Melbourne’s Best Sandwiches 2025, According to Bangin’ Sangas’ Ross James Howse
We sat down with Ross James Howse, the Naarm-based Chief Sandwich Officer and founder of @banginsangas. This ex-UK baker turned Melbourne food creator has built a devoted community around epic sangas and lifestyle bites. Here, Ross guest edits our best sandwiches list and shares why Melbourne’s scene bangs harder than anywhere else.
Ross here—a Brit who came to Melbourne for a holiday and then forgot to leave (sandwiches will do that). What started as a simple mission to research opening my own deli and bakery somehow turned into Bangin' Sangas, an online food community that has grown far bigger than I ever expected.
I began by chasing the perfect sandwich and sharing the journey, and before I knew it the community exploded. Along the way, I found myself helping small Australian businesses get the recognition they deserve—which has become one of my favourite parts of what I do.
Bangin Sangas has now moved beyond just sandwiches. I share the food I am loving, the places worth your time, the habits that keep me balanced and healthy and the lifestyle moments that make this whole thing fun.
I have collaborated with some of the biggest brands in Australia and created the Peri Pineapple x Nando’s sandwich that sold more than 60,000 units nationwide—something I never thought I would say in my life.
Honestly, if this obsession has taught me one thing, it's that a great sandwich delivers more than food—it serves up a killer tale, captures the perfect moment and sometimes saves your damn life. So buckle up—these are Melbourne’s best, and they’re bangin’
Without further ado, here are Bangin’ Sangas’ top 15 sando spots in Melbourne:
1. Marko's Schnitzel
2/159 Chesterville Road, Moorabbin
Image Credit: Marko's Schnitzel | Website
Bangin Sangas’ Pick: Schnitzel Sub or Pita
You know a place is top tier when they skip social media, ignore weekends and still pack 2-hour queues for a chicken schnitzel that might be the best your mouth ever meets. Marko's has ruled as an institution for over 20 years, adored by locals and now Melbourne's sandwich obsessives. High-quality ingredients, massive portions and flavour that drags you back every time.
Build-your-own deli style means no limits on what you cram inside but the best part? Still under $20. Newbies, grab the Markos Special as your safety net. Regulars know the pita packs all the punch for half the price. If yours flops, blame yourself—you designed it.
2. Warung Coffee
667 Chapel Street, South Yarra
Image Credit: Warung Coffee | Website
Bangin Sangas’ Pick: Beef Rendang Toastie
I have lost count of how many of these I have eaten at Warung Coffee. One of the very first toasties I tried when I moved to Melbourne 8 years ago, and it still holds a special place in my heart. It’s the perfect balance of salty, sweet, spicy, cheesy and crunchy. The mouthfeel is unbelievable, with all the textures hitting at once.
And you can be absolutely sure it’ll cure any level of hangover that Chapel Street has cursed you with. Warung offers a great range of Indonesian fusion sandwiches, but this one is the star player. The number one draft pick, always.
3. The Bearded Pig
39 Mologa Road, Heidelberg West
Bangin Sangas’ Pick: Brisket Sanga
For the barbecue lovers, I cannot recommend The Bearded Pig enough. A family-run gem tucked away in an industrial pocket of Heidelberg. These guys are serving some of the best brisket in Melbourne—my personal favourite too. The brisket is so tender it practically evaporates the moment it hits your tongue.
16 hours of smoke that sends you into a reflective state, questioning your life choices. You will happily queue for 2 hours again. The sandwich is as simple as it gets: American cheese. Chipotle mayo. Seeded bun. That simplicity lets the brisket shine like the main character it is.
4. Piccolo Vicolo
5A North Street, Ascot Vale
Bangin Sangas’ Pick: Meatball Sandwich
Hidden in the side streets of Moonee Ponds, Piccolo Vicolo is run by Maria, a hospitality icon in Melbourne’s Italian food scene. Her meatballs are a 30-year family recipe, lovingly hand-rolled every single day. The sugo hits the perfect balance. These are the softest and most flavour-packed meatballs I’ve had in my 4 years here.
