It’s safe to say that the humble sanga has ascended to the status of foodie icon – and rightfully so. Toasted or fresh, stacked or simple, sweet or savoury, it’s hard to beat the diversity and deliciousness afforded by stuffing ingredients between two slices of bread. Brisbane’s fleet of first-class sandwich spots are serving up sumptuous fillings and artisan breads that’ll have you forgetting all the soggy sandwiches of your school lunchbox days. We’ve assembled a list of Brisbane’s must-try sandwich spots, sorted into alphabetical order. Read on to see who made the cut …
Anytime Coffee, Brisbane City: One of The City’s best coffee spots is now serving similarly sensational sandwiches! Seek out Anytime Coffee and nab a made-to-order deli-style sandwich boasting vibrant-yet-balanced flavours. There’s a breakfast bap with baked omelette, gruyere, tarragon butter and chutney, a refreshingly crunchy salad sandwich with seasonal veg, avocado, mint, sunflower seeds and green dressing, a cold cut-packed deli sandwich with leg ham, salami cotto, capocollo, provolone, green olives and guindilla peppers, and a roast porchetta number with chutney, mustard and herb salad.
The Bakeologists, New Farm: If you love a sandwich with a bit of size, wait until you get a look at the whoppers that are available from this Merthyr Road bakery. Highlights on the Bakeologists menu include The New Yorker (house cooked and locally cured cornmeat, gherkin relish, Swiss cheese and mustard mayo on malted barley pane Italiano), The Vego (roast pumpkin, zucchini, spinach, fetta, hummus, red capsicum mayo and sunflower seeds) and The Davey (mayo, poached chicken breast, salami, chilli, sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach and double cheese on a panini roll).
Butter Cafe, Gaythorne: Toasties are king at Butter, the sunny sandwich spot from the Sister Cafe crew. Though its menu is small, Butter’s list ticks off classics like pastrami (with American cheese, mustard pickles, kraut and Tiger sauce), thyme-roasted mushroom (boasting gooey mozzarella, pecorino, basil pesto and truffle mayo), a cheeky chicken melt (punched up with caramelised onion and Japanese sesame mayo) and a four-cheese toastie – a lip-smackingly gooey number that fuses mozzarella, aged cheddar, pecorino and gruyere.
Colin’s Specialty Coffee, Fortitude Valley: The crew behind Colin’s Speciality Coffee at 1000 Ann are experienced when it comes to feeding folks. The sibling venue to Paddington Social, Colin’s focuses in on express eats, which means sandwiches are a staple. A six-strong selection of made-to-order options includes a gooey sauteed mushroom melt with garlic, truffle and Swiss cheese, the house-made smoked-brisket sandwich with mustard relish, sauerkraut, pickle, cheese and special sauce.
Cordeaux Social Club, West End: 2022 was a massive year for our sandwich scene. Cordeaux Social Club counts itself amongst this cohort of sandwich slingers, and it’s quickly established itself as one of Brisbane’s best. Though folks rave about the evening menu, we reckon the daytime offering is just as good. With a range that include fried-chicken sandwiches with iceberg lettuce and red cheddar, smoked beef with gruyere, pickles and gravy, coppa cotto ham with ox heart tomato, and curried egg with potato hash, we’re seriously considering downing tools and paying Cordeaux Social Club a visit right now.
Dannyboys, Kelvin Grove and Brendale: The two-handers available from this sanga hotspot are described as ‘rocktstar sandwiches’, and a quick look at the menu will reveal a back-catalogue of greatest hits. Starting with the breakfast bacon-and-egg roll, Dannyboys segues through basic, signature and gourmet options, as well as a range of crispy flatgrills for those seeking a toastie.
Deli Dakota, Mount Gravatt East: The Gift Shop in Wishart was once a proud entrant on its list. Although it’s now closed, its spiritual successor Deli Dakota is ensuring that the sandwiches live on. This cosy cafe splits its menu of hand-held eats into two categories. First is a range of flat sandwiches and melts like the Ham from the Heavens (smoked free-range ham, cheddar, Swiss and parmesan bechamel) and the Forest Mushrooms (garlic and thyme Swiss brown and porcini mushrooms, parmesan béchamel and Swiss cheese with white truffle oil). The other category features slightly more involved options like a spiced buttermilk fried-chicken sandwich with lettuce, kimchi mayo, Kewpie and coriander, a Po’ Boy witb spiced and fried Moreton Bay bug tail, tomatoes, lettuce, mango, sriracha mayo, and Deli Dakota’s take on a banh mi with free-range roasted Kingaroy pork belly, pate, pickled veg and kewpie. No matter your choice, it’s bound to be a good feed.
