Best sandwiches in sydney

24 Best Sandwich Shops in Sydney 

We’ve tried and tested the best sandwich shops in Sydney, and finally, it’s time to put together a list of our favourites. With so many new openings hitting the harbour city in the last 12 months, it feels like this list has only got longer, but we’ve managed to cut it down to must-visit locations based on our first-hand experience. Whether it’s pastrami, chicken schnitzel, or even a bánh mì, the possibilities are endless. Now, without further ado, let’s check out our list of the best sandwich spots in Sydney.

Best Sandwiches in Sydney at a Glance

Highlights from our list include the following options:

Now that you’ve read our favourites, let’s check out the complete list.

1. South Dowling Sandwiches

South Dowling Sandwiches is simply sublime. This mom-and-dad operation has been making seriously delicious sandwiches and salads since 1999. When there, you can choose from thickly cut, freshly made bread options and several types of sandwiches which are all made with ingredients prepared daily. Popular choices include the Hugo sandwich; chicken schnitzel, herb mayo, lettuce, tasty cheese, Roma tomato, cucumber and caramelised carrots or the Jimmy; chilli chicken, lettuce, avocado, caramelised carrots, cucumber, Spanish onion, rocket and red pesto. They also serve large salad bowls loaded with greens, herbs, mayo and your choice of meat.

Address: 377 S Dowling St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Hours: Mon-Sat 7:30am-3:15pm
Phone: (02) 9360 9355

Address: 110 Kent St, Millers Point NSW 2000
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-3pm
Phone: (02) 9241 1941

Address: 110 Bourke Rd, Alexandria NSW 2015
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-3pm
Phone: (02) 9698 8388

2. Kostas Takeaway

The best place for a chicken schnitzel sandwich in Sydney, Kostas Takeaway is our pick of the bunch when it comes to honest, affordable, no-nonsense sandwiches that just taste good. While the “Shnitty” on bun with panko, lettuce, cheese, and VIP sauce is the standout item (the one that we chose to feature in the video above) the Chicken Club on white bread is our personal favourite. You’ll find perfect white bread that doesn’t break apart, roast chicken that’s perfectly seasoned and brined, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and herb mayo. You’ll want to add chilli for a dollar and pair it with a can of Coke Zero for a serious lunchtime meal.

Address: 38 Dunning Ave, Rosebery NSW 2018
Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-3pm

Address: Shop CQT.05A, 33 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-3:30pm

Address: 412 W Botany St, Rockdale NSW 2216
Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-3pm, Sat 7am-2pm

3. Sandoitchi, Darlinghurst

If you’re looking for the best Japanese sandwiches in Sydney check out Sandoitchi. This petite Japanese eatery on Oxford St, Darlinghurst puts together one of the finest Japanese chicken, pork, and or wagyu sandos in the land. These aren’t the biggest sandwiches on our list, but the quality is high, and it’s all you need for a midweek feed. Try the famous pork sando with cheese, nori, pickled carrot, cabbage, tonkatsu mayo, and thick-cut white bread or keep things traditional with the chicken alternative. While you’re there, wrap your hands around one of the sweet strawberry and cream sandos to truly appreciate the skill it takes to find bread this soft and carve it to perfection.

Address: Shop 3/113-115 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Hours: Mon-Thu 7 am-3:30 pm, Sat-Sun 8 am-4 pm
Phone: 0491 092 958

4. MLK Deli, Surry Hills

With some of the best ciabatta and focaccia sandwiches in Sydney, MLK Deli is the brainchild of Myra, who wants to do nothing but serve her local community the best Uzbek-style sandwiches. We visited early on in the venue’s life and it’s quickly become one of the most popular sandwich spots in Sydney. There’s genuine love behind each item from MJ’s Chicken with Uzbek style chicken, lettuce & MJ’s magic sauce on Organic Bread Bar’s ciabatta, to our favourite, the Risky Brisket with 6hr smoked and slow-cooked brisket pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, MLK house sauce on Organic Bread Bar’s ciabatta. Prices are higher than a typical sandwich shop, but the quality is exceptional!

