New York City has no shortage of fabulous restaurants—steakhouses, omakase, small plates—but the sandwich is hard to beat. Humble and handheld, a great sandwich balances textures and flavors: salty cold cuts, crunchy vegetables, tangy vinegar, creamy mayo, crisp bread. From Italian subs to Jewish deli towers, bánh mì to chopped cheeses, the best bites in the city marry hedonism with restraint so each mouthful snaps into place.
Below are dependable favorites I return to again and again. They aren’t exhaustive, but each spot reliably delivers something memorable. Lines are common at the best places—tips on beating waits are sprinkled through the entries. Every one of these sandwiches is worth the trip.
Sal, Kris & Charlie’s Deli
33-12 23rd Ave, Astoria
Open since 1940, this Astoria deli builds sky-high foot-long subs the old-school Italian way: cold cuts, hot or sweet peppers, provolone or American, oil and vinegar, lettuce and tomato. They’re known for “The Bomb,” a two-sandwich mash-up that’s ludicrously tall and TikTok-famous. Bring cash, bring a friend to share, and expect to eat standing or take your sub to the nearby waterfront.
Bánh Anh Em
99 3rd Ave, East Village
A sit-down shop devoted to bánh mì, Bánh Anh Em elevates the classic with fresh-baked bread and tight ratios of pickles, herbs, and proteins—from Vietnamese cold cuts to charcoal-grilled ribeye and crispy pork belly. Expect a line; ordering online for quick pickup or sitting on the plastic stools outside are smart moves. Try the pâté starter to share.
Faicco’s
260 Bleecker St, West Village
Tiny and old-school, Faicco’s is crammed with Italian groceries and overflowing sandwiches. Think classic Italian combos with gabagool, fresh mozzarella, and hot sandwiches like chicken parm, plus muffuletta and sausage options. Portions can be substantial—half a sandwich often makes two meals—so go hungry but be ready to save leftovers.
Farmer in the Deli
Fort Greene & Clinton Hill (two locations)
A no-frills Brooklyn corner deli that “builds” sandwiches rather than just assembling them. The signature is a chopped option: fillings are laid out and chopped together on butcher paper, creating a compact, cohesive interior that slides into bread. It’s perfect messy-eater fare—order light on mayo if you want it less gluey—and take your Frankenstein sub to Fort Greene Park when weather allows.
Court Street Grocers
Williamsburg, Carroll Gardens, Washington Square Park
A modern sandwich shop with a set menu of thoughtful creations: seeded rye for reubens, ciabatta for pork shoulder, semolina heroes for American-style sandwiches. They offer strong vegetarian alternatives (the Vegetalian with roasted sweet potato is a standout), tuna and salmon options, and nostalgic touches like Dr. Brown’s sodas and Zapp’s chips.
Sunny & Annie’s Deli
4 Ave B at East 6th St, East Village
A 24/7 Korean-owned corner shop famous on SandwichTok for its pho-inspired sandwiches—pho fillings without the broth. Expect juicy stewed meats, crunchy bean sprouts, cilantro, jalapeños, and sriracha; get loads of napkins. Takeout-only means you’ll likely eat on a nearby bench in Tompkins Square Park. Cash is handy here.
Defonte’s Sandwich Shop
379 Columbia St, Red Hook
A century-old Red Hook institution serving classic Italian heroes and hot sandwiches. Regulars include locals and workers who come for reliably satisfying subs that aren’t absurdly oversized—perfect for a waterfront picnic. The menu is large (egg-and-cheese to hot Italian classics), and the old-school soda selection is a nice touch.
Pisillo Italian Panini
Multiple locations: FiDi, Times Square, Chelsea
A compact counter serving dozens of Italian-style panini built from high-quality ingredients—prosciutto sliced to order, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, speck, artichokes. Each sandwich is named for an Italian town; add hot peppers or balsamic for extra moisture and zip. Portions are generous; cash is accepted at some locations.
S&P Lunch
174 5th Ave, Flatiron
Now run by the Court Street Grocers team, S&P combines retro deli charm with reliable sandwiches: tuna melts, turkey clubs, and signature items like the Mel Brooks (turkey plus a slice of corned beef with slaw and Russian dressing). Breakfast sandwiches incorporate pastrami and lox; egg creams and fountain sodas complete the old-school experience.
Katz’s Delicatessen
205 E Houston St, Lower East Side
The oldest iconic NYC deli—open since 1888—Katz’s serves legendary pastrami, corned beef, and brisket. If you can swing a time when the line is short, grab a number, sample options, and build a juicy sandwich with pickles and spicy mustard. It’s touristy but for good reason: the meat is as good as the atmosphere is cinematic. Expect to share; sandwiches are rich and pricey.
Nishaan
160 1st Ave, East Village
Nishaan takes the chopped cheese concept and spices it with Pakistani flavors: a Chapli-style patty, grilled peppers and onions, pepper jack, plus lime-cilantro sauce and tamarind chutney. The result is spiced, toasty, and addictive—an inventive fusion that feels inevitable once you taste it. Arrive early to avoid the lines.
Liebman’s Deli
552 W 235th St, Bronx
A Bronx Jewish deli delivering superb pastrami without the Katz’s wait. Thin-sliced pastrami piled between pillowy rye, with coleslaw and pickles on the side, and a choice of mustard, Russian dressing, or horseradish mayo. The menu also includes classic deli fare—knishes, matzo ball soup, latkes—making it worth the uptown train trip.
All’Antico Vinaio
Multiple locations: Times Square, Grand Central, Nomad, FiDi
Imported from Florence, All’Antico builds massive focaccia sandwiches stuffed with arugula, soft cheese (burrata or gorgonzola), and cured meats—like carrying a charcuterie board in bread form. Locations in NYC avoid the long Florence lines, and the indulgent, gooey combinations are ideal for sharing (or split over the day).
No matter your sandwich preference—Italian hero, pastrami tower, bánh mì, chopped cheese, or a monumental focaccia—New York’s sandwich scene delivers. Lines, cash-only policies, and tiny spaces are all part of the ritual: be patient, come hungry, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the city’s simplest and most perfect meals.
