Last Updated: January 28, 2026
Looking for the best sandwiches in Ottawa? This 2026 guide maps the city’s Italian delis, banh mi counters, smoked meat classics, and vegan-friendly builds, with the exact addresses, hours, prices, and local tips that actually matter. You will find the old-school spots locals call the “OG,” the downtown counters that rule lunch rush, and the under-the-radar east and west-end shops that quietly dominate value.
Ottawa’s sandwich scene is bigger than people expect. You can start in Little Italy for classic Italian subs, swing through ByWard Market for deli energy, and end in the Glebe or Westboro for bakery-driven sandwiches. If you want a broader food crawl, pair this with the city’s best bakeries guide and plan a neighbourhood day trip around it.
Key Highlights
Caption: Ottawa sandwiches range from classic Italian subs to banh mi and vegan builds.
TL;DR: Di Rienzo’s Grocery and La Bottega Nicastro are the classic Italian heavyweights, Sanguiccio and Roberto’s carry the Wellington West and Glebe energy, Dunn’s anchors smoked meat cravings, and banh mi counters keep prices low. For vegan and gluten-free, Gooney’s and Pure Kitchen do the heavy lifting.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Options | 20+ sandwich-focused spots across Ottawa |
| Top Pick | Di Rienzo’s Grocery (Little Italy) |
| Best Value | Banh Mi Yes ($6-$9) |
| Best Area | Little Italy + ByWard Market corridor |
Ottawa’s Sandwich Scene in 2026
Caption: Ottawa’s sandwich culture is built on lunch rushes, walkable streets, and local delis.
Ottawa in 2026 is a sandwich city that hides in plain sight. The classics are still the loudest: Italian delis in Little Italy and downtown that sell massive subs for under ten bucks, and smoked meat counters that lean on Montreal influence. But the full picture is wider. You have Vietnamese banh mi shops keeping lunch under $10 in Chinatown and the east end, bakeries with breakfast sandwiches worth a trek, and vegan counters that use arepas or falafel instead of bread.
Neighbourhood patterns make it easy to plan. The ByWard Market core gives you La Bottega and bagel-driven deli options, while Centretown and the Glebe cluster Sanguiccio, Gooney’s, and Dunn’s around transit access. Westboro and Hintonburg anchor the bakery scene through Art-Is-In and nearby counters. If you live further out, Kanata and Orleans still have credible options without a cross-town drive.
The point of a great Ottawa sandwich run is timing and context. Street parking is limited in central neighbourhoods, lines can peak hard at noon, and several of the best places are cash-only or lunch-only. If you can show up around 11am or after 2pm, you will usually avoid the rush and get fresher bread, especially at the legacy Italian delis.
Italian Deli Royalty: Di Rienzo’s Grocery and La Bottega Nicastro
Caption: Little Italy and the Market are the heart of Ottawa’s Italian sandwich culture.
Di Rienzo’s Grocery is the benchmark. The shop sits at 111 Beech St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3K1 in Little Italy, runs Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, and is closed Sundays. It is also cash-only, which is part of the old-school charm and part of the planning, and locals say to call ahead if you are aiming for peak lunch. Pricing stays in the $7-$10 range (often quoted as $7-$9), with lunch combos around $12-$15 with a drink, and locals still call it “the OG that never disappoints for lunch rushes.” It is a family-run, old-school counter known for massive portions compared to flashier chains, and the classic porchetta or capicollo builds are the point, with porchetta often described as “Ottawa’s king.” The “godfather” combo is the massive, shareable option people describe as feeding two. Transit access is simple: take the O-Train to Preston Station, walk about five minutes, and aim for before 1pm to dodge the line. Street parking is limited, and that is why locals tell you to come early and keep your order tight; one quick recommendation is simply “Di Rienzo on Beech Street.”
La Bottega Nicastro is the main rival and the more tourist-forward choice, tucked into the Market at 64 George St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8W5. Hours are Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm, and Sun closed, with sandwich pricing in the $8-$12 range and market combos around $15. The subs are stuffed with Genoa salami or mortadella and house-pickled vegetables, and reviews are loud: “Nicastro’s edges out for that extra crunch; perfect for pre-game fuel.” Another note calls them “Insanely delicious, jam-packed to the max,” while TripAdvisor frames it as a “Great shop for cheese alongside sandwiches.” The upside is sheer portion size; the downside is the crowd factor. Midweek lunch is the sweet spot, and biking or busing via the Rideau Centre side streets is easier than fighting Market parking.
