New York City, a bustling metropolitan melting pot, is as famous for its food as it is for its skyline. With countless eating establishments scattered across its diverse neighborhoods, the city offers a plethora of options for sandwich enthusiasts to explore. Here are some of the best sandwiches in New York City that locals love and tourists must try.

Katz’s Delicatessen – Pastrami on Rye

There’s hardly a more iconic New York sandwich than a classic pastrami on rye, and Katz’s Delicatessen serves up a definitive version. Thick cuts of perfectly spiced and smoked pastrami are heaped onto rye bread with a smear of mustard, creating an unforgettable taste that has kept this delicatessen at the top of must-visit lists for decades.

Di Fara Pizza – Vasto

While widely known for their legendary pizza, Di Fara also offers the Vasto, a remarkable sandwich that features handmade bread filled with prosciutto, mozzarella, peppers, and drizzled with olive oil. It’s a lesser-known menu offering but is as exceptional as their more famed slices.

Num Pang – Pulled Duroc Pork

Num Pang’s Cambodian-inspired sandwiches are unique and bursting with flavor. The pulled Duroc pork sandwich is particularly notable, featuring tender pork garnished with honey-glazed ham, cucumber, pickled carrots and cilantro. It’s an irresistible combination that has earned them a dedicated following.

Sal, Kris & Charlie’s Deli – The Bomb

Located in Astoria, this neighborhood gem offers “The Bomb,” which lives up to its name both in size and flavor. This gargantuan Italian-American hero is packed with various meats such as salami, turkey and ham along with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and condiments. It’s big enough to share but so good you might not want to.

Mile End Delicatessen – Smoked Meat

Drawing on Canadian (Montreal-style) Jewish deli traditions, Mile End puts forward their showstopping smoked meat sandwich – think brisket cured in spices and smoked until it melts in your mouth. Piled onto rye bread with yellow mustard, it’s simplicity done excellently.

Alidoro – Pinocchio

For Italian sandwich aficionados, there’s Alidoro’s Pinocchio: prosciutto crudo, sopressata, fresh mozzarella, sweet roasted peppers and arugula served on stirato bread. Located in SoHo (with other locations across NYC), Alidoro’s mastery in crafting the perfect Italian sub cannot be overstated.

Superiority Burger – Superiority Wrap

Even vegetarians have an iconic sandwich to enjoy in NYC. Superiority Burger’s namesake superiority wrap includes quinoa-lentil-chickpea patty tucked into a tortilla along with iceberg lettuce and tangy dill pickles—the flavors will delight even the staunchest meat-eaters.

These selections only scratch the surface of what New York’s sandwich scene has to offer but stand out as essential experiences for those wishing to indulge in some of the City’s finest handheld meals. From classic deli icons to modern twists on traditional recipes—and even gourmet vegetarian options—there’s truly something for every palate when it comes to finding the best sandwiches in New York City.