Sometimes the best food experiences are the ones hiding in plain sight. Beyond the Michelin stars and trendy tasting menus, a truly great sandwich can say everything about a place - crafted with heart, packed with local produce and served without pretension. We've scoured the country to spotlight five locally famous sandwich spots that deserve a place on the national stage. Prepare to get hungry.
Whisk & Co – Lenah Valley, Tas
Tucked into the leafy streets of Lenah Valley, Whisk & Co brings a touch of Parisian charm to Tasmania's café scene. With rich timber accents, elegant drop-globe lighting and the comforting buzz of conversation, this Augusta Road institution is all about warmth and welcome. Whether you're basking in the sunshine at an outdoor table or cosied up inside with a Zimmah single-origin coffee, Whisk & Co is the kind of place that feels like a second home, albeit one with far better cooking.
Here, sandwiches aren't a menu afterthought - they're a way of life. The standout Reuben is a lesson in restraint and indulgence, layering juicy silverside, house-fermented sauerkraut, slaw, Swiss cheese and a punchy horseradish mayo between slices of hand-crafted baguettes, crowned with pickled cucumber for a crisp finish. This sandwich is the definition of ‘worth the trip.’ Make sure you snag a spot before the lunch crowd hits.
Ready to taste the sandwich that locals can’t stop talking about? Book your table today.
Tide Café - Catering - Townsville, Qld
In the tropical heart of Townsville, Tide Café - Catering is where caffeine cravings and sandwich dreams collide. Gregory Street hums with energy and inside Tide’s whitewashed walls, the vibe is all coastal ease and unhurried charm. Patrons linger over Campos coffee, cold-pressed juices and plates that blur the lines between brunch and lunch, with ocean-themed art reminding everyone to keep things breezy.
The undisputed hero here is the towering chicken schnitzel sandwich. Imagine tender schnitzel, crunchy slaw, tomato, onion and gooey cheese, all generously slathered in aioli and spicy chilli jam, then hugged by a pillowy Turkish bread. It’s the type of sandwich that demands both hands and unapologetic enthusiasm. This isn’t just a sandwich - it’s a tropical daydream on a plate.
Don't miss your chance to try the sandwich Townsville locals crave - reserve your spot now.
Ryan John Coffee and Kitchen – Heathridge, WA
On Caridean Street in Heathridge, Ryan John Coffee and Kitchen is redefining comfort food with a heart. More than a burger joint, it’s a community-driven haven where generosity flows as freely as the coffee. With more than 5000 meals paid forward since 2017, Ryan John is proof that good food tastes even better when it does good.
The Sheriff Burger here is the stuff of cult legend. A thick beef patty smothered with molten cheese, crispy bacon, tangy pickles, golden onion rings and a drizzle of housemade aioli and spicy BBQ sauce - it's a glorious mess you’ll want to dive into headfirst. Made with love and zero pretence, it’s the perfect companion to a Crunchie Crush shake and a reminder of everything great about simple, well-executed food.
Feel the love (and the crunch) for yourself—secure your seat at Ryan John now.
Melbourne's West is no stranger to culinary innovation and Ollie’s Deli in Footscray proves that even the humble sandwich can be a gourmet affair. Barkly Street’s green and white tiled gem is light, lively and always buzzing, with fresh blooms and soft lighting adding a homely yet modern touch to the deli experience.
The pastrami sanga is the kind of sandwich you brag about to your friends. House-cured pastrami, American cheese and sauerkraut are slathered with Ollie’s secret sauce, creating a gloriously juicy mouthful in every bite. It’s indulgent, nostalgic and unmistakably Melbourne - an ode to traditional deli fare, given a contemporary Aussie twist.
Taste a slice of deli heaven in Footscray - book your visit to Ollie’s Deli today.
Hashtag Burgers and Waffles Ashgrove – Ashgrove, Qld
Ashgrove’s Hashtag Burgers and Waffles isn't shy about making a statement. With neon signage, black stools and a playlist that keeps the good vibes rolling, it’s clear that this is a place where excess is celebrated and every meal feels like a mini party.
Enter the Cheeky Tuesday Burger: a beef patty stacked with melty cheese, crunchy onion rings, fiery jalapeños, crisp lettuce and slathered with tangy pickle mayo. It's a riot of textures and flavours that somehow come together in perfect, greasy harmony. Pair it with a serve of mac n cheese balls and you’ve got the makings of a truly unforgettable meal and a new Tuesday tradition.
Craving a burger that doesn’t play by the rules? Book your next indulgence at Hashtag today.
Sandwiches might seem simple, but in the hands of passionate Chefs and bakers across the country, they become something truly extraordinary. These five venues prove that the best things often come between two slices of bread and that sometimes, the most delicious adventures start with just one bite.
