Beyond the bread: uncovering Richmond’s best sandwich shops

Deli sandwich, sub, hoagie, grinder, hero, all names for essentially the same thing: a long sandwich served on a sturdy roll, typically filled with meat, cheese, veggies, and a drizzle of oil and vinegar. Which term you use depends on where you are.

When we think of deli sandwiches, we think of crunchy sourdough rolls with traditional sliced meats like turkey, ham, or roast beef, dressed and stacked right. It should be served cold. No hot pastrami, no tortas, no cheesesteaks, no hot dogs (yup), no grilled cheese, no club sandwiches. Bánh mì? So close, but not for today.

In Richmond, a city more recently known for its tacos and pupusas than its sandwich prowess, there is a collection of small shops and delis making their claim in this all-American lunch category.

Over the last few weeks, Grandview Independent visited five Richmond sandwich spots to help you find your next reliable go-to. We are judging each place on the essentials: taste, ingredient quality, variety, service, ambiance (because sometimes you want to sit and linger), and price. Whether you are after a meat-packed sub or a perfectly balanced veggie, we have got you covered.

Point Richmond Market

The first stop on the Richmond Sandwich Trail is in Point Richmond, a neighborhood we will visit a total of three times in search of our new favorite sandwich.

Point Richmond Market and Deli is a neighborhood market and deli located at 160 Washington Avenue, renowned for its solid sandwiches. The market features a proper deli counter in the back, offering a variety of salads along with typical small-grocery store fare. There are tables and chairs on the sidewalk out front, but this is a grab-and-go type of place.

Sometimes all you want is a classic, no-frills deli sandwich, and that is exactly what we got. Built on fresh, sturdy bread, not too fancy, just right, it holds together a generous stack of turkey or pastrami. We had crisp romaine, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and a pop of pepperoncini. Mayo and mustard are well-balanced. This sandwich was also our first experience of what we are going to call the Point Richmond style of generous leafy lettuce. Really, every Sando in The Point was packed with lettuce.

It is well-layered, not overly salty, and avoids the dreaded thick slab of cheese. One taster called it “the old-timey sandwich I know and love,” and that sums it up well. Two sandwiches with chips $27.98

Santa Fe Market

Santa Fe Market is diagonally across the intersection from Point Richmond Market at 155 W Richmond Avenue. We were alerted to the sandwich offerings by the large banner out front, which read, "Sandwich Shop Now Open."

This market-style deli impressed with its commitment to traditional preparation methods and premium ingredients at a very competitive $10.99 price point.

The establishment’s veggie sandwich showcases the deli’s attention to balance and freshness, featuring avocado, onions, pickles, peppers, and tomatoes on properly prepared bread with a reasonable amount of cheese.

Santa Fe Market adheres to the Point Richmond style, offering generous portions of leafy lettuce. The sandwich arrives substantial enough to challenge even hearty appetites. One diner noted the difficulty of holding the hefty creation, yet it maintains its structural integrity without becoming soggy.

The market atmosphere adds to the experience, evoking an old-timey neighborhood feel complete with a well-stocked produce section and Columbus brand cold cuts. We appreciated the sandwich artist’s attention to detail in writing down orders to ensure accuracy. Two sandwiches and two bags of chips $25.39

Navarro’s Italian Deli

Navarro’s Italian Deli, nestled at 987 23rd Street in Richmond, serves as a neighborhood cornerstone offering traditional Italian fare and hearty deli sandwiches. The family-owned establishment, helmed by Daniel Navarro, has gained local recognition not only for its acclaimed sandwiches but also for its pizza featuring creamy cheese and a satisfying, crunchy crust made from a recipe reportedly sourced from a French chef.

Operating daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the deli is mostly a to-go affair with only a small counter and a few chairs to sit at and watch the 23rd Street goings-on unfold in front of you.

We have started frequenting Navarro’s Italian Deli since our favorite sandwich location fell off. More about that later. It also made an appearance in our pizza quest earlier in the year.

Navarro’s custom sandwich offering proves that sometimes the simplest concepts executed flawlessly yield the most satisfying results. The foundation lies in their delicious bread, which arrives with a perfect balance of crusty exterior and tender crumb that holds up to generous fillings. Navarro will offer to toast the bread. Go for it.

What truly sets this sandwich apart is the attention to ingredient quality. The tomatoes were perfectly ripe, the lettuce provided an essential crisp contrast, and the avocado was at ideal ripeness. Two sandwiches and chips cost $27.98

Little Louie’s Café & Catering

Little Louie’s at 49 Washington Avenue markets itself as offering “an elegantly appointed casual dining experience with a nod to the local boating scene.” While the nautical theming may not immediately strike visitors, the restaurant delivers where it counts with competently prepared sandwiches that satisfy.

During a recent lunch visit, the turkey on sourdough proved to be a textbook example of sandwich fundamentals done right. Piled high with turkey, lettuce heavy again, tomato, onion, mayo, and mustard, the offering impressed with its fresh, non-stale bread.

The restaurant appears to rotate some menu items. Chowder was available on Friday, and hamburgers and fries round out the offerings beyond sandwiches. Little Louie’s was recently featured on KTVU News Zip Trips. Two sandwiches and chips cost $25.70

Angelo’s Gourmet Delicatessen

Angelo’s Gourmet Delicatessen, located at 12025 San Pablo Avenue, has been a neighborhood favorite since the 1930s, and it is easy to see why this Richmond establishment has maintained its loyal following for generations. However, recent visits suggest that while the deli still has its strengths, some operational issues may be causing it to slip from its former glory.

Angelo’s offers an array of sandwiches that hit some marks but miss on others. The highlight is Angelo’s classic Rich Lady ham, turkey, and salami combo, loaded up with veggies, including sprouts, which are rarely seen anymore. The sourdough roll was as good as ever, and the meat was piled high.

There were some negatives. The main issue is with customization and execution. Despite requesting no mayonnaise, sandwiches can arrive soaked in it, creating an unwanted soggy drippy mess.

The sandwich builder was generous with vegetable portions, including fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and an excessive amount of avocado. While some diners enjoy a salad on a roll approach with plenty of fresh vegetables, others may find the execution inconsistent with their orders. Two sandwiches and chips cost $31.78

Richmond is a large city with a vast array of restaurants, delis, and specialty food. If we missed a good sandwich spot, let us know by dropping a line or two in the comment section below.

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