625 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965 (See Map Below) Phone: 415-332-3544
Neighborhood: Bridgeway Promenade. Website is here. Metered street parking nearby, plus private lot and city lots. Takeout orders delivered in downtown Sausalito.
 |
|
|
|
|
Venice Gourmet Deli
Sausalito residents often argue about which local deli is the best… and for almost 60 years many locals have said the landmark spot named Venice Gourmet Deli is the answer. They have a fabulous view of the Bay and San Francisco and there are several sidewalk tables in front. (See the photo below, which I took from my lunchtime perch at Venice back before the Salesforce Tower was built and changed the San Francisco skyline.)
Big changes have come to Venice Gourmet in 2023, but thus far the results are positive. The family that had operated the restaurant for six decades (it’s an institution around here) sold the business, and I’ll miss them. On the positive side, they sold it to another family with deep long-term roots in Sausalito, and the new owner is Michael Lappert. The Lapperts have been here for decades as well, and in addition to the famous Lappert’s Ice Cream shop (yes, they’re THOSE Lapperts), they also own other establishments in town.
After a mercifully brief closure for some remodeling, Venice Gourmet Deli has now reopened, and my favorite, the Italian House Special sandwich, is as good as ever. The big change is that there are fewer shelves and displays of packaged foods and kitchen goodies, and a bunch of great new inside tables, many of which have that same fabulous view across the bay.
In nice weather it’s one of the best seats in town, and on certain days I’ll walk by there with our dog just hoping a spot is open so I can sit down and feel very lucky to be able to eat my lunch in Sausalito. (You can also order the Venice Gourmet sandwiches next door at Venice Pizzeria and eat at their inside or outside tables with the same fabulous view, although the pizza side is still closed for remodeling as of March, 2023.)
Venice Gourmet is located on the Bridgeway Promenade, which has multiple spots where you can sit and eat your sandwich next to the water. This is a great alternative if their tables are full… and also when they’re empty!
Every summer thousands of Sausalito visitors hunt for an “impulse lunch,” and Venice Gourmet stands out as one of a handful of gems in the prime visitor zone: a place with really high quality food, and even when the line is long they maintain friendly service. As a result it’s a popular lunch place year-round for people who work in the area.
Something else that people should know about Venice Gourmet Deli? Find that perfect kitchen gadget there to decant wine and whip potatoes at the same time? Is it true that when Napoleon took over Venice he said, “Veni, Vidi, Vino!”? Disagree with any of our suggestions? Please let us know!
.
