24 best sandwiches in London worth your dough

Decent sandwiches are elusive little creatures. Sure, it’s easy to find any old sandwiches, but the great ones? Not so simple (thanks mainly to all-too-common soggy supermarket varieties in our opinion). If the mere thought gives you the shivers, fear not, we’ve done the hard work for you here and tracked down the best sandwiches London has to offer, from filled focaccias to magnificent subs.

Despite their humble status these days, sandwiches had quite the high-end start to life, being invented by the 4^th Earl of Sandwich no less. He is said to have asked his valet to bring him meat in between two pieces of bread, and the news spread like wildfire, with people asking more and more for 'the same as Sandwich’, giving way to the lunchtime mainstay we know today.

Okay, the history lesson is over, but the fun is just beginning. London’s best bakers and makers have been hard at work over the past few years to come up with cult-level sandwiches that have severe queue-inducing abilities on us mere mortals. Whether you’re in the mood for a Vietnamese banh mi baguette or fancy tucking into an Italian focaccia feast, London has some of the best sandwich options in the UK.

The beauty of our selection of the best sandwiches in London is that there is no ‘one size fits all’ policy here, there are carbs for every occasion. Some spots put on a spread to allow you the time and space to relax in a restaurant proper, while other, street food-style stalls are the ideal places to grab a sandwich before getting back to work.

Have a scroll through these unbeaten sandwich shops in London to find your next midday meal. And maybe set yourself the challenge to try them all. We can say from experience it’s a tough job, but you’ll feel like you’ve accomplished something truly worthwhile afterwards.

My Favourite Sandwich, Shoreditch

Why: It’s a bold choice calling your sandwich shop ‘My Favourite Sandwich’, but we reckon that the sentiment will be true for many who’ve tried one of these guys' fab sarnies. Their aim is to offer elevated versions of classic sandwiches - we’re talking the Meatball Marinara, Tuna McConoughey, and the Soho Salmon filled with smoked salmon, dill and chive cream cheese and avocado. It's fast becoming a popular lunch spot for hungry workers in and around Shoreditch. 
What to order: The Yellowstone (BBQ brisket, caramelised onions, smoked provolone)
Where: 141 Commercial Street, E1 6BJ
Book now: My Favourite Sandwich

Tommy’s Sandwiches, King’s Cross

Why: Leaning into the look and feel of a classic American sub, Tommy’s Sandwiches serve big, bold sarnies – mostly the meaty kind – from an electric blue sandwich shop on Kings Cross Road. The idea was born when founder Tommy started to feel homesick for the proper submarine style sarnies he grew up with in Washington, and trust us, these big-boi subs are the real deal. We’re talking fluffy white rolls filled to the max with meaty fillings, from ‘Tommy’s Club’ featuring turkey, ham, bacon, Swiss cheese, salad, pickles, avocado, mayo and honey mustard, to The Mafia, a meaty mélange of salami Milano, ham and salami Picante.
What to order: The Mafia
Where: 201 Kings Cross Road, WC1X 9DB
Book now: Tommy’s Sandwiches

Jolene Hornsey Road, Finsbury Park

Why: Jolene is easily one of London’s best bakeries, but if you’re hankering for a proper sandwich, the Hornsey Road site is one of our favourites, with a weekly-changing menu of around three seasonal flavours. Bubbly focaccia bread forms the basis of these sandwiches, with previous fillings including the likes of beetroot relish, goat's cheese, honey mustard salad and aioli, and mortadella with olive tapenade, gouda and rocket. Eat in or takeaway, we’ll always have a soft spot for the sandwiches at Jolene.
What to order: See the latest specials menu!
Where: 324 Hornsey Road, N7 7HE
Book now: Jolene Hornsey Road

Donny’s, London Fields

Why: This ultra-cool, neighbourhood deli brings a flavour-packed menu of pimped-up classics to London Fields. We’re talking ‘The Best Tuna Melt’, and luxurious brisket sandwiches available in ‘big’, ‘bigger’ and ‘biggest’ sizes. Not only is everything on the menu insanely delicious (we always get the brisket with Swiss cheese and Dijon mustard), but the team are wonderful souls, donating any leftover food to support people experiencing homelessness.
What to order: The Bigger Brisket
Where: 2 Westgate Street, E8 3RL
Book now: Donny’s

