Super sandwiches: 16 of the Bay Area’s best sandos to try right now

The world has gone crazy for sandwiches, ever since John Montagu, England’s fourth Earl of Sandwich, reportedly chowed down on meat shoved between two slices of bread rather than leave the gambling table for a proper knife-and-fork meal. The portable, versatile sandwich, embraced by cuisines the world over, is on a streak that shows no signs of slowing.

Here are 16 of our favorites from some superb delis, cafes and sandwich spots across the Bay, from a meaty 49ers fave in San Jose to an artichoke and mozzarella wonder in Danville. Here, have a taste!

La Villa Deli, San Jose

Grab a number and get in line at this beloved Italian delicatessen decked out in sports memorabilia — and salami. The Bertucelli family, the longtime owners, and their staff make delicious meatballs, cannelloni, salads, desserts and more, but they are locally famous for two things: their ravioli, with oh-so-tender dough, and son Chris’ signature secret sandwich, the Chris Combo.

With apologies to the “ravs,” the sandwich that Chris Bertucelli invented back when he was a teenager is vaulting ahead in popularity and rapidly becoming famous with both the National Football League and the National Hockey League. How so? La Villa often feeds the San Francisco 49ers and the San Jose Sharks — plus the teams that come here to compete against them. Players talk, you know. Especially after you feed them well.

The sandwich: Ask the biggest fans. Like the Niners’ Deebo Samuel. Or the Sharks’ Logan Couture. Or any of the former local stars who stop at La Villa when they come into town — Mike Ricci, Joe Pavelski, Joe Thornton. The ingredients that make up the Chris Combo ($12.95) are secret, but we can tell you that it’s a yummy, melty amalgamation of a couple of meats, a couple of cheeses and a dash of Italian spice, all heated up on a soft roll.

The details: Open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday at 1319 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; http://www.wglavilla.com

Domenico’s Delicatessen and Cafe, Danville

Now in its 30th year, this upscale family-owned neighborhood deli is known for top-notch meats and housemade spreads, including flavored mayos, and fresh pasta salads (seven on our visit). They also do a helluva vegetarian sandwich — five specialties — loaded with grilled, marinated or roasted veggies and various cheeses. The deli walls are lined with bottles of wine and imported goods, from Italian cookies to Torres potato chips, perfect for perusing while you wait for a build-your-own. Next door, the cafe, which turns 10 this year, churns out hot paninis in addition to gelato and espresso drinks.

The sandwich: Call us flexitarian, but it’s a tie between a recent daily special of Cajun turkey and smoked cheddar with chipotle mayo ($13.25) and the Carciofi ($11.25), a vegetarian sandwich featuring long stem artichokes, fresh mozzarella, pesto mayo, tomato, shaved red onion, spring greens and balsamic vinegar on focaccia.

Details: The deli is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (the cafe is open until 4 p.m.) at 682 Hartz Ave., Danville; http://domenicosdeli.com

Gigi’s Cafe, Burlingame

When Teresa Gee’s customers and their rave reviews propelled Gigi’s Cafe onto Yelp’s list of 100 Places to Eat in 2023 — one of the few NorCal spots to make the list — we knew we had to drive over to check it out. Gee runs the cafe inside the Sea Breeze office complex near San Francisco Bay, just south of the airport. (Those lucky employees have good reason to head back for in-person work.) Gigi’s is a pickup-window operation, so you can order breakfast or lunch in advance online or at the indoor kiosks and counter. A patio offers plenty of breezy seating.

The sandwich: We ordered one of the faves, Chipotle is My Life ($13.50), a shareable behemoth loaded with roasted turkey, melted pepper jack, tomatoes, onions and lettuce and accented by a zesty chipotle spread. If chipotle hasn’t played a major role in your life up until now, this sandwich could change that. Other bestsellers are the Turkey Avocado Smash ($13.50) and the Tech Bro ($14.99), although Gee admits she doesn’t know whether customers are attracted by that pastrami/turkey/bacon combo —  or the name.

The details: Open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 111 Anza Blvd., Burlingame, across from the Embassy Suites. Turn into the entrance nearest the small red Gigi’s sign, park and head for the glassy front doors; www.gigiscafeburlingame.com.

