Ready to sink your teeth into a hearty sandwich? Forget the insipid bread with ham and processed cheese that you'll find in the convenience store and try on these tasty gourmet options instead. From vegan delights to meaty sandwiches fit for a king, there's something for everyone on this list.
While this deli offers a range of menu items, the sandwiches are indisputably the star here. For something unique and exotic, try the Vietnamese bánh mì sandwich. Meat lovers will enjoy the Smoked Meat sandwich. You can also pick up some fresh bread and smoked meats for making your own sandwich later. Clean and airy, the deli is a popular place to enjoy lunch.
Located on the waterfront, this airy café boasts a rotating menu, so you'll find different sandwich options each time you go. But if you have your heart set on their delicious BLT on a pretzel bun, you can definitely order that. The décor of this shop is bright, welcoming and offers lots of space, but feel free to enjoy your sandwich at the picnic tables outside. Be sure to order a cup of their amazing coffee (if you don't fall in love with their lavender lemonade first).
When it comes to high-quality sandwiches, Roast is the place to go. The prices here are high, but there's a good reason for that: The flavour is exceptional. Hidden away in the Victoria Public Market, there's rarely a long line for Roast. It's impossible to pick just one sandwich that is the best, so you may find yourself returning multiple times. Expect friendly, hipster staff and soft, fresh bread with custom fillings and fall-off-the-bone meats.
Anyone who enjoys BBQ will love this restaurant, but true to the name, there's more than just the usual finds here. Settle yourself on a bar stool at the counter and order a locally made beer to go with your meal. There are more than enough menu choices to keep you coming back, but the pulled pork sandwich is always a hit. Try one of the uniquely cured meats with paté for a special treat.
This little market creates flavourful sandwiches at a value price. The friendly staff are happy to suggest tasty combinations that you likely never thought possible. The meatball sandwich is one of the more popular choices, but don't miss the prosciutto hot sandwich, either. If you want to create the next Great Canadian Sandwich at home, you can even order cheeses and meats to take home. Just keep in mind that space is limited at the shop, as this little market caters more to the takeout crowd.
While the coffee is good at Relish, it's the sandwiches that really stand out. The modern café is neat and clean, with a comfortable atmosphere and plenty of books and other reading material to entertain you while you wait. Try the black cod sandwich if you enjoy fish. Vegetarians will prefer the gourmet goat cheese sandwich with fresh vegetables tucked inside. The other menu items are just as enticing.
Sometimes, sandwiches make a good breakfast, and the ones found at this coffee shop are a cut above the usual. Have a simple spinach and egg, or if you are really hungry, have your favourite combination of breakfast foods pressed into a hot panini. If lunch is more your speed, check out the popular chicken and fig sandwich. While it is a cozy space with about five tables, you can usually find a seat at the window bench that overlooks the peaceful neighbourhood.
Murchie's is more elegant than most sandwich shops – it even offers you coffee on a silver serving tray. You'll find a dozen sandwich choices, already pre-made and set up for display, so you simply have to choose which one you want. The bread is all freshly baked in-house, and despite the elegant interior, the staff is friendly and helpful.
Right in the middle of Victoria's downtown you'll find Bastion Square, and in that square is a restaurant that frequently has a line out the door. Plan to arrive early so you can find a spot to sit without waiting too long. The Reuben sandwich is particularly delicious, though all the menu items tend to be very good as well.