Address: 168 Campbell St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Hours: Tues-Fri 9am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-3pm
Phone: 0452 585 820

5. Marrickville Pork Roll, Marrickville

This institution is notoriously known for having customers queue up Deep Depression Era-style for their coveted bánh mì. The bakery’s winning formula for Vietnamese pork rolls has remained unchanged: a crunchy baguette, a swipe of pâté and mayo, generous with barbeque pork, fresh herbs, a good kick of chilli and tangy pickles – all just for some loose change. But there are a few more options. Meatball, Chicken and Salad bánh mì find a place on Marrickville Pork Roll’s menu too. We love their generously filled Meatball Roll with its bold saucy flavour, crisp salad and radish batons.

Address: 236 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
Hours: Mon-Sun 6:30am-6pm
Phone: 0479 000 445

Located in: Darling Square
Address: 16 Steam Mill La, Haymarket NSW 2000
Hours: Mon-Sun 9am-4pm

Address: 7 Loftus Ln, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 0431 557 388

S'wich schnit
S’WICH Schnit | Image: Ben McKimm / Man of Many

6. S’WICH, Bondi Beach

We think of S’WICH as the fancy Eastern Suburbs alternative to South Dowling Sandwiches. The menu is mostly filled with elevated favourites from the S’WICH Schnit with white cabbage, pickled red onion, mayo, stick sweet chilli, peanut chilli crack and shallots to the range of melts on offer, including our favourite the Croque Le Dijon with double smoked ham, three cheese and dijon mustard with a side of dill pickle cucumber. Prices are, once again, higher than your average sandwich spot but these are premium sandwiches that don’t come cheap. Expect to pay upwards of $20 for a sando at this hot spot in Bondi Beach.

Address: 149 Glenayr Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Hours: Mon-Sun 11am-9pm

It's recess surry hills
Recess Club | Image: Ben McKimm / Man of Many

7. It’s Recess, Surry Hills

Like those sandwiches that you used to eat at lunchtime at school, It’s Recess in Surry Hills keeps things simple. You’ll find a classic Chicken Avo, Ham Cheese and Pickle, BLT, Pastrami, and even a Curried Egg option on the menu here. However, our favourite is the Recess Club with Free-range chicken, streaky bacon, pickles, cos, and the spots in-house mayo. One of our favourite places to visit for lunch, this is where you’ll want to visit if you want something affordable with friendly service to boot.

Address: Shop 1/389 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat 8am-3pm

Small's deli potts point
Small’s Deli | Image: Supplied / @smallsdeli

8. Small’s Deli, Potts Point

The Al Green will go down as the best vegan sandwich we’ve ever had in Sydney. Filled with Kale purée, avocado, iceberg, Granny Smith apple, alfalfa, pepita, vegan green goddess and served on fresh a panini we’ve never found anything else like it. However, the carnivores out there are dually served with Tuna, Mortadella, Double Smoked Ham, and Chicken all on the menu. If we had to pick one, the Sophia chicken sandwich would be it with Crumbed chicken tenderloins, Hotluck Club fermented chilli & garlic mayo, coleslaw on a fresh panini. When you’re hanging out in Potts Point, make sure you visit!

Address: 1/166 Victoria St, Potts Point NSW 2011
Hours: Tues-Sat 8:30am-2:30pm, Sun 8:30am-2pm
Phone: (02) 8592 5597

Ken's continental rushcutters bay
Ken’s Continental | Image: Supplied / Ken’s Continental

9. Ken’s Continental, Rushcutters Bay

It’s a well-known fact that some of the best sandwiches in Sydney are hiding at delis. Take Ken’s Continental in Rushcutters Bay as an example. These folks are a specialty meats delicatessen that doubles as a casual eatery and you’ll find some of our favourite classic sandwiches here. From the Mortadella, Chilli Pickle, and Plum Baguette to the Eggplant, Walnut, and Dried Tomato Baguette, everything is kept simple and delicious. However, if there was one sandwich to walk away with, it’s the Chicken, Dill, Cucumber, and Apple Baguette as it perfectly blends sweet and savoury. Oh, and while you’re here, why not grab a Charcuterie Deli Plate? Yum!