Capsicums, rocket and a perfectly toasted, crunchy baguette bring it all together. You genuinely feel transported back to your childhood, standing in your Nonna’s kitchen while she prepares a warm family feast.
5. Bun Bun Bakery
1/288 Springvale Road, Springvale
Image Credit: Bun Bun Bakery | Instagram
Bangin Sangas’ Pick: Crispy Pork Banh Mi
Out of the 30 banh mi I’ve eaten in Melbourne, Bun Bun easily takes the crown. You cannot have a top 15 list without Vietnamese representation. The crackling is like glass. The pork is juicy enough to make you emotional.
The sweet onions will make you question how you’ve managed to cook onions incorrectly your entire life. And for just $9 (cash preferred, wink wink, nudge nudge) you’ll happily grab two. Also, it is absolutely essential that you get a tiger roll. Non-negotiable.
6. Maison Bâtard
23 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Bangin Sangas’ Pick: Club Sandwich
The sanga at Maison Bâtard is probably the poshest and most boujee sandwich on the list, and still unknown to most sandwich hunters. The club is the ideal holiday sandwich. It gives you poolside vibes, heat on your shoulders and a fruity cocktail in hand—all in the first bite.
The chicken is tender with a slight smoky edge that adds depth to the sandwich. It feels, looks and tastes expensive. Balanced, layered and satisfying, it’s one of the best clubs I’ve ever eaten. Yes, the price is higher, but so are your standards.
7. Napier Hotel
210 Napier Street, Fitzroy
Image Credit: Napier Hotel | Website
Bangin Sangas’ Pick: Steak Sandwich
If I had to pick one steak sandwich in Melbourne that every person must try, this steak sandwich at Napier Hotel is it. It kills hangovers, fills bellies and saves wallets. The scotch fillet hits perfect medium rare every time, while the aioli is luxuriously creamy.
This hearty, warm sanga feels like a hug from someone who knows exactly what you need. Add salty fries and an ice-cold frothy, and you’re instantly resurrected.
8. Baguette Studios
15-27 Wreckyn Street, North Melbourne
Image Credit: Baguette Studios | Website
Bangin Sangas’ Pick: Monte Cristo Toastie
If cheese toasties had a religious hierarchy, the Monte Cristo at Baguette Studios would be the deity at the top. Look, if you hate fried food, skip this one. But for toastie lovers, it’s an unmissable experience. Golden fried bread hugs layers of ham and melted cheese, all topped with a drizzle of blueberry compote and maple syrup.
It sounds outrageous—and honestly, it is—but that sweet and salty dance hits all the right notes. The crunch is next-level and the balance of flavours are spot-on. Baguette Studios offers plenty of great options, but the Monte Cristo is a bucket-list toastie.
9. Porco Ciccio
822 High Street, Thornbury
Bangin Sangas’ Pick: Porchetta Panini
A recent discovery in my sandwich adventures and an instant favourite. I’ve grown tired of most focaccia spots because everyone’s doing it, and hardly anyone is doing it well. Porco Ciccio, meaning Happy Pig, specialises in Roman-style panini and pizza, serving some of the crispiest and lightest focaccia in Melbourne.
The porchetta bursts with unreal notes, while the pecorino cream, fennel salad and salsa verde add a fresh, herby richness, taking your palate on an exhilarating ride. You’ll be happy as a pig in… well, you get it.
10. Hugo's Deli
119 Swan Street, Richmond
Image Credit: Hugo's Deli | Website
Bangin Sangas’ Pick: Shokupan Fried Chicken Sandwich
Whenever someone asks me to choose between Hugo's and Hector's, I usually find myself leaning towards Hugo's Deli for their distinctive character and depth of flavours. The Fried Chicken Sandwich here absolutely destroys in the flavour department. The shokupan bread is so soft it feels like it could fold itself around your mouth. The chicken crunches on the outside, stays juicy inside and carries just the right amount of seasoning.