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Dijon, Tarragindi: Taking inspiration from mighty Melbourne institutions like Hector’s Deli, Dijon is dedicated to crafting deluxe sandwiches and tantalising toasties – and to great success. Tucked away in the shadow of the M1 in the backstreets of Tarragindi, Dijon slings a simple menu of sambos, coffee and New York-style cookies. On the sandwich menu, you’ll find a selection of fresh sandwiches (the Freshies), like The Reuben, a ham and three-cheese sandwich and The Chicken Fried, as well as its loaded toasties (the Hot Sangas). You can pair your decadent sandwich with comfort-food classics like golden potato gems and a hot fudge sundae.
Eat at Billy’s, Rosalie: Brisbane’s sandwich-obsessed folks have likely already added Eat at Billy’s to their rotation after the eatery found TikTok fame last year. Located in Rosalie Village, Eat at Billy’s is by the neighbourhood’s beloved butcher Meat at Billy’s – so suffice it to say, they know their way around curing, frying and roasting some stellar sandwich fillings. On the menu you’ll find around six or so sandwich varieties – and you’ll want to get in early because Eat at Billy’s is known to sell out. Feast on faves like The Butcher – a beefy number featuring 150 g of Cape Grim grass-fed rump steak with caramelised onions or the Big Paulie – 150 g of carved Berkshire pork belly porchetta with crispy crackling, plus a bunch more.
Frankie’s on 4th, Sandgate: Nestled within the old Salad Days spot, Frankie’s on 4th opened its doors earlier this year. Home to around eight fresh and flavourful sandwich combinations, Frankie’s on 4th offers a small and simple menu done well. Sample the crispy succulence of the chicken schnitzel sandwich (featuring panko-crumbed chicken breast, iceberg lettuce and herb mayo on fresh white bread) or try its take on a classic deli-style sandwich (packed with ham, salami, fresh tomato, Italian-style aioli and gem lettuce with balsamic). Served up in crusty bread, Frankie’s on 4th is a must-try when on the northside.
Ham On Rye, Paddington: The Remy’s and Hai Hai team’s sandwich specialist Ham On Rye is a love letter to the classic deli-style dispensaries of New York. Not just in aesthetics, either – the sandwich joint serves some sensational riffs on classic options. Using custom wide loaves baked by Bakeologists in New Farm, Ham On Rye’s menu features a pastrami-loaded Reuben, an Argentinian-inspired choripan sandwich, a classic cold cuts sambo (filled with ham, roast pork and salami), and a deli salad sambo with lettuce, tomato, red onion, cheese, cucumber, beetroot, carrot, alfalfa sprouts and mayo.
James & Antler, Fortitude Valley: Nearly every morning, there’s been a line of patrons snaking its way up James Street of sandwich seekers waiting patiently to order one of James & Antler’s famous croques. Beyond the gooey must-try monsieurs and madames, guests will also spy a sugo bolognaise croque (featuring pecorino romano cheese, bechamel sauce and roasted peppers smushed between 72-hour fermented sourdough) and a cod brandade croque, both of which are worthwhile options!
Joe’s Deli, Brisbane City: Though born in Burleigh, Joe’s Deli’s menu, space and concept is an ode to the retro diners and delis of America. After satiating sandwich lovers on the coast, Joe’s expanded into Brisbane City last year, setting up an outpost on Albert Street. Priding itself as the home of a “Proper Sandwich”, Joe’s menu is stacked with an array of classic sandwich combos from Sicilian chicken to meatball subs, Rubens, club sandwiches, hot dogs and toasties. Our omnivores will be in luck as well with Joe’s serving up a generous plant-based menu – complete with vegan meatballs, cheeses and sauces.
Lucky Duck, Highgate Hill: The cool cats behind this popular cafe like to keep regulars guessing with its ever-changing menu, but satisfaction is always guaranteed when it comes to Lucky Duck’s sandwiches. One week you’ll be able to sink your teeth into a crunchy chicken schnitzel sandwich, others you’ll be tempted by crumbed eggplant sambo with chimichurri.
Melt Brothers, Brisbane City: When it comes to dynamo grilled-cheese sandwiches, Melt Brothers are just about the best in the game. If you’ve never sunk your teeth into the crispy outer of a Melt Brothers grilled-cheese sandwich, then you simply haven’t lived. There’s a classic two-cheese beauty on the menu (The Mouse Trap), but it sits alongside roughly eight gourmet options, such as roast-chicken sandwich with mozzarella, tomato, rocket and smokey barbecue sauce, the M.C. Cheesy with mac’n’cheese, maple bacon, mozzarella and aged cheddar, and The Godfather with salami, neapolitan sauce, basil pesto and mozzarella.
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Mercatus Deli, Brisbane City: This Euro-styler provisioner joined Creek Street last year, stocking a seemingly endless array of imported goods, pantry fillers as well as a stacked cabinet of fresh sandwiches and pastries. Beyond the decadent desserts (including a drool-worthy pistachio tiramisu), Mercatus serves up a delicious selection of sandwiches, fresh baguettes and scacciata (Sicilian-stuffed flatbread). A fan favourite is the mortadella scacciata (chewy flatbread with ribbons of mortadella, gooey burrata and crushed pistachio). Described as your ‘home-town deli’, Mercatus serves up a simplistic sandwich selection, jam-packed with authentic Italian flavours.
