Toronto eats sandwiches like it breathes in the colder months. Loud, unapologetic, steamy, and all day long. Here is where you leave the sad desk lunch and chain-store subs behind you. TO is wired with bread that cracks, fillings that drip, and layers stacked with intent. Italian delis, greasy spoons, new-school chefs, Caribbean counters, Jewish institutions. Every corner of the city is swinging at sandwich glory.
But here’s the thing: most “best of” lists play tourist. They hand you the usual suspects, slap on a few Yelp darlings, and call it a day. Not here. This is curated, fought over, and argued down to the crust. Nineteen sandwiches worth the calories, the mess, and the subway ride across town.
This isn’t “best of everything.” It’s the shortlist you’ll send to your most skeptical friend when they ask where to eat. And it’s the one they’ll thank you for after the first bite.
The 19 Best Sandwich Spots in Toronto
Here are the best sandwiches in Toronto. No fluff, no filler. Each entry gives you the sandwich, the vibe, and the reason it earned a spot.
Order the wrong thing? That’s on you.
Order the right thing? You’ll think about it for weeks.
Toronto is abundant with bread-slinging legends. Old and new. These are the ones that matter.
1. Black Camel
Signature Sandwich: Slow-roasted brisket. The meat is roasted “so long and slow that it melts in your mouth”. It is recommended with barbecue sauce and caramelized onions for an unadulterated meat-on-bread experience.
Vibe Check: This is a tiny, cash-only, cult-favorite grab-and-go spot in the Rosedale neighborhood.6 Travelers note that the shop is easy to miss from a distance, with its “takeout only” focus and blackboard menu on the wall.
Address: 4 Crescent Rd.
Why It Made the Cut: Legendary brisket sandwiches, no frills, pure meat worship.
2. California Sandwiches
Signature Sandwich: Veal Parm. Described as a “gut-buster,” this epic sandwich features a hefty, breaded veal cutlet layered with “oozing mozzarella” and “doused in marinara”. The sauce is a key element, made fresh daily from the “finest in Italian tomatoes”.
Vibe Check: An old-school Italian-Canadian institution with a legacy that retains the “old-school charm of a bygone era”. It is known for being delightfully messy.
Address: Multiple locations. The original is on a residential block in Little Italy.
Why It Made the Cut: A true Toronto classic; the veal parm is a rite of passage for residents and a must-try for visitors.
3. Porchetta & Co.
Signature Sandwich: The Porchetta with crackling. The sandwich is named after the iconic Central Italian roasted pork dish.6 The signature is its “salty slab of goodness” and, most importantly, the crispy skin that provides a satisfying crunch.
Vibe Check: A simple counter focused on delivering massive flavors.6 The original location has closed, but the brand maintains a downtown presence in the Exchange Tower and Scotiabank Arena.
Address: Exchange Tower, 130 King St W.
Why It Made the Cut: For its perfectly roasted pork belly that puts others to shame.6
4. When The Pig Came Home
Signature Sandwich: The Smoked Meat on Rye. The brisket is “succulent and tender,” hand-sliced, and brined, rubbed, and smoked in-house for a deep, rich flavour. The Jerk Chicken with Creamy Slaw is another popular and highly recommended alternative. And coming in hot is what their seismic sandwich experience; Viral Havarti Chili Cheesequake sanny with steak, French onion gravy, topped with charcuterie nachos and jalapeno cheese chips.
Vibe Check: A deli and smokehouse with a clear dedication to high-quality, in-house smoked meats.
Address: 384 Keele St.
Why It Made the Cut: For delivering perfectly executed smoked meats that can stand up to the best of Montreal.
5. Lambo’s Deli
Signature Sandwich: The Italian Trio. This new-school hoagie features a meticulously layered combination of “soppressata, mortadella, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, pickled red onion, arugula, pesto, and Calabrian chili spread”. The sandwiches are inspired by classic New York hoagies but elevated with high-quality ingredients.
Vibe Check: A modern, new-wave deli with an elevated feel that still honors the tradition of old-school hoagies.
Address: The deli operates 2 locations: 1372 Queen St E and 176 Bellwoods Ave.
Why It Made the Cut: As Toronto’s definitive new-school Italian deli, it has raised the bar for what a cold-cut sandwich can be.
6. Frank Ranalli’s
Signature Sandwich: The Hot Italian Beef. This sandwich features “shaved beef warmed in its own jus served with spicy giardiniera on a French roll”. It is a popular item on the menu and a standout for its rich, savory flavor.
Vibe Check: An Italian-American style eatery that offers a unique blend of pizzas and sandwiches, invoking the feel of a classic family-run shop.
Address: 185 Baldwin St.
Why It Made the Cut: For bringing an authentic taste of the legendary Chicago Italian beef sandwich to Toronto.
