The best sandwiches in Manchester

Some of Manchester's most sought-after sarnies can be found at Micky's. This place serves focaccia sandwiches filled generously with delicious ingredients. The bread is freshly baked each day, and the fillings are locally sourced. The parm sandwich is a speciality, and there's even a vegetarian version. Other options include beef pastrami or salami and mortadella.

Arguably one of Manchester's most popular sandwich shops, Rustica is a classic in the city centre. This humble venue is takeaway-only, offering casual counter service. Unsurprisingly there's often a queue here but if you can wait it out you'll be rewarded with lots of satisfying sandwich options that are ideal for a delicious lunch.

Ad Maiora began with a couple selling sandwiches from their flat but it's now become one of the best places to grab a sarnie in the city. These sandwiches are made with Italian flatbread loaded generously with authentic but inventive fillings. The venues are casual and ideal for grabbing something tasty to take away.

You'll find Rack in a few locations around the city, specialising in gourmet sandwiches stacked high with tasty fillings. This casual and contemporary sandwich shop serves a slightly different menu at each location. The diverse options mean something is sure to tempt you, from classic roast chicken on bloomer bread to a cacio e pepe grilled cheese featuring crispy spaghetti. 

Fat Pat's is the place to go for hefty sub sandwiches. Serving from a colourful blue takeout window, this place does generous sandwiches served on an eight inch milk roll. It's a concise menu of American-style fillings, like a veggie-friendly muffuleta, hot honey fried chicken, or a Philly cheesesteak. This spot donates a percentage of all its proceeds to charity.

Located in the Northern Quarter, Public is a trendy bar with a bright industrial interior and plenty of outside space. This easygoing venue serves cocktails and a small range of Asian-inspired snacks, including a fried chicken sando that's very much in-demand. When the weekend comes around you can also try the sando alongside limitless drinks at bottomless brunch.

You can't miss Northern Soul if your perfect sandwich is a melty cheese toastie. This bustling venue is contemporary and features quirky and on-theme decor like cheese grater light fixtures. The speciality here is comforting and indulgent grilled cheese sandwiches. Try the classic made with sourdough and a three cheese blend or go for one with interesting additional ingredients.

Located in Mala, House of Hoagie opened in 2023. Run by experienced chefs, this place doles out supersized Italian hoagies filled with tasty ingredients, including creative vegetarian and vegan choices. Classic options like chopped cheese, cheesesteak, and a shrimp or mushroom po' boy are on the menu. The sandwich shop has a distinctive retro style. 

Gooey might be known for indulgent cookies and desserts, often attracting a queue of diners looking for sweet treats, but it's also serving some of the city's most popular sandwiches. The egg sandwich on soft shokupan bread is particularly sought-after, but you'll also find other options like a classic Reuben. The setting is relaxed and on-trend.

Independent café and sandwich bar The Secret Sandwich is a friendly local eatery that serves a wide array of different sandwiches, with plenty of breads and fillings to choose from. It's a bright and homey venue with large windows and a rustic look. As well as classic cold sandwiches, you can opt for toasties, warm paninis, and burgers here.

Giovannis New York St Café is a bright and contemporary city centre venue. It's spacious and can accommodate bustling crowds. Breakfast is served all day but the café also does a wide array of sandwiches with various fillings and types of bread. They also serve paninis, wraps, and cheese toasties, as well as breakfast barms and sandwiches.

Go global with a classic Vietnamese sandwich at Banh Mi Co Ba. This cosy and casual restaurant serves street food, including banh mi baguettes with a broad range of authentic fillings to choose from, including salt and pepper tofu and grilled pork steak. Bao bun sandwiches are also served here, plus other classic dishes and punchy Vietnamese coffee.

Considered some of the best in the city, sandwiches from The Bread Club are designed to fill you up. They're large in size and there are lots of fresh fillings to try, including veggie and vegan options. Breakfast sandwiches are available too, with various breakfast barms and baguettes on offer. This distinctive venue has a chequered floor and neon signs for decor.