Mr Badger’s, Woollongabba: This Logan Road favourite offers old-school aesthetics and a menu of throwback eats, including a selection of bagel sandwiches and regular two-handers. The smoked-salmon bagel (boasting spring onion and dill cream cheese, capers, black pepper and cucumber), The South Philly Cheesesteak (beef, American cheddar, mushroom, capsicum, onion and aioli on a soft roll) and the signature The Mr J Badgers (house-made meatballs, Napoli sauce, provolone and parmesan cheese) are stand-out selections.
New Farm Deli, New Farm: If you’re looking to make a killer sandwich at home, New Farm Deli has all of the gourmet goodies needed to do so. But, if you want someone to do the work for you, the cafe’s panini selection is precisely what you should be inspecting. Our picks? We’re eyeing off the La Grande (mortadella, hot salame, artichoke, jarlsberg, tomato and olives), the Sorrento (prosciutto, bocconcini, pesto and rocket) and the Great Italian (pesto, tomato, pan-fried eggplant and provolone cheese).
Riser Bread, Toowong: Being a bakery, Riser Bread already has its loaves on lock. In addition to bread and pastries, the popular Toowong carb dispenser also sells sandwiches. The options change up regularly, but sometimes you can find the likes of classic egg salad sandwiches with smoked cheddar, pickle and mustard mayo, roast pumpkin with caramelised onion, herb crumb and hummus, and smoked-ham sandwiches.
Sunny Side Sandwiches, Windsor and Paddington: When a sandwich shop cites Hector’s Deli and Nico’s Sandwich Deli as inspirations, you know the sandos are going to be a notch above the rest. Sunny Side’s menu offers takes on some iconic bread-and-filling combos, from its panko-crumbed chicken schnitzel roll and beef and pickles sanga to its egg-salad sandwich and salad sandwich. Plus, a constantly rotating option keeps things interesting for those with experimental tastes.
Supernice, Bowen Hills: A cosy cafe in a Bowen Hills back alley is one of the finest spots for a sambo in town. The sandwiches at Supernice are, as you can guess by the name, super nice – especially the tuna melt with tangy sauce, creamy American cheddar, white onion‚ pickled chilies and dill, as well as the wood smoked beef brisket pastrami sandwich with cheddar, dill pickles, sauerkraut, sauce and mustard.
Supernova, Fortitude Valley: After its sibling cafe James & Antler had been attracting lines up James Street, Supernova was unveiled just a few blocks away. Positioned on McLachlan Street, Supernova fortunately boasts a similar approach to food but with more seating. Alongside its decadent matcha drinks and soba bowls, you’ll also find a range of Japanese-inspired sandos. All made with Japanese milk bread and accompanied by a saucer of shoyu-based barbecue dipping sauce and pickled ginger, Supernova’s sandos include classic chicken and pork katsu, black Angus katsu, spicy tuna and tamago.
Toastbuds, Bulimba: How good are toasties? Don’t answer that – we know you were going to say, “So good.” Toastbuds might have perfected the art of the toastie. The cafe’s tight list includes a breakfast option filled with bacon jam, scrambled eggs and dill, a classic ham-and-cheese with smoked ham, crunchy pickle and dijon mustard, a kimchi and cheese toastie with sesame, a mushroom-filled sandwich with enoki, king and field mushies sauteed in sesame oil, and the Big Cheese variety with truffled caramelised onion, smoked cheddar, Swiss and a house cheese blend. As good as these sound, Toastbuds’ weekly specials are also worth popping in regularly for.
The Twin, West End: Though the selection at The Twin is small and simple, you can’t fault the care and creativity at play. The team bakes its own bread in-house daily, including delightfully spongy focaccia rolls, which are used as a base for mouth-watering options like caponata, basil, greens and parm sandwiches, focaccia topped with mushroom pate, pickles and greens, and roast pumpkin rolls with muhammara, pickles, salad and harissa aioli. Sensational.
Wilburs General Store, Holland Park: When we think general store, we think essentials. Few dishes are as essential to our day-to-day wellbeing as the humble sandwich and Wilburs boasts a sensational selection to choose from. First they take bread from from Danny’s Bread and Sprout Artisan Bakery and fill it with the likes of salami, basil pesto and brie, roast beef, apple slaw and Swiss cheese, and pumpkin and ricotta with hazelnut and mint pesto. These beauties are made fresh daily and constantly sell out, so you need to get in quick.
Honourable mentions: If you’re seeking a sandwich, be sure to check out Agnes Bakery in Fortitude Valley, Dovetail on Overend in Norman Park, Verde and Sweet in Hamilton, Pepperjack Sandwiches in South Brisbane and Happy Days Food Co. at The Gap.