Best Sandwiches in Charlottesville
The Gourmet Sandwich is a staple in Charlottesville’s menu.
In fact, you can argue that what Charlottesville did to the sandwich is nothing shy of what Lilly Pulitzer did to the sun dress or Vespa did to the scooter. When it comes to what you should pack in your picnic basket, there are plentiful options of gourmet sandwiches right here.
A case can be made that the revolution from grilled cheese or PB&J began in the mid-’70s at Littlejohn’s, the New York-style deli Michael Crafik brought to the UVA Corner. Five Easy Pieces and the Wild Turkey famously sustained Hoos for several decades.
In the early ‘90s, another inspiration hit Charlottesville when Tiger Fuel’s Bellair Market introduced handmade sandwiches with names like Montpelier and Farmington, served across the counter of what was once an original gas station along a scenic highway. Their sandwiches grooved a deep impression on Charlottesville and became the gold standard of what a divine takeaway could be.
Not long after, Baggby’s rolled out a line of sandwiches with West Coast flair, and suddenly Charlottesville was off to the races!
What follows is the full harvest of Charlottesville’s Gourmet Sandwich Bounty. The getting is good here – we’d rank it with anywhere – so when you’re in the mood for a knockout sandwich that will move with you, here are our recommendations:
Downtown
Mona Lisa: Smoked Turkey Mufaletta
For Cville gourmands, Mona Lisa is a facecard dealt down in a game of Texas Hold’em. Modestly tucked into unassuming Preston Plaza, Mona Lisa has for 25 years discretely served homemade Italian pasta and sauces to appreciative customers. Deli and wine shop in front, kitchen in back, Mona Lisa has a killer sandwich board, known only to cognoscenti, highlighted by a Smoked Turkey Muffaletta. Something of a suitcase of flavor, the muffaletta originates from Sicily by way of New Orleans and combines the cold cuts of salami, mortadella and ham with provolone and swiss cheese above on oily chopped salad closely bound on fresh Italian bread. Art infuses everything Mona Lisa makes and this sandwich, eaten at the window seat across from the counter, will transport you wherever you care to go. Andiamo!
-Rob Jiranek
Lucky’s Cheesesteaks: The Godfather
A handful of joints have a cheesesteak on the menu, but only Lucky’s is bold enough to proclaim this signature sustenance as its poster child. Popular restaurant owner Patrick McClure, once a collegiate Latin scholar, dedicated himself to understanding the art and tradition of the Philly Cheesesteak by visiting the City of Brotherly Love for a fortnight and sampling every offering, from Geno’s to Pat’s to Thunderbird to … the list goes on. As a result, he determined the non-negotiable components of the perfect cheesesteak. These include Liscio’s Italian Rolls, Cooper Sharp American Cheese, and a tidal wave of peppers, onions and ribeye steak cut thin and piled high. This beauty arrives hot, double-wrapped in paper, and best enjoyed at the bar with a cold PBR.
-Rob Jiranek
Feast: Chicken, Cheddar & Fig Panini
A Charlottesville favorite since 2002, Feast Market & Cafe has just about everything a foodie could want in one busy shop. An anchor of the Main Street Market downtown, Feast has an extensive soup, salad, bowl, and sandwich menu that will please everyone in your group. Found at the top of the list is the most popular selection, a Chicken, Cheddar & Fig Panini, and for good reason. Soft but crisp focaccia encases warm sliced chicken, melty Vermont sharp cheddar, sweet fig jam, and gooey mayo/mustard, all grilled to tasty perfection. Under the ownership of the Pelly family since 2023, there’s a distinct international flavor to Feast’s offerings, including a weekly “Sandwiches of the World” special if your taste buds want an excursion. Indoor and outdoor seating are usually plentiful but parking can be tight. Bike ride, anyone?
-Pam Supplee
The Wich Lab: Fuhgeddaboudit
Every sandwich – currently there are 5 on the menu – from this Downtown Mall lab/studio is hand-crafted by itinerant gourmand Aris Cuada. Each is a work of art, handed to you over the counter, wrapped tight like a parcel to seal in an intense bundle of flavor. The Fuhgeddaboudit is built of layer upon layer of the exotic Italian salamis, mortadella and soppressata, and layered again with Swiss and pecorino cheese and surrounded with a heavenly mixture of peppers, onions, spices, and Duke’s. The light muffuletta seals in the moist flavor and then releases a “pow” into your taste buds. This sandwich exceeds anything that can be placed in your Christmas stocking. Pick it up at the counter and enjoy it outside at the CODE Building fountain plaza.