Address: 3/40 Bayswater Rd, Rushcutters Bay NSW 2011
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm

Norma's deli manly
Norma’s Deli | Image: Supplied / Norma’s Deli

10. Norma’s Deli, Manly

You could scarcely believe that you’re in Manly once you’re inside Norma’s Deli. There’s a distinct Greek family allure to this joint, and the sandwiches are the highlight of the experience. Come for breakfast if you want to sample the classic Norma’s Folded eggs, but we’re timing our visit for lunch where you can wrap your hands around a Lemony Chicken Ciabatta with Rosa pesto, rocket, buffalo mozzarella on house-made ciabatta or the next level Classic Proscuitto Ciabatta with Rosa pesto, prosciutto, rocket, pear compote, Suisse cheese on house-made ciabatta. Heck, you can even grab a whole roast chook while you’re here for dinner or even a pizza!

Located in: Manly Warehouse
Address: 74/78 The Corso, Manly NSW 2095
Hours: Mon-Sun 8am-5pm

Dom panino leichhardt
Dom Panino, Leichhardt | Image: Supplied / Dom Panino

11. Dom Panino, Leichhardt

Dom Panino in Leichhardt is laying claim to the title of Sydney’s first (and best) “Paninoteca” or Italian sandwich shop. They’re serving up a hit list of favourites, including Nonna’s Nostalgia, which is a five-hour slow-cooked pork and veal bolognese, smoked fior di latte, Parmigiano, and rocket panini. Alternatively, get around The Big Sal, which combines Italian sausage, cime di rapa, house peperoncino, onions, and provolone dolce. While you’re here, there are homestyle pastas, salads and boutique coffee on order as well. Leichhardt is a suburb that means a lot to founder Domenico as his family emigrated to Leichhardt from Sicily. You know Dom and his team know how to make a bangin’ sandwich!

Address: 122 Marion St, Leichhardt NSW 2040
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm
Phone: 0450 441 345

Self raised bread shoppe carlton
Self Raised Bread Shoppe Fish Sandwich | Image: Supplied / Self Raised Bread Shoppe

12. Self Raised Bread Shoppe, Carlton

White bread, ciabatta, and sourdough line the shelves at this sandwich shop in Carlton (near Kogarah) in Sydney South. Like many great shops in our city, Self Raised keeps it to the classics, including a Hoagie with Mortadella, Smoked Beef, Salami, Salad, Cheddar, and Provolone​ alongside a smashing Schnitzel with Crumbed Chicken Breast, Lettuce, Mayo and Cheese. Ultimately, you’ll want to try our favourite, the Fish Sandwich with sustainable panko hake, American cheese, curry tartare, lettuce, pickles, and onion. Make sure you add crispy chilli oil!

Address: 45 Jubilee Ave, Carlton NSW 2218
Hours: Tues-Sat 7am-2:30pm, Sun 8am-2pm

Good ways deli
Marinated eggplant, artichokes, romesco, rocket, and mayo on olive oil-toasted ciabatta | Image: Supplied / Good Ways Deli

13. Good Ways Deli, Redfern

Good times await sandwich lovers at Good Ways Deli. Everything at this joint is made in-house. And with only a couple of sandwiches on the menu, it’s what goes into those sangas and bread that makes this place so formidable. But this part sandwich shop, part deli, part bakery isn’t your average sanga store. They dole out the likes of kangaroo mortadella sandwiches topped with fermented chilli, as well as chicken sandwiches with walnuts and apple, fancy Vegemite scrolls, house-made jams and pickles to take home and everyone’s favourite — lamingtons.  The deli also prides itself in using wattleseed in its gluten-free brownies.

