Italian Sub Shops In Massachusetts That Stack Them Sky-High

Massachusetts knows how to build a proper Italian sub.

From Boston’s historic North End to coastal towns and suburban spots, you’ll find shops piling meats, cheeses, and toppings so high they barely fit in your mouth.

I’m taking you on a tour of 16 legendary places where fresh bread meets generous portions and traditional recipes.

1. Monica’s Mercato & Salumeria

Every bite feels like a celebration of authentic Italian flavors here.

You’ll find this gem at 130 Salem Street in Boston’s North End, where the aroma of fresh bread greets you at the door.

Prosciutto, mortadella, and salami stack together with provolone in perfect harmony.

Lettuce, tomato, and onion add crunch while olive oil and balsamic vinegar bring everything together.

Hot peppers and pickles give each sandwich a tangy kick that keeps you coming back.

The bread comes from local bakeries and arrives fresh every single morning.

Lines often stretch out the door during lunch, but the wait is absolutely worth your time.

2. Bob’s Italian Foods

Since 1936, this family operation has been perfecting the art of the Italian sub.

Located at 324 Main Street in Medford, this spot has become a local institution over decades.

Their Deluxe Imported Italian comes loaded with prosciutto di Parma, sweet soppressata, and capicola.

Mortadella and provolone join the party along with pickles, tomatoes, and onions.

Hot cherry peppers add serious heat while olive oil and seasoning complete the masterpiece.

The shop maintains old-school charm with its vintage decor and friendly counter service.

Regulars swear by the quality of imported meats that make each sandwich unforgettable.

3. New Deal Fruit

Four generations have kept this family tradition alive and thriving.

Find them at 905 Broadway in Revere, where the market feels like stepping into old Italy.

Their Sicilian sub showcases provolone, prosciuttini, and sopressata in generous portions.

Roasted peppers bring sweetness that balances the salty cured meats perfectly.

Fresh produce from their market section often makes its way onto your sandwich.

The family sources ingredients carefully, maintaining relationships with quality suppliers for years.

You can grab groceries while you’re there, making it a one-stop shop for Italian essentials.

4. Tutto Italiano

Angelo Locilento founded this shop with a simple mission: serve honest, delicious Italian food.

You’ll discover it at 1180 River Street in Hyde Park, nestled in a friendly neighborhood setting.

Mortadella, Genoa salami, and sopressata create layers of rich, savory flavor.

Provolone melts slightly against the warm bread, adding creamy texture throughout.

A variety of vegetables including lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers top each creation.

The bread gets baked fresh daily, arriving warm and crusty for maximum satisfaction.

Local residents consider this their go-to spot for quick lunches and family dinners alike.

5. D’Agostino’s Deli

Two locations mean double the chances to grab an outstanding Italian sub.

Visit either 165 Massachusetts Avenue in Arlington or 620 Main Street in Winchester for your fix.

Traditional fixings come piled on your choice of bread, from soft rolls to crusty loaves.

Cold cuts get sliced fresh throughout the day, ensuring peak flavor and texture.

The variety of bread options lets you customize your sandwich exactly how you prefer.

Both locations maintain consistent quality, so you know what to expect every visit.

Friendly staff remember regular customers and their usual orders, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

6. Anthony’s Italian Specialties

Locals have been flocking here for years to get their hands on the famous ‘Large Italian.’

Located at 304 Main Street in Stoneham, this landmark shop has earned its stellar reputation.

Cold cuts pile so high you might need two hands to hold your sandwich steady.

Fresh ingredients arrive daily, ensuring every tomato, lettuce leaf, and pepper tastes crisp.

The shop’s commitment to generous portions means you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

Many customers split one large sub between two people and still feel completely satisfied.

The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for a quick lunch or grabbing dinner to go.

7. Mae’s Sandwich Shop

Crusty, warm bread makes all the difference when you’re building the perfect sub.

Head to 86 Ocean Street in Marshfield to experience what locals rave about constantly.

Freshly sliced cold cuts get piled high, creating a sandwich that feels truly substantial.

The bread arrives warm from the oven, adding comfort to every single bite.

