No. 1
Alumni Sandwiches
Alumni has built a loyal following with sandwiches like the chicken Parmesan, the hot-chicken sandwich or the chorizo torta, paired with inventive cocktails or local craft beers.
725 17 Ave. S.W., 403-455-7255, alumnisandwiches.com, @alumniyyc
Runners-up
Spolumbo’s Fine Foods & Deli
Known for its sausages sold in restaurants and grocery stores across the city, Spolumbo’s also has a great Inglewood deli where its provisions are sold along with an expansive menu of sandwiches. A classic choice would be the sausage on a bun topped with tomato sauce, but there are a variety of hot paninis and Italian cold cut sandwiches, too.
1308 9 Ave. S.E., 403-264-6452, spolumbos.com, @spolumbosdeli
Peppino
Peppino has been running in Calgary for over 19 years. The local sandwich chain offers 42 fresh Italian sandwich varieties at its five locations, including a BLT with cheese, a capicollo sandwich and a hot Italian meatball sandwich. Peppino also sells a number of products in its in-store market like pasta sauces, soups and takeaway lasagnas.
Five Calgary locations, peppinogourmet.com, @peppinoyyc
Lazy Loaf & Kettle
Famous for its “kettle bread,” a dense loaf made with nine grains, Lazy Loaf & Kettle offers several sandwiches (as well as a build-your-own sandwich option) that are available on any of the fresh-baked breads. The cafe and bakery is located near the Bow River, providing the perfect opportunity for a picnic by the water.
8 Parkdale Cres. N.W., 403-270-7810, lazyloafandkettle.com, @lazy_loaf
Meat & Bread
This Vancouver restaurant made the move to Calgary in 2017 and has been serving the downtown lunch crowd ever since. The porchetta sandwich, served with a salsa verde and crispy pork crackling, is a menu staple, but the rest of the menu is always rotating with different delicious sandwiches.
821 1 St. S.W., 403-764-6225, meatandbread.com, @meatandbread
La Boulangerie Bakery & Café
In the heart of Mission lies La Boulangerie, a small French bakery and cafe making croissants, breads and other treats. For lunch, La Boulangerie offers classic Parisian-style sandwiches made on the delicious house-made breads and croissants.
2435 4 St. S.W., 403-984-9294, la-boulangerie-calgary.com, @laboulangerieyyc
Sammie Cafe
Located in Marda Loop, Sammie Cafe focuses on exactly what the restaurant’s name implies: sandwiches, at all times of day. The menu features several must-try sandwiches, including the spicy jerk chicken, crispy fried chicken and sous vide pork loin katsu. If you’re coming for brunch, there are several breakfast sandwich options along with dishes like red velvet waffles and smoked salmon eggs Benedict.
113, 2205 33 Ave. S.W., 403-457-9682, sammieyyc.ca, @sammieyyc
Empire Provisions
In addition to a market where you can buy locally made charcuterie, meals and other treats, Empire Provisions has a cafe with sandwiches made from high quality ingredients like slow-roasted beef, house-smoked turkey and Empire Tuscan ham. Empire Provisions also offers catering services to your home or office.
8409 Elbow Dr. S.W., 403-244-0570, empireprovisions.com, @empireprovisions