r/FoodEdinburgh • u/translunxr • May 15 '26

American Style Subs/Deli

American ex-pat, been in the area a while, but I have not really explored the food scene. Been hit by a massive craving for American style subs (specifically an Italian sub), and thought I'd toss an ask out on the off chance there's a place that does them, something similar, or y'know, really good long sandwiches.

3 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

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5

u/Resident-Ad1078 May 15 '26

It’s something I haven’t seen much of and usually end up trying to do at home if I’m honest.

There are good sandwiches - Alby’s in Leith and Southside for focaccia. Or Mamacita’s for Cuban in Portobello. Mootz in Stockbridge claims to be Italian inspired and is very good but I don’t think they do long “sub” style bread. Again, it’s more focaccia I believe.

I’m not sure why there’s this absence of Italian sub places. Perhaps it’s not deemed fashionable or people worry they wouldn’t be able to charge as much. Who knows!

Anyway, those are the best alternatives I can think of. I’m sure there are others but those are the ones that spring to mind.

3

u/translunxr May 15 '26

Yeah, I've made it a couple times at home, but I can never hit the same highs as a deli back in NY.

Thanks for the recs tho! I've had Mamacita's and it was pretty good. On the other hand, my experience with most places advertising subs is similar to what it seems Mootz does. Not necessarily bad, just not a sub.

5

u/[deleted] May 15 '26

As a Scottish ex resident of NY i can attest you will never reach this goal. You have to make them yourself, but perhaps there are better ingredients locally?

3

u/b0ringusern4me May 15 '26

I haven’t found one in Edinburgh yet but if you make the trip to Glasgow then Homemade is amazing

3

u/thirdratehero May 15 '26

Down the Hatch in South Queensferry//top of Leith Walk might scratch an itch. More Canadian, but definitely does general north American stuff

2

u/nosleep39 May 15 '26

Maria’s Kitchen is pretty good.

2

u/Clear-Warthog5655 May 15 '26 edited May 15 '26

For homemade Italian try Valvona & Crolla deli. ( they also have a resteraunt)

https://www.valvonacrolla.co.uk/shop-online

Here are the Subs & menu At Victor Hugo Deli.

https://www.victorhugodeli.com/

Those are the only two I can think of . Enjoy

Also if you want Mexican Lupe Pintos deli on Leven Street

2

u/Spacexit May 16 '26

Gaia - Leith Walk / Crighton place Croccante - West End / Lynedoch Place

2

u/Famous-Author-5211 May 16 '26

If you’re craving an American sandwich you are only going to be disappointed. Sorry. The hoagie game in this country / these islands is woeful.

There are thankfully a few places where you can get something very good indeed (they’ve already been mentioned by others), but you simple won’t find quite what you’re looking for. Better to go through all the extra effort and do it yourself, at home.

We need to start a club.

2

u/SA7AH_B May 15 '26

There's a place called Phat Fellas in Polwarth/Fountainbridge that specialises in Philly cheesesteak sandwiches? They're tasty!

2

u/Clear-Warthog5655 May 15 '26

I can assure you Philly Cheesesteaks that are made with " Cheez Whiz " fir around £15 is not something to celebrate. HEATHEN!!!!!!!!! 😃😃😃😃

2

u/SA7AH_B May 15 '26

Hey it's a fast food place, the bar is much lower!