Welcome to The American Italian Deli
At The American Italian Deli, nestled in the heart of Los Altos, tradition meets flavor in an inviting atmosphere. Our story began with a passion for authentic Italian delicacies and New York-style sandwiches, expertly crafted using high-quality ingredients. From the mouthwatering Godfather sandwich, filled with the finest meats and fresh veggies, to our unique Avocado Delight for vegetarians, every bite is a celebration of taste and texture. Customers rave about the fresh flavors and cozy ambiance, making it the go-to spot for sandwich lovers. Join us and indulge in a delightful culinary experience that captures the essence of Italian-American cuisine.
- 139 Main St, Los Altos, CA 94022 Hotline: (650) 948-6745
Welcome to The American Italian Deli, a hidden gem nestled at 139 Main St, Los Altos, CA 94022. This charming deli specializes in hearty sandwiches that transport you straight to the heart of Italy while infusing a classic American twist. Featured in the thriving culinary scene of Los Altos, this deli is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Italian flavors combined with an inviting, cozy atmosphere.
When you step inside, the ambiance is imbued with classic deli charm, adorned with iconic mob movie posters that evoke a sense of nostalgia. The limited seating creates an intimate vibe, making it the perfect spot for a casual lunch or a quick grab-and-go meal. While parking may pose a challenge in this bustling downtown area, the taste of the sandwiches makes every effort worthwhile.
The American Italian Deli offers an array of specialty sandwiches that cater to all tastes. A few standout options include:
- Godfather II: This sandwich features the finest dried meats from Molinari, including spicy coppa, mortadella, prosciutto, and spicy salami, complemented by pepper jack cheese and an irresistible blend of oils and vinegar. It's an explosion of flavors, balancing spicy and tangy notes beautifully.
- Italian Deli's Oven Gold Turkey: Perfectly oven-roasted with a traditional Thanksgiving taste, this no-salt-added turkey is a great option for the health-conscious without sacrificing flavor. Each bite is paired with crisp lettuce, tomato, and a delightfully tangy kick from pickles and pepperoncini.
- Meatball Sandwich: Dive into freshly made meatballs enveloped in savory marinara sauce, onions, and pepperoncini on a soft-sweet roll. This nostalgic dish is a delightful way to savor Italian comfort food.
- Pastrami (Cold): Enjoy traditional New York-style pastrami, expertly coated in spices and slowly smoked. This sandwich shines with its tender, flavor-rich meat that speaks to deli aficionados.
Customer reviews echo the delicious experience awaiting visitors. Many praise the Godfather and Godfather II sandwiches for their generous fillings and vibrant flavors. Regulars often enjoy the flavorful combination of ingredients that come together harmoniously. The staff exudes friendliness, ensuring each experience is welcoming and efficient, even during busy hours.
The American Italian Deli is more than just a place to grab a sandwich; it’s a culinary haven where you can delight in authentic Italian-American fare. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this deli beckons with its mouthwatering offerings and a cozy atmosphere that invites you to linger a little longer. Make sure to stop by!

I was really craving an Italian sub sandwich and the Godfather didn't fail me. It was delicious with the italian dressing on it. The sweet roll was soft and for me, there was the right amount of meat. The place is a bit oddly organized and the service was okay. They seemed to be quite busy making a large order when I was there and some of the other customers seemed a little impatient. But they were nice and the time I waited was reasonable.

Personally, I love all sandwiches! However, this is by far one of my favorite places to visit any time I'm in town. I think the flavors are so yummy especially on the Godfather 2 (tangy and spicy?), and overall has that fresh taste to it. Also it has limited seating indoors (mostly bar seats) and it's decorated in a sporty cool way!!

DELI is short for DELI-CIOUS sandwich! They were having an Art & Wine festival and we stopped in. I had the Iron Man and my friends had a great recommendation from the nice employee. Great tasting sandwich and a fantastic value in Los Altos! I would recommend and will stop in when I'm in the area!

Great quick lunch stop! The staff are always friendly and everything is made really quickly! Parking can be tricky sometimes bc it's located in downtown Los Altos! My favorite is the spicy godfather and it's filled with prosciutto, mortadella( thinly sliced Italian sausage), salami and provolone cheese! Overall this sandwich spot combines flavors and ingredients that work really well together. Consider getting your sandwich fixins here!

One of the best in Los Alto! I love coming here because the sandwiches are amazing. First time I came here, I ordered the godfather because they were very well known for that. Before I was hesitant that they had artichoke because I haven't had a sandwich with artichoke before. Boy did they change my mind. It was so good I used to order it every week! Recently I've changed it up by making my own and honestly it is still amazing. Of course their service is great! Everyone there is nice and friendly. The store is awesome too. I like that it's tucked in between other restaurants, making it cozy. There's plenty of outdoor seating which is really nice to be especially when it's sunny. It's a must go!

Great location in downtown Los Altos with a good amount of seating. And the inside is kinda what you expect for a deli--in a good way. GODFATHER II (SPICY): 4/5. Nice combination of spicy meats and cheese makes for a very enjoyable sandwich. Everything was fresh.

What a cool, old place! Wonderful, old-school deli. My in-laws live in Los Altos, but I never knew that this place existed until today. Wonderful ambience for those of us who not only love an excellent Italian sub sandwich, but also for those of us who love a good mob movie. Those iconic posters, though! Makes you want to go home with your sandwich and watch "The Godfather" while eating. With a glass of red, of course. And that is all very good. I feasted today on The Godfather Sandwich, with everything. It was both my lunch and dinner. Delicious!! See pics.

The Godfather part 2 Sandwich is a definite fave. I had it on a nice soft French sweet roll. I love that it has a spicy kick. The hot oil and spicy salami takes this sandwich up a notch. I think the pickled artichokes is a nice touch and adds a good texture. I also had a poor boy sandwich on a sweet roll. Great sandwich if you're craving a good cold cut with mortadella. Yum. Get your drinks while you wait, or grab some day old bread rolls for a good bargain.