Address: Shop 1/20 Cooper St, Redfern NSW 2016
Hours: Mon-Fri 7 am-3 pm, Sat-Sun 8 am-2 pm

San san
San San | Image: Supplied / San San

14. San San, Revesby

Expect fluffy, airy, freshly baked focaccia bread, and a carefully considered sandwich menu of 10 options at San San in Revesby. These folks know how to make a sandwich, and their options are short and concise, ranging from deli meats, chicken schnitzel, vegan and vegetarian. Most sandwiches on the menu contain their in-house “San San” sauce, which is like a peri peri mayo. Of course, it wouldn’t be a fresh institution with hot honey, and these guys are making that themselves too. Take our lead and pair your sandwich with a house-made baba ghanouj (mother-in-law’s recipe) and a housemade lemonade to wash it all down.

Address: 4/19-29 Marco Ave, Revesby NSW 2212
Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-9pm, Sun 8am-8pm
Phone: 0450 353 523

Humble bakery
Humble Bakery | Image: Supplied / Humble Bakery

15. Humble Bakery

Humble Bakery is a sandwich staple in Surry Hills slinging baked goods such as finger buns layered with pink icing; baked bean toasties; and sausage rolls. In the morning, expect to find several Italian and South American-inspired bakery treats, from Jamon and cheese croissants to quince danishes and caramelised onion and chorizo snails. There are around five rotating sandwiches on the menu – many of which are filled with ham, gruyere and zucchini butter pickle, and eggplant parmigiana with fresh mozzarella. And if you have a sweet tooth, house-baked cakes; fennel cake; baked cheesecake; flan and apricot tart; and spinach and ricotta pie are available.

Address: 50 Holt St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Hours: Mon-Fri 7 am-3 pm, Sat-Sun 8 am-1 pm
Phone: (02) 9435 0801

Malibu sydney chicken
Malibu Sydney Schnitzel | Image: Supplied

16. Malibu Sydney

You’ll get a bloody good sandwich here, but don’t walk into Malibu Sydney expecting the kindest service on earth. The owner is strictly down to business, music blaring, tongs in hand, focused on making you the best value-for-money sandwich in the city and stamping out sourdough in the process. There are a few questions you’ll want to put to memory, first bread (white, brown, Vienna), whether you want any extras, salt and pepper, “is that all,” and how you will pay. Yes, after being a cash-only venue for years, Malibu now takes cards. Now you’ve worked all that out, choose a sandwich. We recommend the Schnitzel with herb mayo and lettuce or the classic Ham with bocconcini, basil, and fresh tomatoes.

Address: 62 Foster St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-3pm
Phone: (02) 9280 2233

Ol'mates sandwich shop
Ol’Mates Sandwich Shop “Schnitzel” | Image: Supplied / Ol’Mates Sandwich Shop

17. Ol’Mates Sandwich Shop, Earlwood

With a laidback, friendly atmosphere Ol’Mates Sandwich Shop in Earlwood is putting the suburb on the map with outstanding, fresh sandwiches. Come for breakfast and have one of the best Bacon & Egg rolls we’ve ever had the pleasure of eating with fried egg, bacon, chipotle mayo, and served on a potato bun or do the smarter thing and return for lunch and pick up a banging Pastrami sandwich with pastrami, coleslaw, swiss cheese, pickles, and Russian dressing on marbled rye. Of course, no sandwich shop is complete without a Schnitzel and there’s is served with buttermilk crumbed chicken, lettuce, pickles, cheese, and Ol’ Mates sauce on schiacciata bread. Look at it! Hungry?

Address: 2 Homer St, Earlwood NSW 2206
Hours: Tues-Fri 6:30 am-3 pm, Sat-Sun 7 am-3 pm
Phone: (02) 9280 2233

Cut lunch deli
Cut Lunch Deli | Image: Supplied / Cut Lunch Deli

18. Cut Lunch Deli, Randwick

Sandos are available from 10:30 am at this sandwich shop in Randwick (near Clovelly). Cut Lunch Deli is one of our favourites when it comes to simple, tasty sandwiches and there’s no better than the Morty D with Mortadella, pistachio pesto, stracciatella, basil, guindilla. Alternatively, get around the Schnitz, which is different to other options in Sydney because it uses a Sweet zucchini pickle mayo, combined with sesame panko crumb, pickled red onion, and shredduce. The prices are a little higher than we’d like, with every sandwich on the menu priced around $20 but that’s the price you pay for being close to Clovelly!

