The Best Sandwiches in Adelaide to Add to Your Lunch Rotation

In recent years, there has been a lunchtime resurgence that has taken Adelaideans by storm. At the heart of it is the unassuming sandwich, or as we now often refer to it, the "sando." While we hold a deep appreciation for the timeless classics of some tasty cheese and Vegemite or a ham and cheese toastie, there's no denying that the sando has undergone a glow-up of its own - transforming from a humble snack into a hearty meal.

Adelaide has embraced this sandwich renaissance with open arms, and whether you are craving an Insta-worthy Japanese sando, a perfectly pressed panini, or a bagel loaded with the good stuff, you are bound to find some of the best sandwiches in Adelaide without too much trouble.

Munch Deli

Inspired by Melbourne's deli scene, Munch Deli is the brainchild of Jet and Justin, two friends with a background in Adelaide's hospitality scene. Munch is one of the city's hottest (and most delicious) new spots, offering up some of the best sandwiches in Adelaide. From beloved classics like cheese toasties to inventive creations like shredded lemongrass chicken with Asian buffalo sauce or pho-style brisket with pickled shallots and chilli jam, Munch offers a taste of Southeast Asia in Adelaide's buzzy culinary landscape. They're doing their utmost to honour their Vietnamese roots, with a side of being the friendly neighbourhood deli all Adelaideans (and their tums) can rely on. 

Shop 6/82 King William Street, Adelaide 

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.

1/254 Grange Road, Flinders Park

Proof Wine Bar

You wouldn't ever think of a wine bar serving up toasties, but we sure are glad 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 sure know how to get creative. There's an endless array of combinations that can satisfy just about any craving, hitting the spot.

9a Anster Street, Adelaide 

Dante’s Deli

When you find yourself in Glenelg next, Dante's Deli is the latest 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 Adelaide. Choosing a favourite is near impossible when both the fresh and toasted varieties are equally mouthwatering - you'll want to try the entire menu!

Sitchu tip: these sandwiches are in high demand, so be sure to arrive promptly when they start serving at 11am, because they sell out fast. Your taste buds will thank you for this one!

3/58 Jetty Road, Glenelg

Rodeo

New kids on the block, Rodeo, are the sandwich pros that serve 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 to complement your sando. With a menu featuring four toasted and two fresh varieties, as well as flavour-packed rotating specials, there's no shortage of combinations to explore.

Our top pick? The loaded halloumi sando, complete with smashed avo, pickled onions, beetroot relish, and rocket. 

224 The Parade, Norwood

Pinco Deli

Come for the sandos, stay for the funky retro vibes being served up daily at Pinco Deli. Find eight classic sandwiches and focaccias on the menu that go big on freshness and flavour. Tuck into a prosciutto with fior di latte and basil, or a ham, cheese and Napoli sauce focaccia. If you prefer your sandwich warm, the toasted pastrami and piccalilli sandwich, with Swiss cheese and secret burger sauce will knock your socks off.

73 Glen Osmond Road, Eastwood

Carton Deli

Looking for the best sandwiches in Adelaide that champion fresh, gourmet flavours? Carton Deli has got you sorted. The menu is curated and creative with the premise super simple - good coffee, good pastries and outstandingly good sandwiches. Our fave sangas include the HCP with smoked ham, Swiss cheese, pineapple and mustard brulee, and the Chilli Broccoli with grilled broccoli, pickled chilli, miso mayo and crispy onion. 

62 Pulteney Street, Adelaide

Our Boy Roy

All in one café, deli, providore, and sandwich shop, Our Boy Roy is an Adelaide staple for a fantastic mid-week lunch and coffee or a sit-down weekend brunch. The cute neighbourhood spot is famed for its mouthwatering sandos that cover off everything from tuna melts to a meatball sub, Reubens, and chicken schnitties. Order some hot chippies while you're at it because it would be rude not to. 

114 East Avenue, Clarence Park

Spread

Adelaide has a slick new sandwich shop in town, and she goes by the name of Spread. This sage beauty opened its doors in Unley last September and already we have heard loud whispers that it has some of the best sandwiches in Adelaide. Sister venue (and right next door) to the chic wine bar Dolly, Spread is serving up the same great vibes and high-quality feeds the Unley locals have come to know and love.

Fresh sandos and oozy toasties are on rotation six days a week, with the coffee machine also getting a workout. Try the eggplant katsu with smoked tomato, prosciutto and stracciatella, or the Bonito melt with American cheese and pickled jalapeno. Yum.

5/246 Unley Road, Unley

Frankly Bagels

Some people may not put bagels under the sandwich category, but we certainly do. The humble bagel has come a long way from the basic cream cheese filling, and Frankly Bagels is showing Adelaide how it's done. Start by choosing your bagel – plain, poppy seed, sesame seed, or everything, then take your time to choose your flavour combo, with nine choices plus specials making this decision particularly difficult. Did we mention they also do gluten-free bagels? No one misses out at Frankly Bagels.

60 Belford Avenue, Prospect

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 house-made dill mayo will be your new best friend.

127 Greenhill Road, Unley

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 puts other classic Italian sandwiches to shame. 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.

WR3, 44, 60 Gouger Street, Adelaide

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. Pretty much every element 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 your way through, including a mushroom alternative for the veggos.

161 Jeffcott Street, North Adelaide

Shobosho

Upmarket yakitori bar Shobosho is an unlikely contender for one of the best sandwiches in Adelaide, but then again, nothing about this snack is pedestrian. The Shrimp Zinger is Loved and lauded by all those who try it, its crispy prawn meatball croquette bursts with juicy savouriness upon the first bite, cushioned by a lick of creamy zinger sauce and fluffy white sandwich bread. Reserved only for those in the know, this cheeky off-menu item is every bit as decadent as it sounds.

17 Leigh Street, Adelaide

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 out the pancetta for halloumi or mushrooms.

12/18 Vardon Avenue, Adelaide

Bottega Bandito

With a warm and inviting atmosphere, Prospect's 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. We highly recommend working your way through the whole sandwich menu though, as it's all sublime. 

1/96 Prospect Road, Prospect

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.