It’s Official: These Are the 35 Best Meatless Sandwiches in the Country

There are an infinite, delicious number of ways ingredients can come together between two slices of bread. The great big world of vegan sandwiches is vast and complex, but for the sake of simplicity, we’re narrowing down the definition of “sandwich” to exclude hot dogs and burgers. In no particular order, we’ve created a bucket list of epic handholds both to buy and to try at home.

From juicy vegan chicken sandwiches to elevated BLTs to fresh, flavorful bánh mì, here are the 35 best vegan sandwiches as determined by VegNews editors.

RELATED: How to Make New Orleans’ Iconic Po’boy Sandwich Without the Meat or Seafood

The best vegan sandwiches—and where to eat them

Veggie Grill By Next Level

1 The Santa Fe Chik’n at Next Level Veggie Grill

Multiple locations

Whatever you’re craving, Next Level Veggie Grill always delivers. Case in point: Its vegan chicken sandwich menu. While the Chik’n Bacon Ranch, Crispy Chik’n, and Buffalo Bomber are solid choices, the Santa Fe Chik’n is just the right balance of fresh, healthy, and hearty. In a whole-wheat bun, a Crispy Chik’n patty is loaded with guacamole, housemade southwest mayo, salad, and pickled onions. Round out the meal with the sweet potato Sweetheart Fries.

Seabirds Kitchen

2 The Grilled Cheese at Seabirds Kitchen

Costa Mesa, CA

At Seabirds Kitchen, Chef Stephanie Morgan’s classic grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect pairing for a hot, comforting tomato soup. Old Town sourdough is slathered with creamy cashew-gruyère spread, basil-avocado pesto, and American cheese for the ultimate grilled cheese. 

The Herbivorous Butcher

3 The Italian Cold Cut Sandwich at The Herbivorous Butcher

Minneapolis, MN

When a vegan restaurant is featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, you know it’s got to be good. The Minneapolis-based vegan butcher made two sandwiches for celebrity chef Guy Fieri, but he absolutely raved about the Italian sub. The meaty sandwich is stacked with vegan capicola ham, pepperoni, pastrami, mozzarella, pickled cherry peppers, red onion, and mayo, all between a soft hoagie roll. Not in the Minneapolis area? The owners shared their recipe with the public, so you can replicate it in your home kitchen

Mr. Charlie’s

4 The Not a Chicken Sandwich at Mr. Charlie’s

Multiple locations

Satisfy your cravings for McDonald’s by taking a trip to Mr. Charlie’s. The fast-food chain is growing fast, but currently has four California locations in Brentwood, Hollywood, San Francisco, and San Diego, all offering a vegan menu to rival the Golden Arches. Not to be missed is the Not a Chicken Sandwich, which features a plant-based chicken patty, plant-based mayo, and fresh crispy lettuce. For an authentic experience, pair it with the chain’s Frowny Fries and a Diet Coke.

Aina’s Vegan Banh Mi

5 The Spicy Lemongrass Bánh Mì at Aina’s Vegan Bánh Mì

San Jose, CA

We’re not surprised that Aina’s Vegan Bánh Mì is the best vegan restaurant in the US, according to Yelp. The San Jose favorite offers a variety of creative spins on the classic Vietnamese sandwich, making it hard to pick a standout. But when push comes to shove, we think the Spicy Lemongrass deserves a moment in the spotlight. It’s a glorious, layered combination of vegan meat, pickled daikons and carrots, cucumbers, lemongrass, cashew sauce, and jalapeños. What’s not to love?

6 The Morning Munch at Nacha Focaccia

Brooklyn, NY

Since it opened in the spring of 2026, Nacha Focaccia’s sandwiches have been a hit with the Brooklyn community. It’s impossible to make a wrong choice, but if you’re looking for something hearty first thing, don’t skip the Morning Munch. It’s a delicious combination of vegan bacon, egg, harissa, and crunch mayo.

Maxine C./Yelp

7The Panini Portobello at Freesoul Caffe

Tustin, CA

Freesoul flies under the vegan radar, but those who know are loyal fans. It’s not quite fair to select just one sandwich from this Old Town Tustin restaurant—they’re all fantastic—but the Panini Portobello takes something relatively simple and does it right. The humble, pressed sandwich is made with tender roasted portabello mushrooms, peppers, artichokes, mixed greens, and savory pesto spread. It’s okay to lick your fingers afterward. 

Chef Tanya’s Kitchen

8 The Modern Hippie Veggie at Chef Tanya’s Kitchen

Palm Springs and Palm Desert, CA

Despite its rather remote locations in the scorching-hot desert of Southern California, this casual micro-chain was named the top-rated vegan restaurant in California by Yelp in 2021. While its vegan meat game is strong, we can’t help but gravitate to this veggie-forward sandwich. When something is made with “Crack Cheese,” you don’t ask questions; you just order it. 

