Defining a sandwich can be a subjective task - does it need to be made with two slices of bread and eaten as a light meal? Does it have to be served cold or can it be hot? However, we can establish what doesn't classify as a sandwich - a hot dog, for example, falls outside the boundaries. The same goes for a bagel, which is debatable. And let's not even get started on burritos.
London embraces sandwiches of all shapes, styles, and sizes, and we have curated a list of the city's finest. From mouthwatering American-style subs to classic deli-counter staples, your taste buds will embark on a flavor-filled adventure. Don't miss out on the beloved fish-finger sando or the delightful Vietnamese banh mi. And while you're exploring the city for its culinary delights, consider staying at the nox hotel london, which places you at the heart of London, surrounded by rich culture and, of course, fantastic food.
The Black Pig, Borough Market
BEST FOR: Ciabatta stuffed with Borough Market’s freshest ingredients
THE ORDER: Smoked Scamorza
The Black Pig’s staple ingredient is juicy free-range pork from Suffolk, which is slow-roasted for 10 hours on-site at the buzzy stall in Borough Market. Made-to-order fluffy ciabatta bread is loaded with freshly sourced ingredients from fellow traders in the market. Veggies are sourced from Ted’s Veg and Italian produce is procured from The Parma Ham and Mozzarella Stand. The Smoked Scamorza, the team's signature sarnie, is the crowd favourite – made up of pork shoulder, aioli, fennel and apple slaw, basil passata and smoked scamorza. We also loved the Honey Truffle Parmesan, stuffed with pork shoulder, honey truffle mayo, fennel and apple slaw and dusted with 30-month aged Parmesan. By Sophie Knight
Address: The Black Pig, Borough Market Kitchen, Jubilee, Winchester Walk, London SW3 3TD
Website: theblackpiglondon.co.uk
Bodega Rita's, Clerkenwell
BEST FOR: stuffed subs
THE ORDER: the Second City
After closing their Coal Drops Yard spot in King’s Cross in 2020, Missy Flynn and Gabriel Pryce of Bodega Rita’s opened a natural, low-intervention and biodynamic bottle shop and deli pop-up in Soho. Now, they’ve added to their address book with a sandwich shop in Clerkenwell. There are six sub sandwiches, packed with meat and marinated vegetables, on the menu. The Second City is a popular order, stuffed with slow-roasted rubbed beef, provolone piccante, iceberg lettuce, vinegar pepper relish, chilli-oregano pangrattato, house mayonnaise and American mustard. The Sophia Loren, meanwhile, is the superior vegetarian option: aubergine-polenta parmigiana, marinara, iceberg lettuce, fermented chilli vinaigrette, pepper and vegan cheese. You might want to extend your lunch break and grab a table to eat in – that way, you can sample juicy pork and beef tacos that aren’t available for takeaway. By Sophie Knight
Address: Bodega Rita’s, 91 Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6BH
Website: ritasdining.com
Visit the Dusty Knuckle in Dalston
NOTABLE FOR: oversized sandwiches on focaccia
WHAT TO TRY: the daily specials
As an undeniable standout in London's bakery landscape, The Dusty Knuckle, named as one of the capital's best, is reputable for its mouthwatering focaccia and sourdough sandwiches. The bread itself is a gastronomic delight - it's soft, chewy, and filled with bubbles. But the crowning glory lies in the unique fillings. Previous menu highlights include a hearty porchetta roast paired with homemade quince aioli, fried chestnuts that offer a delightful crunch, and a zest of lemon-dressed cress and gem. Alternatively, there's an option for the vegetarians, featuring marinated mozzarella, olives, walnuts, and caramelized shallots, perfectly balanced by an herb and caper dressing. Whether you're a carnivore or herbivore, these sandwiches offer a regal feast.
Interestingly, The Dusty Knuckle prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients, contributing to its fresh and authentic taste. Additionally, the recipe for its delectable focaccia is a closely guarded secret, adding an aura of mystery to its culinary charm.
