From a minimalist hole-in-the-wall loved by Surry Hill locals to the Rockdale takeaway that serves a sanga with a side of banter, here are the best sandwich stops in Sydney!

A delicacy first born way back in the 1700s by a certain John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, the sandwich has come a long way since its humble beginnings.

While it’s technically just a few ingredients sandwiched between two pieces of bread, a sandwich is a dish beloved by a myriad of cultures across the world and has long been cemented as a cherished staple of many different cuisines. From a quintessentially British cucumber sandwich to the US state of Maine’s much-loved lobster rolls, to France’s deliciously decadent croque madame, you can find a different variant of the sandwich in almost any country in the world.

An easy-to-prepare food item perfect for any time of day, a sandwich can both satisfy a carb craving, and cure even the most disastrous of hangovers. And so, in praise of what is so much more than a modest lunch-box filler, read on for our round-up of the very best sandwiches in Sydney including the team’s go to spots.

This Way Canteen

Introducing a sandwich haven by House Made Hospitality Group, This Way Canteen joins the ranks of their renowned establishments like Grana and Promenade Bondi Beach. This venture takes a laid-back approach to dining. Step into the casual setting where the spotlight shines on uncomplicated yet mouthwatering daytime creations. Serving up an array of fresh and gourmet sandwiches, This Way Canteen breaks free from traditional themes to simply focus on delivering sheer deliciousness in every bite.

Cnr Bridge &, Phillip St, Sydney NSW 2000

Sandoitchi

This deli in Surry Hills is a vibrant, cobalt-blue sandwich haven that brings Central Asian flavours to Sydney’s food scene. The deli’s standout offerings include the “Risky Brisket” pastrami sandwich, inspired by New York’s Katz’s Deli, featuring tender beef brisket layered with sauerkraut and mustard on a ciabatta roll. Other popular choices are the Afghan lamb meatball sub and the Uzbek-style chicken thigh sandwich, both packed with bold, aromatic spices. Our team member Grace enjoys the Egg Sando for its fluffiness and unbelievable flavour. If you love a good sandwich, this will become one of your new favourites!

Located in Darlinghurst and Chatswood

Bowery Lane

Bowery Lane have just launched their newest limited offering, Japanese Katsu Sandos that are guaranteed to transport you to the streets of Tokyo. With a contemporary spin on classic sandwiches, these sandos feature three different katsu fillings sandwiched in between two slices of soft, fluffy, crustless Japanese Milkbread ‘Shokupan’. Choose between Bacon Steak, Buttermilk Chicken Katsu or Eggplant ‘Parmi, all served with a side of fries.

4/1 O’Connell St, Sydney NSW 2000

Frank’s Deli, Waverley

One of the Eastern Suburb’s most well-liked eateries, Frank’s Deli is a place where the food is rooted in quality, tradition and family. Inspired by quintessential New York Delis, this Waverley hot spot is beloved by locals thanks to its European flavours, delicious sandwiches and curated produce from the country’s most sustainable, high-quality producers and farmers. The meatball sandwich is among its best – with fennel ricotta meatballs in red sauce with cheese and rocket, while the toasted vegan is the go-to for hungry diners with a penchant for plants.

279 Bronte Road, Waverley, Sydney 2024

Good Ways Deli, Redfern

An Australiana-inspired sandwich shop whose menu also includes drinks and baked goods, Good Ways Deli is the brainchild of hospitality legends Jordan McKenzie and Tom Pye. With six sandwiches on offer – five staple items and one daily special – they’ve earned a legion of loyal followers since opening in bustling Redfern in 2021. The breakfast sandwich is a tasty mix of egg, onion jam, rocket and fermented potato with sweet, tangy “hot butter” served on house-baked wattleseed ciabatta bread, while the kangaroo mortadella option boasts a winning filling of onion, rocket and peppery luncheon meat from Whole Beast Butchery in Marrickville.

Located in Redfern and Alexandria

South Dowling Sandwiches

Another Darlinghurst favourite, the aptly named South Dowling Sandwiches is a firm favourite with locals, and while the queues may be lengthy, there’s no doubting the sandwiches are worth the wait. In the sanga game for an impressive 15 years, South Dowling Sandwiches has something for everyone, and whether you opt for the vegi, the leg ham or the salmon, you’re sure to return again, and again.

Located in Darlinghurst, Alexandria, and Millers Point

Kostas

A no BS takeaway that specialises in tasty sandwiches, at Kostas tase and flavour without the frills are at the heart of everything they do. With a philosophy rooted in offering their loyal customers fresh ingredients with a twist, with a quick and convenient service and bloody beautiful sandwiches, it’s easy to see why people flock from all over Sydney to enjoy a slice of old school takeaway with a side serving of cheek. Try the Super Deli panini, that comes bursting with mortadella, ham, sopressa, marinated peppers and eggplant.

Located in Circular Quay, Rockdale, Rosebery, and Sydney

Lucky Pickle

A compact and creative sandwich spot tucked away on Surry Hills’ Holborn Street, Lucky Pickle is popular among locals for its great coffee and solid sandwich offering. Known for their chewy, golden rolls, all of which hover around the very reasonable $13 mark, take your pick from pork belly, chicken katsu, sopressa salami and house kimchi. Gourmet sandwiches doled out with excellent customer service in a minimalist hole-in-the-wall café – makes for a winning formula well-loved by Sydneysiders in the know.

