Best Italian Sandwiches In Orange County

Of course Southern California can nail a hamburger, a burrito, and a sushi roll, but the melting pot of the Southland also means a mighty fine Italian contingent. Sure pizza and pasta are requisites, but universally, a tasty Italian sandwich can be handheld bliss. Hot sandwiches, cold deli-style sandwiches, the spectrum of options all come loaded with big flavor and most times, heaping portions. If you are up for the challenge, here is a reference list of some of the best Italian inspired sandwiches located throughout Orange County.

Italian Sausage & Peppers Sandwich
Claro's Italian Market
1095 E Main St.
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 832-3081
www.claros.com

As an Orange County based Italian importer, Claro's ups the ante and cranks out pure pork sausage made in house daily. Seasoned with a coveted blend of traditional herbs and spices, the lean and hearty sausage is slow cooked with onions and peppers to become a phenomenal marriage of flavor enveloped in a fresh Italian roll. Showcasing a bit of sweetness from the pork, spice from the peppers, and of course a healthy hint of garlic, this is the kind of sandwich that surpasses cravings and can easily become an obsession.

Italian Beef Sandwich
Portillo's Hot Dogs
8390 La Palma Ave.
Buena Park, CA 90620
(714) 528-2159
www.portillos.com

Famous for their poppy seed bun Chicago-styled hot dogs, this Windy City staple made big waves when they opened a location in Southern California. Along with their pickle-paired dogs, came the time honored tradition of the Italian Beef sandwich. Swimming in a savory meat gravy and sprinkled with a spicy Giardiniera (pickled veggies), the option to add sweet and spicy peppers is really more of a requirement to make this sammich a complete Mid-West experience. The thinly sliced beef harnesses just the right amount of salt to counter the slight sweetness of the Italian bread making this belly buster a cinch.

Cortina's Special
Cortina's Italian Market & Delicatessen
2175 W Orange Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92804
(714) 535-1948
www.cortinasitalianfood.com

Considering Cortina's Italian Market & Delicatessen offers an extensive collection of imported Italian products, you have to know the sandwiches will not only be great, but authentically sound. Sliced right at the in house deli counter, fresh capicolla, mortadella, Cotto salami, and dry salami are folded into a beautifully crusty roll to make for something truly special. Topped with the necessary veggies and provolone, the sandwich is then doused with a housemade Italian dressing that make the Cortina's Special an institution in Orange County. Any skeptics should reference the typical line out the front door which is almost always in effect at Cortina's.

Handsome Italian
Blackmarket Bakery
2937 Bristol St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 662-3095
www.blackmarketbakery.com

Located at The Camp in Costa Mesa, it's expected that Blackmarket would get creative with conventional Italian flavors to make one heck of a sandwich. Just how creative however is more than impressive. Pressed between two house baked slices of lemon rosemary sourdough bread, a velvety blend of provolone cheese, artichoke pesto, and juicy Roma tomatoes make this a delicious sandwich. Meticulously pieced together, this is the Italian sandwich you can eat and not have to take a breather after indulging.

Italian Meatball Sub
Lomeli's Italian Restaurant
600 S. Brea Blvd.
Brea, CA 92821
(714) 255-9100
www.lomelisrestaurant.com

Quite possibly one of the best cures for a nasty case of the Mondays, Lomeli's dishes out their meatball Monday special that boasts their signature sandwich and a side of spaghetti for just $6.95. The assumption here would be a sandwich that cuts corners to be cost effective wouldn't be good, but nothing could be further from the truth. Served on incredibly pillowy Italian bread and a proper provolone, Lomeli's housemade meatballs are complimented with the housemade marinara that is lathered on to make this absolute comfort on a roll. Offering a take out menu, Lomeli's meatball sub is one of those sweatpants sandwich sessions that make for a great night in.

Article by Ramon Gonzales.