This historic building facade and logo were part of Jack Kerouac’s and Allen Ginsberg’s Beat Generation, and presided over Janis Joplin’s 1967 Summer of Love. Even after a change in ownership, the wonderful traditions of Venice Gourmet Deli continue.
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.
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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 came to Venice Gourmet in 2023, but the results have been positive. The family that had operated the restaurant for six decades (it’s an institution around here) sold the business, and I’ll miss George and the team. 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 in Sausalito for decades as well, and they retained many of the familiar staff members. In addition to the famous Lappert’s Ice Cream shop (yes, they’re THOSE Lapperts), they also own other establishments in town.
Insiders Note: I do some volunteer work here in Sausalito to support the town, as I think every business and resident should do. I’ve seen Michael Lappert go out of his way in recent years to spend significant personal time as a volunteer supporting the community. Although the Lappert’s Ice Cream business may feel like a big corporation, the individual behind Lappert’s in North America is an active, valued part of our community. Don’t you wish more successful business leaders followed this example?
After a mercifully brief closure for some remodeling, Venice Gourmet Deli reopened, and my favorite, the Italian House Special sandwich, is as good as ever. The big change is that many of the shelves and displays of packaged foods and kitchen goodies have been replaced with great new inside tables, many of which have that fabulous view across the bay. In my eyes this is a major improvement for regulars like me at Venice.
In nice weather their sidewalk tables offer some 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.)
Venice Gourmet is located on the Bridgeway Promenade, which also 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!
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