Top 15 Italian Sandwiches You Must Try

Italian sandwiches are a delightful mix of traditional flavors that reflect Italy’s rich culinary heritage.

From crispy bread to cured meats and fresh cheeses, these sandwiches offer a variety of options to suit all tastes.

Whether you’re looking for something light and fresh or a more substantial sandwich, Italy has a recipe for you.

In this article, we explore the top 15 Italian sandwiches you must try, each with its own unique ingredients and preparation techniques.

Get ready to discover the diversity and flavors of these Italian classics!

These Are the 15 Italian Sandwiches You Must Try on Your Trip to Italy

Don’t wait any longer to savor these delicious Italian sandwiches!

Add them to your must-try food list for your next trip to Italy and enjoy a unique culinary experience.

Make your Italian adventure a journey full of incredible flavors!

1. Panini al Prosciutto e Mozzarella

This is a classic of Italian street food. The panini is made with crispy bread and filled with prosciutto crudo and fresh mozzarella, creating a simple yet delicious combination.

It is often accompanied by fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil, enhancing the flavor even further.

Ideal for a quick, light, and flavorful lunch, this sandwich reflects the freshness and quality of Italian ingredients.

2. Tramezzino al Tonno

The tramezzino is a traditional Italian sandwich made with soft white bread, perfect for fresh combinations.

The tramezzino al tonno consists of canned tuna mixed with mayonnaise, capers, and sometimes hard-boiled egg or onion.

This sandwich is a great example of Italian simplicity, relying on just a few ingredients but executed to perfection.

In Italy, tramezzini are a very common snack in cafés and bars.

3. Porchetta Sandwich

Porchetta is slow-roasted pork seasoned with aromatic herbs such as rosemary, garlic, and fennel.

This sandwich features juicy porchetta meat inside crispy bread, often accompanied by fresh arugula and olive oil.

The deep, savory flavor of the meat, combined with the freshness of the herbs and the softness of the bread, makes it an ideal sandwich for meat lovers.

This dish is typical of central Italy and is a staple at celebrations and fairs.
Porchetta is often served in large portions, making it perfect for a hearty lunch.

4. Caponata Sandwich

Caponata is a Sicilian dish made with olives, capers, onions, tomatoes, celery, and eggplant, all dressed with sugar and vinegar.

This dish is one of the most flavorful Italian sandwiches, featuring caponata inside crispy bread, offering a mix of sweet, tangy, and salty flavors.

Caponata is a classic of Sicilian cuisine, and when turned into a sandwich, it becomes a tasty and light option for any time of the day.

The combination of textures from the eggplant and olives adds a unique dimension to the sandwich.

5. Panino con Mortadella

Mortadella is a smooth and delicate Italian cold cut, often enriched with pistachios and served in thin slices.

The panino con mortadella is a simple yet exquisite option, where the creamy and slightly spiced flavor of mortadella is balanced by the texture of fresh bread.

It is often enhanced with a small amount of mustard or olive oil to intensify its flavor.

This sandwich is very popular in the Bologna region, where mortadella originates.

It is perfect as a light snack or as part of a larger meal—its simplicity is its greatest virtue.

6. Focaccia with Salami

Focaccia is a soft and fluffy Italian bread, often seasoned with olive oil, rosemary, and salt.

When combined with salami, it creates a delicious sandwich with a mix of salty and spicy flavors.

Salami, with its firm texture and robust taste, pairs perfectly with the softness of focaccia.

Since focaccia is thicker than other breads, it provides an excellent base for the bold flavors of salami. It is a popular choice in many regions of Italy.

7. Piadina Romagnola

Piadina Romagnola is a thin Italian flatbread from the Emilia-Romagna region, traditionally filled with a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients.

It is commonly stuffed with ham, cheese, and arugula, creating a light yet tasty sandwich. Its soft and flexible texture makes it perfect for wrapping ingredients.