-Rob Jiranek
Vu Noodes: Vegetable Bahn Mi
Tofu may not often be your first choice of protein on a sandwich, but the tofu on Vu Noodles’ Vegetable Bahn Mi will change your mind. Flavorful and texturally perfect, the tofu is just right with the sandwich’s fresh and abundant veggies, all served on the perfect vessel, a crispy light French bread. Choose your level of spiciness with added fresh jalapeños or homemade chili oil or, if you’re feeling a bit dangerous, try both. If you are lucky you’ll get to meet Julie Vu Whitaker, who will treat you like family. Listening to Julie talk about her passion for her food might inspire you to be a better chef. The most important ingredient in this sandwich, and any meal you’ll have at Vu, is love. You can always taste the love.
-Trish Dombrauskas
Sultan Kebab: Döner Kebab Sandwich
The homemade pita on this authentic Turkish sandwich is unlike any pita we’ve ever had before. Store-bought pita can be dry and fragile but Sultan Kebab serves up traditional Turkish pita — a soft, heartier disc-shaped bread that is sliced and stuffed with marinated ground beef and lamb that has been grilled, sliced, and seasoned with warm Turkish spices. The Döner is then topped with lettuce, tomato, and onion and served with a tangy creamy yogurt sauce. And a special shout-out to the sides that come with all of Sultan Kebab’s sandwiches: kisir, a tangy herbaceous tabbouleh salad with pomegranate molasses, and a fresh white bean salad. With their delicious combination of flavor and textures, the sandwiches and sides at Sultan Kebab are unexpected, filling, and delightful.
-Trish Dombrauskas
Baggby’s: The Navajo Chicken
Baggby’s Gourmet Sandwiches has been a Downtown Mall staple for decades, but their devoted following doesn’t always agree on a favorite. Make ours the Navajo Chicken. Grilled chicken breast and crisp bacon get layered with cool, fresh avocado, then dressed with tarragon mayo and pressed onto toasty grilled sourdough. It’s the kind of warm, herby, hand-held lunch that disappears too quickly. Pair it with a cup of one of Baggby’s daily-rotating homemade soups (the chicken and rice has a fan club of its own) and don’t sleep on the freshly baked chocolate chip cookie that comes with every meal. Grab a seat at one of the outdoor tables and watch the Mall walk by. Some traditions earn their place, and lunch at Baggby’s is one of them.
-Lynsie Steele
Botanical Plant-Based Fare: Crispy Chix
If you assumed a fully plant-based deli wouldn’t make our sandwich list, prepare to be charmed. Botanical Plant-Based Fare on the Downtown Mall has built a devoted following with a menu that takes vegetables seriously enough to make them the main event. The Crispy Chix is the showstopper. Hand-battered oyster mushrooms get fried golden, then tucked into toasty sourdough with a tangle of pickled purple cabbage, a swipe of cool herb mayo, and a drizzle of chili maple for a sweet-spicy finish. Served with a small side salad or potato chips, with an option to upgrade to the herb potato salad for two dollars. Heading out to the vineyards or breweries in western Cville? Stop by their sister spot, Bar Botanical on the rooftop of Piedmont Place in Crozet, and grab the sweet potato tempura. You’ll thank us.
-Lynsie Steele
Great Harvest Bread Co.: The Veggie Three-Seed Hummus
The McIntire Business Park bakery, owned and operated locally, has built its reputation on freshly milled, made-from-scratch breads, but their sandwich game deserves equal billing. The Veggie Three-Seed Hummus is a quiet showstopper. Chickpeas get puréed with toasted sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds into a protein-packed hummus that’s brightened with a generous squeeze of lemon, then spread thick on a fresh slice of Great Harvest’s signature Dakota bread. Topped with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, cucumber, and bell pepper, it’s the kind of lunch that leaves you feeling good without leaving you hungry. The bread, of course, is unparalleled (they mill their flour on a stone mill in-house). Pair it with a warm Savannah bar from the pastry case and you’ve made the right call.
