Last Updated on 8 January 2026 by Colette
It feels like Manchester is living for sandwiches right now – and I’m not talking a Boots meal deal, I’m talking full on gourmet sandwiches packed with flavour and fancy ingredients. For Dave and I, this sandwich renaissance is taking the place of eating out – yes we might be spending £10 to £15 on a sandwich which is definitely not daily working lunch territory but as a once or twice a month treat, it means we get to have a nice lunch together and feeling we’ve spoiled ourselves without dropping £50 on lunch out or even more on an evening meal. Eating out is super expensive now so a bougie sandwich just feels like a more accessible way of doing it.
Dave and I literally have a shared note on our phones of places we want to eat which we are adding to constantly so this post features the best sandwich spots in Manchester that we have tried so far – and I’ll continue to add to it as we tick more places off our list!
(I’ll also look to add more photos to this article as time goes on as I hadn’t actually planned on writing it so I’m a bit shy on pictures!)
Ad Maiora (Northern Quarter)
If you like Italian food, this is the sandwich shop for you – Ad Maiora is top of this list of the best sandwich shops in Manchester for a reason and is easily my go to. After serving out of a hatch on a side street in Ancoats, they’ve recently moved to a new shop on Tib Street in the Northern Quarter.
Address: 84 Tib Street, Northern Quarter, M4 1LG
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00–18:00 – or until sell out!
Sandwiches: Italian-style schiacciata with fillings imported straight from Italy. The Haaland is an absolute joy.
Pricing: Sandwiches typically £9 to £15 although they do sometimes rock out an offer on selected sandwiches plus a drink for a tenner.
It’s worth following these guys on instagram as they’ll sometimes pop a special followers-only meal deal up on there!
Rack (Arndale Market)
Rack was the first of the sandwich shops that we tried and it has remained a firm favourite for good value, super tasty sandwiches that you can make a meal of. Their hashbrowns are bite sized pockets of joy – definitely recommend the garlic and parm or salt and pepper ones!
Address: Arndale Market (Unit NF15/NF16)
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 9:30–17:00, Sun 11:30–16:00
Sandwiches: Think gourmet grilled cheese, hoagies and thick sliced butties – oh, and you have to try the hashbrowns!
Pricing: £7.50 to £10 per sandwich.
The staff at Rack are always super friendly and we’ve never had a bad sandwich yet! Keep on eye on their instagram for seasonal specials (and some very random things in toasties!).
Foldies (City Centre)
If you love a good pizza, you’re going to love Foldies. Think a pizza style flat bread folded sandwich situation packed with tasty ingredients – messy to eat but 100% worth it.
Address: 58 Mosley Street, M2 3HZ
Opening hours: Mon–Fri: 7:30–18:00; Sat: 8:30–18:00; (Main menu from 11:00)
Sandwiches: Pizza‑style folded dough sandwiches offering fast, delightful, handcrafted flavour. Foldies’ sandwiches made from 00‑flour pizza dough, stone‑baked at 400°C, filled with slow‑cooked meats, salads, sauces. Includes breakfast (scrambled egg, bacon & nduja) and lunch options like Italian Beef (£13.50)
Pricing: £9.95 – £12 per sandwich
Give these guys a follow on instagram
Bada Bing (Northern Quarter)
If you’re looking for a massive sandwich, Bada Bing are going to see you right. The menu is relatively limited but these hoagies are jam packed with filling and flavour. This a trendy bar-deli hybrid with lively music, late‑night opening and cult following
Address: 125 Oldham Street, M4 1LN
Opening hours: Wednesday / Thursday: 12-8 Friday / Saturday: 12-10 Sunday: 12-5
Sandwiches: Italian‑American hoagie “subs” packed with deli meats, pickles, sauces – hot and cold options available. Licenced for beer and negronis . . .
Pricing: Typically £10–£14 per hoagie
Follow them on instagram to check out the latest specials!
Have you tried any of these sandwich spots yet – or even better have you got any recommendations for Dave and I to try? (You can check out this Instagram highlight for more sandwich joy too!)
Check out these posts next:
The coolest places to eat in the Northern Quarter
Where to get the best coffee in Manchester
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