Local comparisons do not pick a universal winner. One travel write-up captures the split cleanly: “DiRienzo’s and La Bottega are even for best classic sandwich—massive portions, cheap.” If you want old-school grit and less tourist traffic, Di Rienzo’s wins. If you want to pair your sandwich with Italian groceries and Market energy, La Bottega is the move. Both are worth a spot on any Ottawa sandwich list, and both are the reason locals say to skip chains for “life-changing heaps.”
Sanguiccio Deli-Cafe: Hoagies, Espresso, and Two Addresses
Caption: Sanguiccio blends deli subs with cafe energy and espresso chatter.
Sanguiccio Deli-Cafe is the Italian hoagie spot people describe as fresher than the usual downtown chain. Listings cite 360 Laurier Ave W in Centretown and also 881 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3M6 in the Glebe, so check the current address before you go. Hours vary by listing as well, from 8am-4pm to daily 8am-7pm, and sandwich prices land around $9-$13 with combos $14-$16.
The signature order is the Manny (prosciutto and arugula), and the build often includes house sauces like spicy eggplant. The local review line is specific: “Chipotle sauce is the secret weapon—beats chains on freshness.” It is a cafe vibe with seating and espresso chatter rather than a pure takeout counter, which makes it good for a quick dine-in. Transit is easy from the Parliament LRT stop, and bus access is strong on Bank and Laurier. It is often compared favourably to Nicastro for freshness, but lunch peak gets tight, so arriving before noon still matters.
Wellington West Pair: Roberto’s Corner and Subito Sandwich
Caption: Wellington West makes it easy to turn sandwiches into a neighbourhood walk.
Roberto’s Corner is a Wellington West standby at 1000 Wellington St W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2X7. Listings show Mon-Sat 10am-6pm (some cite 10am-7pm), and the pricing is $10-$14, with porchetta subs around $11 and hot/cold deli classics like roast beef specials. It feels like a nonna’s kitchen: warm, balanced flavours without the greasy overload. Reviews lean into the service: “Service and portions unreal—best for dates.” A Reddit line is simpler but to the point: “Roberto’s Corner serves delicious deli sandwiches.” Parking is street-only and can be tricky, so the early lunch window is the easiest slot.
Subito Sandwich sits in the same Wellington West orbit (near the 1000 block of Wellington), and the story is speed plus quality. Hours are lunch-focused, roughly 11am-4pm weekdays, with pricing $11-$15, plus daily specials like $10 hoagies. The sandwiches lean elevated and less greasy than many sub shops, and the menu often includes Italian ham-turkey stacks and cannolis. The quote that keeps coming up is “Hidden gem for value in Centretown chaos,” even though the vibe feels more Hintonburg-Wellington than Centretown. Think of Subito as the fast, no-fuss stop when you want quality meat and a quick exit.
Smoked Meat and Bagel-Forward Classics: Dunn’s and Ottawa Bagelshop
Caption: Montreal-style smoked meat is still a late-night Ottawa staple.
Dunn’s Famous Deli gives Ottawa its Montreal-style smoked meat fix at 350 Albert St, Ottawa, ON, and it runs daily 11am-9pm (some listings describe it as open late, up to 10pm). The smoked meat sandwich sits in the $12-$18 range, with combos $20+, which makes it pricier than the Italian delis but consistent and satisfying. The brand traces back to 1929, and the vibe still feels like Formica-era diner nostalgia. Local commentary is blunt: “Real deal vs. Ottawa pretenders—late-night savior.” The central location means LRT access is easy, and valet or OC Transpo options are commonly noted for downtown access. If you show up after 8pm, you usually dodge the rush.
Ottawa Bagelshop and Deli goes the Jewish-style route with bagel-based sandwiches and lox. Listings place it at 1420 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON, with Mon-Sat 7am-5pm and Sun 8am-4pm. Pricing sits around $8-$12 for sandwiches, with a $12 lox option and combos under $15. The shop is compact and busy, and the bagel focus is what sets it apart. Locals sum it up as “Ottawa’s spot for classic sandwiches,” and the easy parking lot is a rarity for central Ottawa.