Earl’s, Leytonstone and Shoreditch

Why: Earl's has made such a huge impression with its jam-packed, luxurious sandwiches, that it’s turned little old Leytonstone into a bit of a foodie destination. People travel far and wide to try its mega sarnies served on soft sourdough bloomers. The key thing here is the attention to detail: the team pays special attention to every component of the filling for the ultimate flavour. We’re talking slow-cooked Szechuan peppercorn hot pot beef with green pickled chillies, mushroom XO sauce and a 3-day jus tucked inside a hot baguette. The Fish Finger Sarnie is another belter, featuring tempura-battered cod, house tartar, crunchy batter scraps, chip shop curry sauce and butterhead lettuce in a sourdough loaf.
What to order: The Not-So “Italian” Beef Sarnie
Where: 250 Cann Hall Road, E11 3NN; Boxpark, E1 6GY
Book now: Earl’s

Crunch, Spitalfields and Soho

Why: We have a strong feeling that brioche sandwiches will divide people, but Crunch is proving that the famously sweet and fluffy bread can be the perfect vehicle for all sorts of savoury fillings. Bestsellers include Michael’s Chicken filled with a gratifying mix of southern-fried chicken, shredded lettuce, baby pickles and homemade dill allioli, although we also love the Patty Melt featuring truffle melt patties, and the Umami Shroomwich made with fried oyster mushrooms and miso veg. Find these guys at Old Spitalfields Market and on Dean Street.
What to order: Michael’s Chicken
Where: Old Spitalfields Market, E1 6EW
Book now: Crunch Spitalfields

Doorsteps, Hammersmith

Why: There’s no place for measly fillings and thinly-sliced bread at Doorsteps. This 18-year-old, family-run spot serves generous, made-with-love sarnies just moments from Hammersmith station. Don’t let the unglamorous interiors fool you. Friendly staff and wallet-friendly prices mean you’ll usually find a queue out the door, while fillings stick to classic combinations, from chicken escalope, cheese and salad to egg, cheese and avocado.
What to order: The Signature Breakfast Bap
Where: 3A Hammersmith Grove, W6 0ND
Book now: Doorsteps

KEU, Borough

Why: KEU is best known for its iconic bánh mìs – crisp French baguettes filled with a fusion of punchy ingredients – and is one of our favourites if ever we’re hungry in Borough Market (a common occurrence). Choose from the likes of pork belly, roast duck, chicken curry, or saigon mackerel, all of which come packed with a savoury concoction of chillies, cucumber, coriander, and daikon-carrot pickle. They’re available to eat in or takeaway, and are a lifesaver meal if you need something in a hurry!
What to order: Grilled pork and kimchi
Where: 19 Borough High Street, SE1 9SE
Book now: KEU Borough

Outside by Trinity, Farringdon

Why: This outdoor sandwich truck comes from the same team behind Michelin-starred Trinity, originally setting up shop right outside the restaurant in the heart of Clapham Old Town, and now relocated to a second pop-up site within Nova Coffee & Bakery in Farringdon. Sarnies include the Smoked Pork Reuben, with mustard, French sausage and gruyere, and the Red Curry Prawn, while a weekly-changing specials board keeps things fresh. That’s not all though. You can also pad out your meal with a side of loaded chips (the perfect accompaniment to bread, no?), before rounding off with some seasonal soft serve.
What to order: The Coronation Chicken
Where: 49 Farringdon Street, London EC4A 4LL
Book now: Outside by Trinity

Toklas, The Strand

Why: Housed right next to Toklas Restaurant, Toklas Bakery serves some of the finest baked treats in London. From midday, the team load up the counter with a range of focaccia sandwiches, from roast chicken with aioli and crispy skin, to tuna mayo with pickled radish and crunchy lettuce. Flavours change every week, but they’re always seasonal and always delicious.
What to order: Whatever looks good that week
Where: 9 Surrey Street, WC2R 2ND
Book now: Toklas

Sandwich Sandwich, Various London locations 

What: Bristol-born sandwich shop Sandwich Sandwich has made quite a stir with its ridiculously over-filled sarnies. It's earned a reputation as Bristol's best sandwich shop, but a few years ago, it opened its first ever site in London and people went mad for it. In fact, it now boasts four sites in London! All its fillings and breads are made fresh every morning, and you can see said fillings piled high behind the deli counter in store, ready for smooshing between two doorstop slices of bread. Expect classic combos served with a generous hand, from Chicken Kyiv (breaded chicken, bacon, parmesan, herby cheese, cararmelised onions and lettuce) to Rare Roast Beef (roast sirloin, red onion, tomato, cheddar and horseradish mayo). 
What to order: The Chicken Kyiv 
Where: Various London locations
Find out more: Sandwich Sandwich 