7. Knuckle Sandwich
Signature Sandwich: The Cubano. This fan favorite is stacked with “Mojo Pork, Ham, Swiss, Pickles, and Dijonnaise”. The menu also features other inventive, globally inspired options like the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich and the AAA Flank Steak sandwich, showcasing a range of flavors.
Vibe Check: This is a modern spot that prides itself on using locally sourced and naturally raised meats to create sandwiches with “knockout flavor”. The casual menu also includes popular items like poutine and a selection of craft beers.
Address: 969 Coxwell Avenue.
Why It Made the Cut: For its inventive and globally inspired sandwiches that don’t hold back on flavor and push the boundaries of what a sandwich can be.
8. Mattachioni
Signature Sandwich: The Mortadella. It features mortadella and fresh mozzarella on a house-made tomato focaccia, served with a “house verde” sauce. 26 other notable options include the prosciutto sandwich on a house-made ciabatta.
Vibe Check: A unique “bodega-meets-bistro” with a focus on simple, high-quality, and fresh ingredients. The intimate space is noted for its rustic, inviting feel and the use of repurposed church pews for seating.
Address: 1617 Dupont St.
Why It Made the Cut: For its impeccable, high-end Italian deli sandwiches made with freshly baked, from-scratch bread.
9. Carousel Bakery
Signature Sandwich: The World Famous Peameal Bacon Sandwich. This simple creation features “slices of grilled peameal bacon slices… put inside a soft country bun”. While some enjoy it plain, the local debate centers on the best way to top it, with options like mustard, honey mustard, and even a fried egg and HP sauce.
Vibe Check: A St. Lawrence Market institution since 1977. It is a classic spot that attracts both tourists and locals, fueling a passionate debate about whether its famous sandwich is truly the best or if a rival like Paddington’s offers a superior version.
Address: St. Lawrence Market, 93 Front St E, Upper Level 42
Why It Made the Cut: It is arguably the city’s most iconic and historically significant sandwich.
10. PG Clucks
Signature Sandwich: The Classic Fried Chicken Sandwich. This standout features “fried chicken with creamy coleslaw, sweet pickles, buttermilk ranch sauce and mild hot sauce on a potato bun”. The menu also includes a popular Nashville-inspired hot chicken sandwich.
Vibe Check: A tiny, strictly takeout “shack” with a limited menu and a large reputation for flavor. The restaurant is known for its high-quality ingredients, including chicken that is brined for 24 hours and double-dredged for “that extra crispness”.
Address: The original location is on 610 College St., and can also be found at 1112 Queen St W.
Why It Made the Cut: For its dedication to perfectly brined, double-dredged, and crispy fried chicken.31
11. Elm Street Italian Deli
Signature Sandwich: The Deluxe Italian. This classic sub is loaded with “Salami, Italian Style Hot Cappy Ham, Pepperoni, Baby Spinach, Red Onions, Picante Provolone Cheese and Italian Deli Dressing on a Sub Roll”.The deli also offers a variety of build-your-own options and hot paninis.
Vibe Check: A no-nonsense, old-school deli counter located in the heart of downtown.
Address: 15 Elm St.
Why It Made the Cut: A reliable downtown institution for a classic, hearty sub.
12. Sanremo Bakery
Signature Sandwich: The Godfather Soprano. This impressive Italian-style sandwich is stacked with “Prosciutto, capicollo, pepperoni, sopresatta, mortadella, fresh mozzarella, arugula, roasted peppers, and balsamic vinegar”.
Vibe Check: A welcoming, European-style café and bakery that serves as a community hub. It is a cornerstone of the Italian-Canadian community and known for its friendly, approachable atmosphere.
Address: 374 Royal York Rd.
Why It Made the Cut: For its legendary stacked sandwiches and for being a local hub for high-quality, fresh-baked bread and pastries.
13. Forno Cultura
Signature Sandwich: The Mortadella e Pistacchio Tramezzini. The menu also features other notable sandwiches like a “PLT” on seeded sourdough. The bakery is known for whipping up fresh breads and pastries daily from Italian recipes passed down through generations.
Vibe Check: A beautiful and high-end Italian bakery that functions as a food emporium.6 It is one of several spots in Toronto to embrace the new trend of schiacciata bread, a thin Tuscan focaccia.
Address: Multiple locations, including 609 King St W and 1056 Queen St W.
Why It Made the Cut: For its expert-level, Italian-bakery-quality sandwiches served on a variety of impeccably made breads.
14. The Stockyards Smokehouse & Larder
Signature Sandwich: The Beast, a griddle-smashed double patty burger. The menu also features the “Yard Burger,” which combines Maytag blue cheese and bacon-onion jam, showcasing a variety of inventive and meaty options.
Vibe Check: A barbecue joint with a reputation for expertly smoked ribs and brisket. Its burgers are noted as the “stuff of carnivores’ dreams”.
