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4.6(1447 Reviews)

California Sandwiches

The first California Sandwiches is the Claremont location, still hidden in Toronto's little Italy region. In the late 1960's it was a grocery store that was purchased by the Papa/Bertucci family. They quickly discovered they had something special, as customers were coming for lunch instead of the groceries. They decided to capitalize on this opportunity as their hot Italian sandwiches were selling out daily. Thus the first California Sandwiches was born. From its inception in "La Rinacente" (the stores first name), the veal sandwich has become one of Toronto's favorite meals. Today, very little has changed. There are now 8 locations all family owned and operated. Traditional methods of food preperation are still in practise. Each store has its own butcher and the meat is cut on site. Only the finest in Italian tomatos are ground for the sauce that is made fresh daily. The kaiser buns are baked every morning and are delivered by an Italian bakery. Cheeses and produce are bought and prepared for use as needed. Quality food and attention to detail have kept this business strong and valued. California Sandwiches is Toronto's favorite hot Italian sandwich. You can taste the difference!

4.5

1590 Reviews

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By Chris Graham on Oct 17, 2026 Verified by Business

Visited early lunchtime on Friday and found there was plenty of seating. The staff were friendly and efficient, busy working with lots of delivery orders being processed, yet, there wasn't too long of a wait for the sandwich I ordered. At a very reasonable price I received the meatball sandwich, slightly spicy which was a large portion sandwich. The meatballs were pretty good and the bread good although you have to be careful not dropping some of the filling. There's a good variety of sandwiches on offer. I think I'd ask for extra cheese next time. The shop is well maintained and kept clean.

By Michael D on Sep 30, 2026 Verified by Business

The best Veal sandwich in Toronto. Hands down. No contest. Medium veal with Mushrooms and a pop and small olives. The goat order. If you want to keep that veal crispy get the sauce on the side and dip.

By Anastasia Bertucci on Sep 17, 2026 Verified by Business

The best sandwiches in town! It's a family-run business where product quality comes first, and you can really tell from the flavors. The portions are huge - one sandwich is enough for two meals! No frills, just simple and delicious. The service is fast, and the owners are lovely people who are truly attentive to customers' needs. Great job!

By Melissa Cardoz on Aug 05, 2026 Verified by Business

We had an outstanding experience catering our office lunch through California Sandwiches this week. From start to finish, Frankie, the owner, was incredibly helpful, attentive, and knowledgeable. He took the time to provide thoughtful recommendations that made planning for our group effortless.

For anyone catering a larger event, I highly recommend ordering directly from the restaurant. Not only does it help you avoid the added fees associated with delivery apps, but you also receive Frankie's personal commitment that your order will arrive hot, fresh, and absolutely delicious.

The food exceeded expectations, and the service was exceptional. Thank you to Frankie and the entire California Sandwiches team for taking such great care of us. You've earned a new group of loyal customers, and you've quickly become our go-to choice for staff lunches!

By Peter on Jul 12, 2026 Verified by Business

If you prize quantity over flavour, you'll like this food. The sandwiches are huge. However the veal sandwich was utterly tasteless and soggy. Not just because of the amount of sauce they use but also because the breading on the veal wasn't crisp to begin with - you'd think they'd know how to fry after all these years. The meatball sandwich was just weird. The meat was white - I guess they use 100% pork, which gives it an off-putting taste. Threw out 3/4 of that one. Even the buns do nothing for the sandwiches, other than add a strangely dull quality to an already sub-par item. I grew up in Toronto and have had many great Italian sandwiches here. These were not two of them.

By Laura Owens on Jun 26, 2026 Verified by Business

Best location hands down. I have been coming here since the 90s and the quality of the sandwiches hasn’t changed. I recommend the veal sandwich, but any choice you make it’s going to be delicious. The staff here are always quick even though it’s always so busy!

By Laura Owens on Jun 26, 2026 Verified by Business

Best location hands down. I have been coming here since the 90s and the quality of the sandwiches hasn’t changed. I recommend the veal sandwich, but any choice you make it’s going to be delicious. The staff here are always quick even though it’s always so busy!

By Jackie Hadi on Jun 14, 2026 Verified by Business

The customer service needs significant improvement. I did not feel respected as a customer, and the food quality was disappointing.

By Jackie Hadi on Jun 14, 2026 Verified by Business

The customer service needs significant improvement. I did not feel respected as a customer, and the food quality was disappointing.

By Edward Alcalá on Apr 22, 2026 Verified by Business

Authentic and different from the usual. I’ve tried sandwiches in many countries, and this one stands out.

Service was fast (not the friendliest, but efficient). The steak sandwich was delicious, with a unique flavor.

I’ll definitely be back to try more.

By Edward Alcalá on Apr 22, 2026 Verified by Business

Authentic and different from the usual. I’ve tried sandwiches in many countries, and this one stands out.

