What is the best sandwich in Manhattan?

Our current #1 reflects a blend of editorial sourcing from Eater, The Infatuation, Time Out, and Grub Street, plus live community votes. The order shifts as votes come in — what is first today may not be first tomorrow.

Where is the best deli sandwich in Manhattan?

Katz's Delicatessen on the Lower East Side has served hand-cut pastrami on rye since 1888 and is the most cited deli sandwich in the country. 2nd Ave Deli (now in Murray Hill and the UES) is the closest peer for kosher-style cured meats. Eisenberg's in Flatiron is the classic counter-service tuna-and-egg-salad spot.

What is All'Antico Vinaio?

All'Antico Vinaio is a Florence-based schiacciata sandwich shop that opened in Times Square in 2022; it sells pressed Tuscan flatbread sandwiches stacked with prosciutto, truffle cream, or stracciatella. The Times Square line routinely runs an hour long on weekends.

How much does a great Manhattan sandwich cost?

A pastrami on rye at Katz's currently runs about $30. Italian heroes at Faicco's and Defonte's are $14 to $18. The viral schiacciate at All'Antico Vinaio land between $16 and $22. Chef-driven counters (Untamed, Lobster Place) sit at $18 to $32 depending on protein.

Where is the best Italian hero in Manhattan?

Faicco's Italian Specialties on Bleecker Street has been pressing Italian combos since 1900 — the prosciutto-mortadella-soppressata-provolone combo with broccoli rabe is the benchmark Italian hero in the borough. Defonte's NYC in Tribeca and Rocco's on Bleecker are the closest competitors.

TOP10NYC

All lists

Sandwiches · verified Jun 10, 2026 · By Piyush Puri

Best Sandwiches in Manhattan

The 10 best sandwiches in Manhattan, Katz's pastrami, Italian heroes, viral schiacciate, deli classics, and the new openings driving the 2026 sandwich boom.

The map

Loading the map

1
Katz's Delicatessen
Lower East Side · $$$ · 205 E Houston St
Map ↗verified 7w ago
The Lower East Side kosher-style deli at Houston and Ludlow open since 1888, hand-cut pastrami on rye, the famous ticket-and-cutter system, neon walls, and the most photographed sandwich in the United States.
Because Katz's pastrami is the Manhattan sandwich every other deli in the country measures itself against, the brisket cure runs thirty days, the steam pulls the bark apart in your hand, and the slicer is the only one of its kind on the LES.
Order Hand-cut pastrami on rye with mustard, side of pickles, and a Dr. Brown's Cel-Ray.
Tip the cutter a dollar at the counter and you will get a free sample slice while he builds the sandwich, this is the unwritten Katz's rule that guarantees the best portion.

Good to know

What is the best sandwich in Manhattan?: Our current #1 reflects a blend of editorial sourcing from Eater, The Infatuation, Time Out, and Grub Street, plus live community votes. The order shifts as votes come in — what is first today may not be first tomorrow.
Where is the best deli sandwich in Manhattan?: Katz's Delicatessen on the Lower East Side has served hand-cut pastrami on rye since 1888 and is the most cited deli sandwich in the country. 2nd Ave Deli (now in Murray Hill and the UES) is the closest peer for kosher-style cured meats. Eisenberg's in Flatiron is the classic counter-service tuna-and-egg-salad spot.
What is All'Antico Vinaio?: All'Antico Vinaio is a Florence-based schiacciata sandwich shop that opened in Times Square in 2022; it sells pressed Tuscan flatbread sandwiches stacked with prosciutto, truffle cream, or stracciatella. The Times Square line routinely runs an hour long on weekends.
How much does a great Manhattan sandwich cost?: A pastrami on rye at Katz's currently runs about $30. Italian heroes at Faicco's and Defonte's are $14 to $18. The viral schiacciate at All'Antico Vinaio land between $16 and $22. Chef-driven counters (Untamed, Lobster Place) sit at $18 to $32 depending on protein.
Where is the best Italian hero in Manhattan?: Faicco's Italian Specialties on Bleecker Street has been pressing Italian combos since 1900 — the prosciutto-mortadella-soppressata-provolone combo with broccoli rabe is the benchmark Italian hero in the borough. Defonte's NYC in Tribeca and Rocco's on Bleecker are the closest competitors.