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Where to Find the Best Sandwiches in Adelaide
The humble sandwich has had a serious Adelaide upgrade. Here’s where to find the city’s most tempting creations, one very good lunch at a time.
Adelaide’s lunch scene has come a long way from the humble ham and cheese toastie. These days, the city’s sandwich scene spans Japanese sandos, pressed panini, focaccia and loaded bagels, with plenty of reason to make lunch the main event.
Whether you like yours stacked, toasted, pressed or pillowy, these are the best sandwiches in Adelaide to know for your next lunch break, from reliable classics to seriously good new-school creations.
Bottega Bandito
With a warm and inviting atmosphere, Bottega Bandito serves up a whole host of wholesome Italian dishes – but the Sopressa Sando is one of its standout items. With lashings of sopressa, fermented chilli mayo, fior di latte, tomato and basil, every single bite of this sandwich is simply satisfying.
Suburb: Prospect and Adelaide
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Italian
Best For: Quick bite, Business lunch, Budget-friendly, Locals
Lucia’s Fine Foods
It should be illegal to hit up the Adelaide Central Market without grabbing yourself The Number One from Lucia’s Fine Foods. With mozzarella, prosciutto, tomato and basil, this simple combo never disappoints. And let’s not forget about the crunchy bread… Mamma Mia, it’s simply divine. They also do a huge range of paninis, if that’s more your jam. Run, don’t walk, to get your hands on one of these as they rarely make it past the lunch rush.
Suburb: Adelaide
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Italian
Best For: Quick bite, Business lunch, Budget-friendly, Locals
The Humble Sando
Sandwich combos rotate regularly at Grange’s charming little gem, The Humble Sando, offering a delightful mix for every palate. From the classic turkey and cranberry to a vibrant crunchy veg sando, pulled pork toastie, and an OG ham, each bite is crafted with care. Their bacon and egg roll is a favourite, and the weekend specials are worth the wait.
Suburb: Grange
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Quick bite, Breakfast, Weekend plans, Budget-friendly, Locals
Need To Know: Sandwich combos rotate regularly, with specials on weekends.
Yuna
This Mile End cafe nails Japanese vibes with its cool tones, timber interiors, and killer matcha blends. But the real heroes are their drool-worthy Japanese sandos.From the Takoyaki bun with karaage octopus to pork katsu with kewpie mayo and a Tokyo smash Wagyu beef patty, each sando is comfort food bliss, perfectly paired with sake or specialty coffee. For an early morning treat, the breakfast sando loaded with scrambled eggs, avo, cheese and bacon is a surefire way to start your day on a good note!
Suburb: Mile End
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Japanese
Best For: Breakfast, Brunch, Quick bite, Solo dining
My Place
Just off Rundle Mall, My Place has quickly become a go-to for those in the know — and it’s easy to see why. Their signature wood-fired puffy bread is the base for a lineup of standout sandwiches from fresh and vibrant veggie combinations to flavoursome deli meats. And when you’ve finished with the main event? Stay for the smooth coffee, buttery pastries, and their must-try house-made pistachio tiramisu.
Suburb: Adelaide
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Quick bite, Business lunch, Solo dining, Locals
Bolla Milano
Bringing the flavours of Italy to a little CBD laneway, Bolla Milano is a hidden gem worth knowing about. For those lucky enough to have stumbled across Bolla already (possibly lured in by the smell of freshly baked bread), its place on this list will come as no surprise, with authentic pizza and pastries making up the simple yet satisfying menu. Each bite of these sandwiches will have you dreaming of Milan, with every item full of flavour and the perfect ratio of bread to ingredients. Buonissimo!
Suburb: Adelaide
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Italian
Best For: Quick bite, Business lunch, Solo dining, Budget-friendly
Exchange Coffee
Known for their silky espressos and full-bodied filters, Exchange has been servicing the East End’s caffeinated crowd since 2013. And, while the coffee may take centre stage, it’s here you’ll find one of the best sandwiches in Adelaide – The Wallace. A messy mayhem, it’s stuffed with crispy pancetta, avocado, chipotle mayo, roasted peppers, tomato and mojo verde (green sauce). Vegetarians aren’t overlooked either, with delicious veggo and vegan options that sub the pancetta for halloumi or mushrooms.
Suburb: Adelaide
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Breakfast, Quick bite, Business lunch, Solo dining
Della’s Deli
Della’s Deli, a family-run gem in Flagstaff Hill, offers a warm and inviting atmosphere rooted in the owners’ journey. Named after their miracle daughter, this charming spot serves creative sandwiches made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, alongside delectable pastries and house-roasted specialty coffee.
