Calgary lunch spots that serve the best sandwiches

Haunted by a childhood where lunchtime meant a PB and J or ham and cheese on soggy Wonder Bread? These restaurants will make you rethink the sandwich and have you looking forward to lunch again.

Calgary lunch spots that serve the best sandwiches
Vincci Tsui By

Holy Grill

1
827 10 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0B4

The paninis and burgers at Holy Grill are loaded with fresh toppings. Piled with cheese and mixed veggies that include artichoke hearts, pickled eggplant and grilled zucchini, vegans can sub avocado for cheese on the New Californian panini. For large appetites, additional toppings can be added on for a small fee. Don’t forget to order a side of beet root chips!

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Peppino Gourmet

2
209-435 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3A8

Grabbing one of Peppino’s famous Italian baguette sandwiches used to mean trekking to Kensington or Bridgeland during the lunch hour, but “Calgary’s littlest Italy” recently opened a downtown location that serves every one of its 40-plus sandwiches, from assorted selections topped with deli meats and cheeses to a variety of vegetarian options.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Trung Nguyen Vietnamese Subs

3
10-132 3rd Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0B6

There is always a line snaking out the door of this hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop during the lunch hour, and with good reason – Trung Nguyen’s bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette sandwiches) are full of flavour and stuffed with satay-marinated meats, crunchy pickled vegetables and just a dash of heat. It helps that they’re easy on the wallet, too.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Spolumbo's Fine Foods & Deli

4
1308 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0T3

A well-known Inglewood establishment, Spolumbo’s was founded over 20 years ago by Italian-Canadian ex-Calgary Stampeders Tom and Tony Spoletini and Mike Palumbo. The Italian Panini selection includes the highly recommended Spolumbo Special, a cheese and deli meat sandwich served with a handful of pickles. The eatery’s signature Italian sausages are made without fillers or preservatives. Try a spicy one on a crusty bun with tomato sauce.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Teatro

5
200 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0K7

Billed as an “immobile food truck” dealing “street meat,” Carne keeps it simple with a menu of just three sandwiches, served on house-made bread – roast porchetta, spicy Italian meatball and alpine grilled cheese. All of Carne’s offerings are prepped in the kitchen of its upscale-Italian mother-ship restaurant, Teatro, ensuring these sandwiches are something special.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Grumans Catering & Delicatessen

Come for the Montreal smoked meat at Grumans, but stay for so much more. Straight from Bubby’s kitchen, you’ll find Jewish deli sandwiches served with potato salad or fries. These include the wholesome chicken breast club as well as bagel with cream cheese and lox. Heartier sandwiches include Montreal smoked meat and a Reuben, both served on caraway rye.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Janice Beaton Fine Cheese

6
1017 16 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0T5

Janice Beaton is more than just a cheese shop! Snag a seat at their tiny grilled cheese bar to enjoy The Farm – named for the shop’s adjoined restaurant – which pairs two cow’s milk cheeses with homemade tomato chilli jam and arugula, a classic ham and gruyere, or be adventurous and order the Whim of the Week.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Sidewalk Citizen Bakery

7
618 Confluence Way SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0G1

Since Sidewalk Citizen opened its location in the Simmons Building in the East Village, it has been that much easier for downtown workers to enjoy a delicious sandwich on the bakery’s famous sourdough. Sidewalk Citizen now also offers pita sandwiches. The daily lunch special features soft, round pockets filled with a variety of different fillings every day.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Caffe Mauro

8
120-999 8 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1J5

Located at the base of an office tower across the street from MEC, Caffe Mauro has become a favourite spot for those working in the area. Its unique specialty sandwiches, include prosciutto bocconcini and an impressive build-your-own-sandwich board.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:
More from Vincci Tsui Vincci Tsui
Vincci is a registered dietitian, food lover and eater. She is passionate about guiding people towards better health in ways that are practical and delicious. Aside from her weekly nutrition blog, Vincci is a contributor to Avenue Magazine and is very active in the Calgary food scene and on social media.
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