The best sandwiches in Melbourne

What is it? Hector's Deli has been serving the good people of Richmond its signature sandwiches since 2017, and has developed a cult-like following in that time (evidenced by the never-ending queue out the door). 

Why we love it: With expansions into South Melbourne and Fitzroy, Hector's have continued its commitment to its promise to serve simple, authentic and delicious sandwiches, made with ethically sourced ingredients and produce of the highest quality. Crowd favourites include the signature chicken schnitzel with tarragon butter and housemade pickle mayo on a steamed potato bun, the tuna melt with pickled green chilli and onion on light rye, and the brisket with mustard pickle spread and kraut on toasted rye – just to name a few. 

Time Out tip: After a cracking cinnamon roll instead? Check out Hector’s Bakery on Stewart Street in Richmond.

What is it? Nico's serves up stellar made-to-order sandwiches to queues of people lining up outside its CBD, Brunswick East and Fitzroy stores most days. 

Why we love it: Nico's have amped up the humble Cuban sandwich by adding not one, but two types of meat. Think layers of braised gochujang pork and deli ham with Nico’s original salad cream, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, mustard and lettuce, served between grilled, buttery slices of bread. The untoasted options will take you straight to sandwich heaven too, from the Italian-inspired Giardiniera to the veggie-loaded Fresh Salad number. 

Time Out tip: Going meatless? Don't miss the vegan schnitzel sandwich, two country-style bread slices stuffed with vegan cheese, lettuce, salad cream, koji chimichurri and pickles. 

What is it? Of course, you’re going to get a banging sanga at the next-level grocer from star chef Andrew McConnell.

Why we love it: Here, it’s all about the salad sandwich. Morning Market serves one of the best in Melbourne, stuffed with tomato, cucumber, carrot, alfalfa, beetroot, provolone and ranch dressing on Baker Bleu seeded spelt bread. And on future visits, be sure to try the chicken sandwich, which comes with tart granny smith apple, walnut, pickled celery, watercross, cos and jalapeno mayo, or try the weekly sandwich special.

Time Out tip: You might want to bring a tote bag; this shop has just too many goodies for the pantry you’ll want to take home with you. 

What is it? There’s a lot to like about this vibe-y European bar-slash-café, which shapeshifts to adapt to the Lygon Street crowd any time of day. 

Why we love it: Even if you’ve never set foot inside, you can appreciate a venue named after a Tom Waits album. And it feels like this is the place that Lygon St needed. Brekky tortilla, anyone? Late night snacks and vermouth date? Cheeky hot choccy catch-up? (The one here is so legendary it found its way on this list). But arguably the most popular order at Heartattack is its epic, juicy porchetta roll. A sandwich fit for a king. 

Time Out tip: Beyond the usual rollcall, there’s a rotating daily sandwich special – if you’re curious, ask the chef what’s on now.

What is it? In tasty news for lovers of Filipino flavours, Ross Magnaye and Shane Stafford (aka the legends behind Serai) have just opened a new bakery and sandwich bar on Hardware Lane.

Why we love it: ‘Panaderia’ means bakery, and the concept puts fluffy pandesal (the sweet-salty Filipino bread roll) at the centre of a big-energy sandwich line-up. There’s a lamb shoulder kaldereta with tomato sauce, olives and red pepper gravy; a bulalo made with braised beef shank, bone marrow butter and a bone broth dip; and a pork belly lechon with smoked pineapple palapa and Mang Tomas spread. 

Time Out tip: Round out your meal with a side of coconut hash browns or adobo-salt hand-cut fries.

What is it? This small-batch bakery in Collingwood is a godsend for unimpeachable coffee, bread, pastries, sandwiches, cookies, pies, quiches and bagels. 

Why we love it: Falco serves up an inimitable egg salad sandwich that keeps locals and regulars coming back for more, and more. Those in the lane snaking down Smith St share a collective, unspoken understanding; the wait, no matter how long, really is worth it at Falco. All the sandwiches at Falco are special, owing greatly to the housemade dense slices of bread with the perfect crust. Save space for a selection of the outstanding pastries and baked goods too, such as the always-popular cookies. 

Time Out tip: Be sure to take a cardamom bun away home with you after your sandwich. Falco’s head baker learnt how to make them in Sweden and then spent a year perfecting the recipe and technique. 

What is it? When legendary Richmond joint Warkop opened a second outpost in the CBD, sandwich lovers rejoiced. An abbreviation of ‘Warung Kopi’ (Indonesian for casual street café), Warkop has adapted its city menu to treat both long-time fans of the OG location and newcomers to a fusion of Asian and Western creations.

Why we love it: Expect housemade sweet and savoury pastries, fresh salads, sangas and burgers, all crafted with authentic Indonesian homestyle flavours and a dash of creative flair. Say goodbye to sad, boring CBD lunches and hello to Warkop’s Indonesian-style sangas loaded with charred pork, sambal burrata, beef rendang and more.

