Best Sandwiches Restaurants in San Francisco
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Sandy's
SF’s muffuletta authority with house olive salad and sharp execution.
Notable Picks
#1
Sandy's
8.7
New Orleans–inspired sandwiches with a city-benchmark muffuletta served from a compact Haight Street counter. The focus is crisp bread, assertive olive salad, and balanced, richly layered fillings that travel well.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Muffuletta, Veg Muffuletta, Roast Beef (debris-style)
What Makes it Special: SF’s muffuletta authority with house olive salad and sharp execution.
#2
Limoncello
8.6
Italian deli known for artisan cold cuts stacked on crusty bread with sharp olive oil and bright produce. Locals line up for generously built panini that travel well and stay crisp.
Must-Try Dishes:
Parma prosciutto panino, Porchetta with salsa verde, Caprese with house pesto
What Makes it Special: Roman-style deli sandwiches built with premium Italian imports.
#3
Lou's Cafe
8.6
Sunny neighborhood café with a broad sandwich board—think BALT, turkey-avocado, and veggie presses—plus espresso drinks. Casual seating and steady turnover make it an easy meet-up spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
BALT sandwich, Turkey-avocado on toasted sourdough, Veggie pesto press
What Makes it Special: Broad, café-style sandwich menu with reliable espresso service.
8.6
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family-run sandwich shop known for hefty toasted builds and zippy house sauces. The Taraval outpost keeps lines moving at lunch and offers plenty of kid-friendly options and shareable halves.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Turkey on Dutch Crunch, Spicy Italian, Tuna Melt
What Makes it Special: Made-to-order toasted sandwiches with signature spreads at budget prices.
8.6
Long-running rotisserie truck serving the cult-favorite porchetta sandwich at the Ferry Building farmers market. Crisp pork crackling, herb-stuffed belly, and arugula stack into a benchmark SF sandwich.
Must-Try Dishes:
Porchetta Sandwich, Rotisserie Chicken Sandwich (select days), Roasted Potatoes with drippings
What Makes it Special: Market-day porchetta carved to order with shattering crackling.
8.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Business Lunch Power Players
Neighborhood deli known for hefty, made-to-order sandwiches on Dutch crunch and sourdough. Lines move fast and the crew keeps classics like the Roxie Special and BBQ beef dialed in with reliable portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roxie Special (turkey, pastrami, jack, veggies), BBQ Beef Sandwich, Italian Salami Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Old-school deli turning out SF-sized, customization-friendly sandwiches.
8.5
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Trendy Table Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Castro outpost of the LA-born sandwich shop serving crusty baguettes stacked with high-quality Italian meats, cheeses, and veggie combos. The tight menu centers on composed cold and hot sandwiches with bold flavors and generous portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
OMG Italian Sandwich, Polpette Meatball, Marinetti (Vegetarian)
What Makes it Special: Signature Italian deli builds on artisan bread with premium imports.
#8
Deli Board
8.4
Cult-favorite sandwich counter serving oversized, chef-built deli stacks with house sauces and Dutch crunch. Lines peak at lunch as regulars chase rotating specials alongside staples like the Allison.
Must-Try Dishes:
Allison (pastrami + corned beef), Menschkowitz, Leroy Brown
What Makes it Special: Max-flavor, chef-designed sandwiches with serious heft and loyal following.
#9
Iggy's Place
8.4
Daytime sandwich shop from the Borsch Mobile team turning out loaded hoagies and Slavic-influenced buns alongside salads and soups. Locals praise the crisp produce, well-seasoned meats, and quick counter cadence on Balboa.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turkey hoagie with house dressing, Pulled chicken bun, Borsch-stuffed bun
What Makes it Special: Sandwich shop with Slavic-inspired buns from the Borsch Mobile crew.
#10
La Fromagerie
8.4
French-run cheese shop and café turning out baguette sandwiches with quality charcuterie and cheeses. Locals stop in for jambon-beurre and a short, efficient lunch at the counter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Le Parisien (jambon & gruyère), Le Toulouse (smoked duck & manchego), Le Californien (roasted turkey & fontal)
What Makes it Special: Authentic French sandwiches built with artisan cheeses and charcuterie.