Native Foods

9 The Buffalo Chicken Run Ranch at Native Foods

Palm Springs, CA and Glendale, CO

This vegan fast-casual chain has gone through many a menu revision, but this crispy chicken sandwich has never been stricken from the offerings. This classic consists of a crispy chicken patty, ranch dressing, mixed lettuce, sharp red onions, and a juicy tomato slice, all served between a soft-yet-toasty hamburger bun. 

Breads on Oak

10 The Muffanada at Breads on Oak

New Orleans, LA

When a restaurant makes its own bread, you have to order a sandwich, and when visiting New Orleans, you must try a muffuletta. Breads on Oak tweaked the name a bit in alignment with its vegan spin, but the end result is the same: pure joy. This handhold is hefty—it’s made with vegan Italian ham, bacon, provolone, olive salad, roasted tomatoes, and greens barely contained by two domed slices of a thick sesame levain roll. Ask for a steak knife with your order, because you will need to cut this in half. 

Slutty Vegan

11The Hollywood Hooker at Slutty Vegan

Multiple locations

Yes, this vegan fast-food chain is known for its over-the-top and scandalously named burgers, and because of that, this unique handhold gets overlooked. A toasted hoagie is stacked with Philadelphia-style vegan beef, lettuce, tomato, onions, peppers, ketchup, chili sauce, and mayo. The result? A sweet and savory sandwich you won’t stop thinking about. 

Souley Vegan

12 The Ain’t Gator Po’Boy at Souley Vegan

Oakland, CA

After relocating to Martinez, CA, just 30 miles from its original location, Souley Vegan reopened its doors in Oakland, CA, in 2025. And we’re thrilled that the Ain’t Gator Po’boy is still one of its best menu items. This unique sandwich is bursting with Creole-spiced, fried Louisiana Hot Links, onions, lettuce, and tomatoes, all drizzled with mustard and po’boy sauce, and barely contained by an oblong potato roll.

Ike’s

13 The Meatless Mike at Ike’s Love & Sandwiches

Multiple locations

Unlike many sandwich chains, Ike’s makes an effort to provide more than just veggies for its vegan fans. This particularly meaty handhold of vegan meatballs, marinara, and plant-based pepper jack cheese has omnivores asking for the veggie menu.

Spiral Diner

14 The Mitch Tofu Club at Spiral Diner

Fort Worth, TX

A diner is really the only appropriate place to order this triple-stacked sandwich. Spiral does it justice by spear-tackling marinated, grilled tofu, lettuce, bacon bits, tomato, toasty bread, and chipotle mayo with an iconic frilly toothpick. 

Love Life Cafe

15 The Egg and Cheese Croissandwich at Love Life Cafe

Miami, FL

Pillowy soft and flaky, this sandwich at Love Life Cafe wins in the texture department. The comforting flavors of melty vegan cheddar oozing over a JUST Egg patty will make you want to inhale this breakfast sandwich as soon as it hits your table. 

Veggie Galaxy

16 The Rachel at Veggie Galaxy

Cambridge, MA

For every Reuben, there is a Rachel. At Veggie Galaxy, this similar diner-style sandwich is made vegan with grilled, thinly shaved, seitan-based corned beef; tangy green cabbage sauerkraut; Swiss cheese (ask for the vegan version); and housemade Thousand Island dressing. Sorry, Reuben, but this time, we prefer Rachel.

HipCityVeg

17 The Philly Cheesesteak at HipCityVeg

Philadelphia, PA, and Washington, DC

This restaurant is beloved for a number of its savory menu items, but when in the City of Brotherly Love, a cheesesteak is calling your name. This vegan version is adorned with grilled vegan steak, grilled onions, maitake mushrooms, spicy chili ketchup, and mozzarella cheese. Once you’ve wolfed it down, you can check that food item off your bucket list. 

City, O’ City

18 The Breakfast Sandwich at City, O’ City

Denver, CO

There’s more than just standout vegan chicken and waffles at this Mile High City mainstay. The Breakfast Sandwich is not to be missed. Made with fluffy Just Egg, chorizo, smoked gouda, Fresno jam, arugula, and tomato, this ciabatta sammie is breakfast at its finest. When ordering, be sure to specify that you want the vegan option.

The Beetbox

19 The Chickless Sandwich at The Beetbox

Oklahoma City, OK

Customize your handhold at this outstanding vegan eatery. Each Chickless Sandwich is made with the brand’s proprietary chickenless patty, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions, but customers can choose the sauce (also known as the flavor bomb). First-timer? Go with the vegan ranch—it pairs exceptionally well with the garlic-and-herb fries. 

Superiority Burger

20The Vegan Specials at Superiority Burger

New York, NY

As implied, vegans can find a great burger here, but we’re interested in the ever-rotating sandwich specials. Not all are vegan, but many are or can be easily modified. We can’t wait to eat our way through these plant-based handhelds. Check out Superiority Burger on Instagram for the latest updates on their specials. 

Maciel’s Plant-Based Butcher Shop

21 The Pastrami French Dip at Maciel’s Plant-Based Butcher Shop

Los Angeles, CA

Run, don’t walk, to LA’s first full-service vegan butcher. This decadent pastrami sandwich features melted provolone, pickles, and Dijon mustard on a crunchy roll. Dip into the savory jus for a vegan sandwich experience unlike any other in the city.

