New York Sandwich Restaurants

New York sandwich restaurants are what you might call a culinary treasure trove, reflecting the city's vibrant diversity and rich food heritage. Choose from iconic Jewish delis like Katz's and Russ & Daughters, to artisanal spots crafting gourmet Italian panini and inventive modern creations. Each of these eateries capture the very soul of New York in every delicious bite.

Whether you're craving a towering pastrami on rye, a fresh bagel with lox, or a trendy vegan twist, the variety you'll find is simply unparalleled. As a sandwich-lover, visiting these restaurants isn't just about the food. It's a chance to experience the unique energy and history of the city through its beloved sandwich culture.

If you can't decide on which restaurant to visit first, here’s a list of sandwich restaurants that are exclusive to New York. You also find the signature sandwiches they're each known for:

List of New York Sandwich Restaurants

1. Alidoro - Known for their Italian-style sandwiches like the "Pinocchio," featuring prosciutto, mozzarella, and arugula.  

2. Banh Mi Saigon - Famous for their Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, especially the "Classic Pork Banh Mi."  

3. Black Seed Bagels - Offers bagel sandwiches like the "Lox Deluxe," with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers.  

4. Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken - Known for their fried chicken sandwiches, such as the "Blue Ribbon Special."  

5. Brooklyn Sandwich Society - Specializes in artisanal sandwiches like the "Braised Short Rib Sandwich."  

6. Bubby's - Renowned for their comfort food, including the "Turkey Club Sandwich."  

7. Carnegie Deli - Famous for their towering pastrami and corned beef sandwiches.  

8. Clementine Bakery - Offers vegan sandwiches like the "Avocado BLT."  

9. Court Street Grocers - Known for their "Italian Combo" sandwich with cured meats and provolone.  

10. Defonte's of Brooklyn - Famous for their "Hot Roast Beef with Mozzarella and Gravy" sandwich.  

11. Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop - Known for their classic tuna melt and egg salad sandwiches.  

12. Faicco's Italian Specialties - Offers the "Italian Hero," packed with salami, ham, and provolone.  

13. Frankel's Delicatessen - Famous for their smoked fish sandwiches, like the "Lox and Cream Cheese Bagel."  

14. Katz's Delicatessen - Iconic for their hand-carved pastrami sandwiches.  

15. Lenwich - Known for their "Lenwich Sandwich," featuring turkey, bacon, avocado, and chipotle mayo.  

16. Mile End Deli - Offers Montreal-style smoked meat sandwiches.  

17. Parm - Famous for their "Chicken Parm Sandwich."  

18. Pastrami Queen - Renowned for their pastrami sandwiches on rye bread.  

19. Pisillo Italian Panini - Known for their "Prosciutto and Mozzarella Panini."  

20. Porchetta - Specializes in their namesake "Porchetta Sandwich," with slow-roasted pork.  

21. Press 195 - Offers pressed sandwiches like the "Cubano."  

22. Russ & Daughters - Famous for their bagel sandwiches with smoked salmon and cream cheese.  

23. Saltie - Known for their "Scuttlebutt Sandwich," with eggs, feta, and pickled vegetables.  

24. Sarge's Delicatessen - Offers the "Monster Sandwich," a massive pastrami and corned beef combo.  

25. Second Avenue Deli - Famous for their "Hot Pastrami Sandwich."  

26. Shake Shack - Known for their "ShackBurger," a burger sandwich with their signature sauce.  

27. Smorgas Chef - Offers Scandinavian-inspired sandwiches like the "Gravlax Sandwich."  

28. Sunny and Annie's Deli - Known for their creative sandwiches like the "Pho Real," inspired by Vietnamese pho.  

29. The Grey Dog - Offers hearty sandwiches like the "Grey Dog Club."  

30. The Meatball Shop - Famous for their "Classic Meatball Sub."  

31. Tiny's & The Bar Upstairs - Known for their "Turkey and Brie Sandwich."  

32. Tompkins Square Bagels - Offers bagel sandwiches like the "Everything Bagel with Lox."  

33. Torrisi Italian Specialties - Famous for their "Turkey Sandwich with Mozzarella and Gravy."  

34. Vanessa's Dumpling House - Known for their sesame pancake sandwiches, like the "Pork Sesame Pancake."  

35. Westville - Offers sandwiches like the "Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Avocado." 

Here are five of the most popular New York sandwich restaurants (in no particular order) from the list, along with more details about their history and signature sandwiches:

1. Katz's Delicatessen  

• Founded: 1888  
• Details: Katz's is an iconic New York institution, famous for its hand-carved pastrami and corned beef sandwiches. Their pastrami sandwich is legendary, featuring thick slices of tender, perfectly seasoned meat piled high on rye bread with mustard. The deli has been a staple of New York's Lower East Side for over a century (137 years as of 2025) and it’s a must-visit for both locals and tourists.

2. Pastrami Queen  

• Founded: 1956  
• Details: Located on the Upper East Side, Pastrami Queen is celebrated for its kosher-style deli offerings. Their pastrami sandwich is a standout, with juicy, flavorful pastrami served on crusty rye bread. They also offer other Jewish deli classics like matzah ball soup and knishes.

3. Lenwich  

• Founded: 1989  
• Details: Lenwich, originally known as Lenny's, is a beloved New York sandwich chain. Their "Lenwich Sandwich" is a fan favorite, featuring turkey, bacon, avocado, and chipotle mayo on freshly baked bread. They are known for their high-quality ingredients and customizable options. You won’t go wrong stopping by this local sandwich restaurant.

4. Russ & Daughters  

•    - Founded: 1914  
•    - Details: Russ & Daughters is a family-owned appetizing store specializing in smoked fish and bagel sandwiches. Their "Classic Lox Bagel" is a signature item, featuring silky smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and onions on a freshly baked bagel. This establishment is a cornerstone of New York's Jewish culinary heritage.

5. The Meatball Shop  

• Founded: 2010  
• Details: The Meatball Shop has quickly become a favorite for its creative and customizable meatball sandwiches. Their "Classic Meatball Sub" features beef meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella on a toasted hero roll. They also offer vegetarian and chicken meatball options, catering to a variety of tastes.

Hopefully you’ll find one or more of these New York sandwich restaurants that suit your tastes. We’d love to hear about your adventures into the world of sandwich delights if you’d like to share them with us.

Here's a New York Eater.com also has a list of the best sandwiches on their site. (Link opens a new window).

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