One of the hottest topics when it comes to eating lunch in London – and yes, it’s hotly debated – is where the best sandwiches are.
Now, of course, we’re not averse to a Tesco meal deal, but sometimes you want something bigger and, more importantly, tastier.
So, as explorers of the Square Mile, we’ve been everywhere, and here are our thoughts on your choices for a toastie treat.
Sandwich Sandwich
An absolute UK phenom that arrived in London in 2024 after taking Bristol by storm is Sandwich Sandwich.
These guys are home to some of the City’s biggest sandwiches. Fortunately, with the opening of their second City location, their queues are much shorter, and you can get some of their massive sandwiches super quickly!
Our favourites include the rare roast beef, and nothing beats the crispy chicken hot stack on a cold day. Their Christmas sandwiches have been lauded as some of England’s best, and they also have vegan options, but fair warning: they sell out fast.
1 Gresham Street, EC2V 7BX | 70 Mark Lane, EC3R 7NQ
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Dilieto
It’s strange to call Dilieto an underground or cult classic, they’ve been around since 1911 after all! But while they’re no stranger to City workers, you’ll often hear little about how good these sandwiches are, and it’s an absolute shame because they’re fantastic.
Every weekday, rain or shine, you’ll see hundreds of people line up through the day for their custom-made melts, rolls, bagels and jacket potatoes.
It’s hard to recommend a specific sandwich as they really will just make whatever you like and won’t unreasonably upsell you. If you really can’t decide, feel free to steal our order of a chicken escalope with rocket, tomato, brie and mayo on a jalapeño bun.
175 Fleet Street, EC4A 2EA
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Porterford Butchers
Do you love meat? Not like it, not enjoy it, but truly love it? Then Porterford Butchers is your top pick for sandwiches.
As you can tell by the name, they have a speciality, and they stick to it. As an actual butcher, they focus on big, quality cuts served directly on bread, nothing fancy or extra besides a little cheese and onion, but always packed with protein.
They’re also the most budget-friendly option on the list, with hot rolls starting from a fiver and combos not much more. Our pick is a Philly Cheesesteak combo and a two-minute walk to sit outside St Paul’s while you enjoy.
72 Watling St, EC4M 9EB
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Assenheims56
Now, do you not eat meat at all? Then Assenheims56 might be your best choice, with some of the most creative choices for vegans – they’ve got far more to offer than just falafel!
There are vegan patacones, jackfruit, plantain, and a pork belly that’s so good it’s nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. Of course this South American sandwich shop sells traditional cubanos, chivitos and choripáns using the real stuff as well.
As a City staple, they’ve got plenty of locations around, meaning you’re never too far from a lunch that will satisfy anyone.
12 Smithfield Street, EC1A 9LA | 4 Holborn, EC1N 2LL | 55 Ludgate Hill, EC4M 7JW | 19-21 Great Tower, EC3R 5AR
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And those are top picks for the best sandwiches in the City of London – so far! We’re always around looking for new openings, secret staples and great bargains so if you know of anyone else making miracles from bread, feel free to let us know on Instagram.