Each sandwich feels like a hearty meal that will keep you full for hours.

The coastal location makes it an ideal stop after a beach day or harbor walk.

Generous portions and reasonable prices keep customers returning week after week without fail.

8. Sam LaGrassa’s

National recognition doesn’t happen by accident when you’re in the sandwich business.

Find this famous spot at 44 Province Street in Boston’s bustling downtown area.

Their Italian subs have earned praise from food critics and hungry customers across the country.

Multiple meat options let you customize your sandwich to match your exact preferences.

Quality ingredients and expert preparation create flavors that justify the glowing reputation.

The downtown location attracts office workers, tourists, and sandwich enthusiasts from everywhere.

Despite the accolades, prices remain reasonable and portions stay impressively generous throughout.

9. Santarpio’s Pizza

Pizza might be in the name, but the Italian subs here deserve equal attention.

Located at 111 Chelsea Street in East Boston, this spot has history dating back generations.

Capicola, salami, and provolone combine with fresh vegetables for classic Italian flavor.

The family recipes haven’t changed much over the years, keeping tradition alive and delicious.

Many customers order both pizza and subs, taking home enough food for multiple meals.

The neighborhood setting gives it authentic character you won’t find at chain restaurants.

Cash-only policy keeps things old-school, so remember to hit the ATM before arriving.

10. Bova’s Bakery

Open 24 hours means you can satisfy sub cravings at literally any time of day.

You’ll spot it at 134 Salem Street in Boston’s North End, glowing warmly through the night.

House-baked bread makes their subs extra special since it comes straight from their ovens.

Italian meats and cheese get layered onto bread that’s still slightly warm and incredibly fresh.

Late-night crowds pour in after concerts, games, and nights out around the city.

The bakery cases also tempt you with pastries, cookies, and other Italian treats.

Nothing beats grabbing a fresh sub at midnight when hunger strikes unexpectedly.

11. Giordano’s

Imported meats make a noticeable difference in flavor and quality you can actually taste.

Visit 259 Hanover Street in Boston’s North End for an authentic Italian experience.

Provolone cheese, carefully selected meats, and traditional Italian dressing create timeless flavors.

The shop maintains connections with importers who bring the finest products from Italy.

Each sub gets assembled with care, respecting the traditions passed down through families.

The storefront might look modest, but the food inside exceeds all expectations consistently.

Tourists and locals alike line up during peak hours, creating a lively, energetic atmosphere.

12. V. Cirace & Son, Inc.

Operating since 1906, this shop has seen generations of families come through its doors.

Located at 173 North Street in Boston’s North End, history lives in every corner here.

Multiple layers of cold cuts create a sandwich that requires serious appetite to finish.

Cheese, vegetables, and dressing balance the rich meats with freshness and tang.

The market side offers Italian groceries, letting you stock up while grabbing lunch.

Old photographs on the walls tell stories of the neighborhood’s evolution over decades.

Shopping here feels like supporting a piece of living Boston history worth preserving.

13. Al’s State Street Cafe

Premium cold cuts get stacked so high they test the structural integrity of the bread.

Located at 112 State Street in Boston’s Financial District, it’s a lunch-hour hotspot.

Office workers flood in daily, knowing they’ll get a sandwich that powers them through afternoon meetings.

The cafe atmosphere provides a comfortable spot to eat in or grab food to go.

Fresh toppings and quality cheese complement the carefully selected meats on every sub.

Breakfast and lunch service means you can start your day here before tackling work.

Consistent quality keeps the regular customer base loyal year after year without question.

14. Capone Foods

Somerville’s Italian food scene shines bright at this neighborhood favorite spot.

Located at 14 Bow Street in Somerville, just minutes from Cambridge and Boston.

Multiple Italian meats get layered with cheese and fresh vegetables for maximum flavor.

Artisan bread from local bakeries provides the perfect foundation for their towering creations.

The market offers prepared foods, imported goods, and fresh ingredients for home cooking.

Friendly service and neighborhood charm make every visit feel personal and welcoming.

Parking can be tricky, but the quality of the food makes any inconvenience worthwhile.