Time Out tip: Try a beef brisket rendang with pickles and American cheese on light rye, or a creamy, crisp gado gado sandwich with peanut sauce. Another crowd favourite is the fillet o' fish: fried rockling, Warkop’s signature tartare, spicy sambal matah and alfalfa sprouts on a potato roll. 

What is it? French Fix offers a taste of Paris in Melbourne. It's not your average boulangerie, with the team baking fresh baguettes and loading them with all sorts of fillings. 

Why we love it: You might have to wait a few minutes, but hey – at least, it's fresh. Le Roast-beef comes with layers of roast beef, crisp pickles, a healthy smear of Dijon mustard, mixed lettuce, tomato and mayo, and might just be our top pick of the bunch. All baguettes come in at around $15 each. Heaven.

Time Out tip: If the tables are packed (and they usually are), take your baguette to go and eat it in Flagstaff Gardens, which is just a 9-minute stroll away.

What is it? This groovy and popular Italian-style joint excels in many things, but none more so than the cult-favourite meatball sub. 

Why we love it: Rocco’s famous pork and veal meatballs, which also make an appearance in the mainstay spaghetti on the menu, are smothered in sugo, salsa verde, parmesan and signature white-sauce, making this a sandwich you won't forget for some time. Rocco’s combines the warmth of an Italian mom-and-pop restaurant with a menu that is elevated comfort food – every dish is meticulously curated and crafted with care.

Time Out tip: Finish on a sweet note with Rocco’s house soft serve ($14).

What is it? Sometimes all you want is a simple sanga done well, and that's what the Collingwood deli Hi Fi has sought out to accomplish. 

Why we love it: It's run by the same dream team behind Terror Twilight and Tinker, and we love their BLTs, roast mushroom toasties and mortadella sandwiches. The eclectic vinyl soundtrack only adds to the buzz.

Time Out tip: Not that the sandwiches aren’t filling enough, but if you’re feeling extra ravenous you can get a side of curly fries with chicken salt. Win.

What is it? Lactose intolerant? Keep scrolling. Iron guts? Read on, for Maker and Monger is the stuff of cheese dreams. Operating out of Prahran Market, you can't go wrong with any of its delicious toasted cheese sandwiches, but we have a soft spot for the fondue number. 

Why we love it: This is no pedestrian ‘I’m-a-bit-peckish-where’s-the-jaffle-maker?’ affair. This is loads of molten Marcel Petite Comté and Swiss Gruyere, shallots, wine and garlic reduced into a sharp, umami burst, all encased in crunchy, butter-slathered sourdough bread and finished with a light sprinkling of salt flakes.

Time Out tip: Fancy making your own toastie at home? Here’s their seasonal recipe right now, straight from the masters themselves.

What is it? This is the place you go to for grand, hunking baguettes and sandwiches you hope will never end for lunch. 

Why we love it: Toasties arrive thick as a forehead and as big as a face, yet achieve the all-important mission of properly melting the abundance of sweet and nutty Comté inside couched around sticky, worcestershire-rich onion. Meanwhile, old-school salad sambos achieve new crush status when folded into chewy sourdough baguettes, lifted with the zip of pickled carrot and tempered with soft avo and roast beetroot.

Time Out tip: Try the lamb and labneh baguette for something a bit different.

What is it? It’s time you got acquainted with tortas, otherwise known as hot Mexican sandwiches. Slow cooking is an arduous process which deserves all the recognition it can get, and this is definitely the case with the cochinita pibil torta by Frankie's Tortas and Tacos.

Why we love it: Tender 24-hour slow-roasted pork shoulder, melted Oaxaca cheese, pickled onion, lettuce and coriander come sandwiched in a toasted roll and warrant a stadium full of people clapping in its favour. There’s also a pollo milanesa torta which comes with Milanese chicken (a lunch staple in many Mexican homes) and a mushroom torta for vegetarians.

Time Out tip: You can’t make a reservation at Frankie’s so get there early – this place can get busy at peak hour.

What is it? Rusty may be the name behind this mysterious joint, but rusty its sandwich-crafting skills certainly are not. We reckon the loaded sangas at Rusty's in Brunswick East may just be some of the tastiest this side of town.

Why we love it: The Cubano is a revelation, sandwiching succulent orange juice-braised pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and dijon. If that's not your jam, you might like a crispy eggplant sanga, with vegan fior di latte, watercress and housemade chilli jam. Slap onto your order one of Rusty's double choc cookies and you're golden. 

Time Out tip: Bringing along the little ones? Perfect for kids, the Lil Cheesy Sandwich is just $8.

What is it? Looking for a sandwich with a bit of a kick? Then Belles Hot Chicken’s southern-style chicken sandwich, served at the cutest retro diner in Fitzroy, is for you.

Why we love it: A fiery piece of deep-fried chicken thigh fillet joins forces with double cheese, shaved onion, lettuce and good-good sauce on a soft milk bun, and comes with your choice of side and pickles. There’s also an equally succulent mushroom version for vegetarians. These ones are finger-licking good. 

Time Out tip: You can’t go wrong with a side of mac and three cheese (it’s just $1.50 extra).