Address: 220 Clovelly Rd, Randwick NSW 2031
Hours: Mon-Wed 6am-2:30pm, Thur 6am-2:30pm & 5-8:30pm, Sat 7am-9pm, Sun 7:30am-8:30pm

Frank's deli waverley
Frank’s Deli | Image: Supplied / Frank’s Deli

19. Frank’s Deli, Waverley

Have you ever seen a sandwich that looks this good? No, but wait until you taste it. This is the steak frites baguette from Frank’s Deli in Waverley, and while it’s not always on the menu, it gives you an idea about what these guys mean when they say that they’re making some of the best sandwiches in Sydney. The permanent menu items include a Frank’s Reuben with LP’s Brisket pastrami, saurkraut, pickles, swiss cheese and Frank’s sauce served on Rye and Carroway sourdough. However, our pick of the bunch is The Meatball with house-made pork and fennel meatballs cooked in a tomato sugo with mozzarella, dressed rocket and grated parmesan served on a ciabatta.

Address: 279 Bronte Rd, Waverley NSW 2024
Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-3pm, Sun 8am-3pm

Lox in a box coogee
Lox In A Box | Image: Supplied / Lox In A Box

20. Lox In A Box, Coogee

Home to the best bagel sandwiches in Sydney, Lox In A Box has been around for a few years now, but the hype is still very much real. Get around their Brekky bagel in the morning with Pastrami or Halloumi, hash brown, Russian dressing, egg, American cheese, and everything bagel seasoning, but make sure you come back for lunch when you can grab the famous Katsu Bagel with Shredded slaw with shallots and coriander, tonkatsu sauce, pickled cucumbers, miso mayo. There are more than 10 bagel options on the menu, so there’s an option for everyone.

Address: 232 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee NSW 2034
Hours: Mon-Sun 7am-4pm
Phone: 0401 375 349

The sandwich stop
The Sandwich Stop | Image: Supplied / @thesandwichstopsydney

21. The Sandwich Stop

The Sandwich Stop has become a Surry Hills institution, but it hasn’t always been this way. We’ve been visiting this shop as a team for more than 5 years, but ever since opening in their new location inside Oxford Village, the appreciation for these sandwiches has sky-rocketed. They’re huge, so you get good bang for your buck. However, the quality isn’t up there with the likes of South Dowling Sandwiches, which has been a clear inspiration for the owner. Choose the Chilli Chicken (as pictured) and have it on your choice of bread for around $15. Not bad value!

Located in: Oxford Village
Address: Shop 24/55/73 Oxford St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Hours: Mon-Fri 7 am-4 pm, Sat 8 am-2 pm
Phone: 0403 911 119

Harvey's hot sandwiches
Harvey’s Hot Sandwiches | Image: Supplied / Harvey’s Hot Sandwiches

22. Harvey’s Hot Sandwiches

Nostalgic neon signs, monochromatic photos retro diner seating and American-style diner sandwiches. At Harvey’s, you can pick from the line-up of around 11 signature and classic subs. There’s a Philly cheesesteak, a muffuletta, a beef dip and a Nashville-style hot chicken. There’s also a meatball with port and veal meatballs, garlic butter, marinara sauce and mozzarella. And if you’re hankering for dessert, or you’re still peckish after your sandwich, the diner serves up a Nutella fountain designed to drown cookies and cookie sandwiches in choc-hazelnut goodness.

