17 December 2025
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It's a lunchtime hero, an evening savior, even a late-night snack. The sandwich is a handheld meal packed with pleasure, and there's nothing quite like that first bite.
While The MICHELIN Guide may be synonymous with Stars, there's so much more than fine dining in our carefully curated selections. Casual, inexpensive spots are some of our Inspectors' top picks (learn more about the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand here).
While our Inspectors delight in the discovery, they relish sharing their finds. Even a simple question about what's for lunch may result in plenty of friendly sparring.
As for their favorites? Some may surprise you. One of the best cheesesteaks is found in Atlanta (but don't worry, Philly, you're on the list too). From regional classics to comfort food favorites, check out their top picks below.
Campechano Torta
La 89
MICHELIN Bib Gourmand
Mexico City
Details:
Crisped bread layered with a medley of braised cuts, finely chopped and garnished with raw white onion, beans and melted cheese.Inspectors' take:
"This is sandwich excellence. I love how compact this is, how the whole thing eats so cleanly, the layers defined. It's quite simply the best torta I have ever had."
Cheesesteak
Dalessandro's
MICHELIN Bib Gourmand
Philadelphia
Details:
A long, soft hoagie roll arrives packed with tender, chopped steak bound with melty Cheese Whiz and topped with a smattering of fried onions.
Inspectors' take:
"The bun is soft, with a good yeasty-tang, and it's packed with juicy steak. Add crushed red peppers for a flash of acidity to balance the richness, and the Cheez Whiz is just right. It's earned the right to call itself one of the very best in Philly."
Cheesesteak
Fred's Meat & Bread
MICHELIN Bib Gourmand
Atlanta
Details:
A long, flaky, toasted roll is packed with thinly sliced, seared ribeye and layered with diced, sauteed onion and American cheese.
Inspectors' take:
"This Atlanta spot lets the main ingredients shine without gilding the lily with extras or anything unnecessary. The meat and bread were very good quality. Don't tell Philly, but this iteration easily put many there to shame."
Italiano
Lardon
MICHELIN Bib Gourmand
Chicago
Details:
An Amoroso roll is stuffed with soppressata, salame Calabrese, ‘nduja, provolone, shredded iceberg, tomato, onion and house giardiniera.
Inspectors' Take:
"This sandwich was a standout, showcasing incredible attention to detail and craftsmanship. The soppressata was rich with a touch of saltiness, while the salame Calabrese offered a delightful balance of heat and sweetness. The house giardiniera added a nice acidic punch that paired beautifully with the meats."
Lamb Pita
Yellow
MICHELIN Bib Gourmand
Washington, D.C.
Details:
A small, round pita filled with tender, shredded, smoked lamb shoulder with smoked peppers, feta and toum (a thick, creamy spread made with fresh garlic, oil, lemon juice and salt).Inspectors' take:
"This is excellent. It's sweet and savory with a great play on the temperatures. The pita was made in-house and has a good flavor and texture, and the lamb was beautifully tender. While they used a good amount of sauce, the bread never got too soggy. It's a very well-constructed sandwich."
Muffuletta
Cochon Butcher
MICHELIN Bib Gourmand
New Orleans
Details:
A large muffuletta, cut into four pieces and featuring a very light, soft round of sesame bread, thin shavings of “house meats” (pork and smoky bacon, among others), smeared in pickled peppers.Inspectors' take:
"At this sandwich shop, they do everything right: Nose to tail butchery in house, all breads made daily from their off-site bakery, and sandwiches layered and composed with thought and care. It's a really wonderful effort, and hard to see how to improve upon something like this."
Pambazo de Carnitas
La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal
MICHELIN Bib Gourmand
Denver
Details:
French bread dipped in a guajillo chile salsa roja and cooked on a griddle, with a filling of avocado, pico de gallo and carnitas.
Inspectors' take:
"This sandwich is excellent, the exterior lightly crispy, with the distinct toasty flavor of the chile, and the carnitas inside are tender, juicy and flavorful, enhanced by savory brown bits. It's flavorful, displays good technique and uses quality ingredients."
Another delicious sandwich at Lardon - ©Clayton Hauck/Lardon