Sideboard, Lafayette

This Lafayette hot spot has the rustic feel of a casual cafe you might stumble across in the countryside, complete with chalkboard menu, wooden tables and an actual grandma’s sideboard holding condiments and utensils. It caters to an all-day crowd with deeply aromatic coffee, fresh sandwiches and salads, chardonnay and Scotch ale and a lovingly stocked pastry case (try the super-moist carrot cake). Order at the counter, and they’ll bring you your food — even if you’re picnicking at the little park across the street. Just be sure to tell them you need “picnic service.”

The sandwich: Yes, it’s spendy for a sandwich. But Sideboard’s steak sandwich ($19.75) is a steak — served on a sandwich. A flat-iron is grilled perfectly medium-rare and served warm on an Acme torpedo roll, its juices soaking into the bread along with grassy-green chimichurri. There’s a hit of sweetness from caramelized onions and bite from baby arugula, and it’s all tied together with luxurious roasted-garlic aioli, and served with fries or chips on the side. Eating it on the heated patio or in the little park across the way, you’ll feel like you’re having a fancy steakhouse dinner with each bite.

The details: Open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily at 3535 Plaza Way, Lafayette, with a second outpost at 90 Railroad Ave. in Danville; sideboard.co.

Adamson’s French Dip, Sunnyvale

Greg Adamson had a favorite sandwich while growing up in the Midwest. Years later, he set about re-creating that culinary memory. His French Dip would be seasoned just so and be slow-smoked over an oakwood fire, sliced thinly and served on a roll alongside a cup of au jus. Once he perfected his recipes, he headed out on the Peninsula festival circuit to sell the sandwich, then in 2009 opened a cheery, casual restaurant on El Camino Real.

The sandwich: Of course it’s the French Dip. The taste — whether from the oak roasting or the spices or both — is heavenly. You do have a couple of choices, the original Top Sirloin ($14.95) or, when available, Prime Rib (market price, currently $16.95). Adamson’s also offers a version with grilled onions ($15.95) and a cheesesteak-style dip ($15.95). All come with a cup of au jus, plus horseradish upon request. The best accompaniment is a mug of Adamson’s root beer on draft, which is made in house.

The details: Open for lunch only from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Saturday at 806 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale; www.adamsonsfrenchdip.com

Waterfront Deli, Alameda

Tucked along the water side of the Marina Village Yacht Harbor in Alameda, Waterfront Deli offers stunning views to pair with high-quality, affordable sandwiches made by a staff that knows its regulars by name — and presents its paper-wrapped sandwiches on silver platters. In addition to a dozen classics ($8.75-$9.75) like chicken salad, a BLT and a hummus-and-tzatziki-filled Mediterranean wrap, Waterside offers 10 signature sandwiches ($10.75-$11.75), including a roast turkey “special” with oven-roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, Swiss cheese and the works. There are plenty of tables inside, but the patio tables outside — and those bobbing boats — will beckon.

The sandwich: East Meets West ($11.75). This ciabatta sandwich is layered with Korean bulgogi beef, sliced jalapeño, a creamy garlic spread, red onions, melted provolone and avocado slices. A true deli fusion.

The details: Open from 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays at 1070 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 105 in Alameda; https://waterfrontdeli.com

Fambrini’s Cafe, Palo Alto

Tucked into the Mayfield Plaza complex on El Camino Real, this bright and sleek cafe does a brisk business in brunch, lunch and baked goods. Especially on Sundays, when the brunch line forms early. Do yourself a favor and try the extensive Fambrini’s menu on a weekday, when it’s faster to score a table inside or on the patio. The Chimichurri Surf & Turf, with marinated trip-tip and jumbo shrimp ($18.75), is the top-selling sandwich, and the brunch bunch raves on social media about the Biscoff Pancakes.

The sandwich: The Crunch ($15.95). There’s no need to buy a bag of chips to add textural interest to your sandwich when Fambrini’s has created a crunchy, cheesy, spicy sandwich that does the trick. This customer favorite piles grilled chicken, coleslaw, Cajun-garlic sauce and fresh jalapeños on the signature house ciabatta, then adds a thick skirt of melted cheddar and pepper jack cheeses studded with tortilla chips. Crunch away.

The details: Open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekends from 10:30 to 3 at 2500 El Camino Real, Palo Alto; www.fambriniscafe.com.

Americano, Livermore

We won’t hold the kitschy decor against Americano. Even ceramic cherubs won’t discount the sandwich-building prowess at this Livermore strip mall deli, where housemade sauces and unconventional stuffers, like French fries and jalapeño poppers, yield delicious results.

