Where to Find the Best Pastrami Sandwiches in the San Fernando Valley: 4 Local Delis to Try

When a pastrami craving hits, few things compare to tender, smoky meat piled high on fresh bread, finished with mustard, pickles, cheese, or your favorite deli toppings. Across the San Fernando Valley, local delis serve their own versions of this classic sandwich, from traditional hot pastrami to hearty subs packed with flavor.

In this episode of Eat Live Love San Fernando Valley, Scott Himmelstein visits four pastrami spots in the 818: San Carlo Italian Deli in Chatsworth, Brent’s Deli in Northridge, DeFranko’s Submarines in Van Nuys, and Basil’s Deli in Canoga Park.

Whether you love a classic deli sandwich or want to discover a lesser-known local favorite, these four stops offer plenty of inspiration for your next lunch.

1. San Carlo Italian Deli in Chatsworth

San Carlo Italian Deli has been serving the San Fernando Valley since 1959. This family-run deli brings a traditional touch to its hot pastrami sandwich, featuring freshly hand-sliced pastrami, freshly baked bread, mustard, and pickles.

The sandwich is stacked generously, with juicy pastrami that delivers plenty of flavor in every bite. The freshly baked bread helps hold everything together, while the mustard and pickles add the familiar tangy contrast that complements the meat.

For anyone who appreciates a classic hot pastrami sandwich built around quality deli staples, San Carlo Italian Deli is a local spot worth knowing.

2. Brent’s Deli in Northridge

Brent’s Deli is a well-known name in the San Fernando Valley deli scene, and this visit focuses on its Pastrami Reuben.

The sandwich combines pastrami, sauerkraut, and cheese on double-baked rye bread. One of the first things that stands out is the rye’s satisfying crunch, followed by the combination of savory meat and classic Reuben toppings.

The pastrami is thinly sliced, with darkened edges that add to its appearance and flavor. Together, the bread, cheese, sauerkraut, and pastrami create a sandwich with a balance of textures and bold deli flavors.

If you enjoy a Reuben with plenty of character, Brent’s Deli deserves a place on your San Fernando Valley food list.

3. DeFranko’s Submarines in Van Nuys

DeFranko’s Submarines offers an old-school sandwich-shop experience in Van Nuys. The shop is described in the episode as measuring just 180 square feet, but its hot pastrami sandwiches are anything but small.

The featured sandwich includes hot pastrami, provolone cheese, deli pickles, onions, ripe tomatoes, mustard, mayonnaise, and dried herbs. These ingredients come together on sesame bread that has a distinctive chewy texture.

The aroma is part of the appeal, but the combination of warm pastrami, melted-in flavors from the provolone, tangy pickles, and fresh toppings makes this sandwich stand out. The sesame roll gives each bite its own texture, adding another layer to the overall experience.

For a satisfying lunch that feels rooted in the Valley’s longtime sandwich-shop culture, DeFranko’s is one to consider.

4. Basil’s Deli in Canoga Park

Basil’s Deli is presented in the episode as an underrated pastrami destination that some locals may have passed without noticing. Its Tuscan hot pastrami sub makes a strong impression with generous portions of meat and a thoughtful mix of toppings.

The sandwich features plenty of pastrami, cheese, tomato, and spicy chipotle sauce. The sauce brings a kick, while the cheese and tomato help balance the heat.

The bread is slightly toasted, giving it a middle-ground texture that is neither too soft nor overly crunchy. Most importantly, the generous amount of pastrami means the sandwich is not overwhelmed by bread.

For diners who like a substantial sub with a little spice, Basil’s Deli offers a different take on the hot pastrami sandwich.

Which San Fernando Valley Pastrami Spot Should You Try First?

Each of these four delis brings something different to the table:

• San Carlo Italian Deli: A traditional hot pastrami sandwich with freshly baked bread, mustard, and pickles.
• Brent’s Deli: A Pastrami Reuben with sauerkraut, cheese, and double-baked rye bread.
• DeFranko’s Submarines: A generously filled hot pastrami sub with provolone, fresh toppings, dried herbs, and sesame bread.
• Basil’s Deli: A Tuscan hot pastrami sub with generous meat portions, cheese, tomato, and spicy chipotle sauce.

Your ideal sandwich may depend on whether you prefer a classic deli-style stack, a tangy Reuben, a loaded sub, or a spicy twist. Either way, these four spots offer different ways to enjoy pastrami across the 818.

Watch the Video

Explore these four San Fernando Valley pastrami spots in the Eat Live Love San Fernando Valley episode featuring Scott Himmelstein. See the sandwiches up close and decide which deli you want to visit for your next pastrami fix.

Hungry for more local food finds? Follow Eat Live Love San Fernando Valley for more restaurants and neighborhood favorites around the 818.