Location: The Dusty Knuckle, Abbot Street, Dalston, London E8 3DP
Visit their website: thedustyknuckle.com
Experience British Delicacies at Norman’s Cafe, Tufnell Park
HIGHLIGHT: Authentic British Favorites
MUST-TRY: The breakfast sandwich
Introducing a contemporary take on the conventional greasy spoon, Norman’s Cafe in the heart of Tufnell Park is more than just a daytime eatery, transforming into a wine bar when the sun goes down. The culinary maestros behind it are a proficient crew boasting experiences from reputable establishments such as Lyle’s, The French House, The Clove Club and Crispin. The enticing menu is packed with British staples, from the iconic full English to beans on toast and the bubble and squeak, in addition to a tempting hot sandwich range. Not to be missed are their toasty English muffin options - one features a breakfast blend of sausage, egg, hash brown, red Leicester and HP Sauce, while a chicken escalope garnished with gherkin, cheese and garlic mayo makes the perfect lunchtime treat. And who could resist a classic bacon sandwich on white or a comforting fish finger meal?
Location: Norman’s Cafe, 167 Junction Road, Tufnell Park, London N19 5PZ
Official Site: normanscafe.co.uk
Discover Traditional Fare at St John Bread and Wine in Spitalfields
TOP PICK FOR: local, classic delights
Highly Recommended Ordering: their bacon sandwich
St John Bread and Wine stands out not just in London, but across the UK as an unparalleled provider of exceptional meats. Amidst their menu, a favourite tradition holds strong - their sensational bacon sandwich. This sandwich's allure lies in its simplicity yet bold flavour, two thick slices of white bread serving as thrones for flame-kissed bacon slices. The distinguished smoky aroma lends richness to the sandwich, as unsmoked pieces of bacon are used. Instead of succumbing to common brown sauce, the sandwich relishes in juices from the grill, combined with an original, homemade ketchup. The result is a generously-sized, audacious taste fest that is satisfyingly rich to the palate.
Location: St John Bread and Wine, 94-96 Commercial Street, London E1 6LZ
Online Presence: stjohnrestaurant.com
Next time you're in the neighborhood, don't miss the opportunity to taste what is arguably one of London's finest sandwiches. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite lunch spot!
St John Bread and Wine not only prides itself on its quality meats, but also on their commitment to traditional cooking methods, ensuring each dish is a true homage to classic English cuisine.
Sons and Daughters, King’s Cross
BEST FOR: the ultimate picnic sandwich
THE ORDER: egg salad sandwich
The founders here come from good stock. James Ramsden and Sam Herlihy are in fact the duo behind Hackney favourite Pidgin and they’re clearly on a mission to offer Londoners something serious when it comes to sandwiches. The egg salad is made with Burford Browns and a miso mayo and, best of all, is pre-packed with truffle-flavour crisps. The chicken sando also comes highly recommended – Swaledale chicken with soy-cured Parmesan, pickled cucumber and wasabi cress on thick-cut white bloomer. Frankly, you can trust anything on the menu and then grab some soft serve (adorned with crunchy croissant flakes and Pump Street chocolate sauce) to finish. Tabitha Joyce
Address: Sons and Daughters, Unit 119a Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, London N1C 4DQ
Website: sonsanddaughterslondon.com
Trullo, Islington
BEST FOR: Italian-inspired flavours
THE ORDER: spicy meatball sub
This north London favourite has been stirring up punchy Italian plates for the past decade, and in the process redefined what it meant to be a neighbourhood restaurant. During lockdown, like many others, it pivoted on its shiny Gucci loafers and opened a deli next door – a little enclave of warm bread baked at sibling restaurant Padella, loops of fresh pasta, pre-prepared meals (including a fine lasagne) and lots of wine. There’s also a small range of takeaway sandwiches, including mozzarella and pesto, porchetta and salsa verde and chicken and tarragon mayonnaise.