-Lynsie Steele
Belmont
Ciaccia: Bionda
When in Italy, do as the Italians do! The Bionda is a waffle of a sandwich. Its fresh focaccia frames paper-thin, flavorful slices of prosciutto toscano, sealed with stracciatella di burrata, rucola greens, peperoncini, and cipollini cream, creating a medley of flavor wedged beneath the thin yet dense bread. The sandwich is like a modern fitness station – it packs lots of taste into a confined, well-composed space that’s worth the chew and likely to bring you back for more.
Part of the McClure Brothers’ enterprise in Belmont, enjoy your sandwich to go or on the patio outside next to Belle.
-Rob Jiranek
The Corner
Take it Away: The Elliewood Club
This legendary UVA Corner sandwich shop was founded in 1992 to serve gourmet sandwiches to hungry students. Over three decades it’s hard to underestimate the nostalgia Take it Away engenders in alumni. For good reason. Their sandwiches are handmade with the highest-quality ingredients, for take-out, delivery, or low-key dining-in. We love their Elliewood Club, stacked high with honey turkey and baked ham, topped with Cheddar cheese, romaine lettuce, roasted tomatoes, red onions, and applewood smoked bacon on multigrain wheat bread. Dipped with a dab of their “House Made” sauce, and you’re teed up for a righteous post-lunch nap!
-Rob Jiranek
Corner Juice: The Parisian
When you hear the name Corner Juice you may only think juice or smoothies but don’t be fooled! The UVA alumni-founded business offers a delicious and healthy variety of sandwiches and wraps as well. CJ’s (as the locals call it) menu prioritizes nutrition by using local, fresh, and organic ingredients when possible. Their sandwich list includes the California which is packed with fresh veggies, including sprouts and cucumbers, along with a creamy homemade hummus and avo mash. While that’s definitely worth a try, the sandwich that deserves a standing ovation is the Parisian: a pressed sandwich on a local baguette topped with sweet fig spread, earthy brie, peppery arugula, and hand-carved prosciutto. CJ’s motto is “Food is Medicine,” and they certainly live up to that. In their words, “When you fuel better, you feel better.”
-Trish Dombrauskas
Emmet/Ivy
Ivy Provisions: The Gobbfather
Ivy Provisions’ all-day breakfast and lunch menu, along with full coffee bar, teas, kombucha, and a beer and wine selection, keep this little deli hopping! If you want to try one of the most beloved sandwiches on the menu, order the Gobbfather. Roasted Thumann’s deli turkey and pepper jack cheese are layered inside two slices of toasty, buttered sourdough bread, along with arugula and pickle slices, all dripping with sweet and tangy spicy mayo. The combination of flavors is a surprise and a delight! Don’t forget the pickle on the side and a bag of chips to add some crispy crunch and you’ve got the makings of a truly memorable lunch break at one of their outdoor tables or on the go.
-Pam Supplee
Foods of All Nations: Build-Your-Own Italian
Charlottesville’s last independent grocer has been serving its neighbors for over five decades, and its full-service deli is one of the city’s best-kept lunchtime secrets. The signature Authentic Italian is reliably excellent, but the real fun is at the build-your-own counter, where you call the shots. Start with a fresh-baked ciabatta, a 7-grain roll, or rosemary loaf, then layer in Boar’s Head salami, prosciutto, capicola, and pepperoni. Add provolone or fresh mozzarella, then pile on roasted red peppers, basil leaves, capers, banana peppers, and a splash of oil and vinegar. The result is a sub that’s exactly as messy, herby, and indulgent as you want it to be. Grab a cold San Pellegrino and a fresh cannoli from the case, and you’ve assembled a near-perfect Italian deli lunch without leaving Ivy Road.