Address: 699 St Clair Ave W.
Why It Made the Cut: Because sometimes, the best sandwich in a city is a burger, and this is the city’s best.
15. La Salumeria
Signature Sandwich: The “Special.” This legendary, unwritten sandwich is described as layers of paper-thin prosciutto, spicy salami, creamy buffalo mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, spicy peppers, and fig jam pressed on ciabatta. It gained viral fame during the pandemic and is now the most requested item.
Vibe Check: A classic Italian deli that has remained unchanged since 1984.44 The shop is a testament to old-world charm, with shelves packed to the brim and a counter overflowing with cured meats and cheeses.
Address: 2021 Younge St.
Why It Made the Cut: For the ultimate, unwritten Italian deli experience and its legendary “secret” sandwich.
16. Banh Mi Boys
Signature Sandwich: The Grilled Chicken Banh Mi. This popular handheld features “Garlic-soy marinated chicken with mayo and Asian BBQ sauce, topped with cucumbers, pickled carrots, and cilantro”.
Vibe Check: A beloved counter that offers a modern, fusion take on the classic Vietnamese sandwich.
Address: Multiple locations.
Why It Made the Cut: For reinventing the banh mi for the Toronto palate, fusing tradition with modern flair.
17. Grandma Loves You
Signature Sandwich: The Spicy Ham. This popular choice features “Ham, Cheese, Tomato, Jalapeno, Crispy Onion, Fresh Onion, Lettuce, Grandma’s Homemade Hot Sauce”.The menu also includes German-style rye bread club sandwiches, showcasing a unique fusion of deli sensibilities.
Vibe Check: A deli counter known for generous, homemade-style sandwiches.
Address: Multiple Locations.
Why It Made the Cut: For a unique combination of German and Italian deli sensibilities and a killer homemade hot sauce that sets it apart.
18. The Hogtown Vegan
Signature Sandwich: The Philly Cheesesteak. This plant-based take is described as “Thinly sliced seitan topped with sauteed green peppers and onions and nacho cheez sauce on a hoagie”.49 The Reuben is also a popular choice.
Vibe Check: A cozy, chill, and warm space that specializes in vegan comfort food inspired by classic Southern cuisine.51 The menu is well-marked to cater to various dietary needs.49
Address: 382 College St.
Why It Made the Cut: It is the city’s gold standard for plant-based comfort food that is so well-executed, one might forget it is vegan.
19. Kettlemans Bagels
Signature Sandwich: The Club Classic is one of Kettleman’s best sandwiches. A perfect balance of sliced turkey, bacon, Swiss cheese, tomato, lettuce, and delicious mayo. Served with a pickle spear as the cherry on top.
Vibe Check: A 24/7 carb temple that feels part Jewish deli, part Montreal transplant. Ovens rolling, bagels wobbling, lines at all hours. It’s relentless, loud, and always open
Address: 33 Bathurst St, Unit C, and 847 Browns Line.
Why It Made the Cut: Toronto’s sandwich culture needed a bagel heavyweight. Kettlemans brings chew, meat, and mustard with zero downtime. Morning, night, holidays – they’re there, stacking your face with Montreal energy. Some Costco locations sell Kettlemans bagels in bulk, if you want to make your own sandwich creations at home.
Toronto Sandwich Questions, Answered
Where can I find the best Italian sandwiches in Toronto?
Start at California Sandwiches for veal parm, then head to Bitondo’s or Mustachio in the St. Lawrence Market. Simple, saucy, and eternal.
What’s the best deli sandwich in the city?
Centre Street Deli up in Thornhill still rules with smoked meat piled skyscraper high. For downtown, Schwartz’s Deli Toronto outpost or Lenny’s Deli brings serious competition.
Who makes the best fried chicken sandwich in Toronto?
Try PG Clucks. A monster fried bird dripping with spice and slaw. It’s the one locals still line up for.
Do any Toronto sandwich shops stay open late?
Yes. Banh Mi Boys keeps its doors open well into the night, and spots like 7 West Café can save you after hours.
What’s the most underrated sandwich style in Toronto?
Caribbean patties and doubles. They’re handheld, messy, and belong in the same conversation. Patty King and Island Foods are proof.
Now that’s a sandwich!
A good sandwich is simple. Bread, filling, balance.
But a great sandwich?
That’s chaos held together by carbs. Toronto thrives on that chaos. The veal dripping red sauce onto wax paper. The bánh mì that crunches then soothes with cilantro. The smoked meat that demands napkins you forgot to grab.
These sandwich spots in Toronto are for when you’ve had a day, when you’ve got a night out, when you need something to anchor you; these are the ones.
So go. Tear the bread, chase the heat, wear the stains like proof you lived. Toronto makes sandwiches that feed your soul.
by Daisy Lankstead
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