London’s Very Best Sandwich Spots
It’s a good time to be a sandwich lover in London at the moment. The nation’s favourite lunch has been a mainstay for generations, but that doesn’t mean we’ve perfected the art. Today, countless shops and delis strive to make the perfect sarnie, and while the ultimate sandwich might not be ready to be crowned just yet, these are pretty close. Here’s our pick of London’s best sandwiches.
Chatsworth Bakehouse
Legendary sandwich shop Chatsworth Bakehouse almost makes us want to move to Crystal Palace purely to be in close proximity to their creations. Such is the insane demand, they only accept pre-orders – every Monday at 12:30pm, when you can pick either the meat or veggie option for the following week.
Their menu changes regularly, but an example to prove how all out they go includes the Jamon Royale, filled with smoked ham, bakehouse pickles, whipped garlic and herb butter, shoe-string potatoes, shaved emmental cheese, bitter fresée and sweet onion dijon mayo. The best of the best.
120a Anerley Rd, London SE19 2AN
chatsworthbakehouse.com
Quo Vadis
You might think of sandwiches and fine-dining restaurants as mutually exclusive, but London’s most famous sarnie comes from exactly that.
A Soho staple that embraces the colourful history of the area and the building that it occupies (it used to be a brothel), Chef Jeremy Lee conjured up a smoked eel sandwich that has acquired legendary status. Generously topped with horseradish and bright pink pickled onion, it looks as good as it tastes.
Chef Jeremy Lee conjured up a smoked eel sandwich that has acquired legendary status
26-29 Dean St, London W1D 3LL
quovadissoho.co.uk
The Black Pig
Borough Market is like the Aladdin’s Cave of the London food scene, and sandwich experts at the Black Pig have made their mark.
From their signature honey truffle and parmesan pork ciabatta to a small, ever-changing selection of specials, their sandwiches are made using Blythburgh free-range pork, cheeses from the Parma Ham and Mozzarella Stand, and fresh ciabatta from Bread Ahead Bakery. This is one of London’s best-loved and, well, just best, sarnies.
Borough Market Kitchen, Winchester Walk, London SE1 9AG
theblackpiglondon.com
Sandwich Sandwich
One of the most hyped Sandwich spots, and also one of London’s newest. Sandwich Sandwich made waves in Bristol, winning Uber Eats restaurant of the year in 2023.
2024 sees them move to London, with the small aim of revolutionising the city’s sandwich scene. Their sarnies are enormous and stuffed to the brim with everything from roast chicken to salt beef and fish fingers. They even have sweet sandwiches, like the Oreo biscuit number.
2024 sees them move to London, with the small aim of revolutionising the city’s sandwich scene
1 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7BX.
sandwichsandwich.co.uk
Theo’s Pizzeria
This neighbourhood Pizzeria can be found in Camberwell and Elephant & Castle, but pizza is not the most beloved item on the menu – that would be the panuozzi. Basically the dough of the pizza wood-fired and turned into a sandwich, and it’s absolutely delicious.
Choices include anchovies and charred leek, fried chickpea and chilli, sausage with chilli, and aubergine, rocket and mozzarella. These are some of the most unique and coveted sandwiches in South London.
camberwell and Elephant & Castle
theospizzeria.com
Max’s Sandwich Shop
Max’s Sandwich Shop may be nestled up in leafy Crouch End but sarnie aficionados are more than happy to make the trip north to try their floury delights. And it’s pretty much all down to the owner and brains behind the brand, Max.
Making a sandwich in front of Max is probably like filleting a fish in front of Rick Stein – he’s the OG of two slices and a filling.
Max’s Sandwich Shop, 19 Crouch Hill, London N4 4AP
www.maxssandwichshop.com
Dom’s Subs
We’ve no idea who Dom is but he sure knows his way around a sandwich. This Hackney hipster creates subs so big you’ll have a hard job getting your mouth around them.
Try the OG of Dom’s, the Dom’s Club packed with roast turkey, ham, bacon, Swiss cheese, tomatoes, shredded iceberg, guacamole and mayo or The Roman: tenderstem broccoli dressed with confit garlic and smoked paprika, roast aubergines and marinated artichokes, romesco sauce, rocket and chopped smoked almonds.
Dom’s Subs, 262 Hackney Road, London E2 7SJ
www.doms-subs.co.uk
The Midyeci
This Turkish joint in Dalston is known for its status as the first midye dolma (Turkish stuffed mussels) spot in London, but we love the fish kokorich sandwich.
A spicy blend of grilled fish, juicy tomatoes, and fiery peppers adds a twist on the classic dish, and its incredible size means there’s more than enough here to classify as a main course.
This Turkish joint in Dalston is known for its status as the first midye dolma spot in London, but we love the fish kokorich sandwich
505 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AU
themidyeci.co.uk
Paul Rothe & Son
While the London sandwich scene is overcome with TikTok trends, this delicatessen is steeped in tradition. Run by the same family since 1900, this deli specialises in freshly made sandwiches and soup. Expect the classics like handmade pastrami, corned beef or smoked salmon, all with the highest quality ingredients.
35 Marylebone Ln, London W1U 2NN
marylebonevillage.com
Tóu
Another entry into the culinary nirvana that is Borough Market, Tóu brings a Japanese-American-inspired Sando (Japanese for sandwich) concept to the scene.
Founders Ana Gonçalves and Zijun Meng previously had a pop-up eatery Tā Tā in Shoreditch House, cruelly curtailed by Covid. Now they’re back, and their unique dining concept has a forever home that’s already a London favourite.
1st Floor, Globe Tavern, 8 Bedale St, London, SE1 9AL
tou-london.com
