The 10 Best Sandwiches in Canada

A sandwich at home can be a simple, comforting, and easy meal. But, a sandwich from the right restaurant can feel like an elevated dish. And, we have found those sandwiches that take the simple classics and turn them into memorable meals. Here are the 10 best sandwiches in Canada that will impress and satisfy you.

1. The Smoked Meat Sandwich at Schwartz’s (Montreal, Quebec)

Schwartz’s is probably Canada’s most famous sandwich shop. In fact, it’s so good, we featured stopping here in our “9 Things You Need To Do When Visiting Montreal” blog. This Jewish deli has been open since 1928 and has become a Montreal staple. It’s so popular that, even though it’s open 24 hours, you should expect to stand in line no matter what time you show up.

You have to try the classic sandwich Schwartz’s is known for – the Smoked Meat sandwich. It comes with two pieces of bread, yellow mustard, and a generous portion of 10-day cured smoked meat.

2. Tokyo Hot Fried Chicken (Toronto, Ontario)

If you are looking for something spicy and a little different, visit Tokyo Hot Fried Chicken. Located in Toronto’s Little Italy, this restaurant takes “Nashville hot chicken and combines it with Japanese style flavors.” Come here for their award-winning sandwich, “The Signature.” It comes with crispy chicken karaage, sesame sauce, spicy mayo, wasabi mayo, ginger slaw, pickles, and green onions. It’s spicy, saucy, and delicious!

3. La Grotta Del Formaggio (Vancouver, British Columbia)

This sandwich shop is one of Vancouver’s best-kept secrets. La Grotta Del Formaggio is a deli that makes sandwiches and sells Italian groceries. The deli is a fan favorite with locals who frequent Vancouver’s Commercial Drive, but most tourists don’t know about this hidden gem.

It’s hard to recommend a specific sandwich here because you get to choose your own toppings. But, we can tell you to get the half-focaccia sandwich. The exact Italian deli meats, cheeses, and toppings are up to you. We can assure you, though, you’ll love whatever creation you make here!

4. La Cubana (Toronto, Ontario)

La Cubana has done so well in Toronto that it’s opened up three family-run locations across the city. The restaurant offers “homemade, meticulously prepared Cuban cuisine” and even makes their bread from scratch. The love and attention to every dish have earned La Cubano a spot on a list of Toronto’s 24 Best Sandwiches.

Of course, you can’t come to a place called La Cubano and not have a Cubano sandwich. We love the Cuban Medianoche, which is a Cubano served on a soft bun. You get slow-roasted pork shoulder, melty cheese, red onions, pickles, grainy mustard, and chipotle mayo. It’s a mouth-watering sandwich that will leave you coming back here again and again.  

5. Dépanneur Le Pickup (Montreal, Quebec)

Dépanneur Le Pickup is a Montreal favorite with both tourists and locals. This spot takes diner classics and puts a spin on them. The restaurant focuses on using fresh ingredients and making as much from scratch as possible.

Now, you might not think that a vegetarian sandwich can blow your mind. But, Dépanneur Le Pickup is here to prove you wrong. The Grilled Halloumi sandwich comes with toasted melty halloumi, a mint slaw, honey, and harissa mayo. It’s a combination of salty, sweet, and spicy that works perfectly together.

6. Bernstein’s Deli (Winnipeg, Manitoba)

Bernstein’s Deli is a family-owned restaurant serving up homemade classics since 1985. In recent years, the deli has proudly expanded its menu to accommodate gluten-free and vegetarian diets. However, our sandwich recommendation here is neither vegetarian or gluten-free.

If you’re coming here, you have to have the sandwich that has made Bernstein’s a Winnipeg favorite. The House Corned Beef Reuben Deluxe comes with swiss cheese, 160 grams of house-made corned beef, purple kraut, thousand island dressing, and rye bread. It’s an authentic, simple, and tasty take on the Reuben sandwich.

7. Meat & Bread (Vancouver, British Columbia)

Meat & Bread is a popular sandwich chain in Vancouver with four locations in BC and one in Calgary. Each site serves the chain’s three classic sandwiches along with a daily feature sandwich.

Our favorite sandwich here is one of the classics – the Meatball sub. The sandwich comes with fresh meatballs in marinara sauce, a parm aioli, crisp kale, and gremolata. It’s incredible how such a simple sandwich can taste so great.

8. Banh Mi Saigon (Vancouver, British Columbia)

If you search for Vancouver’s best banh mi shop, you’ll always find Banh Mi Saigon taking the top spot. This family-run business bakes its bread fresh every morning using a special recipe. This recipe gives every banh mi from here the perfect combination of a crunchy exterior and a soft pillow interior.

Try the Lemongrass Pork Banh Mi, which comes with homemade mayo, soy sauce, and a pickled vegetable medley. The sandwiches here are only $7.50 for a portion that’s the size of your forearm! But, come prepared, because the restaurant only takes cash.

9. The Other Bean Sandwich Shop (Halifax, Nova Scotia)

The Other Bean Sandwich Shop has been Halifax’s best sandwich source since opening in 2014. The restaurant focuses on using ingredients from local suppliers and makes new sandwich creations daily. Still, it’s some of the classics on their menu that keep people coming back for more.

It’s hard to pick just one favorite off the menu, but The Beckwich is definitely a strong contender. This sandwich comes with smoked ham, spicy salami, fresh Mozza, spinach, pickles, jalapeno, black olives, and Italian sandwich sauce. Your sandwich comes grilled or plain (up to you) and with a side of coleslaw and potato chips. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect lunch?

10. Alumni Sandwiches (Calgary, Alberta)

Alumni Sandwiches is Calgary’s award-winning sandwich shop offering unique sandwiches made from gourmet ingredients. This shop’s tagline is “damn good sandwiches,” and they’re living up to the promise.

Come here for the Rosemary Beef Dip. You get fresh, thinly sliced beef, mushrooms, mozzarella, arugula, sandwich sauce, and rosemary au jus all served on a soft hero roll. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, summer or winter, this sandwich is a good choice any day and any time.

These are our top 10, but the list of unbelievable Canadian sandwiches could really go on forever!