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. (We’re 100% sure all of the Facebook comments for this list will be super polite.)
The spots on this list all specialize in their own style of sandwich. Many of them 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 for the really adventurous, cow tongue. 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 in nearby.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
North Jersey
Andrea Salumeria
Where: Jersey City
Details: The mozzarella wars are alive and well in NJ, and 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 guests with sometimes 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.
Benanti’s Italian Delicatessen
Where: Bayonne
Details: This traditional Italian deli is so old-school that there aren’t any menus. Patrons even grab their own loaf of bread out of a bread box. Benanti’s is all about custom sandwiches, right down to the smallest ingredients. They offer a large variety of Italian meats and cheeses, along with more than five types of bread and rolls. Not sure what to order? Go with the no-fail Italian sub. Pro tip: When they ask what to put on the sandwich, simply tell them everything.
Cosmo’s Italian Salumeria
Where: Hackensack
Details: This small neighborhood deli is a big part of television history. That’s because it is in 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.
DeNaro’s Deli
Where: Dumont
Details: Since opening in 1962, DeNaro’s has served generations of loyal patrons. This family-owned deli is the place for locals to order sandwiches for either lunch or all-occasion catering. They get high marks for generous portions and fair prices, but their hot and cold sandwiches are the marquee attraction. Popular picks for cold subs include the “Heartburn” with spiced ham, ham, salami, and provolone. Meanwhile, the Chicken Cutlet Parmesan is a fan favorite hot sandwich.
Ferraro’s Italian Food Specialties
Where: Parsippany
Details: This family-owned deli has been offering prepared meals and Italian specialties for more than 30 years. Of course, they’re also known for an incredible selection of classic Italian sandwiches. Specialty items include Michael’s Belly Buster with chicken cutlet, provolone, hot fryer peppers, broccoli rabe, crispy prosciutto, and balsamic glaze. They also offer hot sandwiches like The Sloppy Italian: smashed homemade meatballs topped with provolone, fryer peppers, onions, and broccoli rabe.
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.
Hayek’s Market
Where: Newton
Details: Hayek’s Market offers grocery items, bakery goods, ice cream, and prepared meals, but that’s not all. This family-run hometown market also offers a great selection of lunch sandwiches. The store is clean and well-organized, with a large deli area featuring daily specials. They deli also proudly showcases a selection of Boar’s Head meats. Popular sandwiches include hot pastrami, meatball parm, and the prosciutto, mozzarella, and red pepper.
Hobby’s Delicatessen & Restaurant
Where: Newark
Details: Hobby’s Deli is an old-fashioned Jewish deli just two blocks from the Prudential Center. Since 1962, they’ve been pickling their legendary corned beef in 50-gallon stainless-steel vats. They also serve a variety of other meats on either rye, white, whole wheat, roll, or multi-grain bread. Favorites include pastrami, prime roast beef, tongue, hard salami, ham, brisket, and meat loaf. All sandwiches at Hobby’s are piled high and come in a number of mix and match combinations.
Michael’s Salumeria
Where: Lyndhurst
Details: Michael’s is the place to satisfy that classic gourmet sandwich with chicken cutlet and fresh mozzarella craving. They serve sandwiches and subs daily until they run out of their fresh bread. so get there early. This Italian-style deli prepares popular options like the prosciutto sub with fresh mozzarella, sun-dried tomato, basil, and EVOO. Their balsamic-marinated eggplant with roasted red peppers, grilled zucchini, fresh mozzarella, and basil pesto is also a winner.
Millburn Deli
Where: Millburn | Morristown | Montclair
Details: There are two things patrons can always count on at this bustling deli. The first is a long line, but the second is the best sandwiches in the area. The Godfadda, with chicken cutlet, bacon, sliced mozzarella, and Russian dressing on a pressed sub roll, is a must-try. Also popular is the My Hammy Vice, with ham, cheddar, sautéed onions, apple slices, and Russian dressing on pressed rye. Be sure to try out their more than 20 different Sloppy Joe combos. Visit their to-go outposts in Morristown and Montclair.
Savioli’s Ravioli
Where: Franklin
Details: One look at the menu and it’s clear that Savioli’s is Sussex County’s only true authentic Italian deli. (Though they also have Greek options as well.) Sandwich names include the Paisano, Guido, Uncle Cheech, Goumba, Ba Da Bing, and The Chooch. They make all subs on fresh semolina bread with imported meats and cheeses. One fan favorite is The Sicilian, with ham, salami, soppressata, provolone, and roasted red peppers. But we recommend the Sinatra, with prosciutto, hot capicola, sopressata, & imported provolone cheese.
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.