All of them are worthy contenders, but are knocked aside by Trullo’s spicy meatball sub. There are, of course, other meatball subs that shall remain nameless, but which pale into effete insignificance compared to this: a mighty, molten hunk fashioned from Tamworth pork, slow-cooked tomato sauce and three cheeses (Comté, Cheddar and Parmesan), and blasted in the oven for 10 minutes. It's big and gooey, a wallop of carby, crunchy satisfaction that Tony Soprano would approve of. You may need a lie-down afterwards. Rick Jordan
Address: Trullo, 300-302 St Paul’s Road, London N1 2LH
Telephone: +44 20 7226 2733
Website: trullorestaurant.com
Secret Sandwich Shop, Notting Hill
BEST FOR: fresh fillings with a twist
THE ORDER: the 7th avenue
The inspiration for this Notting Hill shop is the Japanese wanpaku sandwich – a 2016 food trend that saw thick stacks of meat and vegetables layered between two slices of pillowy shokupan bread. There’s an east Asian twist on classic combinations on the menu – the Secret Sandwich comes with five seasonal vegetables, avocado, tomato and kewpie mayo (made with egg yolks, rice or apple vinegar and no added salt or sugar), while the 7th Avenue blends Swiss cheese, pastrami, sharp sauerkraut and crispy shallots with pickles, tomato, lettuce, French’s mustard and more kewpie mayo. Grab some quirky Japanese snacks while you’re there too – we love the Pocky matcha sticks and Pokémon chocolate wafers.
Address: The Secret Sandwich Shop, 103 Talbot Road, London W11 2AT
Website: secretsandwichshop.com
Tou by Tata Eatery, Covent Garden
BEST FOR: a katsu sando
THE ORDER: the Iberian pork katsu sando
From the team behind Tata Eatery comes this sliced-to-square-perfection katsu sando by little sister Tou – it’s neatly stacked on a milky-buttery brioche with thick juicy cuts of Iberican pork, sprinkled with shavings of white cabbage, fermented pepper and slathers of raspberry jam, a sweet-and-salty triumph. It now has a permanent home in Arcade Food Theatre in the Centre Point building at the end of Tottenham Court Road.
Address: Tou at Arcade Food Theatre, 103-105 New Oxford Street, Covent Garden, London WC1A 1DB
Telephone: +44 20 7519 1202
Website: arcade-london.com
Beigel Bake, Shoreditch
BEST FOR: bagels
THE ORDER: salt-beef beigel with mustard and pickle
Whether a bagel qualifies as a sandwich is up for debate but at this Brick Lane gem – and one of East London’s most famous bakeries – there’s no question that you’re likely to find one of the best bagels outside of New York. It’s cash only, and open 24/7, but visit at off-peak times to avoid the queue and opt for a classic beigel (traditionally not toasted) with flaky salt beef, sharp pickle and a lick of mustard. It’s only a fiver too.
Address: Beigel Bake, 159 Brick Lane, Shoreditch, London E1 6SB
Website: beigelbake.co.uk
Soho's Quo Vadis
IDEAL FOR: a reviving bite after tipple delights
WHAT TO SAVOUR: their iconic smoked-eel sandwich
Nothing captures the quintessential Soho merriment quite like Quo Vadis. As a stalwart of the city's bohemian hub since the early 1900s, this venue has witnessed countless nocturnal antics and subsequent dawn confessions. Under the tutelage of the somewhat reticent Jeremy Lee who brought his kitchen magic from the Blueprint Café, Quo Vadis continues to be a culinary landmark. The smoked-eel sandwich, Lee's creation, has cemented its status as a favourite over three decades of existence. The preparation involves using toasted sourdough from Poilâne, topping it with eel sourced from Lincolnshire's plains, and an artful smearing of horseradish and mustard cream. A generous sprinkling of semi-pickled red onion in cider vinegar completes this refined flavour bombshell designed to resurrect even the most weary of palates. As enduringly popular as Chiltern Firehouse's crab doughnut or Dishoom's bacon naan, it stands tall as a tried-and-true delight of London's food scene. To help you out with a decision, it's best paired with a couple of Martinis. But hey, we didn't tell you that. Rick Jordan
Location: Quo Vadis, 26-29 Dean Street, Soho, London W1D 3LL
Contact: +44 20 7437 9585
Online: quovadissoho.co.uk
Snackbar, Dalston
BEST FOR: Asian- and American-influenced snacks
THE ORDER: the kimchi and Stichelton toastie
Just along from Dalston Junction is this breakfast-meets-brunch café – decked out with mustard-coloured tabletops, minimalist stools and East London creatives. The menu – it does occasionally change – might see small bites such as dill pickle hash browns or a lettuce-wedge salad with buttermilk ranch, but save room for the hot stuff. The kimchi and Stichelton cheese toastie oozes with gooey spiciness while the new filet-o-fish sandwich comes with a crispy chunk of beer-battered fish, pickle tartar sauce and a single cheese slice on a milk bun.