Banh Mi Across Ottawa: Budget Powerhouses and Local Favourites
Caption: Ottawa banh mi keeps lunch under $10 without sacrificing flavour.
Banh mi is the Ottawa cheat code for value. It is the easiest way to get a hearty lunch under ten dollars, and the city has multiple reliable counters across the core and the suburbs.
- Banh Mi Yes at 1370 Clyde Ave is the budget benchmark, running $6-$9 with a BBQ pork signature and breads locals describe as the freshest. Strip mall parking makes pickup easy.
- My-Hang (Bank Street area) sits in the $7-$10 range and is known for grilled pork and family-run charm. The tip here is to pre-order during peak lunch hours.
- New Mee Fung on Somerset keeps pricing in the $6-$9 band and is a strong pick for veggie options, especially if you are already in Chinatown.
- Co Cham near Rideau is a quick-hit downtown option in the $7-$11 range with a spicy beef build and transit access.
- Banh Mi Kahn in the east end runs $8-$12 and is the portion-heavy pick locals recommend when you want a loaded sandwich.
Locals regularly push banh mi as the best value lunch in Ottawa. Seasonal energy shows up in summer when Vietnamese counters run faster and fresher — the classic “summer banh mi pops” effect — so it is a good warm-weather lunch loop. If you want the biggest savings in this guide, banh mi is it.
Bakeries and Market Counters: Art-Is-In, Sherwood, and The Sandwich Stop
Caption: Ottawa’s bakery sandwiches are breakfast-forward and worth the trek.
Art-Is-In Bakery sits in an industrial pocket at 250 City Centre Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6K7 and draws a steady weekend crowd. Hours run Mon-Fri 7am-6pm and Sat-Sun 8am-5pm (some listings cite 8am-4pm), with sandwich pricing $10-$15 and breakfast builds as the main draw. The bakery uses freshly milled flours and house sourdough, and the quote that keeps coming up is “Can’t stop dreaming about their breakfast sandwich,” echoed by “Breakfast sammy dreams; worth the trek.” It is bike-friendly and feels like a warehouse cafe, which makes it a better destination than a quick detour.
Sherwood Market & Deli on 886 Bank St is the lunch-and-picnic pick. Hours are listed as daily 9am-7pm (some sources say 9am-5pm), and the sandwiches run $9-$13, with the chicken-bacon-avocado at $11 and a $12 signature order. The draw is location: it is close to the canal, which makes it easy to grab a sandwich and sit outside. One local note says “Grab a sandwich to-go before lounging at the park,” and another calls it “surprisingly fresh after years.”
The Sandwich Stop is the east-end sleeper, located near 2816 St Laurent. It is a family-run spot that sticks to lunch hours around 11am-3pm and pricing around $8-$12, with a $13 beef brisket sandwich and pulled pork alternatives. Fans call the menu unique, with “Most combos not found at any other shop, $6-$7,” which is a reminder to check the daily board for budget specials.
Kettleman’s Bagels also shows up in the sandwich lane, with multiple locations (one common example is 211 Bank St) and daily 7am-7pm hours. Sandwich pricing sits around $7-$11, and the Montreal-style chew works well for quick lunch builds when you want a bagel base rather than a sub bun.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Sandwiches: Gooney’s, Pure Kitchen, Falafel Scoop, and Meat Press
Caption: Ottawa’s vegan sandwich scene leans on arepas, wraps, and falafel.
Gooney’s is the most distinctive vegan entry in this list. It operates downtown with a Centretown address of 360 Laurier Ave W, serves vegan arepas-as-sandwiches in the $10-$14 range, and offers gluten-free bases. Reviews highlight the eggplant build, with one line reading “Large, saucy, fresh—love the eggplant.” The style is Latin-fusion rather than deli, so it is a different experience, but it is also one of the most filling vegan lunches in the core.
Pure Kitchen at 357 Richmond Rd leans modern and health-forward, with $12-$16 gluten-free wraps and easy parking. It is the most reliable pick if you want dietary certainty without sacrificing flavour, and it works well as a Westboro add-on.
