Two sandwiches filled with meat and salad stacked on top of each other Two sandwiches filled with meat and salad stacked on top of each other

The best sandwiches in Manchester

Invented in Kent but now popular the world over, a tasty sandwich is a fab option for an easy breakfast, lunch, or snack. Manchester is home to a wide array of specialist sandwich shops and eateries that have tempting sandwiches on the menu to keep you satisfied at any time of day. From oozing cheese toasties to global takes on a sarnie, we'll help you find the most delicious options with this guide to the best sandwiches in Manchester.

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Tamsin Spargo
  1. The best sandwiches in Manchester
    1. 1
      Micky's In-demand focaccia sandwiches
    2. 2
      Rustica Down-to-earth sandwich shop
    3. 3
      Ad Maiora Imaginative Italian sandwiches
    4. 4
      Rack Eclectic gourmet sandwiches
    5. 5
      Fat Pat's Get an American sub
    6. 6
      Public Trendy spot for a sando
    7. 7
      Northern Soul Oozing with cheese
    8. 8
      House of Hoagie Big classic sandwiches
    9. 9
      Gooey Sandwiches and sweet treats
    10. 10
      The Secret Sandwich Lots to choose from
    11. 11
      Giovannis New York St Café City centre café
    12. 12
      Banh Mi Co Ba Vietnamese style
    13. 13
      The Bread Club Filling breakfasts and lunches
    14. 14
      Frankie's Comforting cheese toasties
    15. 15
      Katsouris Deli In-demand deli sandwiches
    16. 16
      Pollen Bakery Fresh bakes and sandwiches
    17. 17
      Bread Zeppelin Salford sandwich truck
  2. The best breakfast sandwiches in Manchester
    1. 1
      Essy's Breakfast barms served all day
    2. 2
      Super Sandwich Popular for breakfast
    3. 3
      Bold Street Coffee Brioche sandwiches for breakfast
    4. 4
      Dishoom A new take on the breakfast sandwich
    5. 5
      19 Café Bar Bustling breakfast and brunch venue
    6. 6
      Foundation Coffee House Sleek coffee shops
    7. 7
      Atlas Bar Serving food all day
    8. 8
      Sugar Junction Charming vintage-inspired café
    9. 9
      Oxford Road Café Down-to-earth Altrincham café
    10. 10
      Chorlton Metro Café Classic greasy spoon

Jump to

The best sandwiches in Manchester

Micky's

In-demand focaccia sandwiches

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.

Rustica

Down-to-earth sandwich shop

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 MediaCity Ad Maiora Ancoats
Ad Maiora MediaCity Ad Maiora Ancoats

Imaginative Italian sandwiches

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.

  • Kargo MKT, Quays, Salford 23 Radium St, Ancoats, Ancoats
    Ad Maiora MediaCity
    Kargo MKT, Quays, Salford
    Ad Maiora Ancoats
    23 Radium St, Ancoats, Ancoats
  • Ad Maiora MediaCity
    074-591 912 97
  • Ad Maiora MediaCity Ad Maiora Ancoats
Rack Sale Rack Stockport Rack Arndale Market
Rack Sale
racksandwiches.co.uk
Rack Stockport
racksandwiches.co.uk
Rack Arndale Market
racksandwiches.co.uk
Rack Sale Rack Stockport Rack Arndale Market

Eclectic gourmet sandwiches

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. 

  • 84 School Rd 24 Lawrence Street Arndale Market, 49 High Street, Manchester City Centre
    Rack Sale
    84 School Rd
    Rack Stockport
    24 Lawrence Street
    Rack Arndale Market
    Arndale Market, 49 High Street, Manchester City Centre
  • Rack Sale
    racksandwiches.co.uk
    Rack Stockport
    racksandwiches.co.uk
    Rack Arndale Market
    racksandwiches.co.uk
    Rack Sale
    016-197 305 02
    Rack Stockport
    016-163 765 30
  • Rack Sale Rack Stockport Rack Arndale Market

Fat Pat's

Get an American sub

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.

Public

Trendy spot for a sando

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.

Northern Soul Grilled Cheese – Sandwiches
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese – Sandwiches
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese – Sandwiches
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese – Sandwiches
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese – Sandwiches
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese – Sandwiches
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese – Sandwiches
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese – Sandwiches
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese

Northern Soul

Oozing with cheese

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.

