Mouthwatering Toronto Sandwiches & Where To Get Them
The sandwich: what was once the typical ‘lunch meal’, taken to work and school in a brown paper bag and comprised of a simple vessel of bread filled with cheese and deli meats, has become a gastronomical sensation, appearing on almost every menu across the globe. From the German döner to the Italian meatball sub, there’s no short of cultures making their own version of this lunch staple: bread, meat and cheese is all it requires — though, vegetarian versions are making their way into the spotlight — and innovativeness has become the name of the game. Read on to discover the 28 best sandwiches in foodie mecca, Toronto, and how you can get your hands on one yourself. Sandwich connoisseurs, rejoice!
1. The Porchetta
Sandwich Shop, Deli, Italian
1. The Porchetta
At Porchetta & Co., the house special is a must (for obvious reasons): porchetta — or, roasted pork shoulder for the newbies — crispy skin cracklings, truffle sauce, parmesan, mustard and hot sauce. Be prepared to be wow-ed.
Porchetta & Co., 545 King Street W, Toronto, ON, Canada, +1 647-351-8844
2. The Chicken Piri
Sandwich Shop, Canadian
2. The Chicken Piri
Brock serves up a number of ridiculously delicious sandwiches, but go for the chicken piri piri if you know what’s good for you — crispy chicken, charred onion and lettuce piled high on a bun. Note: the photo does not do justice for the amount of flavor of this sandwich.
3. The Torta
Pop-up restaurant, Sandwich Shop, Mexican
3. The Torta
Tortería San Cosme is all about the Mexican torta, and we’re just as in love. Go for the ‘Cubana’ — smoked Sanagan’s ham, smokey bacon, abobo-roasted pork, melted Gouda cheese, chipotles, sliced tomato, avocado and spicy Caplansky mustard sandwiched between Blackbird Baking Co. bread. Triple pork — how could we not?!
Tortería San Cosme, 5 Mercer St, Toronto, ON M5V 1H2, Canada, +1 416-850-2855
4. The Italian Veal
Sandwich Shop, Italian
4. The Italian Veal
San Fran’s is an institution in Toronto, and continues to make one of the best veal sandwiches in town. Breaded veal, melted cheese and marinara make up this simple masterpiece, served piled high on a bun. Don’t forget the extra sauce (spicy, please) and a side of hot peppers.
San Francesco Foods, 10 Clinton St, Toronto, ON, Canada, +1 416 534 7867
5. The Smoked Meat
Deli, Sandwich Shop, Authentic
5. The Smoked Meat
If you’re on the search for a sandwich that makes meat the star, Caplansky’s has got your back (you can forget about the veg on this one). The smoked meat sandwich, piled high on rye with a pickle, will satisfy any meat lover’s dream; don’t forget to get it ‘fresser’ style and double your meat for a special meat experience.
Caplansky’s Deli, 6301 Silver Dart Dr, Mississauga, ON L5P 1B2, Canada
6. The Lox Bagel-wich
Deli, Fishmonger, Sandwich Shop, Seafood
6. The Lox Bagel-wich
Schmaltz Appetizing kills it with their bagel sandwiches, particularly the ‘chub chub’: smoked whitefish salad, gravlax, horseradish cream cheese & dill cucumbers. Don’t forget to put it on pumpernickel.
Schmaltz Appetizing, 414 Dupont St, Toronto, ON, Canada, +1 647 350 4261
7. The Peameal Bacon
Market, Food Stand, Canadian
7. The Peameal Bacon
This list wouldn’t be complete without the famous peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery — a Toronto staple, simple but delicious. No fancy toppings here where bacon is the star: grilled layers of peameal (back bacon) are stuffed into a soft bun, and while toppings are discouraged, mustard is always a nice addition. Hello, bacon heaven.
8. The Lobster Roll
Food Truck, Market, Restaurant, Fishmonger, Seafood, Canadian
9. The Brisket
Sandwich Shop, BBQ
9. The Brisket
Black Camel is serving a whole list of banging sandwiches, but the brisket is by far the star of the show. The five day process involves three-days of marinating, 12 hours of slow-roasting and 24 hours of resting. Tossed with housemade BBQ sauce and stuffed inside a Portuguese roll from Progress Bakery, this one is to die for, we promise. Don’t forget the caramelized onions (these are extra) and a side of the Charamoula mayo — garlic, lemon, cilantro and smoked paprika blended with mayo.
10. The Churrasco
Sandwich Shop, South American
11. The Fried Eggplant
Sandwich Shop, Market, Italian
11. The Fried Eggplant
For all you veggie lovers, the fried eggplant sandwich at Uno Mustachio is for you (meat eaters can get it with veal, a delicious addition) — breaded eggplant, sautéed mushrooms, hot peppers, melted cheese and housemade tomato sauce all piled on top of a warm Kaiser roll, or freshly baked Foccacia if that’s your style. This one’s not to be missed.
12. The Jerk Chicken
Restaurant, Caribbean, Jamaican, Fast Food
12. The Jerk Chicken
Kensington Market local Italian-Jamaican spot, Rasta Pasta, is known for their incredibly authentic and flavorful jerk chicken — what better way to enjoy a nice jerk chicken than sandwiched between two slices of bread? ‘The Vatican’ is just that: two-day marinated chicken and homemade coleslaw grilled to perfection.
13. The Fried Chicken & Waffles
Market, Restaurant, Canadian, Gluten-free
14. The Smoked Pulled Pork
Bar, Restaurant, BBQ, Canadian
15. The Döner
Bistro, German
15. The Döner
At Otto’s Berlin Döner, Berlin street food is their specialty, serving up some of the best döner and currywurst in the city. Go for the veal and lamb döner — shredded veal and lamb piled high inside a fladenbrot, a circular flatbread, and stuffed with lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, onions and cucumber. Be sure to add the feta and extra garlic sauce, which is made in house.
16. The Cubano
Restaurant, Sandwich Shop, Cuban
16. The Cubano
La Cubana is just what it sounds like — the perfect spot if you’re a fan of the classic ‘Cuban.’ The ‘pressed Cubano’ is an all-time fave, which features double pig (ham and shredded pork), melted gruyere cheese, red onion, cornichon (a small French pickle), mustard and mayo; however, opt for it ‘medianoche’ style, which is served on a soft bun instead of the traditional sliced bread.
17. The Falafel
Restaurant, Kosher, Middle Eastern, Fast Food, Mediterranean
17. The Falafel
This one goes out to all the vegetarians: head to Dr. Laffa‘s for one of the best falafels in town — go for the laffa bread and be sure to get it with everything.
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