8.4
French-leaning cheese shop turning out crisp, well-built sandwiches on wood-fired ciabatta near Transbay. Downtown regulars come for quality charcuterie, thoughtful cheese picks, and efficient counter service at lunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jambon Beurre (Parisian ham & butter), Turkey Brie with fig jam, Prosciutto & Mozzarella on ciabatta
What Makes it Special: Cheesemonger-crafted sandwiches built around top European and local cheeses.
#12
Limoncello
8.4
A stylish spot offering a mix of pizza and gourmet sandwiches, perfect for casual bites with a glass of wine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Truffle Sandwich, Burrata & Prosciutto Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Offers a great fusion of pizza and gourmet sandwiches with wine pairings.
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Neighborhood counter doing stacked, chef-y classics on focaccia, ciabatta, and rye. Builds are generous but tidy, with house spreads and balanced acidity that keep big sandwiches light enough for lunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turkey Pesto, Cubano, Grilled Pastrami
What Makes it Special: House spreads and sturdy breads dial in flavor and texture.
#14
Saigon Sandwich
8.4
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cash-only Little Saigon staple serving classic bánh mì at lightning speed from a tiny counter. Lines move fast for crisp baguettes stuffed with pate, roast meats, and pickled veg—still one of the city’s best-value eats.
Must-Try Dishes:
Banh Mi Xiu Mai (meatball), Roast Pork Banh Mi, Special Combo (pâté + cold cuts)
What Makes it Special: Old-school, cash-only bánh mì counter turning out SF’s most iconic cheap eats.
#15
Salty's
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Neighborhood deli turning out stacked hot and cold sandwiches on quality bread with house sauces. Breakfast runs early, lunch moves quickly, and portions justify the price.
Must-Try Dishes:
Glorious Bastard (house special), Roast Beef with maple-chipotle, Turkey Avocado on Dutch crunch
What Makes it Special: Hefty, chef-y deli sandwiches with fast counter execution.
#16
Eat Americana
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Neighborhood spot doing American comfort staples with care—crispy fried chicken sandwiches, a legit cheesesteak, and a grilled cheese built to dip in tomato soup. Friendly service and a calm room make it an easy, professional midday meet-up.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Sandwich, Cheesesteak, Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup
What Makes it Special: Comfort classics executed with balanced flavors and dependable pacing.
8.3
A Financial District counter-service deli that executes New York-style subs with Boar's Head meats sliced fresh each morning and portions sized for sharing. Owner Ramzi runs the front counter with the kind of name-remembering regularity that turns first-timers into weekly customers. Best approached as a weekday lunch stop where the cheesesteak and chicken parm deliver on East Coast expectations without the East Coast attitude.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheesesteak, Chicken Parm, Chipotle Turkey
What Makes it Special: Authentic New York-style deli sandwiches in San Francisco's Financial District
#18
Gumbo Social
8.3
Counter-service Southern lunch spot from chef Dontaye Ball focusing on soulful gumbos and po’boys. Efficient service and bold flavors make it a satisfying mid-day option for nearby offices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken & Sausage Gumbo, Vegan Gumbo, Smoked Cochon Gumbo
What Makes it Special: Soul food lunch built around deeply flavored, scratch-made gumbo.
8.3
Tiny takeout window turning out crisp, sauced-to-order wings with dozens of rotating flavors and a cult-favorite wings-and-waffles combo. Locals hit it for fast pickup and consistently crunchy batches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Hot wings, Garlic Parmesan wings, Wings & Waffles
What Makes it Special: Wings-only focus with playful sauces and reliable crunch.
8.3
Korean-Japanese “Koja” rice-bun sandwiches served from a rotating truck at SPARK Social. The short-rib original and crispy chicken deliver big flavor in a portable format with plenty of outdoor seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Short Rib Koja, Crispy Chicken Koja, Teriyaki Zen Mushroom Koja
What Makes it Special: Signature rice-bun sandwiches that eat like a street-food burger.