House of Hoagie

Big classic sandwiches

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

Sandwiches and sweet treats

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.

The Secret Sandwich

Lots to choose from

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

City centre café

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.

Banh Mi Co Ba

Vietnamese style

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.

The Bread Club

Filling breakfasts and lunches

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.

Frankie's – Sandwiches
Frankie's
Frankie's – Sandwiches
Frankie's
Frankie's – Sandwiches
Frankie's
Frankie's – Sandwiches
Frankie's
Frankie's – Sandwiches
Frankie's
Frankie's – Sandwiches
Frankie's
Frankie's – Sandwiches
Frankie's
Frankie's – Sandwiches
Frankie's
Frankie's – Sandwiches
Frankie's
Frankie's – Sandwiches
Frankie's

Frankie's

Comforting cheese toasties

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.

Katsouris Deli Bury Katsouris Deli Deansgate
Katsouris Deli Bury
katsourisdeli.com
Katsouris Deli Deansgate
katsourisdeli.com
Katsouris Deli Bury Katsouris Deli Deansgate

In-demand deli sandwiches

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.

  • 22- 25 Market St 113 Deansgate, Manchester City Centre
    Katsouris Deli Bury
    22- 25 Market St
    Katsouris Deli Deansgate
    113 Deansgate, Manchester City Centre
  • Katsouris Deli Bury
    katsourisdeli.com
    Katsouris Deli Deansgate
    katsourisdeli.com
    Katsouris Deli Bury
    016-176 443 82
    Katsouris Deli Deansgate
    016-181 912 60
  • Katsouris Deli Bury Katsouris Deli Deansgate
Pollen Bakery Kampus Pollen Bakery Ancoats
Pollen Bakery Kampus
pollenbakery.com
Pollen Bakery Ancoats
pollenbakery.com
Pollen Bakery Kampus Pollen Bakery Ancoats

Fresh bakes and sandwiches

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.

  • 42 Aytoun St, Manchester City Centre Cotton Field Wharf Marina, 8 New Union Street
    Pollen Bakery Kampus
    42 Aytoun St, Manchester City Centre
    Pollen Bakery Ancoats
    Cotton Field Wharf Marina, 8 New Union Street
  • Pollen Bakery Kampus
    pollenbakery.com
    Pollen Bakery Ancoats
    pollenbakery.com
  • Pollen Bakery Kampus Pollen Bakery Ancoats

Bread Zeppelin

Salford sandwich truck

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.

The best breakfast sandwiches in Manchester

Essy's First Street Essy's Cheadle Essy's King Street West
Essy's First Street
essys.uk
Essy's Cheadle
essys.uk
Essy's King Street West
essys.uk
Essy's First Street Essy's Cheadle Essy's King Street West

Breakfast barms served all day

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.

  • 11 Jack Rosenthal St, Manchester City Centre 1 Chapel St 31-33 King St W, Manchester City Centre
    Essy's First Street
    11 Jack Rosenthal St, Manchester City Centre
    Essy's Cheadle
    1 Chapel St
    Essy's King Street West
    31-33 King St W, Manchester City Centre
  • Essy's First Street
    essys.uk
    Essy's Cheadle
    essys.uk
    Essy's King Street West
    essys.uk
    Essy's First Street
    016-152 655 79
    Essy's Cheadle
    016-142 859 47
    Essy's King Street West
    016-183 246 35
  • Essy's First Street Essy's Cheadle Essy's King Street West

Super Sandwich

Popular for breakfast

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 University Green Bold Street Coffee Cross Street Bold Street Coffee Spinningfields
Bold Street Coffee University Green
boldstreetcoffee.co.uk/university-green
Bold Street Coffee Cross Street
boldstreetcoffee.co.uk/cross-street-manchester
Bold Street Coffee Spinningfields
boldstreetcoffee.co.uk/spinningfields
Bold Street Coffee University Green Bold Street Coffee Cross Street Bold Street Coffee Spinningfields

Brioche sandwiches for breakfast

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.