-Lynsie Steele
The Market at Bellair: The Birdwood
Founded in 1991 as Charlottesville’s first gourmet gas station market, Bellair has become such an institution that almost everyone has their go-to from its menu of locally-named sandwiches. The Birdwood is ours. Named for UVA’s beloved golf course just up the road, it brings together Boar’s Head cracked pepper turkey, melty pepper jack, slices of cool fresh avocado, thinly sliced red onion, banana peppers, crisp lettuce, and Bellair’s signature herb mayonnaise, all stacked on freshly baked French bread. The cracked pepper turkey and banana peppers give it just enough heat, balanced by the creamy avocado and pepper jack. Add sprouts, cucumbers, and a swipe of chipotle mayo if you want to make it yours. Pair it with a warm chocolate chip cookie from the bakery counter, and you’ll understand why generations of Hoos keep coming back.
-Lynsie Steele
West of Town
Hunt Country Market & Deli: After the Hunt
Just on the other side of Garth Road west of Foxfield, you’ll find the small but mighty Hunt Country Market & Deli. Supplying the Free Union and Ivy areas with breakfast, lunch, and dinner since 1911, plus a choice selection of wine and beer, it’s a popular spot to stock up on your way to the races, a vineyard, a hike, or just home. The deli case is a love letter to local sourcing, including Kite’s country ham from Wolftown, Virginia (a fourth-generation ham curer just up the road in Madison County). One of the top three best-selling sandwiches on the menu is After the Hunt. With Boar’s Head turkey, bacon, Boursin spread, avocado, lettuce, tomato, sprouts, and cucumber slices on a fresh Albemarle Baking Company baguette, it packs a mouthful of textures and flavors in every bite. While the Boursin spread may be the secret to that extra special kick, it’s definitely an ingredients’ team effort. If there are brownies near the cashier’s counter, be sure to grab at least one. They’re big enough to share but you might not want to.
-Pam Supplee
Brownsville Market: Chicken Salad Croissant
Just west of Charlottesville off Route 250 toward Crozet, Brownsville Market is the local hub for a strong cup of coffee, a hot breakfast sandwich, and a friendly hello. The deli case is stocked daily with grab-and-go favorites, all house-made and easy on the wallet. The one regulars line up for is the Chicken Salad Croissant: generous scoops of tender, classic chicken salad piled high on a buttery, flaky croissant. Grab one from the cold case, swing around the corner for the condiment bar, and you’ve got a sandwich that’s tailor-made for a picnic out at one of the vineyards. Hungrier crowd? The full sub menu lets you build your own from a deep deli case of meats, cheeses, and toppings. Don’t skip grabbing a scoop of ice cream on your way out.
-Lynsie Steele
CroZeli Sandwich Shop: Euro Dip
Tucked inside Piedmont Place in downtown Crozet, CroZeli is the small, mighty sandwich shop locals can’t stop talking about. The owners keep the menu intentionally tight and rotate inventive specials that have built a cult following. The Euro Dip is the one to order. Tender shaved turkey, pastrami, melted Swiss, and caramelized onions get piled onto a soft pretzel bun, with a side of warm au jus for dipping. It is, in a word, transcendent. Keep an eye out for the Marry Me Chicken Salad Wrap, another rotating special that may inspire actual marriage proposals. Don’t skip the giant Bavarian pretzel for the table, served with house queso and deli mustard.
-Lynsie Steele
Near Monticello
Simeon Market: Montpelier Chicken Salad
On a roadside corner between the historic fields, hills, and vineyards of Jefferson’s Monticello and Monroe’s Highland, Simeon Market is an excellent spot for a break between touring and tasting. Their coffee, breakfast, pastries, sandwiches and cheese board menu, along with a selection of sides, drinks, wine, and retail items, will have you picnicking in style. Order to go or settle in at one of their outdoor cafe tables. If you want to try the most popular sandwich on the list, look no further than the Montpelier Chicken Salad. The perfectly mayo-ed and seasoned chicken salad contains red grape halves for small bursts of sweetness and fresh mixed greens for a little texture and crunch. It comes on Dave’s Killer 21 Whole Grains and Seeds bread, General Manager Erica Vorhauer tells us, because “it needs a hearty bread to be able to stand up to the chicken salad.” She makes “100s of pounds a week” to meet demand, using co-owner Ashley Sieg’s own recipe, ever in high demand at the Montpelier Races. To add a little Southern flair to your meal, pick up some fresh Pimento cheese and crackers or a baguette. Grab a fresh-baked Everything cookie as well. You may be full, but you won’t be sorry!
-Pam Supplee
Did we miss your favorite? Let us know.