#21
La Fromagerie
8.3
Cheese-focused café turning out French-leaning sandwiches on fresh breads with premium charcuterie and dairy. Office regulars come for swift counter service and well-built jambon-beurre–style combos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Le Parisien (jambon & cave-aged Gruyère), L’Italien (prosciutto & burrata), Le Toulouse (smoked duck & Manchego)
What Makes it Special: French-style sandwiches built around artisan cheeses and charcuterie.
#22
Le Sandwich
8.3
Chef-driven counter serving creative, globally inflected sandwiches with bright condiments and careful assembly. Breakfast runs into lunch, and the board mixes classics (Reuben, Caprese) with signatures like Primo and Toscana.
Must-Try Dishes:
Primo (salami, coppa, ham, provolone), Toscana (pesto, chicken, pepper jack), Reuben
What Makes it Special: Thoughtful flavor-forward builds with house touches and global riffs.
#23
RT Rotisserie
8.3
Fast-casual offshoot from the Rich Table team featuring rotisserie meats and crisp salads. The chicken and fried-chicken sandwiches are cleanly seasoned, sauce-forward, and consistent across busy service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rotisserie Chicken Sandwich, Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich, Lamb ‘Kebab’ Pita
What Makes it Special: Rotisserie technique plus bright sauces keep sandwiches lively.
8.3
Founded by longtime Pleasanton resident Todd Utikal, this modern American grill brings handcrafted burgers and weekly smoked meats to a prime downtown location near the farmers market. Two large dog-friendly patios with fire pits, local craft beers, and creative small plates elevate the neighborhood bar concept.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hangover Burger, Tater Todds, Cubano Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Owner-operated with creative burgers and two covered dog-friendly patios
#25
The Press
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Daytime artisan café using quality breads and local produce for pressed sandwiches and salads. It’s the downtown move for a satisfying lunch under $20.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Pressed Sandwich, Turkey Avocado on Ciabatta, Tomato Basil Soup
What Makes it Special: Thoughtful pressed sandwiches with quality bread and produce.
#26
Tín on Kearny
8.3
Weekday, lunch-only outpost serving focused bowls, pho, and bánh mì with quick counter service. Portions are hearty, herbs are fresh, and orders move fast for the FiDi crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bún Thịt Nướng (grilled pork vermicelli), Phở Đặc Biệt, Imperial Rolls
What Makes it Special: Lunch-only Vietnamese staples executed fast with fresher-than-average herbs.
#27
Calabria Bros
8.2
Italian-American deli stacking classic cold cuts, mozzarella, and roasted peppers with a house garlic spread. Broad meat-and-cheese lineup keeps customization easy and prices friendly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Calabria Bros. (prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers), Hot Calabrese, Muffaletta
What Makes it Special: Classic Italian deli counter with extensive meats, cheeses, and garlic spread.
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
Old-school counter a few blocks from the Wharf known for generous, customizable classics on Dutch crunch or sourdough. Friendly, efficient service and fair prices make it a go-to grab-and-go stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Albacore Tuna Salad (signature), Prosciutto Sandwich, Mortadella
What Makes it Special: Classic SF deli format with big portions and fast pacing.
#29
Grubbin'
8.2
Tiny sandwich shop turning out overstuffed, toasted builds with its signature Grub Sauce. Portions are generous and service is efficient for takeout-heavy lunch hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Droolin’ (pastrami), Grubbin’ It, Juicin’
What Makes it Special: Signature sauce and hot, crispy toasts on packed specialty sandos.
#30
Irving Subs
8.2
Neighborhood counter specializing in hefty, made-to-order hot and cold subs with generous fillings and sensible pricing. Bread holds up, flavors are balanced, and the shop keeps a steady lunch flow without sacrificing care.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian combo on Dutch crunch, Hot pastrami with provolone, Veggie avocado with pepperoncini
What Makes it Special: Well-built, generously stuffed subs on quality local bread.
