10 Must-Try Sandwich Shops In Delaware That Locals Can’t Stop Talking About
Delaware might be small, but its sandwich scene packs a mighty punch! From Wilmington to Rehoboth Beach, the First State harbors hidden gems serving up mouthwatering creations between bread that keep locals coming back for more.
Whether you’re craving a classic Italian hoagie, a Thanksgiving-inspired sub, or a gourmet creation, these beloved sandwich spots have earned their bragging rights among Delawareans.
1. Capriotti’s – Home of the Legendary Bobbie
Thanksgiving dinner between two slices of bread? Yes, please! Capriotti’s signature sandwich, “The Bobbie,” combines roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mayo in a heavenly combination that’s earned national recognition.
Founded in 1976 in Wilmington, this Delaware institution now has locations nationwide, but locals insist the original spots maintain that special hometown magic.
Their slow-roasted turkey is prepared fresh daily—never processed deli meat here!
2. Casapulla’s North – Where Chicken Salad Dreams Come True
Casapulla’s North transforms this humble sandwich staple into something extraordinary with their perfect balance of tender chicken chunks, mayo, and secret seasonings that locals swear by.
Family-owned since 1956, this Wilmington institution serves up Italian specialties that rival anything you’d find in Philly.
Their subs come piled high with premium Boar’s Head meats on rolls delivered fresh each morning.
3. Gaudiello’s Italian Hoagies – Trolley Square’s Flavor Champion
“World’s best Italian hoagie” isn’t just hype when Yelpers use those exact words to describe Gaudiello’s masterpieces. This Trolley Square gem layers imported Italian meats and cheeses with just the right amount of oil, vinegar, and seasonings.
I still remember my first bite at Gaudiello’s—the perfect crunch of that seeded roll giving way to the harmonious blend of capicola, salami, and provolone. It was a religious experience that converted me into a lifetime devotee!
4. Ioannoni’s Specialty Sandwiches – New Castle’s Hidden Treasure
Reddit forums light up whenever Ioannoni’s gets mentioned, with northern Delaware residents practically typing in all-caps about their life-changing roast pork and beef creations. This unassuming spot doesn’t need flashy marketing—their sandwiches speak volumes.
Premium meats roasted in-house daily make all the difference here. Their bread arrives fresh each morning, and every sandwich is assembled with the care of a craftsman.
The sharp provolone option adds the perfect tangy punch to complement their savory meats.
5. Arena’s Deli & Bar – The Beach Town Favorite
Arena’s has mastered the art of sandwich-making across multiple locations from Rehoboth Beach to Wilmington. Named “Best Sandwiches” by Delaware Today, they’ve earned their reputation through consistently delicious creations and generous portions.
Their Gobbler sandwich rivals Capriotti’s Bobbie with a unique twist—cranberry-orange relish that adds a citrusy brightness.
The Jimmy’s Grinder, loaded with Italian meats and provolone, remains a menu staple that keeps beach-goers and locals alike coming back summer after summer.
6. Malin’s Deli – Newark’s No-Frills Sandwich Paradise
Nothing fancy here, just honest-to-goodness incredible hoagies that keep University of Delaware students and locals forming lines out the door. Malin’s old-school approach focuses on quality ingredients rather than trendy concoctions.
Last homecoming weekend, I dragged my college roommates back to Malin’s after 15 years, and their Italian special was exactly as we remembered—perfectly balanced and generously portioned.
Some places just know not to mess with perfection, and Malin’s is proudly one of them.
7. Claymont Steak Shop – Presidential-Worthy Cheesesteaks
When a sandwich shop can claim a U.S. President as a childhood fan, you know it’s special. Claymont Steak Shop’s cheesesteaks reportedly captured young Joe Biden’s heart growing up in his hometown.
Their secret lies in the perfect meat-to-roll ratio and the ideal chop size—not too fine, not too chunky. The rolls strike that magical balance between crispy exterior and soft interior.
Order it “wit” for the authentic experience: grilled onions melting into the cheese and meat.
8. Sabatina’s Sandwiches – Wilmington’s Rising Star
Currently battling for the 2025 Best Sub/Deli/Sandwich Shop title, Sabatina’s has already won the hearts of Wilmington sandwich enthusiasts. Their Italian hoagie showcases the perfect balance of meats, cheese, and toppings, never skimping on quality.
I discovered Sabatina’s last year when a coworker brought in their famous meatball sub for our office potluck.
One bite of those perfectly seasoned homemade meatballs swimming in rich marinara on a perfectly toasted roll, and I became a regular weekend customer.
9. Frank & Louie’s Italian Specialties – Rehoboth’s Seafood Sandwich Haven
Beach towns and seafood go hand-in-hand, and Frank & Louie’s elevates that connection with their extraordinary Italian-inspired seafood sandwiches. Their crab cake sandwich—minimal filler, maximum lump crabmeat—consistently earns 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor.
The shrimp parmesan sub transforms beach-fresh seafood with house-made marinara and melted provolone. Located just blocks from the Rehoboth boardwalk, this family-owned gem offers the perfect post-beach meal that puts chain restaurants to shame.
10. Rosenfeld’s Jewish Deli – Rehoboth’s Authentic Kosher Experience
New York deli classics find a worthy home at Rosenfeld’s, where mammoth sandwiches stacked with house-made corned beef and pastrami transport diners straight to the Lower East Side. Their rye bread, with the perfect chew and caraway punch, provides the ideal foundation.
The Rachel sandwich (pastrami, coleslaw, Russian dressing, and Swiss) offers a tangy twist on the classic Reuben.
Founded by a former NYC resident who couldn’t find proper deli food in Delaware, Rosenfeld’s fills a crucial culinary gap for locals craving authentic Jewish deli fare.