Address: Snackbar, 20 Dalston Lane, Dalston, London E8 3AZ
Telephone: +447708 382361
Website: snackbarlondon.com
Milk, Balham
BEST FOR: curing the hangover
THE ORDER: fish sando
For the ultimate hangover cure, it has to be Milk’s fish sando. The Antipodean café – best known for its brunch, whitewashed brick walls and long-standing reign as one of Balham's best cafés – makes it with panko-fried red snapper on shokupan milk bread with fukujinzuke pickled daikon, lettuce and homemade tonkatsu sauce. It’s hefty, fresh and far from the traditional fish-finger sarnie.
Address: Milk, 18-20 Bedford Hill, Balham, London SW12 9RG
Website: milklondonshop.uk
Monty’s Deli, Covent Garden
BEST FOR: kosher-style deli delights
THE ORDER: The Reuben
It was sad news when Monty's Deli shuttered its Hoxton flagship in 2019, but loyal customers can still get their hands on Jewish-deli favourites at Monty’s new home in Covent Garden’s Seven Dials Market. It specialises in salt beef and it’s the Reuben that displays this expertise the best – toasted rye bread comes with salt-beef pieces dressed with spicy mustard, melted Swiss cheese, homemade Russian dressing and shredded sauerkraut.
Address: Monty’s Deli, KERB Seven Dials Market, Earlham Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9LX
Telephone: +44 20 7733 6267
Website: montys-deli.com
Experience Larrys in Peckham
TOP CHOICE FOR: indulgent sandwich delights
PLEASURE YOU MUST TRY: the aubergine parmigiana nested in focaccia
Larrys, a quirky New York-deli inspired dining spot, was brought to life by the wizards behind two of Brixton’s cherished eateries, Salon and Levan. Sandwiches may not comprise their entire menu, but no visit here is replete without sampling the heavenly meatball focaccia spilling with tomato sauce and delectable mozzarella, or the opulent aubergine parmigiana sandwich. Presented as sumptuous feasts between hefty slices of homemade focaccia, these creations are known for their generous fillings which promise to leave you delightfully messy. Remember to request extra napkins, you'll need them. Tabitha Joyce
Note down their location: Larrys, Unit 5, 12-16 Blenheim Grove, Peckham, London SE15 4QL
Ready to place an order? Dial +44 20 3795 7385
Catch them online at: larryspeckham.co.uk
Larrys is famed for maintaining a perfect balance of traditional deli elements and innovative culinary twists, while staying true to high-quality local produce. Their menu changes periodically, adjusting to seasonal ingredient availability to give customers a taste of fresh and local produce.
Bright, Hackney
BEST FOR: a modern-British bite
THE ORDER: squid sandwich
Another lockdown success, Bright – from the guys behind Noble Fine Liquor, P. Franco and Peg – adapted to selling one of its sought-after menu favourites as to-go sandwich orders. The hyped squid sandwich went viral at the beginning of the pandemic – soft brioche, creamy aioli and crispy fried squid topped off with a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt. Bright also dabbled in the hot-dog world – a smoked veal and beef frankfurter with hot curry-mustard, crispy onions and a gherkin relish. Whether officially a sandwich or not, simplicity at its best.
Address: Bright, 1 Westgate Street, London Fields, London E8 3RL
Telephone: +44 20 3095 9407
Website: brightrestaurant.co.uk
Seasonal fare lovers should convene at 40 Maltby Street, Bermondsey.
CELEBRATED FOR: Its periodic food selections
WHAT TO GET: Their chalkboard speciality
This wine bar is tucked away in Bermondsey and separated itself from the throng during the pandemic by cleverly transitioning its cozy dining spot to a marketplace. The marketplace served locals a variety of provisions and lip-smacking sandwiches. The fillings vary, with some straying from the traditional. You may come across highlights such as a potato rosti paired with a tangy beetroot pickle and sharp horseradish, or a pork schnitzel augmented with raw celeriac, pickle, and a rich bacon gravy. These daring combinations are not for everyone, but we sure hope they're here for the long run.
