There are days when even the thought of assembling lunch feels like too much effort. We’ve found that the promise of a perfectly stacked sandwich—crusty bread, melty cheese, savory fillings—is the only thing that can lure us out for a midday pilgrimage in Novato.
Italian Delite Sub Sandwiches
$ | (415) 892-9221 | WEBSITE
Italian Delite Sub Sandwiches is the beloved upgrade of what used to be just another sandwich spot in Novato, and it’s the perfect place to grab a not-too-heavy Philly Cheesesteak at a worn wooden counter seat. Inside, simple booths and stools are occupied by neighborhood regulars looking to escape the mundane confines of their kitchens for a quick, satisfying meal. A permanent grill station sits at the back of the space, sizzling away during the busier, lunchtime rush.
And always, a mix of hearty flavors and generous portions keep the place buzzing.
Sourdough & Co.
$ | (415) 895-1525 | WEBSITE
Some sandwich shops feel like you’re just grabbing fuel on the go. That’s not Sourdough & Co.—a Novato spot with a welcoming deli atmosphere and a steady hum of satisfied customers. Tables fill up with shoppers taking a break from Vintage Oaks mall, office workers escaping their desks, and families enjoying a casual lunch.
The place smells like fresh-baked bread (they make it daily), and the menu has the variety of a classic deli (standout cracked pepper sandwiches with fresh jalapeños on crusty sourdough). Of course, the bread is still the main draw—they nail a no-fuss sandwich using quality, generous fillings.
Bianchini’s
$ | (707) 776-4570 | WEBSITE
Bianchini’s is the best hub for Novato’s office lunch crowds. Their midday soundtrack features the sizzling of grills mixed with the rustling of deli paper and some friendly banter. This sandwich shop symphony is music to our ears, especially when we’re biting into their tasty Buffalo Chicken sandwich and enjoying their custom salads made with fresh ingredients. We always order their fresh bread, which gives us that satisfying crunch we love and hardly any dryness.
Be prepared to wait a few minutes since it’s always popular. We don’t fault them for their timeliness since this is a place we’d feel comfortable returning to daily. Bright lighting and simple tables come together for a practical (but not too sterile) neighborhood-gem vibe that helps us get back to work satisfied.
Dandy Sandos
$ | (707) 763-1676 | WEBSITE
Dandy Sandos sits at the front of the best sandwich shops in Novato. They offer a variety of fresh meats and produce at their service counter—the generous Petaluma Panther is our favorite order. A display case with appetizing big sandwiches like the P-Town and the beloved Fisherman (get it with extra Dandy sauce) make you want to order more, too. So take your fairly simple but very tasty sando and garlic spread crutch outside.
The friendly, bustling spot overlooks the quick service on one side and the courteous staff on the other and feels like a cozier version of a neighborhood gem. So if your appetite is easily satisfied, this is the perfect place to crank out the lunch you told your coworkers you’d already enjoyed.
Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop – San Rafael, CA
$ | (415) 306-7041 | WEBSITE
Notice the bustling counter quickly since there’s limited seating inside this compact, cheerful sandwich shop. After you order your sandwich (and inspiration for your next lunch craving), find a spot at one of their simple indoor tables. But we mostly use this spot for quick grab-and-go whenever we’re in San Rafael. While we love their tasty Italian sandwiches, what we like most about Mr. Pickle’s is that they build everything with fresh, quality ingredients.
Their Dutch crunch rolls come from local bakers, they pile on crisp vegetables and premium meats, and their team’s flexibility makes catering orders a breeze.
Subway
$ | (415) 456-1170 | WEBSITE
Subway in Novato might just be the friendliest sandwich spot we’ve ever been to. Bright fluorescent lights shine down on the clean, orderly counter, and cheerful posters of fresh vegetables line the walls. Grab a seat at one of the simple plastic tables with a signature sub like their tasty Veggie Delight, packed with crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes. No, you’re not at a Michelin-starred restaurant, folks, but you are in a place overflowing with kindness—like Adrienne’s warm smile and Mr.
Sunil’s genuine care—and late-night convenience. So whether you’re with a hungry friend or just need a quick bite after hours, come here to grab a sandwich (and maybe a smile).
Sourdough Sandwich Co.
$ | (415) 612-4061 | WEBSITE
This sandwich shop sits in Novato, offering a casual spot for a quick, tasty meal. While it’s easy to assume it’s just another sandwich joint, Sourdough Sandwich Co. is a solid lunch destination on its own. It almost feels wrong to plop down our takeout containers on the rustic wooden tables and settle our casual-clad selves on simple, sturdy chairs. But despite feeling like we’re in a cozy neighborhood eatery, the mood is friendly—meaning we can take our time enjoying our sandwiches.
Plus, smile-inducing options like the pastrami Reuben with thinly sliced meat and melted cheese are a good enough reason to switch up your usual lunch routine.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
$ | (707) 238-3220 | WEBSITE
A sign near the entrance reminds you that Jersey Mike’s Subs doesn’t have fancy decor, but they do have “fresh subs and fast service.” That’s all we need because we can contemplate ambiance somewhere else after we grab our California Club from this straightforward sandwich spot. Signature creations like the club sub on Parmesan/rosemary bread with cherry pepper relish make this our first stop when we’re tired of ordinary deli sandwiches.
Yes, sandwich purists, this is indulgence on a roll, but let us enjoy our flavorful moment in peace. And then, of course, there are the portions. You get generous fillings like turkey, bacon, avocado, or an entire meal’s worth of ingredients on bread so substantial we thought it was two sandwiches disguised as one.