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 Sydney’s hottest spots for a humble sandwich.
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.
Theo’s Deli, Surry Hills
Nestled in the heart of Sydney’s Surry Hills, Theo’s Deli has already become quite the institution, beloved by hungry revellers for its straightforward menu. Birthed by the team from Tokki and Marble, the popularity of Theo’s Deli lies in its simplicity – it has just seven sandwiches on the menu, including the timeless tuna melt and the much-loved HEC, which consists of diced ham hock, matchstick potato fries, fried egg, malt vinegar mayo and pickle relish – and is said to be the hangover cure to end all hangover cures.
Theo’s Deli can be found at shop 1 1-15 Foveaux Street Surry Hills and is open Monday – Friday, 7am-3pm.
Sandoitchi, Darlinghurst
Sandoitchi Cafe is a lively and vibrant cafe in Darlinghurst that prides itself on serving some of Sydney’s best sandwiches. Small in size but big on flavour, this stylish space’s most famous staple is arguably Japan’s best-known sandwich- the pork katsu sando. With a focus on flavour, texture, and the right ratio of bread, sauce and protein, the brains behind Sandoitchi believe that a sandwich isn’t just a sandwich – and we have to say that we wholeheartedly agree.
Sandoitchi can be found at shop 3/113-115 Oxford St, Darlinghurst and is open Tuesday – Friday, 7am-3.30pm and Saturday-Sunday, 8am-3.30pm.
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.
Frank’s Deli can be found at 279 Bronte Rd, Waverley and is open Monday-Friday, 6.30am – 5.00pm and Saturday-Sunday 7.30am – 4.00pm
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.
Good Ways Deli can be found at 1/20 Cooper St, Redfern and is open Monday-Friday, 6.30am – 5.00pm and Saturday-Sunday 7.30am – 4.00pm
South Dowling Sandwiches, Darlinghurst
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.
South Dowling can be found at 377 S Dowling St, Darlinghurst and is open from Monday-Saturday, 7.30am-3.15pm
Kostas, Rockdale
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.
Kostas can be found at 412 W Botany St, Rockdale and is open from Monday-Friday, 5am–3pm and Saturday 7am–2pm.
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.
Lucky Pickle can be found at 6 High Holborn St, Surry Hills and is open from Monday-Friday, 7.30am-2.30pm.
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