Service was fast (not the friendliest, but efficient). The steak sandwich was delicious, with a unique flavor.

I’ll definitely be back to try more.

By rui teixeira on Mar 25, 2026 Verified by Business

Bro you don't understand my dad been coming here since he was in school met this Filipino woman said you ever try a sandwich or something like that? Then they got married and here I am 30 years later CHEEEEEEEEEEEE. He definitely don't recognize shordy at the counter though. Must be that 83rd generation Italian where they don't speak a nickle of Italian

By rui teixeira on Mar 25, 2026 Verified by Business

Bro you don't understand my dad been coming here since he was in school met this Filipino woman said you ever try a sandwich or something like that? Then they got married and here I am 30 years later CHEEEEEEEEEEEE. He definitely don't recognize shordy at the counter though. Must be that 83rd generation Italian where they don't speak a nickle of Italian

By Bruno Donato on Feb 17, 2026 Verified by Business

What can I say, California Sandwiches never disappoints. Been going there for over 20 yrs.. and quality and taste has never let me down. I had a veal sandwich and aa always had multiple layers of veal, like two to three pieces. Sauce was like at home, you can taste its homemade. I asked for it hot (thats with hot peppers 🌶) and the pepper was spread evenly all over the veal and bunny. Not like some places they put a cut square of hot pepper, and you have to play suprise you found it on the last bite.

This place never disappoints me.
This will become your favorite after your first order here.

By Bruno Donato on Feb 17, 2026 Verified by Business

What can I say, California Sandwiches never disappoints. Been going there for over 20 yrs.. and quality and taste has never let me down. I had a veal sandwich and aa always had multiple layers of veal, like two to three pieces. Sauce was like at home, you can taste its homemade. I asked for it hot (thats with hot peppers 🌶) and the pepper was spread evenly all over the veal and bunny. Not like some places they put a cut square of hot pepper, and you have to play suprise you found it on the last bite.

This place never disappoints me.
This will become your favorite after your first order here.

By Z M on Feb 16, 2026 Verified by Business

California Sandwiches is our go-to spot for work lunches. I ordered 17 sandwiches the day before, and everything was ready right on time for pickup. The food was great, and there’s honestly nothing to complain about. We’ll definitely continue ordering from here.

By S M on Feb 12, 2026 Verified by Business

Love California Sandwiches.
Never been to this location but now that I've found it, will return when in the area. Called ahead and order ready when I arrived. Pic shows half of the sandwich with sweet peppers, mushroom and as a hot, not "sweet" sandwich. Both are great typically.

By S M on Feb 12, 2026 Verified by Business

Love California Sandwiches.
Never been to this location but now that I've found it, will return when in the area. Called ahead and order ready when I arrived. Pic shows half of the sandwich with sweet peppers, mushroom and as a hot, not "sweet" sandwich. Both are great typically.

By Raiyan Khair on Jan 11, 2026 Verified by Business

Pretty solid sandwiches. Got the veal and the portions are quite large. Really good bang for your buck. Cash only!

By Raiyan Khair on Jan 11, 2026 Verified by Business

Pretty solid sandwiches. Got the veal and the portions are quite large. Really good bang for your buck. Cash only!

By Dennisonung on Nov 30, 2025 Verified by Business

Giant sandwiches that are amazing for the price point,

the counter service was a little confusing at first as it’s a small corner with 2 entrances and lots of online delivery people were crowding it, but after all that, It’s one of the most delicious sandwiches i’ve had in awhile

Prices were surprising low for how huge the sandwiches are, could genuinely feed 2 people if you’d like.

Overall, for a sandwich shop in a little corner of a neighbourhood, i’d say it’s one of the goto places if your ever near here

By Dennisonung on Nov 30, 2025 Verified by Business

Giant sandwiches that are amazing for the price point,

the counter service was a little confusing at first as it’s a small corner with 2 entrances and lots of online delivery people were crowding it, but after all that, It’s one of the most delicious sandwiches i’ve had in awhile

Prices were surprising low for how huge the sandwiches are, could genuinely feed 2 people if you’d like.

Overall, for a sandwich shop in a little corner of a neighbourhood, i’d say it’s one of the goto places if your ever near here

By taijulp on Nov 25, 2025 Verified by Business

I am extremely disappointed with this service. The experience was completely unprofessional and far below expectations. The product/service I received was not as described, the quality was poor, and the customer support was unhelpful. I wasted my time and money for nothing. I do not recommend this service to anyone. Please improve your quality and communication.

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Frequently asked Questions

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Q. Where is California Sandwiches located?

California Sandwiches is located at 244 Claremont St in Toronto , ON and serves great food and drinks in Toronto

Q. How do I contact California Sandwiches?

You can contact California Sandwiches by calling 4166033317 or visiting their website at http://www.californiasandwiches.com