Their mouth-watering menu features everything from the indulgent Reuben to the slow-cooked Cubano. Don’t miss the house favourite Della Special—a Turkish roll overflowing with mild sopressa, prosciutto, mortadella, pickles, green oak lettuce, buffalo mozzarella, sliced tomato, and sriracha mayo.
Suburb: Flagstaff Hill
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Breakfast, Quick bite, Families, Locals
Tonino Deli
The next best thing to a Euro summer getaway? A trip to Tonino Deli, where the heart of Italy comes to Adelaide through mouth-watering focaccias. Step in for the friendly vibes and irresistible aromas wafting down the street, then dive into an authentic sandwich experience. Think prosciutto and for di latte, a classic meatball sub or Mortadella-filled focaccias that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. Pair it with a morning espresso, or swing by in the afternoon for spritzes, affogatos, and an array of pasticcini and dolce. And yes, the cannoli are just like Nonna made them!
Suburb: Goodwood
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Italian
Best For: Breakfast, Quick bite, Weekend plans, Locals
Munch Deli
Rooted in their Vietnamese heritage, Munch Deli is the friendly neighbourhood deli Adelaideans can’t get enough of – and it’s not hard to see why! Inspired by Melbourne’s deli scene, Munch is the brainchild of hospitality pros Jet and Justin, quickly becoming one of the hottest spots for sandwiches in Adelaide. From classic cheese toasties to inventive options like lemongrass chicken with Asian buffalo sauce or pho-style brisket with chilli jam, Munch delivers bold Southeast Asian flavours with every bite.
Suburb: Adelaide
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: South-East Asian
Best For: Quick bite, Business lunch, Budget-friendly, Solo dining
Proof Wine Bar
You wouldn’t think of a wine bar serving up toasties, but that’s exactly what PROOF is doing. Sometimes, you just want a comforting, warm and gooey toastie with cheese that pairs perfectly with your wine. And despite having a limited kitchen, the team at PROOF know how to get creative. There’s an endless array of combinations to satisfy just about any craving.
Suburb: Adelaide
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Wine bar
Best For: Wine lovers, Quick bite, Solo dining, Locals
Dante’s Deli
When you find yourself in Glenelg, Dante’s Deli is the go-to spot for sandwich enthusiasts. Open seven days a week, this small but mighty deli has earned a reputation for serving some of the best sandwiches in town. Choosing a favourite is near impossible when the fresh and toasted varieties are equally mouthwatering – you’ll want to try the entire menu!
Suburb: Glenelg
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Quick bite, Weekend plans, Budget-friendly, Locals
Rodeo
Rodeo is home to the sandwich pros whipping up more than just mighty sandos – it’s a hub of good vibes. Despite its small size, Rodeo exudes vibrant energy, thanks to some big personalities and a steady flow of Pogo coffee. With a menu featuring toasted and fresh varieties, as well as flavour-packed rotating specials, there’s no shortage of combinations to explore.
Sitchu Tip: The loaded halloumi sando, complete with smashed avo, pickled onions, beetroot relish, and rocket is always a crowd pleaser.
Suburb: Norwood
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Breakfast, Quick bite, Budget-friendly, Locals
Need To Know: Specials rotate, so check the board on arrival.
Spread
Sister venue (and right next door) to the chic wine bar Dolly, Spread is serving the same great vibes and high-quality feeds the Unley locals know and love — now also at Glenelg.
Fresh sandos and oozy toasties are on rotation, with the coffee machine also getting a workout. Try the slow-cooked lamb with whipped tahini, sumac onions, cucumber and tomato, Yum.
Suburb: Unley and Glenelg South
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Quick bite, Weekend plans, Locals, Budget-friendly
Pinco Deli
Come for the sandos and stay for the funky retro vibes being served up daily at Pinco Deli. Find classic sandwiches and focaccias on the menu big on freshness and flavour. Tuck into fresh salami focaccia with whipped ricotta and fermented chilli honey, or, if you prefer your sandwich with a crunch, the toasted tuna sandwich with burger cheese and pickled onion will knock your socks off.
Suburb: Eastwood and Adelaide
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Quick bite, Business lunch, Budget-friendly, Locals
Just Down The Road
The sandwiches at Just Down The Road are next-level good – super fresh, piled high and made using the softest, most crunchy-crusted loaf of white bread from The Village Baker. Almost everything served here is stuffed between thick-cut slices of it, or on rye. Need a tried-and-true hangover cure? The fried chicken with American cheese will be your new best friend.