The sauce adds a creamy tang that lifts the whole sandwich. The cheese resists melting, but you savour its presence in every mouthful. It has a slight kick, a beautiful creamy finish and a warm, satisfying crunch. Hugo's never misses. Oh, and their breakfast muffin? Easily one of Melbourne’s best.
11. Carlitos
32 Stanley Street, Collingwood
Bangin Sangas’ Pick: Mortadella Focaccia
Brought to you by sandwich royalty, Carlitos carries on the legacy of Stan’s Deli. Since Stan’s closed, the crew has branched out and each spot is killing it. Carlitos, nestled in Collingwood, serves sandwiches among the best you'll find. Choosing between the chicken and the mortadella felt like picking my favourite child, but the mortadella focaccia won hands down—the flavour and bounce are unmatched.
The focaccia sourced directly from Iris Bakery is elite, crispy and light—the perfect partner to the rich mortadella. The vibe here is electric, with the outdoor beer garden adding a whole other level to the experience. Even though I’m usually over mortadella, this one still wins me over every time.
12. Suburbia Bakery
177 Grange Road, Fairfield
Image Credit: Suburbia Bakery | Bangin' Sangas
Bangin Sangas’ Pick: Beef Ragu Toastie
The newest entry on this list comes from Suburbia Bakery in Fairfield, run by the team behind Seven Seeds. The moment you walk in, the smell of warm, fresh bread hits you like a welcome hug. I wanted to keep this toastie a secret, but honesty wins over greed every time.
The bread crunches satisfyingly, cheese stretches everywhere and an avalanche of Parmesan coats every bite. It’s packed to the brim with slow-cooked beef ragu. They even give you a sauce for dipping that’ll make your soul feel complete. Another certified hangover killer.
13. Millers Bread Kitchen
116 Nepean Highway, Dromana
Bangin Sangas’ Pick: Chicken Caesar Focaccia
The lone representative from the Peninsula, and for good reason. Millers Bread Kitchen in Dromana serves the best sandwich in the area. For $16, you get a sandwich the size of your head, stuffed with chicken Caesar salad inside parmesan-crusted focaccia.
The focaccia has a buttery, cheesy bounce and a soft, warm centre that soaks in the dressing while maintaining its structure. The chicken stays tender and generously coated. The Caesar dressing is creamy with the perfect tang to cut through the richness. It’s enough to share with a loved one, but you probably won’t. There’s a reason they sell out before 11am.
14. Rocco's Deli
122 Roberts Street, Yarraville
Image Credit: Rocco's Deli | Website
Bangin Sangas’ Pick: Rocco Roll
You simply can’t have a top 15 sandwich list in Melbourne without including Rocco's Deli—a true deli institution. For $17, you get a roll packed to the rafters with premium deli meats like prosciutto and hot Salumi, along with cheeses, fresh vegetables and sauces.
The deli cuts here stand out as my favourite in Melbourne: carefully selected, expertly sliced and generously stacked. They craft thousands of rolls a week, earning love across the city. If it’s your first time, make sure to tell them Bangin sent you.
15. Hector's Deli
Various Locations
Bangin Sangas’ Pick: Beef And Pickles (With Cheese And Hectic Sauce)
My relationship with Hector's Deli is complicated. I love the beef and pickles but disagree with the price. To enjoy this sandwich properly, you absolutely need to add cheese and hectic sauce. Without them, the sandwich would feel a bit lacklustre.
The hectic sauce blends perfectly with the salty cheese to create the ultimate flavour hit. The bread delivers that classic Hector's crunch, while the pickle jam adds a touch of sweetness. Together, they make one of the best sandwiches not just in Melbourne, but in Australia. Putting my beef aside, I love this sandwich and always will.
Ross has a big food tour coming up this December, and you won’t want to miss it. Keep an eye on Bangin Sangas’ socials for the full details, dropping on the 16th of December.
Stay tuned and get ready for more delicious discoveries across Melbourne and beyond!
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Main Image Credit: Bangin' Sangas | Supplied