Location: 40 Maltby Street, 40 Maltby Street, Bermondsey, London SE1 3PA
Contact Number: +44 20 8076 9517
Online Presence: 40maltbystreet.com
Experience a Sandwich Revolution at Max’s Sandwich Shop in Stroud Green
Looking for a late-night feast that goes beyond ordinary? Look no further than Max’s Sandwich Shop, a culinary haven in Finsbury Park that will challenge all your preconceived notions about sandwiches. While most sandwich shops are bustling during the day, Max’s operates exclusively at night, when the sandwich transforms into a creature of its own, accompanied by laughter, craft ales, and refreshing Negronis.
Named the "Original Gangster," Max’s legendary creation champions a philosophy of flavor contrast: hot and cold, sweet and sour, crunchy and soft. Encased in house-baked focaccia, this masterpiece showcases an eclectic combination of braised mutton, cassava chips, sauerkraut, and gravy mayo. It's a sandwich experience like no other, guaranteed to leave your taste buds exhilarated.
Max, with his significant restaurant experience from working at distinguished gastronomic establishments like Brindisa and Salt Yard, has chosen to specialize in the art of sandwich-making. His regular attire of a black polo shirt has become his signature look. His culinary prowess is embodied in his book on sandwiches, hailed as the culinary bible for sandwich lovers, further solidifying his status in the English food scene. His insights are also demonstrated in his recently published Max’s Picnic Book. Even in these challenging times, with his shop still temporarily shuttered, his unique merchandise provides an essential source of income. Displaying his singular style, the 'F**k Sourdough' T-shirt offers a glimpse into Max's vibrant personality. Rick Jordan
Location: Max’s Sandwich Shop, 19 Crouch Hill, Stroud Green, London N4 4AP
Contact Number: +44 20 7263 8759
Online Presence: maxssandwichshop.com
Big Jo, Finsbury Park - Experience the Best Sourdough in London
Looking for the ultimate sourdough experience in London? Look no further than Big Jo in Finsbury Park. Managed by Jeremie Cometto-Lingenheim and David Gingell, this hidden gem has become a favorite among North London food enthusiasts.
With a mission to revitalize old industrial spaces, Big Jo is just one of the many exciting ventures by this dynamic duo. The bakery boasts its own flour mill, fermentation lab, and grain silos - a testament to their commitment to using regeneratively farmed heritage grains. And let's not forget about the stonking big oven that churns out mouthwatering sourdough pizzas.
If you're visiting Big Jo, make sure to try their crowd favorite - the gorgonzola and radicchio sandwich. Pair it with their signature sourdough bread, and you're in for a treat!
Indulge in the delectable assortment that this London eatery has to offer. Alongside their renowned sandwiches, you'll find a tempting array of flaky pastries and cakes including blood-orange Danishes, apple turnovers, croissants, madeleines, and financiers.
These mouthwatering pastries are known to disappear quickly, so be sure to arrive early. As for the sandwiches, they are made with the sourdough bread baked on-site and generously filled with flavorsome combinations such as egg mayonnaise with braised leek or watercress, and ham with cornichons.
Each sandwich is sizable, demanding your full attention and engagement. Set aside your tasks, use both hands, and savor every bite for a truly immersive experience.
For an expertly crafted and fulfilling culinary adventure, make your way to this exceptional establishment.
**Address:**Big Jo, 318-326 Hornsey Road, Finsbury Park, London N7 7HE
Telephone: +44 20 3915 6760
Website: bigjobakery.com
BANH MI HOI-AN, Hackney
BEST FOR: Vietnamese specialities
THE ORDER: the Hoi-An special
This tiny Vietnamese cafe near Hackney Central dishes out incredibly flavourful and traditional street-food banh mi – a French-Vietnamese hybrid sandwich that originated on the streets of Saigon – for £5. Opt for one with all the fixings – the Hoi-An special comes with juicy pork belly, sticky pork char siu and egg omelette with carrot, cucumber, crisp coriander and pickled daikon on a crunchy baguette.