Based in the city centre, Frankie's specialises in indulgent cheese toasties and other comfort food. Several types of toastie are on offer, including creative options with noodles as a filling. Diners can also choose their own ingredients to craft their ideal sandwich. The venue is bold, buzzy, and colourful, serving food in a casual atmosphere.

It's fair to say that Katsouris Deli is something of an icon in Manchester. This renowned spot sells European deli products but hordes of diners come for the fresh breakfast and lunch options – it's known to attract a bustling crowd. Choose from various generous gourmet sandwiches inspired by international cuisines. Breakfast sandwiches are popular here as well.

There are a couple of branches of Pollen Bakery around Manchester, selling freshly-baked sourdough, cakes, and pastries, as well as serving breakfast and brunch. The venues offer indoor and outdoor tables and have a minimalist industrial aesthetic. The seasonal menu features plenty of sandwiches from breakfast buns to a tofu banh mi or goat's cheese toastie.

A food truck based in a retro van at Media City, Bread Zeppelin opened in 2024 and quickly commanded attention. This spot specialises in budget-friendly butties and meal deals, with a variety of tempting fillings to choose from. Options range from ham hock and cheese to chicken, mozzarella, pesto, and tomato, with vegan options too.

Traditional food is served in a homey space at Essy's, which has a number of locations with white walls and a comfortable feel. All-day breakfasts are a popular choice here, with breakfast barms, ciabattas, and wraps all on the menu. Halal and meat-free options are available, as well as plenty of other tempting breakfast favourites.

Located in the city centre, Super Sandwich is a sandwich shop with some outdoor seats. This low-key eatery is compact and bustling, and is popular for takeaways. Lots of customers come here for a breakfast sandwich, with a range of fillings on offer. Breakfast trays are served too and later in the day you can go for a panini or burger.

Bold Street Coffee's locations are sleek and modern, known for serving breakfast all day. Fans of breakfast sandwiches can't miss this place – they serve a signature recipe made of scrambled eggs, melted cheese, and a whole host of other ingredients piled into a brioche roll. They also serve various other sandwiches like a chicken katsu club.

Try a breakfast sandwich that's a little different at Dishoom. This popular Indian restaurant has a classic interior with stained glass windows, and serves food throughout the day. Breakfast sandwiches here take the form of naan rolls, available with a choice of fillings. The bacon naan is particularly in-demand but other options include egg or vegan sausage.

A trendy venue in the city centre, 19 Café Bar is inspired by New York. The contemporary interiors are enhanced by framed artwork, plus there are large windows to let natural light in. This bustling eatery serves a comprehensive breakfast and brunch menu that includes generously filled breakfast brioche buns. Filled bagels are also available as an alternative.

There are several branches of Foundation Coffee House, all of which have a slick and modern industrial style. It's a popular place to grab a coffee but is also popular for breakfast and brunch. Meaty, vegetarian, and vegan breakfast sandwiches are available, but you can also create your own if none of them take your fancy.

One of the pioneers of Manchester's café-bar scene, Atlas Bar has been open for over 20 years. Housed in a distinctive red brick building, it boasts one of Manchester's largest outdoor terraces. As well as drinks, it's popular for breakfast and lunch. The choices include two types of breakfast barm, plus a number of bagels and sandwiches for lunch.

Located in the city centre, Sugar Junction is a cosy vintage-inspired café that serves brunch until late afternoon. Get comfortable in this charming setting and have a breakfast sandwich – there are two types of breakfast ciabatta to choose from. Other breakfast and brunch options include several flavours of French toast, steak and eggs, and chia bowls.

A modern local café in Altrincham, Oxford Road Café is down-to-earth and compact. Covered terrace seating is available here as well as indoor tables. Much-loved British dishes are on the menu, including a sizeable breakfast offering. Get a breakfast barm with your choice of fillings here or a signature breakfast club sandwich. 

Classic local greasy spoon Chorlton Metro Café is well-located next to the tram stop. The venue has tiled walls and plush seating, but also offers takeaways. This is honest and affordable food, with breakfast being particularly popular. The breakfast sandwiches include vegetarian and halal options, plus this place does toasties and paninis.