This type of sandwich is ideal for on-the-go meals, making it a favorite lunch option among Italian workers.

Piadina is easy to make and can be customized with different fillings to suit personal tastes.

8. Schiacciata with Finocchiona

Schiacciata is a dense and crispy Tuscan bread, perfect for hearty sandwiches.

Finocchiona is an Italian salami flavored with fennel, which gives it a unique and aromatic taste.

When combined, schiacciata and finocchiona create a savory sandwich with a herby and spiced touch.

As part of the traditional Italian sandwich selection, it is an excellent option for those who enjoy bold flavors and contrasting textures.

The combination of rustic bread and finocchiona makes for a memorable culinary experience.

9. Panino with Bresaola

Bresaola is a dry-cured beef delicacy, very lean and delicately flavored.

In this sandwich, bresaola is paired with fresh arugula and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, creating a fresh and light combination.

It is often dressed with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon to enhance the flavors.

Want to try the best Italian sandwiches? This one is perfect for a healthy meal, as bresaola is low in fat and high in protein.

The tender texture of bresaola and the freshness of arugula offer a well-balanced flavor experience.

10. Crostini with Ricotta and Honey

Crostini with ricotta and honey is a sweet sandwich, perfect for those who prefer something lighter and less savory.

It is made with crispy bread (such as baguette or country-style bread), topped with fresh ricotta and a drizzle of honey.

The creaminess of ricotta pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of honey, creating a delicious and balanced combination.

This sandwich is ideal as an appetizer, breakfast, or even dessert. The honey adds a touch of sweetness without being overly heavy.

11. Panino with Smoked Salmon and Mascarpone

This sandwich combines the creaminess of mascarpone with the smoky flavor of salmon, creating a rich and flavorful blend.

It is served on fresh bread or ciabatta, making it a light and delicious option—perfect for an elegant lunch.

The smooth texture of mascarpone perfectly complements the salmon, making this sandwich a gourmet choice.

12. Crostini with Mushrooms and Taleggio

A delicious vegetarian sandwich featuring sautéed mushrooms and Taleggio cheese, a creamy Italian cheese.

The bread is lightly toasted and topped with a generous layer of ingredients, creating a perfect balance between the earthy taste of mushrooms and the creaminess of the cheese.

This sandwich is a true delight for vegetarian food lovers, offering a rich experience full of flavors and textures.

The combination of sautéed mushrooms and Taleggio cheese on slightly toasted bread makes it a perfect choice for any occasion.

13. Panino with Grilled Chicken

This sandwich features grilled chicken breast, accompanied by fresh vegetables such as lettuce, tomato, and onion.

A touch of mayonnaise or mild mustard on the bread enhances the fresh flavors of the vegetables and chicken, creating a delicious balance. 

This sandwich is ideal for a quick, nutritious, and satisfying meal—perfect for those who prefer balanced options without sacrificing flavor.

14. Focaccia with Prosciutto di Parma

Focaccia, a soft and flavorful Italian bread, is filled with the famous Prosciutto di Parma, known for its delicate taste and fine texture.

The sandwich is dressed with a drizzle of olive oil and a few arugula leaves, creating a combination of salty and fresh flavors that will transport you straight to Italy.

The olive oil enhances the softness of the focaccia, while the arugula adds a touch of freshness and bitterness that perfectly complements the prosciutto.

This sandwich is an explosion of Italian flavors in every bite, ideal for those seeking a simple yet exquisite option.

15. Panino with Caciocavallo and Roasted Peppers

A delicious sandwich made with Caciocavallo, a semi-hard Italian cheese, paired with roasted peppers.

The cheese melts smoothly over the bread, while the peppers add a sweet and smoky touch.

As part of the traditional Italian sandwich selection, it is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and the creamy texture of Italian cheese.

The combination of melted Caciocavallo and roasted peppers creates a perfect contrast between creamy and sweet.

It is an excellent choice for those looking for a rich and comforting culinary experience, full of authentic Italian flavors.