#31
MayaFlor
8.2
Neighborhood Mexican-American spot known for brunch staples like chilaquiles and a compact dinner menu later in the week. Friendly service and fair prices make it a reliable Nob Hill choice for casual meals with a little polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles rojos, Steak & eggs, Cazuelas
What Makes it Special: Brunch-first Mexican plates with a friendly neighborhood feel.
8.2
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Historic Italian deli (since 1896) known for stacked, made-to-order sandwiches on fresh local bread. Ideal for a quick, high-quality takeaway lunch that still reads as thoughtful.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Combo on Dutch Crunch, Turkey, Mozzarella & Pesto, Prosciutto with Fresh Mozzarella
What Makes it Special: Legacy deli with premium meats, fast assembly, and iconic sandwiches.
#33
Newkirk's
8.2
A neighborhood favorite serving hearty sandwiches and fresh salads, known for its classic cheesesteaks and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheesesteak Sandwich, Chicken Caesar Salad, Classic Roast Beef Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Hearty sandwiches paired with fresh salads, loved for its casual, family-friendly vibe.
#34
Palm City Wines
8.2
Natural-wine hangout with serious West Philly–style hoagies and snacky plates. It’s a neighborhood favorite for low-key dates and catch-ups over thoughtful pours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian hoagie, Roast pork hoagie with broccoli rabe, Burrata with seasonal produce
What Makes it Special: Wine-bar sensibility paired with destination-level hoagies.
8.2
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Downtown counter spot known for its Angus–Wagyu MeltBurger, fast lines, and late-night hours that actually stretch past midnight in the Financial District. It’s the reliable move for a hot burger, fries, and a shake after events or overtime.
Must-Try Dishes:
MeltBurger, BBQ Bacon MeltBurger, Truffle or Garlic Fries
What Makes it Special: Real late-night burger service downtown with speedy counter flow.
#36
Alimento
8.1
Compact Italian market-café with a deep specialty sandwich list that reads like a roll call of North Beach favorites. Expect Italian cold cuts, mozzarella, and pesto-leaning builds assembled quickly for takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Goodfella, The Speciale, The Calabrese
What Makes it Special: Long menu of Italian-style builds with speedy counter execution.
#37
Bun Mee
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Vietnamese banh mi specialist known for crisp baguettes, bright pickles, and fast counter pacing. Downtown workers lean on it for flavorful, affordable sandwiches with reliable turnaround.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Combo banh mi, Five-Spice Chicken banh mi, Hanoi-Style Crispy Catfish
What Makes it Special: Snappy, herb-packed banh mi with balanced sauces and crunch.
8.1
Playful Richmond corner deli mixing nostalgia with serious sandwiches, espresso, and a tiny arcade. Expect fresh-cut produce, balanced sauces, and well-toasted breads that make the classics pop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Griddled ham & swiss, Turkey avocado on Dutch crunch, Half sandwich + tomato basil soup
What Makes it Special: Classic deli builds done with care plus a lighthearted arcade vibe.
#39
Lou's Cafe
8.1
A cash-only FiDi sandwich counter where the draw is housebaked dutch crunch rolls with real shatter, loaded with deli staples like chicken pesto and tuna melts that hold up to the price-to-portion math office workers run at lunch. The line moves fast, the regulars know their order before they walk in, and the clam chowder rounds out a menu built for speed without cutting corners on bread or fillings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Pesto Sandwich on Dutch Crunch, Breakfast Sandwich, Tuna Melt
What Makes it Special: Cash-only FiDi sandwich counter built on housebaked dutch crunch rolls that shatter on contact, with a loyal following among Financial District regulars since the early days on Pine Street.
8.1
Modern butcher shop that also builds deli-level sandwiches with house-roasted meats and thoughtful sauces. A Hayes Valley grab-and-go that eats like a sit-down lunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
House Roast Beef (green-garlic aioli, Swiss), Chipotle Chicken Salad Sandwich, Turkey Pesto (add prosciutto)
What Makes it Special: Butcher-fresh proteins sliced to order elevate classic deli builds.
