Everyone has a favorite sandwich. And most people have a favorite sandwich shop that trumps all others. Best of NJ loves sandwiches, too, so we’re showcasing a list of The Best Sandwich Shops in New Jersey. These are the go-to spots for quick lunch breaks, road trip pit stops, and full blown belly busters. Be sure to try them all throughout the year!
Many of the sandwich shops on this list offer gourmet Italian subs and sandwiches, while some spotlight the Sloppy Joe. (Not the one most people think of, the unique New Jersey Sloppy Joe.) Others create delicious belly busters packed with chicken cutlets, corned beef, or other adventurous meats. But all of them serve incredible sandwiches that keep patrons coming back for more.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find The Best Sandwich Shops nearby.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
North Jersey
Featured from Bergen County:
Vinnie’s Mootz
Where: 356 Valley Brook Ave, Lyndhurst
Details: Vinnie’s Mootz is more than just mozzarella. That said, it’s absolutely the best place to purchase fresh mozzarella and burrata, as nobody makes it like Vinnie. Except perhaps for those who take one of his fresh mozz-making classes. In any case, Vinnie’s Mootz is an authentic Italian market that also makes high quality sandwiches. Regulars love the Lucky Lady, with chicken cutlet, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, arugula, and balsamic glaze. All bread is made with a high-protein flour that won’t leave patrons feeling bloated. There’s a story behind the name of each sandwich, all relating to Vinnie’s family and life experiences. This includes spending his childhood summers in Italy, learning how his mother could cook something out of nothing. This taught him to cook with nearby fresh ingredients and no preservatives. Customers who get to know Vinnie can also enjoy some secret menu items.
Why I Like it: Vinnie truly runs his business for the love of cooking, always going above and beyond for customers.
| Visit Their Website | Order Online | Follow on TikTok | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 201-468-0117 |
Andrea Salumeria
Where: Jersey City
Details: For folks who love fresh mozzarella, Andrea Salumeria is a top contender. But that’s not the only reason to frequent this Italian specialty market and deli; they are also known for their gourmet Italian sandwiches. Patrons can choose from a large variety of imported meats and cheeses, or go with one of the specials. For instance, the Soprano is a favorite, with soppresata, prosciutto, mozzarella, sundry tomatoes, and extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO).
Angelina’s Fine Italian Deli
Where: Hawthorne
Details: The giant, overstuffed, hot and cold Italian sandwiches at Angelina’s are almost too big (if that’s even possible). In fact, one sub can leave some guests with days of leftovers. Standout ingredients include fresh-baked bread, creamy mozzarella, and perfectly cooked chicken cutlets. The excellent service from Angelina and her sons is as friendly as their food is authentic. Try the chicken cutlet with mozzarella and red peppers, or the vodka chicken parm sub.
Cosmo’s Italian Salumeria
Where: Hackensack
Details: This small neighborhood deli is a big part of television history. That’s because it is the heart of where many scenes from The Sopranos were filmed. Patrons also know that Cosmo’s serves up one of the best Italian subs in the state. That’s a bold statement, considering how much North Jersey loves their Italian subs. So what makes Cosmo’s stand out? It’s the combination of crusty bread and the perfect ratio of meats, lettuce, tomato, onion, and oil and vinegar.
Fiore’s House of Quality
Where: Hoboken
Details: Fiore’s House of Quality is nearly as famous as Frank Sinatra himself (also known for being a customer). The 100-year-old Hoboken institution is known for its roast beef, fresh mozzarella, and gravy hero. But everything at this classic Italian deli is amazing, so long as it includes their homemade mutz. There’s typically a line, but Fiore’s is worth the wait. Other standout sandwiches include the roasted red pepper, the corned-beef special, and the Italian tuna.
Giovannis Italian Deli
Where: Secaucus
Details: Giovannis is known for fresh soft bread, huge portions, and to-die-for mozzarella that is made on site. This old-school Jersey-style deli consistently turns out some of the best sandwiches in the state. In fact, many customers travel from afar for favorites like their chicken parm sandwich and classic Italian sub. Just make sure to add that fresh mutz to any order! This shop is typically very busy, so it’s best to call in any sandwich orders ahead of time.
Sergio & Co Italian Specialties
Where: Denville
Details: This Italian eatery is a Morris County favorite, with imported cheeses, pastas, breads, specialty items, and gourmet sandwiches. Patrons can create their own sandwich from a large selection of breads, meats, and cheeses. Otherwise, the menu includes a number of classic Italian specials. One option is the breaded chicken cutlet, broccoli rabe, and tomatoes on an Italian roll. Their sweet or hot soppressata with imported provolone and eggplant caponata on a ciabatta roll is also popular.