  • 140 Oxford Rd 53 Cross St, Manchester City Centre
    Bold Street Coffee University Green
    140 Oxford Rd
    Bold Street Coffee Cross Street
    53 Cross St, Manchester City Centre
  • Bold Street Coffee University Green
    boldstreetcoffee.co.uk/university-green
    Bold Street Coffee Cross Street
    boldstreetcoffee.co.uk/cross-street-manchester
    Bold Street Coffee Spinningfields
    boldstreetcoffee.co.uk/spinningfields
  • Bold Street Coffee University Green Bold Street Coffee Cross Street Bold Street Coffee Spinningfields

Dishoom

A new take on the breakfast sandwich

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.

19 Café Bar

Bustling breakfast and brunch venue

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.

Foundation Coffee House Meadowside Foundation Coffee House Whitworth Street Foundation Coffee House Northern Quarter Foundation Coffee House Portland Street Foundation Coffee House Chapel Street Foundation Coffee House Deansgate
Foundation Coffee House Meadowside
fdncoffee.com
Foundation Coffee House Whitworth Street
fdncoffee.com
Foundation Coffee House Northern Quarter
fdncoffee.com
Foundation Coffee House Portland Street
fdncoffee.com
Foundation Coffee House Chapel Street
fdncoffee.com
Foundation Coffee House Deansgate
fdncoffee.com
Foundation Coffee House Meadowside Foundation Coffee House Whitworth Street Foundation Coffee House Northern Quarter Foundation Coffee House Portland Street Foundation Coffee House Chapel Street Foundation Coffee House Deansgate

Sleek coffee shops

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.

  • 21 Aspin Ln 48-50 Whitworth St, Manchester City Centre Lever Street, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter 11 Portland Street, Manchester City Centre 247 Chapel St, Salford 125 Deansgate, Manchester City Centre
    Foundation Coffee House Meadowside
    21 Aspin Ln
    Foundation Coffee House Whitworth Street
    48-50 Whitworth St, Manchester City Centre
    Foundation Coffee House Northern Quarter
    Lever Street, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter
    Foundation Coffee House Portland Street
    11 Portland Street, Manchester City Centre
    Foundation Coffee House Chapel Street
    247 Chapel St, Salford
    Foundation Coffee House Deansgate
    125 Deansgate, Manchester City Centre
  • Foundation Coffee House Meadowside
    fdncoffee.com
    Foundation Coffee House Whitworth Street
    fdncoffee.com
    Foundation Coffee House Northern Quarter
    fdncoffee.com
    Foundation Coffee House Portland Street
    fdncoffee.com
    Foundation Coffee House Chapel Street
    fdncoffee.com
    Foundation Coffee House Deansgate
    fdncoffee.com
    Foundation Coffee House Whitworth Street
    016-123 886 33
    Foundation Coffee House Northern Quarter
    016-123 886 33
  • Foundation Coffee House Meadowside Foundation Coffee House Whitworth Street Foundation Coffee House Northern Quarter Foundation Coffee House Portland Street Foundation Coffee House Chapel Street Foundation Coffee House Deansgate
Atlas Bar – Sandwiches
Atlas Bar
Atlas Bar – Sandwiches
Atlas Bar
Atlas Bar – Sandwiches
Atlas Bar
Atlas Bar – Sandwiches
Atlas Bar
Atlas Bar – Sandwiches
Atlas Bar
Atlas Bar – Sandwiches
Atlas Bar
Atlas Bar – Sandwiches
Atlas Bar
Atlas Bar – Sandwiches
Atlas Bar
Atlas Bar – Sandwiches
Atlas Bar
Atlas Bar – Sandwiches
Atlas Bar

Atlas Bar

Serving food all day

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.

Sugar Junction

Charming vintage-inspired café

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.

Oxford Road Café

Down-to-earth Altrincham café

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. 

Chorlton Metro Café

Classic greasy spoon

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.

Sandwiches – About the guide

The best sandwiches - Our guide to the best sandwiches in Manchester is updated regularly. If you know of a great sandwich shop in Manchester that we haven't featured in our guide, feel free to get in touch. Please let us know if you see any mistakes in our guide to the best sandwiches in Manchester. Have you visited any of the places mentioned in the guide? Don't forget to write a review on Thatsup.

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At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.