Paris' Sneaky Sandwich Shops - Lunch in Paris

“What is a sandwich?” a philosophical question first dropped at the dawn of civilization, the very moment bread itself was created, and never definitively answered since. This deeply divisive riddle is perfect for the next dinner party where you find yourself bored and in need of a little chaos.

But for today’s purposes I’ve opted to answer with the basic, “If you can pick it up, and all that your fingers touch qualifies as bread, then you’ve got yourself a sandwich.”

France is famous for its baguettes, and Paris arguably has the best, but that doesn’t mean those little yeast torpedoes make the best sandwiches. In fact, much like a bowl of Captain Crunch, the average baguette when eaten as a sandwich is liable to shred the roof of your mouth.

I’m not saying to skip the jambon beurre, but I am saying I’d get tired of eating only classic French sandwiches if I were you. Here are a handful of my favorite (mostly) baguette-free sandwiches across Paris. If you’re looking for a quick and convenient lunch, don’t sleep on these fantastic restaurants.

Nonette - Banh Mi

Let’s get the one sandwich on a baguette out of the way: Nonette, by the Hood, makes a phenomenally decadent banh mi. Banh mi, if you’re unfamiliar, is a French-Vietnamese sandwich filled with the meat of your choice (fried chicken or caramelized pork are my go-to favorites), carrots, cucumber, and coriander - slathered with a spicy mayo, and dashed with some chilis if you’re feeling feisty.

Nonette also offers beignets stuffed with a variety of creams. Essentially tiny donuts, these are also decadent. The whole meal ends up being a little pricy for a banh mi, admittedly, so if you want my recommendations for some amazing (and cheap) banh mis in other parts of the city, be sure to buy my guide to Paris.

Baby Love Burger

Need a smash burger? Baby Love Burger. The burgers are as good as the name. If you’re headed to the Atellier des Lumiers, and you should, then this would be a great spot for lunch before you head in (or after you’re done). They only do burgers, including a fantastic fried chicken option. I’m a little obsessed with fried chicken sandwiches at the moment and this one is right near the top of that list as well.

If you’re looking for a simple, high quality burger, fresh-cut homemade fries, and maybe some soft-serve ice cream to tie it all together, then you know where to go.

Dumbo near Pigalle is another phenomenal option, they just don’t really have anywhere to sit. They are opening new spots, however, so maybe we’ll see seating before long.

ACA – Tacos Can Be Sandwiches Too

Don’t @ me on this, but how could I not put a favorite taco spot in a sneaky sandwich recommendation? ACA Pigalle is a fun, vibrant spot with ample seating and some really tasty tacos. They also do a Taco Tuesday with four different options of 1 euro tacos to choose from. Is it the best Mexican food in the world? No. Is it delicious enough to be worth a stop if you have a hankering? Absolutely.

If you find yourself in the neighborhood and wanting to try one of the OG taco spots, El Nopal makes another phenomenal option (and you can check out their original spot up on the canal if you make it that far up). Speaking of the canal…

Miznon – Canal Saint Martin

Miznon has a few locations, the most famous being in the Marais, but their Canal Saint Martin location offers more seating and easy access to outdoor spots along the canal itself. They offer pitas stuffed with a wide variety of delicious options including my favorite French-Israeli fusion so far: boeuf bourguignonne in an aioli-loaded pita. It’s DELICIOUS. The only thing is that half the time they’re sold out when you get in, so be sure you have a backup in mind (my go to second is the lamb kebab). 

Other options include a ratatouille, minute steak, or their famous roast cauliflower. Everything is fresh and tasty. Miznon makes an easy go-to recommendation across the board (just check my guide, it’s right at the very top).

Homer – Victor Hugo

You saw Homer’s Lobster Roll when exploring Rue Rambuteau, but there’s a new Homer in town and it’s the only one with their new salmon pastrami (and caviar!) sandwich.

This one’s on Victor Hugo in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. It’s not a neighborhood in which I have a lot to recommend but, if you do find yourself there, Homer is a fantastic spot for lunch. The combo with chips and a drink come out to 23 euros, 43 if you get caviar on the sandwich, so it’s a bit pricey. But for seafood fans, with the chives and chantilly-inspired cream cheese on buttered and toasted brioche, you won’t be disappointed.

Janet – By Homer

Worth a revisit (because I’m obsessed), Janet’s corn beef on rye sandwich made with their own homemade mustard and onion confit is one of the few sandwiches in Paris I CRAVE. You can even get the XL, which comes with double meat, and ask for the cut of your preference (so go nuts if you love gristle).

I have yet to eat more than a taste of the pulled pork BBQ, but it’s legit as well. If you’re wandering the boundaries between the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of Paris, or find yourself starving in the Pompidou, it’s a fantastic option. The truffle chips are a bit overpriced, but don’t disappoint.

Sonny’s

Sonny’s Pizza recently opened a deli/sandwich shop across the street, which also serves as overflow seating for the pizzaria. I’m going to level with you, as this one snuck up on us and thus snuck into the sneaky sandwiches video, it was a bit disappointing. They’re trying really hard to hit a hoagie-style roll for the bread, and the sandwiches themselves are obvious classics from the States, but on my first go they were underwhelming. If you’re dying for a meatball sub, I haven’t had better in Paris, and they might have improved in the intervening time, but I’d put this at the bottom of the list priority-wise (and have thus done so in written form as well). 

The one perk is the pizza-sandwich combo – you can order from either location and eat at the same table – so if you’ve got a disagreement in the group between sandwiches and pizza somehow, this is an easy solution.

Sneaky Sandwiches Across Paris

And there you have it, a wide variety of options for sandwiches in Paris that aren’t your standard fare. Many of these are located in fun, off-the-beaten path locations where you’ll find friendly locals and a little slice of quiet. Not in Pigalle, clearly, but the rest stand a good chance for some chill. If you want more recommendations for your time in Paris, be sure to buy my guide as it’s got everything you need, from where to stay to how to avoid scams (and plenty more delicious food options to last you months, let alone a few days).

Have a great time sneaking some sandwiches in Paris!

(Originally posted on parisnimypocket.com in June 2022)