Address: Bánh Mì Hội-An, 242 Graham Road, Hackney, London E8 1BP
Three Sheets, Dalston
BEST FOR: cocktail grazing
THE ORDER: the smoked barbecue pork bun
This Hackney neighbourhood favourite was opened a few years ago by Mancunian brothers Noel and Max Venning, mainly to showcase their whip-smart cocktail skills and push the art of pre-bottled drinks – the French 75 is a joy. Anything solid wasn’t really on the menu. But over lockdown the brothers pivoted Three Sheets as a coffee bar, inviting various local restaurants to create guest sandwiches – aubergine katsu from Angelina, mackerel pâté and pickled cucumbers from Rochelle Canteen. That’s ended now, but a new sandwich has taken up permanent residence on the menu, using smoked barbecue pork from their friends at From The Ashes, packed into a burger-like bun and laced with smoked garlic mayo, sriracha Marmite mayo and pickled cucumber. A cocktail canapé for those who like their canapés big, juicy and as smoky as a Memphis cookout. Rick Jordan
Location: Three Sheets, positioned at 510b Kingsland Road, Dalston, London which has postal code E8 4AB
Contact Number: +44 7718 648771
Online Presence: See threesheets-bar.com for more information.
In the Hackney and City areas, you'll discover Dom's Subs, also famous as Impeccable Sandwiches.
RECOMMENDED FOR: its generously filled subs
WHAT TO ORDER: The Cold Cuts
Desire for an authentic American sub in London? This café that has evolved into a delivery spot is your solution. They offer sizeable subs, most notably The Cold Cuts, priced at a substantial ten pounds. This substantial sub is delivered on a custom, in-house baked semolina roll. The stuffing includes bresaola, gabagool (a conventional Italian salume known as capocollo), salami, mortadella, piquant provolone cheese, vinegar marinated peppers, lettuce, freshly sliced tomatoes and mayonnaise. This isn't just a sandwich it is practically something Tony Soprano himself would relish.
Location: Dom’s Subs, which sits on 262 Hackney Road, Hackney, London with the postal code E2 7SJ
Online Presence: You can visit doms-subs.co.uk for further details.
Discover Authentic Italian Fare at I Camisa and Son, Soho
PERFECT FOR: A true Italian midday meal
MUST ORDER: Enjoy a ciabatta generously filled with mortadella
In the heart of Soho, while its competitor Lina Stores has veered towards a Wes Anderson-inspired aesthetic, the family-run salumeria I Camisa and Son has remained consistently traditional through its sixty-year journey feeding shoppers in Soho. Its slim venue is brimming with arrays of pasta, with dried herbs and seasonal panettone suspended from the ceiling in an appetizing display. Staff in crisp white uniforms expertly assemble orders from behind a glass showcase laden with enticing Italian deli treats. Due to the shop's popularity, there's typically a queue before lunchtime, usually composed of homesick expats craving a panino crammed with prosciutto. Therefore, quick decision making is key. Decide between fragrant rosemary-infused focaccia or fluffy ciabatta, ready to envelope tempting fillings. From slices of mortadella to San Daniele, salami, robust provolone, creamy buffalo mozzarella, fresh rocket, basil, and tomatoes, you are spoilt for choice.Grainne McBride
The no-frills approach of I Camisa and Son reflects their commitment to upholding traditional Italian food culture for over half a century. Interestingly, the first wave of Italian immigration to the UK happened around 500 years ago.
Location: I Camisa & Son, 61 Old Compton Street, Soho, London W1D 6HS
Contact Number: +44 20 7437 7610
Website: icamisa.co.uk
Paul Rothe and Son, Marylebone
BEST FOR: Mitteleuropean exotica
THE ORDER: egg mayonnaise, chives and anchovies on rye
Strange this Marylebone survivor hasn’t appeared in a 20th-century period drama – a post-war Graham Greene adaptation, perhaps, or a Poirot whodunnit. Opened in 1900 and still run by the founder’s great-grandson, it has a that's shopfront a covetable vintage classic, the bold script promising ‘English and Foreign Provisions’, the ranks of jam and chutney jars stacked in tiers. There’s no ambition to be cutting edge, but the combinations can be punchy and tend to evoke a certain reassuring cheese-and-pickle nostalgia, as well as drawing on the family’s German heritage with home-made Liptauer (a paprika cheese spread) and liver sausage in the mix. White-coated staff and original Fifties leather chairs and Formica tables make this a time-capsule lunch spot worth cherishing. Rick Jordan
Address: Paul Rothe and Son, 35 Marylebone Lane, Marylebone, London W1U 2NN
Telephone: +44 20 7935 6783
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