What is it? While it may seem that northsiders get to have all the fun as far as sandwich shops go, Applehead Deli is playing its part in changing that by bringing a stellar sanga offering to the south with its store in Mentone.

Why we love it: Most of the ingredients are made in-house, including slow-cooked pickled beef, housemade Russian dressing,pickled cabbage and gherkins, and 15-20 kilograms of meatballs are made each week. Venture off your usual path to lunch next time you're in need of a sanga, and check out Applehead Deli for an outstanding meatball sub, an unmissable Rueben or a delectable tuna melt. 

Time Out tip: Save room for one of the best cinnamon scrolls going around Melbourne.  

What is it? Run by passionate Italians who know their food, this deli offers a variety of panini which follow the cardinal rule that thou shalt only have thinly sliced, ribbon-like cold cuts. 

Why we love it: These are simple sandwiches, done well. Choose between crisp ciabatta or the traditional soft bread roll and pick your deli meat. Mortadella, prosciutto or salami are on offer and come with varying combinations of grilled eggplant or artichokes, provolone, green split olives, grilled capsicum, and tomato pesto.

Time Out tip: Follow their Instagram account for the ultimate drool-worthy sanga pics and reels.

What is it? This popular sandwich joint serves incredible melts, coffees and pastries in Footscray. 

Why we love it: These are some of the west's most coveted sandwiches. At present it has seven types to watch out for, those being the pastrami; the BFC (buttermilk fried chicken); the brekkie bagel; a truffle cheese melt; the Italian bagel; the tuna melt and a humble ham and cheese number. All of which are exceptional and are a must-try for anyone in the Footscray area.

Time Out tip: Add Ollie’s special sauce. What’s in it, you ask? It’s a secret!

What is it? Sloppy Joe's Deli is a cheerful sandwich shop in the CBD for freshly housemade doughnuts, coffee and American-inspired sandwiches with a creative twist. 

Why we love it: Fan favourites include the towering pastrami sanga with kraut, dill gherkin, Swiss cheese and Sloppy's secret sauce, and the signature Mrs. Kim's Beef, a mouthwatering fusion of Korean barbecue flavors nestled within a perfectly toasted sandwich. Of course, you've also gotta try the legendary Sloppy Joe itself, a true rarity in Melbourne – toasty soft brioche encasing a sloppy sauce-coated melange of Angus beef, American cheese and bread and butter pickles. Trust us when we say this creation is a helluva lot more appetising than the one from Billy Madison. 

Time Out tip: While you might come for the sandwiches, stay for the doughnuts. We reckon they’ve got some of the best in Melbourne, no joke.

What is it? There’s a modest thrill in any deli that’ll slap its cold cuts into a sandwich for you on the spot, rather than you having to do so yourself at home. At Matteo’s Delicatessen in Altona, customers have the choice of several panini stuffed full of the deli’s cold cuts and various other fresh and pickled accoutrements. 

Why we love it: The namesake panini, the Matteo’s Original comes filled with your choice of cold cut and bread (ciabatta or baguette) plus marinated eggplant, olives, capsicum, provolone and a slathering of pesto. The result? Pure perfection.

Time Out tip: Grab a coffee (or a That’s Amore cannoli) and enjoy your sanga on the nearby Altona Beach for extra points.

Address: 30 Pier Street, Altona 3018

Expect to pay: Around $15-$21

What is it? Bowery to Williamsburg aims to bring a little bit of New York to the streets of Melbourne. Reubens, turkey clubs and Cubanos are just some of the Yankee sangas that make an appearance, and meal upgrades come with your standard fries and choice of soda.

Why we love it: The classy take on a Philly cheese steak sub here takes a long, warm white roll, tender beef brisket roasted for 14 hours, strips of sweet and softened onion and capsicum and coats it all with melted provolone. It’s so juicy and flavoursome that your taste buds are bound to break out into song.

Time Out tip: If bagels are more your thing, you’re in luck. We reckon this shop serves up some of the tastiest in the CBD.

What is it? This newcomer to the sanga scene is nailing made-to-order panini, generously filled with delicious Italian ingredients. There are about 12 to choose from, or you can get creative and make your own. 

Why we love it: Go classic with a Caprese (tomato, buffalo mozzarella and basil) or go further afield with the epic Bologna (mortadella, stracciatella, pickled peppers and olives) or Roman-style porchetta panini. They're all just so insanely good.

Time Out tip: You might as well also get an espresso to go, just like they do in Italia. 

What is it? This family-run sandwich spot brings true Italian comfort food to Fitzroy North, one saucy sub at a time. 

Why we love it: Inspired by generations of family recipes, Nonna’s House serves up hearty, old-school sandwiches with plenty of flavour. 

The meatball sub is a standout, packed with tender meatballs, rich sauce and a generous sprinkle of parmesan. There’s also a chicken parma sub, golden eggplant parm and loaded fries to round out the menu. Beyond the seriously good sandwiches, it’s the warm, family-run feel that makes this neighbourhood favourite so special.

Time Out tip: You might as well also get an espresso to go, just like they do in Italia.