The verdict is in! We’ve scoured New York City to come up with the ultimate list of the best sandwiches thw city has to offer. Bringing New Yorkers the best of the best when it comes to slathered things between loaves of bread, we’re prepared to make your mouth water. From iconic NYC staples to hidden gems in Brooklyn, we’ve got some options that hold their own as the best sandwiches in NYC.
1. Katz’s Delicatessen, Lower East Side
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We’d be remiss to start our list without mentioning the iconic sandwich that resides in the Lower East Side. Katz’s Deli’s pastrami on rye is an institution of New York food and deserves your attention, especially if you’ve never tried it. Everything is perfect…from the fresh bread to the thickly-cut carved pieces of juicy pastrami. It’s legendary for great reason.
Where: 205 E Houston St
2. Faicco’s Italian Specialities, Greenwich Village
Faicco’s has been serving mouth-watering sandwiches out of its Italian deli for over 120 years now, so it’s no secret they’ve mastered their craft. Between their collection of meats and cheeses, it feels like you’re walking into sandwich heaven when you step through the doors.
Their two items we highly suggest are the Chicken Cutlet, Pesto, Mozzarella Sandwich (pictured above) or The Italian Special (prosciutto, ham cappy, sopresatta, mozzarella, lettuce, tomato & roasted peppers).
Where: 260 Bleecker St
3. Regina’s Grocery, NoLita
Originating from Brooklyn and now with a mainstay in Manhattan, Regina’s Grocery and their sandwiches are deeply rooted in family. From their imported ingredients to their secret family recipes, everything here is made with love… including the sandwiches which are named after family members of owners Roman and Richard.
The best seller is the Uncle Jimmy (Prosciutto, Fresh Mozzarella, Hot Sopressata, Arugula, Regina’s Hot Pepper Spread, EVOO, Balsamic & Roasted Reds on Stirato Bread) but you can’t go wrong with any selection here!
Where: 27 Orchard St
4. All’antico Vinaio, Midtown & Greenwich Village
With roots from Florence, Italy, this sought after spot serves authentic Italian sandwiches that are packed with flavor. From the freshly baked Tuscan schiacciata bread to the perfectly-sliced prosciutto, everything here is the real deal. Two suggestions we have include the La Schiacciata di Manolo (Prosciutto cotto, mozzarella, truffle cream, spicy eggplant) and the La Schiacciata del Boss (Prosciutto toscano, pecorino toscano, truffle cream). They have two NYC locations and are opening a 3rd in July!
Where:
Midtown – 729 8th Ave
Greenwich Village – 225 Sullivan St
5. Evil Katsu, East Village
This spot, which serves Japanese-Inspired cuisine, is home to the Katsu Sando which consists of pork, chicken or portobello katsu, cabbage, carrots, shallot vin, and nori kewpie mayo. They also have other great food options too including their assortment of Bento Boxes and Katsu Bowls, plus more.
Where: 435 E 9th St
6. Sal, Kris and Charlie’s Deli, Astoria
Deemed “The Sandwich King of Astoria,” this spot has been serving family favorites for over 30 years! Their The Bomb hero (a mix of Italian and American cold cuts, American and Provolone cheese, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, hot peppers, sweet peppers, and a smear of mayo and mustard) has earned a cult following over the years, thanks to the freshness and plethora of its ingredients smushed into a delectable bun.
Where: 33-12 23rd Ave, Queens
7. Anthony & Son Panini Shoppe, Williamsburg
Anthony & Panini Shoppe in Brooklyn is a family-owned joint that has been serving some of the best sandwiches since 1994. Founder Anthony and his extended family have been the face of the shop for decades, serving staples like the FDNY Hero (chicken cutlet, fresh mozzarella, vodka sauce on garlic hero) and The Godmother (spicy soppressata, prosciutto cotto, fresh mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, red onions, spicy cherry peppers, oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, mayo). Their concoctions are not only plentiful, but are witty and tasty too.
Where: 433 Graham Ave, Brooklyn
8. Mission Sandwich Social, Williamsburg
When Chef Brian Tsao said he was on a mission…he wasn’t kidding. His brainchild Mission Sandwich Social brings “big, saucy subs to the heart of Williamsburg” and we simply can’t get enough. After working at Beauty and Essex and Bobby Flay for many years, you can now find him in Brooklyn serving hero highlights like the Big Lucca (Salami, Soppressata, Roast Beef, Melted Provolone, Fresh Grated Parmesan, Roasted Red Pepper, Marinated Artichoke Heart, Red Onion, Red Wine Vinegar, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, Red Chili Flake, Oregano) and Steve Byrne (Korean BBQ Beef Bulgogi, Kimchi, French Fries, Melted Fresh Mozzarella, Ranch, Sesame Rice Wine Vinaigrette, Scallion, Lettuce, Gochugaru).
Where: 326 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn
9. Milano Market, Upper East Side
For over 40 years, Milano Market has dominated the Upper East Side’s sandwich scene. This family-owned treasure proudly boasts some of the freshest cheese, meats, and ingredients in the neighborhood. And although they’ve been an institution for years, they’ve blown up on social media lately, thanks to their Chicken Caesar Wrap (grilled chicken, croutons, lettuce & Romano cheese with Caesar dressing) and pictured above Milano Supremo (prosciutto, sopressata, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, basil and tomato on ciabatta).
Where: 1582 3rd Avenue
10. Defonte’s Sandwich Shop, Red Hook
This sandwich shop in Brooklyn has been passed through family generations since 1922, and their hero sandwiches are just one of the many crown gems of Red Hook. Their menu is massive and you can go everyday of the week if you wanted…without getting the same thing twice. When we go though, we opt for either the Potatoes & Eggs Hero (with mozzarella) or the Nicky Special (Ham, capocollo, salami, fried eggplant, provolone, hot salad, marinated mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, oil and vinegar).
Where: 379 Columbia St, Brooklyn
11. Hometown Bar-B-Que, Red Hook
Where are all of our pulled pork fans at? Hometown Bar-B-Que is not only of our favorite BBQ restaurants in NYC in general…but they also make our list of best sandwiches. Their classic Pulled Pork Sandwich (sesame roll, spicy ranch, coleslaw, pickles, fried onion) is of course the standout here, but they have other highlights like the Brisket and Lamb Banh Mi too.
Where: 454 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn
12. Pisillo Italian Panini, Chelsea
Carmelo and Antonella are the owners and founders of this panini shop that first landed in 2008. Focusing on a new concept of “fast food,” this spot serves panini sandwiches in all their glory. Try out the Napoli Panini (prosciutto di parma, bufala mozzarella, arugula) or the Pisillo Panini (prosciutto di parma, porchetta, bufala mozzarella, roasted peppers, arugula, balsamic dressing) and thank us later!
Where: 124 W 25th St