Giamela's Submarine Sandwiches — Restaurant in Burbank

I recently got a new job in the area and for lunch was craving a good ol’ sub sandwich. This place is only a short walk from my job that’s a huge +. I ordered the Cold cuts w/ mayo, mustard, tomatoes, onions, and, pickles. On a scale of 10 I’ll give this sandwich an 8 it was good and fresh but nothing amazing taste-wise. The bread is fresh and soft with sesame seeds and the veggies were good and crisp. They put black pepper on all subs and you can customize your sandwich. Customer service was superior❤️‍🔥. Very friendly and made me feel welcome. When I got there I told the gentlemen at the front that it was my first time being there. He was very helpful and told me about each sandwich and the best sellers which I believe is the pastrami, (don’t hold me on that) You have two size options 6” or 12” I can say the 12” is HUGE😉 it took me 2-3 sessions to eat it also it doesn’t get soggy fast if kept n the fridge. You can tell it’s family-owned and run everything looks original from when they opened I love places like this kinda whole-n-the-wall🥰... Next time I go back I will try the pastrami again n 6” and update...

I’ve been going to Giamela’s my whole life. It’s always been a run down place in need of upgrades, but that’s what it’s always been and that’s part of the “charm” that keeps the locals (and former locals) coming back. They’ve always had the best pepper steak sandwiches on the west coast (IMHO). I’ve visited Giamela’s a couple of times in the past year. A few months ago I noticed there was something different about my pepper steak, but I thought there must’ve been a mishap in the batch. This past weekend I went again and the sandwich was just as bland. I was so bummed since I don’t live in Burbank anymore and whenever I visit, I make time to go get my pepper steak sandwich. They must’ve changed their recipe because the steak is bland, the bread is bland, and even the hot peppers are different and not as spicy. I don’t know what happened during the past year or so, but I wish they’d change it back to what it used to be. It’s still good, but not great....

I can't sing this place enough praises. It's the best hole in the wall submarine sandwich shop in the area hands down (yes, I know that sounds specific, but I assure you that this area is littered with hole in the wall Italian sub shops that are all good in their own respect, but Giamela's is the place for me).

It's simple:

small or large sandwich (large is a buck more so get that)

pick your sandwich protein (pepper steak, pastrami, sausage, meatball, cold cut, tuna, or pepper and egg [might be missing one though])

Cheese?

Now all sandwiches get the same toppings: tomatoes, onions, pickles, red wine vinegar, pepper, and a yellow peppers on the side. Omit what you wish but these honestly will work on any and every sandwich they make.

And that's it. Maybe grab soda and a bag of chips to complete it. Best lunch/dinner/I'm hungry time ever.

Also if you're wondering, pepper steak is the most popular item and also it's cash only.

5/5 I come here like...