Birleys, City of London and Canary Wharf 

What: Birleys has been around for 30 odd years and is a staple lunch spot for anyone working in London’s main financial districts. It boasts eight sandwich shops spread across the City and Canary Wharf where it whips up made-to-order sandwiches (plus soups and salads) to busy workers during the week. Alongside classic options, you’ll find a host of tasty speciality options like pork belly with pickled carrots and gochujang mayo, while mornings are all about its slap-up breakfast sarnies. Think double egg, egg and bacon, and Cumberland sausage on granary. 
What to order: Roast beef, leeks and Swiss cheese
Where: Various London locations 
Find out more: Birleys

Gerry’s Hot Subs, Clerkenwell 

What: Gerry’s Subs gives Dom’s subs (also in this list) a run for their money. This sarnie spot is from the same founder who brought BBQ hotspot Bodean’s to London, only this time he's swapped his smokehouse concept for American subs. All are served in freshly-baked white or granary buns – toasted and buttered, of course – with fillings like Philly cheese steak with provolone cheese, chicken buffalo with Emmental, Gerry’s hot sauce and blue cheese, and classic parmigiana meatballs. You can find its first and only shop in Exmouth Market.  
What to order: Philly Cheese Steak Dip (with gravy dipping sauce!) 
Where: 50 Exmouth Street, EC1R 4QE 
Find out more: Gerry’s Hot Subs 

Poor Boys, Kingston

What: We have three words for you: fried chicken sandwiches. You truly can’t go wrong with a fried chicken sarnie, and New Orleans-inspired spot Poor Boys is taking it to new heights with its epic ‘Po Boys’. Brioche rolls are stuffed with mayo, lettuce, pickles and buttermilk fried chicken, then topped with your choice of sauce - think honey mustard, Philly cheese or cajun mayo. They’re a decadent treat and worth every penny. It’s not just fried chicken on the menu though! Other indulgent fillings include buttermilk fried jumbo shrimp, flat iron steak and slow roast pork belly. Be warned, you'll likely have to queue. 
What to order: Southern Po Boy
Where: 5 Griffin Centre, Marketplace, KT1 1JT
Find out more: Poor Boys

Cafe Mondo, Peckham and Camberwell

Why: Following phenomenal success serving up their epic subs at Grove House Tavern in Camberwell, Mondo Sando have opened their first bricks-and-mortar site on Peckham Road: Cafe Mondo. It's more than just a sandwich shop, transforming into a small plates and wine bar come evening time, but during the day these guys offer an eclectic range of constantly-changing sandwiches, stuffed between two slices of doorstep bread, on in one of their signature crusty subs. Previous flavours have included egg salad, confit pork, and a classic Club made with fried chicken, eggs and bacon bits. Trust us, these sarnies are the real deal. 
What to order: Flavours change all the time, but something from the specials board is always a winner
Where: 42 Peckham Road, SE5 8PX
Book now: Cafe Mondo

Secret Sandwich Shop, Notting Hill

Why: There’s no denying the best sandwiches have to look as good as they taste if they're going to make it to the 'gram, and fulfilling that brief is the Secret Sandwich Shop. These Japanese sando-style sandwiches are stuffed to bursting with colourful layers of ingredients. The egg salad is a solid choice – which comes with watercress and a dijon kewpie mayo – while the signature Secret Sandwich manages to cram in five seasonal vegetables alongside avocado, tomato and Japanese mayonnaise for a sandwich that is practically a health food (don’t quote us on that). Do note: these guys have been known to put baked beans in a sandwich... We're all for it, to be honest. 
What to order: The Secret Sandwich
Where: 103 Talbot Road, W11 2AT
Find out more: Secret Sandwich Shop

Rastro London, Bethnal Green

What: Rastro is a local espresso and sandwich bar next to Bethnal Green station that aims to support small and local producers wherever it can. Speciality coffee and freshly-baked goods form the crux of this uber trendy spot, but it’s the artisan focaccia sandwiches that keep punters coming back. The menu is small and changes often, but previous fillings have included pistachio mortadella with burrata and fresh basil pesto, and Jamón Serrano with buffalo mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, rocket and balsamic glaze.
What to order: Check the ever-changing specials board
Where: 475 Bethnal Green Road, E2 9QH
Book now: Rastro London

Rogue Sarnies, Hackney

What: Rogue Sarnies is the brainchild of co-founders Zac Whittle and Freddie Sheen, an unlikely duo who met while working at Galvin La Chapelle. Rogue started as a pop-up, and after a bumpy ride throughout the pandemic, finally graduated to a bricks-and-mortar site in 2022 on Hackney Road. They've since moved to an even bigger site on Poyser Street near Bethnal Green - six times the size of their previous shop - with an even bigger menu and a development kitchen where the team think up all-new sandwich flavours and fillings. Their wood-fired sandwiches are something else, with all its bread baked in house every day in a wood fired oven, then filled with classic and contemporary fillings. Think roast topside of beef in beef sauce with sticky braised beef shin, beef fat caramelised onions, smoked cheddar and mustard. 
What to order: Three Little Pigs (house stuffed porchetta, mortadella, spicy salami, smoked scamorza, lemon aioli, hot pepper sauce)
Where: Arch 263 Poyser Street, E2 9RF
Book now: Rogue Sarnies