6 high holborn St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Baker Bleu

If you’re in need of a good, chef-approved sandwich, here is a stylish bakery and café co-founded by renowned chef Neil Perry. They offer a variety of gourmet sandwiches, including the albacore tuna sanger and ham and gruyere baguette, which have garnered praise for their quality and flavour. Chef Neil Perry himself has endorsed their sandwiches, highlighting their fresh and delicious ingredients.

2 Guilfoyle Ave, Double Bay NSW 2028

Cross Section

Home to the viral chicken Caesar salad wrap, this popular sandwich shop is known for its creative and flavourful offerings. Their sandwiches are a standout, with options like the “Bear” inspired corned beef sandwich, which includes giardinieras and is served with a side of gravy for dipping. By the size of them, they are much like a burger sandwich, filled to the brim! Other menu highlights include their version of the viral NYC Chicken Caesar wrap, which went viral online. This has been a hot spot as of recent, and will surely entice you to visit! 

1/84-90 McLachlan Ave, Darlinghurst

Pun Pun

If you love a good sando, this is a Japanese-inspired café which has fantastic sandwiches, which is why I recommended it. Their standout offerings include the sesame fried chicken katsu sando, which is served hot and fresh, full of thick, tender and crispy chicken katsu. The egg sando is equally impressive, with a rich and flavourful filling that caught every customer’s attention. Both sandwiches are made with fluffy shokupan, making it as if you are eating a cloud. 

249 Victoria St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010

Fiore

Recommended by Leonie, this small, sourdough bakery not only sells fantastic sandwiches, but caters a lot of Sydney’s best restaurants with sourdough, proving how great their bread quality is. They have just one shop in Sydney, with a new one opening soon on Clarence St, which will be a great opportunity for more people to discover this humble bakery. The sandwiches are simple with fresh ingredients, highlighting the quality of the bread. Let’s return to the basics and eat quality rather than quantity! 

129 Blues Point Rd, McMahons Point NSW 2060

LOAF 

From thick sandwiches to canned matcha, this spot in Cronulla is always bustling and owned by actual locals, bringing freshness to the area. This was recommended by two members of our team, Alex and Ivan, so you know it must be good. How fresh is fresh? You may even find the owners sourcing their ingredients from Sydney Markets, highlighting how great local produce is. Choose from a range of sandwich options, and then the type of bread you prefer, ranging from brown, white, wrap, Gluten Free, or make it a salad! One of our favourites is The Schnity, a hefty sandwich with a southern spiced chicken schnitzel, greens, and herbed mayo. You won’t be hungry after you leave this joint. 

Located in Cronulla and Engadine

Wilburs. 

Why head to Manly just for the beach, when you can also visit one of Sydney’s best Deli’s. Specialising in sandwiches and baguettes, try one of Ethan’s favourites, the smoked turkey with triple cream brie and blueberry chutney – now changed to onion jam. You have your choice of their sourdough block loaf or salted focaccia, with delicious options to choose from, such as Chilli honey roasted pumpkin with basil pesto and goat’s cheese. This cute, small Deli is the perfect pit stop to grab a sandwich and coffee before you head to the beach. 

89 Pittwater Rd, Manly NSW 2095

S’WICH 

If you’re heading to Bondi Beach, why not stop by Gwen’s favourite sandwich shop? From humble beginnings, two university friends started their sandwich business in 2019, which has grown to be a huge success. They’ve created a place that reflects their love for designers, such as having their staff wear uniforms made by local fashion labels and the interior being inspired by it also. Their best-selling sandwich is their Schnitzel, packed with cabbage, pickled red onion, mayo, sticky sweet chilli, peanut chilli crack and shallots. If you visit at night, the shop turns into a wine bar, selling a range of drinks, including Negronis made in-house. 

Located in Bondi and Surry Hills

Tonino’s International 

This Italian Deli sparked the interest of Kristina, and we are sure it will do the same with you. Inspired by 1980s New York, this Deli sells coffee and international-style sandwiches throughout the day, and transforms into a cozy bistro by night. Using focaccia, the sandwich options range from Breakfast-style fillings to meatier options like their Pastrami with sauerkraut, lettuce, pickles, thousand island dressing, and Swiss cheese, The portions are quite generous, and the bread is made in-house, making for a quality sandwich.

125 Victoria Rd, Drummoyne NSW

Harvey’s Hot Sandwiches 

Nothing hits like a good sandwich, and Craig has highlighted this place to be his favourite. Emphasising on being big, hot, and tasty, this sandwich joint’s one and only focus are sandwiches. From breakfast, to meaty, to vegetarian fillings, the options are endless. Our favourite is the Beef Dip, containing a grilled scotch fillet, grilled onions, provolone cheese, horseradish mayo, and dipping gravy. This is the ultimate way to eat a sandwich, dipping it into some of their delicious gravy.

4 Parramatta Square – 4.05, 12 Darcy Street, Parramatta 2150