Popular Santa Monica Deli Closed After Rodent, Insect Infestation Found
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery, a beloved Santa Monica institution known for its Godmother sandwich and Italian specialties, was ordered closed May 21 after county health inspectors discovered a rodent and insect infestation at the Lincoln Boulevard location.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health shuttered the deli at 1517 Lincoln Blvd. under California Health and Safety Code Section 114259.1, citing conditions that pose a potential health hazard to the public.
During the inspection, county health officials documented 13 total violation points at the moderate-risk retail food market, with 11 points attributed specifically to the presence of vermin — a violation classified as “major” under health department standards. Additional infractions involved equipment cleanliness and general maintenance of the facility’s floors, walls and ceilings…