Italo, Vauxhall

Why: Run by Jackson Boxer’s dad, Italo is a cosy family-friendly Italian deli on an unassuming corner of Bonnington Square in Vauxhall. Red formica tables and diner-style chairs sit outside during the summer months, while a cosy basement lined with tins and jars creates an indoor escape come winter. The sandwiches change each day, because they have a rotation of chefs that work with them, but they’re always delicious. Unexpected combinations like smashed white beans with caramelised chicory and crispy onions are served in between two hunks of oily, salty focaccia bread. If you manage a full one it’s a good day, these are generously portioned.
What to order: Check the daily specials board! 
Where: 13 Bonnington Square, SW8 1TE
Find out more: Italo

The Black Pig, London Bridge

Why: Finding its home in Borough Market, The Black Pig is all about the meat. Here you’ll find Italian-influenced ciabatta sandwiches that are filled with ingredients mainly sourced from the traders surrounding the stall (in fact, they’re so proud of their links with their suppliers that you can spy a little map of where everything comes from while you’re queuing for your sarnie). The star of the show is the meltingly tender slow-cooked pork shoulder which comes in a couple of different guises. One version sees it combined with aioli, fennel and apple slaw, basil passata and smoked cheese, while the alternative replaces the tomato and cheese hit with zingy salsa verde. Vegetarians are catered for too, with a cheese and honey truffle mayo iteration.
What to order: The Best One
Where: Borough Market Kitchen, Winchester Walk, SE1 9AG

Morty & Bob's, King's Cross

Why: This casual eatery in the popular Coal Drops Yard development at King's Cross (also Westfield and Kensal Rise) serves up one of the cheesiest toasted sandwiches this side of Cheddar. There are a couple of different options, which include fillings like mushrooms and truffle, but for us, the best sandwich at Morty & Bob's is the original grilled number packed with oozing cheese and a few onions. And because, as any true carb-lover knows, you can never have too much of a good thing we're happy to report that there is also a handy sides section on the menu that includes some of the crunchiest Parmesan truffle fries we've ever tried (and the portion is actually big enough to share, if you're feeling generous). 
What to order: Mushroom and truffle cheese toastie
Where: 49 Coal Drops Yard, N1C 4DQ
Book now: Morty & Bob's

Max’s Sandwich Shop, Crouch Hill

Why: Max is a self-titled ‘sandwicher', and aren’t we just ever so glad he is? Paying just as much attention to texture as to flavour our dear friend Max produces some seriously tasty sandwiches. His creations are always changing, but some of our favourite big-hitters have included ham, egg 'n' chips with slow-cooked ham hock, and one called 'This Is Also How We Spring Roll' featuring pickled mushroom spring rolls and fermented black bean mayonnaise. Max is talking our language.  
What to order: This Is Also How We Spring Roll
Where: 19 Crouch Hill, N4 4AP
Find out more: Max's Sandwich Shop

The Dusty Knuckle Bakery, Dalston

Why: All ingredients used at The Dusty Knuckle Bakery are organic where possible and things that can be made from scratch are – think labneh, harissa and salt beef. Quite the labour of love, you might be thinking, and it is. But the payoff is sandwiches that are out of this world, and packed full of flavour. You’ll be given the chance to tuck into creations like roasted aubergine, churrasco, egg, tahini and chopped salad, or porchetta, salsa verde and braised spring onions. 
What to order: Masala Cauliflower Sarnie
Where: Abbot Street, E8 3DP
Find out more: The Dusty Knuckle

Deeney's, Leyton

Why: Deeney's claim to be fresh as 'a highland breeze wafting up your kilt’. While we can’t say we relate to such a thing, we can understand the feeling of joy that washes over you when faced with one of Deeney's sandwiches. The secret here, we think, is that they squash their toasties as they cook them, for that crack and crunch on the outside, which somehow makes the soft, stringy fillings even more enjoyable. The Hamish Macbeth is their signature toastie and features haggis, bacon, cheddar, caramelised onions, rocket and mustard.
What to order: The Hamish Macbeth
Where: 360 High Road Leyton, E10 6QE
Find out more: Deeney's

Looking for something flatter and rounder? Grab a slice of the best pizza in London instead. And don't forget, we have an entire guide to the best cheap eats in London if you like your meal to come with change from a £20 note.