From the team behind Phin Smith comes District 1 Deli, a new eatery that’s quickly becoming a must-visit in Downtown Garden Grove. Opened in February 2024, District 1 Deli goes beyond your average lunch spot, with a collection of high-quality food and beverage vendors, stunning decor, and some of the most delicious banh mi you’ve ever experienced.
Cafe with Stunning Decor
From the outside, the white building situated on Garden Grove’s Main Street doesn’t boast much. However, walk inside and prepare to be wowed. With high ceilings and an abundance of natural light, you’d never expect the lower floor of a medical office (which it is) to be so inviting and serene. Walking in, you are greeted by beautifully arranged faux blooming trees with hanging lanterns, a modern East Asian-inspired aesthetic that gives you feeling of being in a bright outdoor café rather than an indoor facility.
Best Banh Mi in Garden Grove
District 1 Deli isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about satisfying your taste buds too. Inside, they feature a number of different vendors including:
- Sandwich Shop: This shop offers a simple menu of a number of different sandwiches, like French Dip and Turkey Havarti, but their banh mi is the focus and the star. We tried the lemongrass chicken (Banh Mi Ga Nuong Sa), which was arguably the best banh mi we ever had. Reviews on yelp seem to agree with talk of their amazing baguettes that are light, airy, and soft on the inside.
- Espresso: More than just traditional espresso drinks, this vendor also sells flavorful tonics and signature lattes. Many of the lattes sound positively indulgent, including tres leches and lavender ganache. For affogato lovers, they also feature a selection of gelato flavors to top your espresso with.
- Juicery: Indulge in a sweet and healthier option with a selection of fresh made juices. This shop also offers a delicious acai bowl made with a base of acai, pitaya, and matcha.
- Sweet & Tea Shop: If you haven’t already enjoyed an affogato or juice for dessert, you can also select from a number of aromatic tea blends for a relaxing end or choose from a selection of macarons and other pastries for a sweet treat.
Cute Local Vendors
Beyond just satisfying your hunger, District 1 Deli also has a charming little marketplace featuring unique treasures from local vendors. While we aren’t sure if this is a rotating or standing feature, during our visit, we perused through adorable crocheted animals from Three Little Peas and found handcrafted goodies for your furry friend in the dedicated pet lover’s corner.
The Perfect Work Escape or Weekend Retreat
The only downside to District 1 Deli is that it isn’t open 24/7. Open just Wednesday through Monday from 9 AM to 3 PM, make it more of weekday lunch break or weekend brunch destination. The great news is that in addition to ample seating and inviting atmosphere, they also offer free WiFi, so should you wish to escape the office or get homework done on the weekend, you can make District 1 Deli your space to work or connect while supporting a new local business.