sesame bread with a smell that’ll haunt your dreams (in the best way). It’s fast, flavorful, and 100% Valley.
And finally, the most underrated spot of them all: Basil’s Deli in Canoga Park.
You’ve probably driven by and never noticed it — but step inside, and you’ll find what might be the most slept-on pastrami sandwich in the Valley. The Tuscan hot pastrami sub is loaded with meat, kissed with chipotle heat, and balanced by melty cheese and tomato on perfectly toasted bread. Hundreds of five-star reviews can’t be wrong.
There you have it — four pastrami powerhouses that prove the San Fernando Valley is a sandwich lover’s paradise.
Old-school, iconic, fast, or hidden — each one delivers in its own delicious way.
Follow San Carlo Deli
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/114210265270734/san-carlo-italian-deli/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/San-Carlo-Italian-Deli-100063475846725/
Website: https://www.sancarlodeli.com/
Follow Brent’s Deli
Website: https://www.brentsdeli.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrentsDeli/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brentsdeli/
Follow DeFranko’s Submarines
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defrankossubmarine/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Defrankos%20Italian%20Sandwiches/100522133342718
Website: https://www.defrankos.com/
Follow Basil’s Deli and Café
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/basilsdelicafe/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/basilsdeli
Website: https://www.basilsdeli.com/
