Guides / Spots

The Best Deli Subs in Toronto

Kevin Gallardo

1 year ago

There's just something about a deli sub. Maybe it's the sense of familiarity, bringing back memories of elementary school lunches that mom made. It could be how easy they are to make because we're all fed up with home cooking. Or it could be the addicting nature of deli meats in general because there are few things better than mortadella, salami and prosciutto. The deli sub scene has exploded in Toronto over the past few years, and listed below are players new and old to the sandwich game where you can pick up the best deli subs in the city.

832 Dundas St W

The Fourth Man in the Fire Pizzeria

This pizzeria on Dundas West does a hefty sub; the Real American Hero is served on freshly baked hoagies and comes stacked with provolone, cooked prosciutto, hot and sweet Venetian salami, pepperoni, shredded lettuce, pickled red onion and American hero balsamic vinaigrette.

Topol Sandwich

This Persian sandwich spot with locations in North York and Richmond Hill is known for its massive subs.

59 Cameron St

Maker Pizza - Chinatown

You might be heading here for the pizza but don't miss out on The Bodega sandwich with mortadella, ham, smoked turkey, Genoa salami, mozzarella, provolone, pepperoncini, sub sauce, roasted red peppers, pickled jalapeño and iceberg lettuce.

389 King St W

Belly Buster Submarines - King West

As no-nonsense as a sub shop can get. The location on King is legendary, and the decor hasn't changed since they've opened. The lettuce is shredded paper thin, bread baked fresh and the meat is stacked sky high.

1311 St Clair Ave W

Tre Mari Bakery

A St. Clair staple. The hot table is legendary, but you can never go wrong with any of the panino offerings. You can watch as one of the nonna's behind the counter prepares your deli sandwich for you. It's prepared with love, fat chunks of cheese and fresh deli meats from the slicer. What more do you want.

161 Harbord St

Emmer

The key at Emmer is the ingredients. Their slab sandwiches are served on house semolina and olive oil slab bread, the mozzarella is hand-stretched, the mortadella is glistening, and the pistachio pistou is fancy. Probably the most high-end sandwich on this list, but it deserves to be here nonetheless.

213 Oak Park Av

Oak Park Deli

For those folks in the east end, I have a gem for you. Oak Park Deli delivers on cheap offerings that pack huge flavour. Their sandwiches are loaded and their famous four-cheese bread is homemade.

176 Bellwoods Ave

Lambo's Deli & Grocery

As straight-up as a sandwich shop can get. Brought to life because the owners thought it was silly that Toronto didn't have an amazing bodega level sandwich, Lambo's Deli was born. The meats are sliced thinly and the toppings are made in-house.

374 Royal York Rd

SanRemo Bakery

You really can't go wrong at SanRemo. A Toronto gem open since 1969, they bake their bread, slice the deli meats right in front of you, and will yell at you just like you're a member of their large Italian family. The muffuletta needs two hands and an unhinged jaw, but it's worth it.

189 Augusta Ave

Good Behaviour Submarine

Now to a new player in the sandwich game. Good Behaviour Submarine recently opened up its doors located right off of Geary Ave. Created out of the fond memories that the owners had eating subs as young cooks, the menu offerings are as classic as classic gets.

2021 Yonge St

La Salumeria

A veteran in the sandwich game. A staple in the Toronto deli scene. They don't advertise it, there are no signs telling you, but La Salumeria has been serving some of the best handmade deli sandwiches since 1984. Pick your bread from the front, bring it to the deli counter and pick anything you want or let them work their magic.

15 Elm St

Elm Street Italian Deli

You'll never go wrong getting a deli sub from a restaurant with Italian Deli in its name. The menu options sound like they're cast members of The Sopranos, only adding to the allure. The offerings are a little pricey, but your first bite from a Don of Elm St sub will set you right.

1084 Yonge St

Grandma Loves You

I don't know if there is a more appropriately named restaurant in all of Toronto. The monster subs prepared at Grandma Loves You can only be made by a grandma that will not accept that you're full. The Spicy Ham and Cheese is a winner.