Vegan sandwiches to make at home

The next time hunger strikes, whip up one of these seriously stacked sammies. 

Ashley Madden

22Tofu and Pineapple Sandwich

Taken out of the pages of vegan foodie Dustin Harder’s Epic Vegan cookbook, this handheld is bright, tangy, smoky, and sweet. It may not be traditional, but you’ll soon crave this earthy spiced tofu-and-tropical-slaw combination. 
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William and Susan Brinson

23 Tofu Bánh Mì

Aina’s Vegan Bánh Mì is the best place to try a vegan bánh mì, sure, but you can also experience its excellence at home. In this recipe, the combination of glazed tofu, crunchy cool pickled veggies, and a crackly baguette complements each other perfectly.
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Gina Fontana

24 Pumpkin, Pear, and Candied Pecan Grilled Cheese

The flavor combinations that work with grilled cheese are infinite, but we’re particularly fond of this autumnal creation. You could wait until PSL season or find a can of pumpkin and treat yourself!
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Ilene Godofsky Moreno

25Easy Vegan Lobster Rolls With Hearts of Palm

You don’t see vegan lobster rolls too often (if at all, in many parts of the country), so you might as well learn to make your own. The ingredient list and preparation are simple. With a can of hearts of palm, Old Bay seasoning, and some vegan mayo, you can have a seaside treat ready in a few minutes. 
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Andrea Soranidis

26 Chickpea Tuna Sandwiches

We truly believe that everyone needs this basic recipe in their arsenal. With a chickpea-and-nori-based filling, this sandwich is universally loved. Our tip to you: make a large batch at the beginning of the week, then use it to stuff your sandwiches, salads, and wraps all week long. 
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Rachel Ama

27Cajun Beer-Battered Oyster Mushroom Sandwich

Forget fried chicken, Cajun beer-battered oyster mushroom sandwiches are arguably even better, especially when they’re loaded with homemade vegan tartar sauce, too. This recipe from Rachel Ama also opts for sliced pickles, sriracha, and shredded lettuce, all packed together in a vegan brioche bun. The resulting flavors and textures are mouthwateringly good.
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Hannah Sunderani

28 Easy Tofu Egg Salad

Yep, you don’t need chicken eggs to make a delicious egg salad sandwich. Instead, combine chopped tofu with kala namak salt, turmeric, nutritional yeast, vegan mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Mix it with your favorite leafy greens or crunchy pickles, combine it all in your favorite soft bread, and you’ve got a delicious vegan egg salad sandwich that’s just as good, if not better, than the original. You’ll be making this one on repeat.
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Clare Winfield

29Korean-Inspired BLT

There are many ways to make a tasty vegan BLT (and you can find some of our favorites here), but this one with creamy, spicy gochujang mayonnaise, pickled chilies, and watercress has to be one of the best. It’s loaded with flavor and, thanks to the smoked tempeh, you won’t miss out on the signature BLT crispy bacon texture.
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30Stuffed Muffaletta Sandwich

Muffaletta, usually filled with sliced Italian cold cuts, is a New Orleans sandwich favorite. If you can’t get to Breads on Oak, make a delicious version yourself. With chickpeas, sweet red peppers, green olives, chopped banana peppers, and crusty Italian bread, this recipe proves that you don’t need the meat to make it delicious.
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Jackie Sobon

31 New York-Style Reuben

A good New York-style reuben will leave sauce dribbling down your chin and mess all over the table, and so this recipe from NYC Vegan fits the bill. The stars of the show are rye bread, tempeh bacon, vegan mayonnaise, ketchup, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, avocado, and beefsteak tomatoes. Creamy, smoky, and tangy perfection.
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Moore Rhys

32Croque Madame

Just as the Reuben has a Rachel, the Croque Monsieur has a Croque Madame. This Frenchified grilled cheese gets a brunch twist by sandwiching eggy tofu, vegan deli slices, and gooey cheese with two thick slices of savory French toast. 
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33 Crispy Tofu Parm Melt Hoagies

If you can’t make it to Slutty Vegan, no matter: A juicy vegan homemade hoagie is just a few minutes away. All you need is breaded tofu, herbs, vegan cheese, and plenty of marinara sauce.
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Lauren Toyota

34 Crispy Oyster Mushroom Po’Boy Sandwiches

This vegan recipe is a close second to Souley Vegan’s juicy po’boy. Loaded with oyster mushrooms, thousand-island dressing, pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes, it’s meaty, it’s crispy, it’s saucy, and it’s hard to stop eating. Maybe make two, just to be safe.
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Page Street Publishing

35 Pulled Barbecue Jackfruit Sandwich With Grilled Pineapple

When you’re bored of burgers, up your barbecue game with this sandwich from Great Vegan BBQ Without a Grill. It’s easy to make and full of flavor and texture, thanks to the mix of sweet pineapple, umami-rich broth, smoky barbecue, and shredded cabbage.
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