Suburb: Unley
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Quick bite, Weekend plans, Budget-friendly, Locals
Flying Fig Deli
Inside a quaint bluestone cottage home in North Adelaide, you’ll find one of the best Reubens in the city at Flying Fig Deli. Paying homage to the landmark Jewish delicatessens of NYC, the beauty of this sandwich lies in its balance of flavour. Almost every ingredient is made in-house, from the corned beef and kraut to the cabbage, kohlrabi and that delicious Russian dressing that brings the whole thing together. While the Original is the choice for many, there’s a range of Reubens for you to work through.
Suburb: North Adelaide
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Quick bite, Solo dining, Weekend plans, Locals
Aye Frank
Aye Frank has got to be one of the most unique sandwich shops in Adelaide by far. Part panini bar, part recording studio, this is the place to be if you’re an aspiring podcaster, creative… or simply want a tasty lunch. Serving up all sorts of classically delicious paninis including mortadella, ham, zucchini, prosciutto and more, there’s something for everyone at Aye Frank.
Suburb: Flinders Park
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Italian
Best For: Quick bite, Solo dining, Budget-friendly, Locals
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Sandwiches in Adelaide
Glenelg has two strong options for sandwich lovers. Dante’s Deli on Jetty Road is open seven days and has built a reputation for some of the best sandwiches in town, with fresh and toasted varieties that make choosing a favourite difficult. A short distance away, Spread on Broadway in Glenelg South is the second location of the Unley original, serving fresh sandos and oozy toasties alongside coffee. Its slow-cooked lamb with whipped tahini, sumac onions, cucumber and tomato is a standout, making it an easy stop before or after time by the beach.
Several of Adelaide’s best sandwich spots cater well to vegetarians. Exchange Coffee in the East End offers vegetarian and vegan versions of The Wallace, swapping the pancetta for halloumi or mushrooms. Rodeo in Norwood makes a loaded halloumi sando with smashed avo, pickled onions, beetroot relish and rocket. The Humble Sando in Grange rotates its combos but has featured a crunchy veg sando, and My Place in the CBD includes fresh veggie combinations on its wood-fired puffy bread. Aye Frank in Flinders Park also serves a zucchini panini.
The Adelaide CBD has plenty of options for a lunchtime sandwich. Lucia’s Fine Foods at the Adelaide Central Market is a local favourite, though its sandwiches rarely last past the lunch rush. Munch Deli on King William Street serves Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches like pho-style brisket with chilli jam, while My Place on Charles Street, just off Rundle Mall, builds its sandwiches on wood-fired puffy bread. Exchange Coffee on Vardon Avenue in the East End is known for The Wallace, and Pinco Deli has a city outpost on Gilles Street alongside its Eastwood location.
Adelaide has a strong line-up of Italian-style delis serving focaccia and panini. Tonino Deli on King William Road in Goodwood fills its focaccias with prosciutto and fior di latte, a classic meatball sub or mortadella, with cannoli and spritzes on offer too. Don’s Deli in Kensington stacks focaccia with deli meats and makes toasties with mortadella and pesto. In the CBD, Bolla Milano on James Place pairs its sandwiches with authentic pizza and pastries, while Bottega Bandito in Prospect is known for its Sopressa Sando with fermented chilli mayo, fior di latte, tomato and basil.
Flying Fig Deli in North Adelaide is the go-to for a Reuben. Set inside a bluestone cottage on Jeffcott Street, it pays homage to the Jewish delicatessens of New York City, making almost every component in-house, from the corned beef and kraut to the Russian dressing. The Original is the most popular order, but there’s a range of Reubens to work through on repeat visits. Della’s Deli in Flagstaff Hill is another strong option in the southern suburbs, with an indulgent Reuben sitting alongside a slow-cooked Cubano on its menu of creative sandwiches.
There’s no single answer, but a handful of venues consistently set the standard for sandwiches in Adelaide. Lucia’s Fine Foods at the Adelaide Central Market is known for The Number One, a simple combination of mozzarella, prosciutto, tomato and basil on crunchy bread. Flying Fig Deli in North Adelaide makes one of the city’s best Reubens, with almost every ingredient made in-house. Exchange Coffee in the East End is home to The Wallace, stuffed with crispy pancetta, avocado and chipotle mayo, while Munch Deli in the CBD brings bold South-East Asian flavours to the mix.
Loving our round-up of the best sandwiches in Adelaide? Surely you haven’t already taste-tested all the best pizza around town? If you’re still not satisfied and after another feast, visit the best Greek around Adelaide too.