The hot sandwiches, which start at $16, deserve your attention and are large enough to feed two, especially with a side of the vinegar-based slaw ($2). There are two dozen to choose from, including a noteworthy salmon BLTA, a meatball hoagie made with sirloin and the King Kong, a gut buster loaded with roast beef, turkey, ham, provolone, jalapeño poppers, slaw and two sauces, the garlicky Godfather and the tangy Mob sauce. Hold the Sinatra.

The sandwich: Yaaas, Queen! ($17). With tax and tip, this two-meal behemoth will cost you an Andrew. But the medley of pesto-smeared chicken, mozzarella, parmesan and avocado is delightfully nutty, thanks to a smattering of pine nuts. And it’s served with the works.

Details: Open 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday at 978 Murrieta Blvd., Livermore; www.americanolivermore.com/.

Specialty’s Cafe & Bakery, Mountain View

In 2021, Dawn and Craig Saxton resurrected their popular deli concept, one that had focused on business lunches and baked goods since 1987. A lot of corporate brainstorming had been done over boxed lunches from Specialty’s in those years. Now, their revival restaurant features a re-energized menu of new creations and customer favorites, along with breakfast sandwiches, scones, muffins and an array of cookies that includes Semi Sweet Chocolate Chunk, Chai Snickerdoodle and Ginger Molasses.

The cafe is open and airy with lots of seating and parking, making for a perfect rendezvous spot for WFH friends. Need to invite the whole team? There’s a community table, power outlets, strong WiFi and Peet’s coffee. And naturally, Specialty’s delivers to Silicon Valley offices.

The sandwich: They had me at “balsamic onion jam.” For the Pulled Chicken sandwich ($11.95), Specialty’s artfully pulls together roasted chicken, that delectable onion jam, goat cheese, aioli and peppery arugula and serves it warm on toasted vegan focaccia, baked fresh daily. There’s also a Shaved Ham with fennel apple onion chutney and a Roast Turkey with cranberry chutney ($11.95 each). Feel free to mix-and-match the savory jams and chutneys.

The details: Open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 645 Ellis St., Mountain View; www.specialtys.com.

Morucci’s, Walnut Creek

This no-frills deli in the Saranap neighborhood of Walnut Creek is famous for its sandwich board fractions (No. 6¾, prosciutto and fresh mozzarella with basil, is a top seller), long, snaking lines (especially between noon and 2 p.m.) and housemade touches, from tri-tip to pesto. But it’s the bread — warm, toasted Semifreddi’s ciabatta — that seems to elevate everything it hugs. Morucci’s offers 25 specialty sandwiches under $10, including steamed pastrami and melted Swiss, a vegetarian Italian sub and a chicken breast with Caesar dressing and asiago cheese.

The sandwich: No. 1½ ($9.50), with Toscano salami, pepper turkey, Danish fontina, kalamata olives, banana peppers and roasted red and green peppers. Shredded asiago adds punchy flavor. Don’t miss the large selection of Kettle chips (Korean Barbeque, anyone?). And remember, you can avoid the line: Just call in your order and pick up at the window.

Details: Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and until 4 p.m. weekends at 1218 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek; 925-939-2426.

Duc Huong, San Jose

It’s hard to beat the textural appeal of a banh mi. First you bite into the crispy shell of the freshly baked baguette, then you reach the chilled, vinegary snap of the pickled carrot and daikon, the unmistakable taste of cilantro sprigs, the pork (or chicken or pate), some sweet mayo and finally the crispy bottom bun.

Crunch. Savor. Repeat. When you’re in the mood, head to Duc Huong, a popular banh mi shop with four San Jose locations. Don’t be dissuaded by the line of customers. Order at the counter, then wait by the pickup window. It’s a fast, efficient operation.

The sandwich: There’s lots of porky goodness on the menu, from pork loaf to pork belly to pork floss, but we can never resist the classic No. 5, BBQ Pork ($7 full size, $3.50 half). Word is, the newish Steak Banh Mi ($8.50 full, $5.25 half) is coming on strong with customers — hence the appeal of the half sandwiches.