Falafel Scoop is the flexible vegan option, with multiple locations, $9-$13 pricing, and a falafel-forward, scoopable format that feels like a pita-sandwich hybrid. The local sentiment is clear even if the phrasing varies: vegan options like Falafel Scoop keep things fresh and lighter than heavier meat builds. Meat Press, often cited around Hintonburg, also appears in local threads for creative vegan stacks, so it is worth checking if you are already in the Wellington West corridor.
Suburban and Hidden-Gem Stops: Kanata, Stittsville, and the West End
Caption: Ottawa’s west and east ends hide some of the best-value sandwiches.
If you live west, the Kanata and Stittsville options make the trip downtown optional. Upper Crust Sandwich & Deli in Kanata is the family-friendly pick, typically listed with weekday hours around 9am-7pm and $10 combo deals that include soup. Parking is easy, service is fast, and the vibe is calmer than central Ottawa lunch rush.
Little Euro Deli in Kanata Lakes is the banh mi-style sleeper. It runs around 9am-6pm, prices its banh mi-style rolls around $10, and leans into pork belly fillings. A TripAdvisor note calls it the “best deli sandwich in Ottawa,” which is high praise for a strip-mall spot. Transit access is via the Route 62 bus if you are not driving.
For the broader list of newer or underrated shops, locals keep naming the same set: District Deli (new and buzzed-about, with “Their sandwiches are amazing!”), Wiches Cauldron in Stittsville for hot and cold variety, Pesto’s Deli in Kanata for weekday hot options, Bella’s Boys as a community favourite, Explosion Persian Style for shawarma-style sandwiches, Baguette Brochette at 222 Bank St for veggie-friendly baguette builds, Torta Boyz for Mexican tortas, Holly’s Gem near Heron with Yelp buzz, and 50 Two Sandwiches for creative builds. These are not always as well documented as the core delis, but they are worth pinning if you want to push beyond the usual Ottawa shortlist.
Neighbourhood Shortlist: Where to Go First
Caption: Ottawa’s best sandwich corridors cluster around a few walkable areas.
If you want to build a sandwich crawl, start with the strongest neighbourhood anchors and then branch out:
- ByWard Market: La Bottega Nicastro for Italian subs and Market energy, plus nearby bagel and deli options.
- Centretown: Sanguiccio for Italian hoagies and Gooney’s for vegan arepas, both close to transit.
- Little Italy / Glebe: Di Rienzo’s and Roberto’s for classic deli culture.
- Hintonburg / Westboro: Art-Is-In and Sherwood for bakery and picnic-friendly sandwiches.
- Kanata: Upper Crust and Little Euro for suburban value.
If you are planning a day, link the Market with a full food-and-shopping loop, or anchor your Italian stop with Little Italy and the Glebe. West-end sandwich runs work well with a stroll through Westboro.
Comparison: Ottawa Sandwiches at a Glance
Caption: Use this table to match price and vibe to the right sandwich stop.
| Option | Key Feature | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Di Rienzo’s Grocery | Little Italy classic, massive portions | $7-$10 | Authentic Italian subs and value |
| La Bottega Nicastro | Market deli with imported ingredients | $8-$12 | ByWard Market lunch stops |
| Sanguiccio Deli-Cafe | Hoagies + cafe seating | $9-$13 | Quick dine-in and espresso |
| Dunn’s Famous Deli | Smoked meat on rye | $12-$18 | Late-night downtown cravings |
| Banh Mi Yes | Budget banh mi | $6-$9 | Best-value lunch |
| Art-Is-In Bakery | Breakfast-forward sandwiches | $10-$15 | Weekend bakery runs |
| Gooney’s | Vegan arepas | $10-$14 | Plant-based diners |
Tips for Getting the Best Sandwich in Ottawa
Caption: Timing, transit, and pre-orders make the biggest difference.
- Go before noon or after 2pm. The biggest lines hit around lunch rush, especially at Di Rienzo’s, La Bottega, and Sanguiccio. Early windows are calmer and faster.
- Plan for cash-only spots. Di Rienzo’s is still cash-only, so bring cash or be ready to pivot.