#41
The Boys’ Deli
8.1
Back-of-market counter serving overstuffed deli classics and hot rotisserie chicken sandwiches. Portions are generous and the bread-to-filling balance stays spot on.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot rotisserie chicken sandwich, Pastrami on rye, Turkey avocado on Dutch crunch
What Makes it Special: Market deli turning out hefty, fairly priced classics fast.
8.1
Family-run sandwich shop (since 1971) known for classic, East Coast-leaning hot subs and cheesesteaks. The grill work is the draw—meats seared properly, rolls toasted right, and portions that satisfy without bloat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak & cheese with grilled onions, Meatball parm sub, Turkey avocado on a toasted roll
What Makes it Special: Old-school griddle technique and time-tested subs since the ’70s.
8.1
French-style bakery crafting breads and pastries alongside simple, well-made sandwiches on fresh loaves. Expect bright flavors, quality ingredients, and a relaxed patio vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pan Bagnat, Turkey Bacon Club, Roasted Chicken Melt
What Makes it Special: Sandwiches built on house-baked breads with classic French touches.
8.1
Neighborhood counter just off the 101 overpass turning out playful, hefty builds and hot toasted classics. Breakfast sandwiches roll into a create-your-own menu with house favorites like the Greuben and Hook Line & Grill.
Must-Try Dishes:
Greuben (hot pastrami, Swiss, kraut), Hook Line & Grill (tuna melt), Smoked Steakhouse (roast beef, gouda)
What Makes it Special: Playful, toasted builds and all-day custom combinations.
#45
Ty Sandwich
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Compact, takeout-focused banh mi shop turning out generously stuffed sandwiches with juicy grilled meats and crisp pickled veg. Locals hit it for fast, flavor-packed lunches on Mission Street without the downtown markup.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bánh mì thịt nướng (grilled pork), Lemongrass chicken bánh mì, House pâté & cold-cuts combo
What Makes it Special: Overstuffed, boldly seasoned banh mi at true neighborhood prices
#46
Banhwich
8
Compact Vietnamese counter doing classic banh mi on the cheap with quick turnarounds. Fresh herbs, pickles, and warm baguettes make it a reliable weekday lunch move.
Must-Try Dishes:
Combo Pork Banh Mi, Grilled Chicken Banh Mi, Egg Rolls
What Makes it Special: Classic, affordable banh mi with speedy service.
#47
Chao Pescao
8
Cuban-Colombian spot near Civic Center serving a legit Cubano alongside homestyle plates and cocktails. The sandwich program travels well and pairs with plantain sides for a fuller meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cubano Sandwich, Pan con Bistec (steak sandwich), Lechón Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Caribbean sandwiches (proper Cubano) from a chef-driven kitchen.
#48
Crostini & Java
8
Lower Nob Hill café known for made-to-order breakfast sandwiches and a ‘Works’ bagel loaded with smoked salmon and classic fixings. Friendly owners keep the pace brisk without rushing guests.
Must-Try Dishes:
Works bagel (lox, capers, red onion), Cream cheese bagel, Egg & avocado bagel
What Makes it Special: A hefty ‘Works’ bagel built fresh with clean, balanced flavors.
Beloved beachside bakery best known for towering breakfast sandwiches and buttery biscuits. Expect a line; the counter moves fast and everything travels well to the sand.
Must-Try Dishes:
Special breakfast sandwich, Buttermilk biscuit, Cinnamon roll
What Makes it Special: Iconic breakfast biscuit sandwiches steps from Ocean Beach.
#50
Dolores Deluxe
8
Historic corner market turned café offering creative, seasonal sandwiches and an all-day breakfast lineup. Expect rotating specials, vegetarian options, and a strong takeaway game near the park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegan Sando #16, Deluxe Breakfast Sandwich, Lebanese Caprese
What Makes it Special: Creative sandwiches and park-ready fare from a century-old corner shop.