Town Hall Deli
Where: South Orange
Details: The Sloppy Joe reigns supreme in North Jersey, and it all started here. The origin of the sandwich dates back to the 1930s when the mayor of South Orange asked the Town Hall Deli owners to re-create a sandwich he discovered in Cuba. It was a combo of cole slaw, ham, cow tongue, Swiss cheese, and lots of dressing served on thin rye. The triple-decker has evolved and is now offered in many combinations, But Town Hall is its true birthplace.
Vilardo’s Deli
Where: Nutley
Details: This family-owned neighborhood deli brings the authentic flavors of Italy to North Jersey. Vilardo’s provides a range of sandwiches and chopped salads, all made with fresh ingredients. Their fresh-baked bread is a sandwich afficionado’s dream, as each bite is both crunchy and fluffy. The chicken cutlet with fresh mozzarella, tomato, roasted pepper, arugula, and balsamic glaze gets especially high marks from patrons. The shop also offers imported Italian oils, vinegars, and coffee.
Wallington Deli
Where: Wallington
Details: The Wallington Deli is another heavy hitter in the sandwich arena that offers freshly-baked bread and homemade mozzarella. They are a fan-favorite because of their heavily-stuffed sandwiches, huge portions, and great prices. In particular, their Philly cheesesteak — made with real steak — is always a winner. Other favorites include the classic Italian and the #2: Chicken cutlet with fresh mozzarella, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and mayo. Don’t be surprised if the line extends out the door.
Central Jersey
Dolce & Clemente’s
Where: Robbinsville
Details: Dolce & Clemente’s is so good that Guy Fieri has stopped here twice in the past few years; both times to showcase the spot for his hit show, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. In addition to the amazing prosciutto bread, lunch customers rave about the overstuffed sandwiches. Customers choose from 300 international cheeses, cold cuts, and warm, fresh Italian bread. The Pink Panther—chicken cutlet covered with mozzarella cheese, dripping with vodka sauce on garlic bread—is a true standout.
Iorio Deli
Where: Roselle Park
Details: This hidden neighborhood gem is putting Roselle Park on the map with award-winning sandwiches, meatballs, and Italian delicacies. Owner Gilda DeIorio emigrated from Italy over 70 years ago and has been serving up family recipes at Iorio for 45 years. The Big Al’s Italian, Chickie’s Chicken Parm, and the Tommy Tuna are some of their popular subs. They also offer breakfast sandwiches, stuffed breads, sloppy joes, and roast beef melts, all at great prices.
Massimo Deli
Where: Kenilworth
Details: It’s all about the homemade mozzarella at this gourmet Italian deli. When coupled with fresh bread and their selection of imported meats and cheeses, every sandwich is a winner. Expect a line at lunch, but it’s worth the wait. First-timers can’t really go wrong with anything on the menu, so long as the sandwich comes with mutz. But in particular, the chicken cutlet sub with fresh mozzarella and roasted red peppers is always a fan favorite.
Jersey Shore
Bennie’s Bread & Italian Market
Where: Ocean City
Details: Bennie’s freshly bakes more than 15 types of bread every day. But it’s their famous Bennie hoagie rolls that make their subs so good. Available both hot and cold, their subs are always made fresh to order. Their number-one seller is The Uncle G. This menu mainstay comes with breaded chicken cutlet, grilled red peppers, sharp provolone, broccoli rabe, and homemade pesto aioli. Pro tip: savvy patrons can skip the in-store line by calling ahead and ordering pickup.
Joe Leone’s Italian Specialties
Where: Point Pleasant Beach
Details: This Italian gourmet shop/salumeria offers an array of imported foods, handmade fresh mozzarella, prepared dishes, and gourmet sandwiches. We’re not knocking the meats and cheeses when we say the best part of the sandwich here is the bread. The secret is their unique WaterMaker, which replicates the quality of water found in the Bronx. Try their signature Joe Leone’s Italian Combo, with hot and sweet soppressata, Genoa salami, capicola, and provolone.