Address: Parramatta Square Shop 4, 05/12 Darcy St, Parramatta NSW 2150
Hours:
Mon-Wed 6:30am-8pm, Thur-Fri 6:30am-9pm, Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-8pm
Phone: (02) 9169 0838

Lucky pickle
Lucky Pickle | Image: Supplied / Lucky Pickle

23. Lucky Pickle, Surry Hills

There are sandwich shops and then there’s Lucky Pickle. When in Surry Hills, you’ll discern an inner-city terrace that’s been rebaptised into a go-to spot for locals who seek coffee & gourmet sandwiches. The lunch variations are ritzy variations of classic sandwiches, using homemade sauces and ingredients prepared in-house. Take their pork belly sandwich, for example, it comes with duck liver pate, veggies and sriracha. With the heat from the chilli and the spice from the coriander thrown in there, you get a unique twist on the classic Vietnamese banh mi. They also make a great chicken katsu, dished up with sesame and red cabbage, as well as the traditional Japanese tonkatsu sauce.

Address: 6 High Holborn St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-2:30pm, Sat 8:30am-2:30pm
Phone: (02) 9906 2370

Lox stock barrel
Lox Stock & Barrel | Image: Supplied / Lox Stock & Barrel

24. Lox Stock & Barrel

Lox Stock & Barrel is a deli with bare lightbulbs, serving Classic New York Katz’s like seasonal plates and baked goods. There are four varieties of soft and delectable bagels doled out on site every day and they’re not too sweet. And if it’s a truly Jewish-style meal you’re hunting for, try their chopped liver, egg and onion on a sweet onion bagel with a side of pickles, or the house-made brisket pastrami on rye. If it’s something lighter you’re after go for the salads; which are textural, fresh and herby. Ans interestingly, their seafood-esque menu option deploys sustainable fish coupled with tasty, cured sardines on grilled toast or slices of albacore tuna in a panini with jalapenos and miso-dressed slaw — a true taste of New York-style Jewish food.

Located in: Beach Road Hotel
Address: 140 Glenayr Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Hours: Mon-Sun 7 am-2:30 pm
Phone: (02) 9300 0368