The details: Two of the locations, 1020 Story Road and 2345 McKee Road, are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The 2090 N. Capitol Ave. and 2569 S. King Road shops have slightly different hours; https://duchuongsandwiches.com

Carnitas el Canelo, Richmond

This operation nestled on a Richmond backstreet feels like somebody’s little culinary clubhouse, with Christmas lights dangling from the corrugated roof, just a couple of benches to dine at and, for entertainment, the Latin version of “Soul Train” on TV. Toward the back, the staff hand-shreds cheese and stirs an immense cauldron of carnitas, served with or without rind (but who would ever order without?). Consult them or the menu bannering the wall for daily offerings such as pollo en pipián verde and crispy-masa memelas.

The sandwich: The cemita is Puebla’s version of a gut buster. A hubcap-sized steak cutlet is breaded and fried and topped with ham, white cheese, avocado and homemade chipotles in adobo. It’s all squished into a sesame roll, reportedly imported from Los Angeles, with the fillings falling out of the edges to give a sense of total abundance. Salsas are a must – scoop up the fiery-orange habanero or avocado-chile pulverized in a huge molcajete. ($20)

The details: Typically open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Sunday at 684 Turpin Court, Richmond; instagram.com/carnitaselcanelo.

The Refuge, San Carlos and San Mateo

About 15 years ago, partners Matt Levin, Melanie Roth and chef Michael Greuel put everything they had into the premise that the Bay Area deserved a proper New York-style pastrami. They set about trimming, spicing, brining until they achieved an amazing result, then paired the pastrami with Belgian-style ales and other brews on 24 taps. Their original restaurant in downtown San Carlos is going strong, and there’s now a large, airy location with a vast patio at Hillsdale Shopping Center’s North Block.

The sandwich: The Pastrami No. 19, aka Toast Slaw ($22.45) piles layers of that thickly sliced, house-cured pastrami with Swiss cheese, coleslaw and housemade Russian dressing on toasted rye bread. Naturally, there’s a Reuben and also a Swiss & Mustard version (also $22.45). All come with pickled red onions and pickle. Half sandwiches are available for $14.95.

The details: The Hillsdale location, 60 31st Ave., San Mateo, serves daily from 11:30 a.m. until 8 or 9 p.m. The San Carlos one, 963 Laurel St., is open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday for lunch and at 5 p.m. for dinner; on weekends it’s 11:30 a.m. straight through to 9 p.m. Saturday and 8 p.m. Sunday. www.refugesc.com

Mirchi Meat & Deli, Fremont

This butcher shop and grocery began as a halal initiative, which is certainly a great thing. But let’s also get into how delicious the sandwiches are, with meats so fresh they practically emanate barnyard sounds. Located in a strip mall, the front part of Mirchi is stocked with blends to make kulfa and haleem and cans of preserved carrots and mangoes. The back features a well-stocked butcher case and, above it, a small menu of sandwiches to order from, ranging from archar chicken with pepper jack to house-cured pastrami with berry jam.

The sandwich: Staffers will customize your sandwich, so we had the roast beef ($10.99) with achar pickles, typically found in South Asian cuisine. It comes out looking for all the world like a pressed Cuban: crunchy, lacquered bread slices packed with melting Swiss, pickled red onions and super-juicy slices of meat. The star of the sando that you never knew you needed is the achar, which is fiery, tangy and scented with all the intrigue of a spice bazaar.

The details: Open daily from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (6 p.m. on Sunday) at 40900 Fremont Blvd., Suite B, Fremont; mirchimeatndeli.com.

Bara’s Deli, San Leandro

The entry sign says “Please line up here,” and if you’re hankering for a good deli sandwich you’ll gladly oblige. This family joint dating from 1986 has dozens of sandos on the menu, from classics like the Cali-Club and turkey-cranberry Gobbler to customer inventions like the “Mario Brother” (meatballs and pepperoni with mozzarella and red sauce). Order near the case of Boar’s Head products, then grab a soda and bag of chips and you’re good to go.

The sandwich: There’s a reason the Bay Area Special ($14) is first on the menu. It’s pretty much everything you’d want in an ideal deli sandwich. The holy-meat trio of roast beef, ham and roasted turkey are layered with lettuce, tomato, pickles, mustard, mayo and garlic aioli, and squished into a sweet and doughy roll. It’s something you might wolf down if you were, say, a construction worker packing asphalt on nearby I-880 – and then you’d come back tomorrow and order it again. So would we.

The details: Open from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays at 14799 Washington Ave, San Leandro; barasdeli.com.

Los Gatos Meats & Smokehouse, Los Gatos