Taliercio’s Ultimate Gourmet
Where: Red Bank
Details: This family-run Italian gourmet shop doesn’t just make deli sandwiches, they create mouthwatering works of art. These seemingly mile-high, overstuffed subs, with more than 70 variations, have to be seen to be believed. Signature options include the Peter Luger, with hot roast beef, mozzarella, and Peter Luger sauce. Meanwhile, the Luca Brasi has chicken cutlet, long hot peppers, burrata, and vodka sauce. Just a quick skim of the menu has most patrons planning a trip, regardless of where they live.
White House Subs
Where: Atlantic City
Details: Since 1946, this Atlantic City mainstay has set the standard for subs in NJ. Fresh meats, huge portions, and friendly service are all part of their winning formula. After decades of operating a single location on Artic Avenue, White House Subs now has a second spot. Guests of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino can find them on the second floor. Favorites include the Italian sub, cheesesteak, and the White House Special, with extra salami, provolone, ham, and capicola.
South Jersey
Carmen’s Deli
Where: Bellmawr | Haddon Heights | Stratford
Details: Since 1966, Carmen’s has been known for its award-winning hot and cold sandwiches. But in 2017, the owner of Del Buono’s Bakery bought the deli, taking Carmen’s to the next level. They serve over 50 top-quality lunch meats, all on Del Buono’s rolls and white bread. The original Belmawr location has since been renovated and two more spots have opened, merging Carmen’s and Del Buono together. The hoagies are great, but the cheesesteaks are their signature sandwich.
Dad’s Deli & Catering
Where: Marlton
Details: Even through a change in ownership, Dad’s continues to set a high standard. This no-frills deli offers all the hoagie classics, plus a variety of Dad’s originals. The Ginzo, for instance, is a fan favorite. It perfectly balances prosciutto, Genoa salami, sharp provolone, roasted red peppers, and spicy red relish. Another hit is the Gerty, made with corned beef, pastrami, Swiss, and Thousand Island dressing, available either hot or cold. Sandwiches here are so large, they also offer “mini” portions.
Palmisano’s Sandwich Shop
Where: Sewell
Details: Brick Grocery & Sandwich Shop changed its name earlier this year to Palmisano’s. However, the owners remain the same, so patrons can continue to expect the same great offerings. In addition to gourmet olive oils, imported cheeses, and fresh pasta, this Italian specialty shop makes outstanding sandwiches. Their use of premium Italian Rovagnati meats, rolls from South Philly’s Sarcone’s Bakery, and friendly service make them a winner. We recommend the monstrous Porchetta sandwich.
Waller’s Deli
Where: Tabernacle
Details: Waller’s refers to itself as the home of Tabernacle’s original breakfast burrito. But this small, unassuming deli offers up a large variety of sandwiches as well. The menu is packed with Reubens, cheesesteaks, triple-decker clubs, BLTs, hoagies, wraps, grilled cheeses, meatball parms, and tuna melts. Not to mention grilled-chicken sandwiches, waffle sandwiches, and even breakfast hoagies like the classic Pork Roll, Egg, and Cheese. The staff donates a portion of their tips to a different charity or shelter every month.
Click Here To See More Best of New Jersey Lists.
The Best Sandwich Shops in New Jersey FAQs
Where are the Most Popular Sandwich Shops in New Jersey?
Visit Best of NJ’s list to find our statewide picks! Some popular New Jersey sandwich shops include White House Subs in Atlantic City, and Fiore’s House of Quality in Hoboken.
What are the Most Affordable Sandwich Shops in New Jersey?
There are a number of Sandwich Shops in NJ that are famous for their fair pricing. For instance, Carmen’s Deli (with three locations throughout South Jersey) is known for high quality and low prices.
What are the Best Sandwich Shops for Delivery/Takeout/Catering?
Most of New Jersey’s sandwich shops offer either delivery, takeout, or catering. But Town Hall Deli in South Orange takes it one step further. They offer nationwide shipping via Goldbelly.
Where are New Jersey’s Most Unique Sandwich Shops?
The Sloppy Joe is New Jersey’s trademark sandwich. This Triple Decker sandwich contains cole slaw, ham, cow tongue, Swiss cheese, and dressing served on thin rye bread. Visitors and locals alike can find the NJ Sloppy Joe at many sandwich shops throughout the state.
What are the Most Popular Sandwich Types in New Jersey?
This is a loaded question, and we aren’t just talking about the sandwich fillings! Most diehard sandwich fans swear by a particular style, but five in particular are the most common. The most popular types of NJ sandwiches (in no particular order) are Clubs, Hoagies, Sloppy Joes, Cheesesteaks, and Italian Subs.
Top Photo: © Giovannis Italian Deli / Facebook