Alternatives to These Sandwich Spots in Sydney

  • Cafe Kentaro, Surry Hills: Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Surry Hills is Cafe Kentaro. This fine sandwich sanctum brings a Japanese twist to all your favourite Aussie dishes. The Karage Sambo (think Japanese fried chicken, kimuchi and mayo on bread), and there’s a heap of new ones to pick from, like the Matcha French Toast and Japanese Poutine. There are no eggs on toast or avocado smashes, it’s either popular dishes from Oratnek or entirely new creations.  The signature katsu sandwich, matcha French toast and the omelette with fried rice are loved.
  • John Montagu, Woolloomooloo: For a sandwich shop that strives for simplicity in its menu, John Montagu brings the heat. There are four sandwiches to choose from; their signature 12-hour beef cheeks; rocket, cheese, horseradish mayo, secret sauce, toasted; the chicken katsu; cheese, rocket, mint, apple, cucumber, chipotle mayo, fresh; the vegan falafel sandwich of red cabbage, pickled salad, ajvar, chilli, miso tahini, fresh and classic BLT. And if you’re up for something more simple, order their sough-after sausage and egg bun or signature Mexican spiced grilled chicken; mixed greens, Mexican beans, chilli, parmesan, and chipotle mayo. The sandwich shop sells a fine selection of specialty coffee, teas and juices.
  • Hong Ha Bakery, Mascot: Vietnamese bakeries are nothing new to Sydney, but if there’s one that transcends suburban lines and reels in customers from near and far, it’s Hong Ha Bakery. For over three decades, this shop has purveyed three types of pork from its same menu; Vietnamese devon, cured and barbecued pork all with a hearty slathering of pâté, mayo and a salad make this quite the stomach-pleasing two-hander. And their special chilli sauce hits with a sweet tinge before bringing the heat to your tastebuds– each element working in harmony. And if you don’t like pork banh mi, try the chicken, schnitzel or meatball roll instead. The bakery additionally makes spring rolls, dim sims and rice paper rolls.
  • Fabbrica Pasta Shop CBD, Sydney: Part deli, part pasta shop, part commercial kitchen, Fabbrica is a revolutionary joint on this list that has made quite a splash in Sydney’s food scene. The shop has been doling out fresh pasta by the gram and other delicious things related to the ritual of making pasta. When waltzing into Fabbrica, you’ll be overwhelmed with the pristineness of the shop and the vast selection of menu options. In the mornings, you can get a coffee and homemade bombolone (Italian doughnuts). Their sandwiches are usually sold out after midday, and a couple of varieties will be chosen each day with just 20 to 30 of each, so you get in early to sink your teeth into one.
  • Cafe Monaka, Mona Vale: Showcases everything the northern beaches’ café culture has to offer but with a riff on Japanese-inspired food and beverages. The cafe is the only spot where you can get Asagohan; a Japanese-style breakfast of steamed rice with “Furikake” seasoning, grilled salmon marinated in fermented rice, egg omelette,  marinated vegetables, pickles and miso soup. Another favourite served up is the Monaka soba salad; green tea soba noodles, carrots, edamame, leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, sesame or soy vinaigrette; and you mix it up with grilled chicken breast or salmon. The rest of the cafe’s menu features creative takes on acai bowls, avocado on toast, poke, burgers, and toast.
  • Charc Specialty Meats, Chippendale: Meats, sandwiches, coffee and Tiny Teddies. Welcome to Charc Specialty Meats & Coffee. The stalwart institution is loved for its house-made brined lean-beef pastrami, sauerkraut, cheese and house-made Russian dressing. They use top bakery sourdough, usually rye, and include a slice of Swiss cheese. Co-owner Pete Wilmot tried more than a dozen different sauerkrauts until he found the perfect one, as well as six mayos and four cuts of beef for the pastrami.
  • City Edge Cafe, Surry Hills: Hearty sandwiches, wraps and Vietnamese rolls – that’s what City Edge Cafe is about. This hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop is a Surry Hills staple and is notorious for its scrumptious sandwiches and palatable wraps as it is for its long line formations down Reservoir St. When there, you can choose from an impressive range of ten sandwiches, ten wraps, ten types of Turkish bread, and many daily specials. The cafe is also renowned for its Vietnamese-style chicken schnitzel roll – a classic Vietnamese roll with a twist – tangy Asian slaw, spicy mayonnaise, fresh Vietnamese herbs and homemade chicken schnitzel. Or try their spicy meatball and basil roll.
  • Toastiesmith: This is the perfect lunchtime staple and late-night food spot. There are 12 toasties to choose between from the home-style classics we all love as well as a few with a twist, think roast beef, pork katsu or grilled fish. All sandwiches come complete with an egg omelette inside. The Signature Eggsmith is loaded up with scrambled eggs, cheese, roasted sesame-flavoured slaw, spicy tomato relish, sweet corn, fish roe, chives and chipotle. There’s also a taro toastie, a wagyu beef don toastie and a yakitori toastie, with actual skewers. Toastiesmith does their refreshing smoothies and sodas. Including mango, pear, chia seed pineapple smoothie, lemonade and rose lychee soda.

Why You Should Trust Our List

Man of Many has more than 10 years of experience in eating, drinking, and exploring the best food around Sydney. For this article, we’ve had the unique opportunity to try a range of the best sandwiches, and have shared our thoughts in the article above. Unlike so many places that simply round up a list of their favourites from Google, we’ve shot videos, interviewed, and tasted these sandwiches for ourselves, especially those that sit at the top of the list. We can vouch for these choices from personal experience, and where we’ve needed to, we’ve relyed on our industry friends to guide us in the right direction.

Ben McKimm

Journalist - Automotive & Tech

Ben McKimm

Ben lives in Sydney, Australia. He has a Bachelor's Degree (Media, Technology and the Law) from Macquarie University (2020). Outside of his studies, he has spent the last decade heavily involved in the automotive, technology and fashion world. Turning his ...