Sub Shack & Deli
Where: Hackettstown
Details: This cash-only sub shop is a fan favorite, with fresh-cut meats and their famous sub rolls. For more than 50 years, the same owner in the same location has been offering both hot and cold subs. In addition to their extensive sub menus, they also offer specialty half-pound subs, cheesesteaks, deli sandwiches, and Sloppy Joes. The Hackettstown sandwich, with corned beef, roast beef, Swiss, lettuce, tomato, and Russian dressing, is always a hit.
Town Hall Deli
Where: South Orange
Details: The Sloppy Joe reigns supreme in North Jersey (again, NOT the ground beef kind), 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.
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.
Harold’s New York Deli
Where: Edison
Details: For classic Jewish-style sandwiches, Harold’s is the go-to spot of Central NJ, no trip into NYC necessary. Their incredible selection of pastrami, corned beef, roast beef, and tongue combinations come in truly large servings. Big enough to feed up to four people, in fact. Patrons have a bevy of bread options including rye, white, whole wheat, pumpernickel, Italian hero, kaiser roll, or a bagel. But no trip to Harold’s is complete without visiting what they call the world’s largest pickle bar.
Hershey’s Subs Deli & Catering
Where: Westfield
Details: Giant subs are what this Westfield staple is all about. The counter-style shop has been serving both hot and cold subs and sandwiches for more than 50 years. In particular, the Super is a favorite, with prosciuttini, pressed ham, salami, capicola, and a choice of cheese. Hershey’s Subs Deli & Catering closes at 5:00 pm, however, and they stop all hot orders at 4:00 pm. So plan accordingly to ensure that delicious sandwich of choice doesn’t slip away.
Little King Sandwich Shop
Where: Hamilton Square
Details: Don’t be fooled by Little King’s unassuming strip mall façade. This family-run sandwich shop has been specializing in hot and cold subs since 1967. Loyal patrons know to expect a half-hour wait, but that’s just how good the subs are. One secret to their success is the fresh seeded rolls. Their signature sandwich, the Jove (king of Italian gods), is a must-order. It comes with soppressata, capicola, prosciutto, mozzarella, provolone, roasted peppers, tomato, onion, balsamic, olive oil, and pesto mayo.
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.
Randazzo’s Pastry Shop & Bakery
Where: Raritan
Details: Randazzo’s consistently offers some of the best Italian gourmet subs in the area. It helps that they freshly bake all bread and rolls on the premises. Their sandwiches are piled high with specialty ingredients, and each is large enough for multiple meals. Patrons love both the classic Italian and The Godfather. The latter comes with imported prosciutto, capicola, fresh mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, and oil and vinegar. They also have top notch cannolis for dessert.
RU Hungry?
Where: New Brunswick
Details: This Rutgers University mainstay is popular with both students and sandwich connoisseurs alike. They call themselves the original home of the fat sandwich, and they aren’t kidding. (In fact, their original parked food truck was one of the first modern food trucks in the country.) These huge sandwiches are messy and overflowing with such fried foods as french fries, chicken tenders, cheesesteak, and mozzarella sticks. And the best part? They’re open until 4 am.
Ye Olde Sub Base
Where: Clinton
Details: In an area where sandwich shops are few and far between, Ye Old Sub Base is a lifesaver. This longtime shop may be small, but they offer an extensive sandwich menu with hot and cold subs. They also serve Reubens, Sloppy Joes, and wraps. But it’s the rotating daily specials that really stand out. For instance, the Pesto Press offers fresh mozzarella, roasted turkey, capicola, Genoa salami, tomato, onion, roasted red peppers, and pesto.
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.
Mandy’s Subs
Where: Cape May Court House
Details: Yes, Mandy’s is right next to a gas station. But that doesn’t stop them from serving some of the best subs in the Cape May area. Some say it’s the price that keeps them coming back, while others swear by the Atlantic City rolls. But everyone agrees their high quality ingredients produce some of the best hot and cold sandwiches. One favorite is the house-roasted, medium-rare Angus beef sub with provolone and Tiger sauce. Another is the roast pork and provolone, topped with sautéed spinach.
Mystic Market LBI
Where: Ship Bottom
Details: In addition to incredible fresh seafood and meats, Mystic Market LBI also offers gigantic subs and delicious sandwiches. This includes their fan favorite lobster rolls. Alongside cheesesteaks and Reubens, the menu also includes signature sandwiches like The Boss. The latter is a sub with prosciutto, roasted red pepper, mozzarella, and balsamic glaze. Another standout is the Hamtastic, with ham, roasted red pepper, cheese, bacon, and dijon mustard.
The Speakeatery
Where: Asbury Park
Details: This gourmet food market offers a slate of sophisticated sandwiches using fresh and creative ingredients. One standout is the General. This sandwich pairs crispy General Tso’s chicken with broccoli cabbage and scallion ginger slaw on steamed rice buns. Other tasty choices include a shrimp po boy, local fluke BLT, portobello mushroom cheesesteak, and The Bootlegger. The latter is a buttermilk-soaked fried boneless pork chop smothered in sausage gravy and served on a homemade biscuit.