- Pre-order when you can. Locals recommend ordering ahead via apps to avoid sell-outs, especially at Di Rienzo’s and La Bottega Nicastro.
- Avoid weekends at bakeries. Art-Is-In is busiest on weekends, so weekdays are your best bet.
- Use transit for the core. O-Train and LRT access (Preston Station or Parliament) beats downtown parking.
- Try banh mi in summer. Vietnamese shops tend to be at their freshest and fastest in warmer months.
- Skip the chains. The local move is to bypass chains like Subway and go straight to Nicastro’s or Di Rienzo’s for “life-changing heaps.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Caption: Ottawa’s sandwich scene rewards people who plan their timing.
Q: What is the best sandwich in Ottawa for first-time visitors?
Di Rienzo’s Grocery is the safest first pick. It is affordable ($7-$10), portion-heavy, and sits in Little Italy, which makes it easy to combine with a neighbourhood walk. If you want a Market option, La Bottega Nicastro delivers the same Italian-deli experience with heavier foot traffic.
Q: Which Ottawa sandwich shop is the best value?
Banh Mi Yes on Clyde Ave is the best value at $6-$9, with fresh bread and BBQ pork that is consistently praised. For Italian subs, Di Rienzo’s is the cheapest classic option and still feels like a deal.
Q: Where do locals go for smoked meat sandwiches?
Dunn’s Famous Deli on Albert St is the most reliable smoked meat option, priced $12-$18. It is a chain, but the Montreal-style flavour and late hours make it the downtown go-to.
Q: Are there good vegan sandwich options in Ottawa?
Yes. Gooney’s makes vegan arepas with fillings like eggplant and offers gluten-free bases. Pure Kitchen does gluten-free wraps, and Falafel Scoop provides a lighter falafel-based alternative.
Q: Which sandwiches are best for a picnic?
Sherwood Market & Deli on Bank St is ideal for canal picnics, and it is known for chicken-bacon-avocado. Art-Is-In is also popular for breakfast sandwiches if you plan a weekend bakery run.
Q: What time should I go to avoid lines?
Aim for 11am or after 2pm. Di Rienzo’s and La Bottega are especially packed around noon, and weekends are busiest at bakery counters like Art-Is-In.
Q: Is Sanguiccio in Centretown or the Glebe?
Listings cite both 360 Laurier Ave W and 881 Bank St, and hours vary from 8am-4pm to 8am-7pm. The safest move is to check the current listing before visiting.
Q: What is the best east-end sandwich option?
The Sandwich Stop near 2816 St Laurent is the most frequently mentioned east-end pick, with brisket and pulled pork options and lunch-only hours.
Q: Are there good sandwich stops in Kanata?
Yes. Upper Crust offers $10 soup-and-sandwich combos during the week, and Little Euro Deli has a banh mi-style roll around $10 that locals praise for pork belly.
Q: Which shop has the best breakfast sandwich?
Art-Is-In is the most referenced breakfast sandwich in Ottawa, with multiple local quotes calling it worth the trek. Its hours start at 7am on weekdays, making it a strong morning destination.
Final Summary
Caption: Ottawa’s best sandwiches come from delis, banh mi counters, and bakeries.
Ottawa’s sandwich scene in 2026 is defined by old-school Italian delis, budget-friendly banh mi, and a growing vegan lane. Di Rienzo’s and La Bottega Nicastro are the classic heavyweights, Sanguiccio and Roberto’s keep Wellington West and the Glebe stocked with fresh hoagies, and Dunn’s anchors the smoked meat cravings. Art-Is-In and Sherwood handle bakery and picnic needs, while Gooney’s and Pure Kitchen make vegan and gluten-free options feel satisfying instead of compromised.
If you want the most Ottawa experience in one day, start in Little Italy at Di Rienzo’s, loop north to the Market for La Bottega, and finish with a banh mi stop for value. The key is timing: hit lunch runs early, bring cash for the old-school counters, and use transit or a bike when you can. Ottawa’s sandwich culture is not loud, but it is deep, and this guide should be enough to build your own perfect route.
Sources: r/ottawa, r/OttawaFood, Tripadvisor Ottawa, Yelp Ottawa, Google Maps Ottawa