Sugar Hill Sub & Deli
Where: Mays Landing
Details: Owner Gerry Delaney and his wife, Denise, have a simple business premise. They serve the same great sandwiches as other top delis in the state, but for a fraction of the cost. Their mix of quality ingredients and bread from Formica’s Bakery (the same spot White House Subs uses) are their secret. Specials include The Armie Bomb cheesesteak, the Pesto Stepho with grilled chicken, and Dazzling Danny’s Special Club. The latter features corned beef, turkey, cole slaw, and Russian dressing.
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 with 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
Waller’s Deli
Where: 1572 Rt 206, Tabernacle
Details: Waller’s likes to refer to itself as the home of Tabernacle’s original breakfast burrito. But this small, unassuming deli offers up a large variety of satisfying 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. Highlights include the Pork Roll Reuben on rye bread with Russian dressing and coleslaw; the BBQ, Ham & Cheddar Chicken Steak, which is pretty self explanatory; and the Cranberry Walnut Triple Decker Club, with cranberry walnut chicken salad, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and bacon.
Why I Like it: The staff donates a portion of their tips to a different charity or shelter every month.
| Visit their Website | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Give them a Call |
Brick Grocery & Sandwich Shop
Where: Sewell
Details: 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. Patrons declare Brick Grocery & Sandwich Shop delivers some of South Jersey’s best hoagies. One favorite is the Porchetta, a monster sandwich filled with sliced porchetta, provolone, spinach, and Calabrian pepper spread.
Carmen’s Deli
Where: Bellmawr | Haddon Heights | Stratford
Details: Since 1966, Carmen’s has been known for its award-winning hot and cold sandwiches. 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 it’s typically the cheesesteaks that have customers coming back for more.
Dad’s Deli & Catering
Where: Marlton
Details: Dad’s may have a new owner, but it continues to get high marks. 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. Because the standard sandwiches are so large, they also offer mini portions.
Jersey Jerry’s
Where: Vineland
Details: Jersey Jerry’s is famous for their cheesesteaks, but also offers a large variety of cold and hot subs/sandwiches. A couple standouts are Juliano’s Little Italy Special and the “That’s a Spicy Matt” special. The former features prosciutto, old fashioned capicola, Genoa salami, mortadella, and sharp provolone. Likewise, That’s a Spicy Matt mixes buffalo chicken and provolone cheese with Lettuce, blue Cheese and buffalo sauce. But we recommend Mom & Pop’s Dagwood Special.
The Kibitz Room
Where: Cherry Hill
Details: “Where Size Does Matter” is the tagline at this New York–style Jewish deli. The mile-high classic sandwiches on rye here are overflowing with a variety of meats. Options include corned beef, pastrami, brisket, roast beef, fresh roasted turkey, ham, tongue, salami, bologna, and chicken. They also serve cheesesteaks, hot open-faced sandwiches, and wraps. Competitive eaters can tackle the Kibitz Room Challenge: Eating a sandwich that normally serves 3-4 people in 45 minutes or less.
Peter and Sons Sandwiches
Where: Glassboro
Details: A large variety of fresh Italian chicken-cutlet sandwiches and hoagies are on the menu at Peter and Sons. This family-owned business literally welcomes patrons into their house. The Loaded Vodka Cutlet with mozzarella squares, topped with garlic fries is a clear-cut favorite. But it’s the cheesesteak varieties that customers rave about. Cheesesteaks include steak-and-egg, pretzel, chicken, cheese-fries, mac and cheese, and even cheesesteak egg rolls.
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The Best Sandwich Shops in New Jersey FAQs
Visit Best of NJ’s list to find our statewide picks! Some of New Jersey’s most popular sandwich shops include White House Subs in Atlantic City, and DeNaro’s Deli in Dumont.
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. Another spot known for great prices is Mandy’s Subs in Cape May Court House.
Most of New Jersey’s sandwich shops offer either delivery, takeout, or catering. For instance, Bennie’s Bread & Italian Market in Ocean City is a great option for takeout/pickup. DeNaro’s Deli in Dumont is also a great choice for all-occasion catering, from birthdays and Sweet 16’s to holidays.
Of course, the Sloppy Joe is New Jersey’s trademark sandwich. Though this is a ground beef-based meal elsewhere, in NJ the Sloppy Joe is a Triple Decker sandwich. The exact contents are now customizable, but the original Sloppy Joe still reigns supreme. It contains cole slaw, ham, cow tongue, Swiss cheese, and lots of dressing served on thin rye bread. Sloppy Joe’s are available at Town Hall Deli (South Orange), Ye Olde Sub Base (Clinton), and many other sandwich shops.
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: © The Kibitz Room
Other Photos (in Order):
Waller’s Deli / Instagram
