19 Italian Sub Spots In Mississippi Layered With Heritage And Hearty Flavor
Mississippi might surprise you with its incredible Italian sub scene that rivals any East Coast deli.
From family-owned shops passed down through generations to modern eateries honoring traditional recipes, the Magnolia State serves up sandwiches stacked with quality meats, fresh vegetables, and authentic Italian flavor.
Whether you’re craving a classic cold cut combo or something with a Southern twist, these spots deliver satisfaction in every bite.
1. Roma Italian Grocery & Deli
When you step inside this Jackson establishment, it feels like traveling back to a 1950s Italian market. The aroma of cured meats and fresh-baked bread wraps around you like a warm hug from Nonna herself.
Roma’s subs feature imported Italian cold cuts layered thick between crusty bread that’s baked daily on-site. Their signature sandwich includes capicola, mortadella, and provolone with a house-made olive salad that adds the perfect briny kick.
I love how the owners still use their grandfather’s original recipes from when he opened the shop decades ago. You’ll find locals lined up at lunch, chatting in Italian while waiting for their orders, making this spot feel authentically connected to its heritage.
2. Sal & Mookie’s New York Pizza and Ice Cream Joint
How does a place combine New York attitude with Southern hospitality? Sal & Mookie’s figured it out perfectly in their Jackson location where the vibe stays fun and the subs stay serious.
Their hot Italian sub comes loaded with pepperoni, salami, ham, and melted mozzarella that stretches when you take that first bite. The bread gets toasted until it’s crispy on the outside but stays soft inside, holding all those flavors together beautifully.
You can customize your sub with over a dozen toppings, from hot peppers to their famous garlic aioli. The portion sizes here don’t mess around either one sandwich easily feeds two people, though I’ve never been able to share mine!
3. Broad Street Baking Company & Cafe
It’s amazing what happens when a trained pastry chef decides to make sandwiches using the same attention to detail as French croissants. Broad Street in Jackson elevates the humble Italian sub into something almost elegant.
Their version features house-cured meats paired with seasonal vegetables and artisan cheeses on sourdough bread they ferment for three days. The result tastes complex and interesting, with each ingredient standing out while still working together harmoniously.
Though this spot leans upscale, the prices remain reasonable and the atmosphere stays welcoming. I recommend grabbing your sub and sitting in their charming courtyard where you can savor every sophisticated bite in peace.
4. The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen
Did you know that wood-fired ovens don’t just make amazing pizza but also transform Italian subs into something magical? The Manship in Jackson uses their signature oven to toast their subs with a subtle smoky flavor.
Their Italian features prosciutto, sopressata, and fresh mozzarella with roasted red peppers that come straight from that wood-burning oven. Everything tastes elevated here, from the house-made focaccia to the aged balsamic drizzle that finishes each sandwich.
This spot works great for a nicer lunch or dinner when you want something special but still crave that satisfying Italian sub experience. The craft cocktail menu pairs surprisingly well with their sandwiches too!
5. Johnny’s Drive-In
Are you ready for a blast from the past where carhops still deliver food to your window? Johnny’s in Tupelo has been serving Italian subs since 1967, making them Mississippi legends.
Their classic cold Italian comes piled high with Genoa salami, ham, and provolone on a soft hoagie roll with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and their secret Italian dressing. It’s simple, straightforward, and absolutely delicious in that nostalgic way that reminds you of simpler times.
Eating here feels like stepping into a time machine, complete with vintage decor and servers on roller skates. The sub might not be fancy, but it’s consistently good and reasonably priced, which keeps families coming back generation after generation.
6. Newk’s Eatery
Though this Mississippi-born chain has expanded across the South, their Italian sub still represents the quality that made them famous. Newk’s started in Oxford and brought a fresh approach to fast-casual dining.
Their Italian Foccacia features pepperoni, salami, and ham with melted cheese on their signature flatbread that’s toasted until perfectly crispy. The addition of their house-made pesto mayo and banana peppers gives it a distinctive flavor profile you won’t find elsewhere.
I appreciate how quickly they serve your food without sacrificing quality or taste. The ingredients always taste fresh, the portions satisfy without overwhelming, and the prices stay reasonable, making this a reliable choice when you need a good Italian sub fast.
7. Borrouso’s Creole Deli
Where Mississippi meets Louisiana, you find Borrouso’s in Gulfport serving Italian subs with a distinctive Gulf Coast twist. Their specialty muffuletta brings New Orleans tradition to the Mississippi shoreline.
The sandwich comes loaded with Italian meats and cheeses plus their incredible house-made olive salad that includes olives, cauliflower, carrots, and celery marinated in herbs and oil. That olive mixture soaks into the sesame-seeded bread, creating layers of flavor in every bite.
You can order the classic cold version or ask for it heated, which melts the cheese and brings out even more aromatic goodness. Either way, you’re getting a taste of Italian-American heritage filtered through Gulf Coast culture.
8. The Chimes Restaurant & Tap Room
It’s not every day you find an Italian sub that pairs perfectly with craft beer, but The Chimes in Oxford nails this combination. Their pub atmosphere makes it the ideal spot for game days or casual hangouts.
Their Italian sub features quality deli meats with pepper jack cheese for a little kick, served on toasted bread with all the classic fixings. They don’t try to reinvent the wheel here they just make a really solid, satisfying sandwich that hits the spot.
The generous portions mean you get great value for your money, and the relaxed environment encourages you to take your time enjoying your meal. I always grab extra napkins because this sub gets delightfully messy!
9. Ajax Diner
How does a beloved Southern meat-and-three restaurant make an Italian sub? Ajax Diner in Oxford adds their own regional flair to create something uniquely Mississippi.
Their version includes all the traditional Italian meats but adds fried green tomatoes and comeback sauce for a Southern twist that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. The combination of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors creates an unforgettable eating experience.
This spot stays busy with Ole Miss students and locals who appreciate the creative menu that respects both Italian sandwich traditions and Mississippi food culture. You’ll leave satisfied and already planning your next visit to try their other creative offerings.
10. Shapley’s
When a grocery store makes better Italian subs than most restaurants, you know they’re doing something special. Shapley’s in Ridgeland has built a loyal following with their deli counter creations.
Their Italian sub keeps things traditional with layers of salami, pepperoni, ham, and provolone dressed with oil, vinegar, and Italian seasonings. The bread comes from a local bakery and arrives fresh each morning, providing the perfect foundation for quality ingredients.
You can call ahead to order, which I highly recommend during lunch hours when the line stretches down the aisle. The friendly staff knows most customers by name and remembers their favorite orders, creating a warm community feeling.
11. Penn’s Fish House
Are you surprised to find an Italian sub at a seafood restaurant? Penn’s in Gulfport proves they can handle land-based sandwiches just as skillfully as their famous fried catfish.
Their Italian sub features premium Boar’s Head meats with fresh vegetables and a house-made vinaigrette that brightens every bite. While most people come here for seafood, regulars know this sandwich represents one of the menu’s best-kept secrets.
The waterfront location means you can enjoy your sub with a beautiful view of Mississippi Sound. I love coming here on slower weekday afternoons when the restaurant feels peaceful and you can really appreciate both the food and the scenery surrounding you.
12. Barrelhouse
Though Barrelhouse in Jackson focuses on craft beer and whiskey, their kitchen turns out surprisingly excellent Italian subs that complement their beverage program perfectly. The industrial-modern space attracts a younger crowd looking for quality food and drinks.
Their Italian features capicola, soppressata, and mortadella with provolone, arugula, and a spicy Calabrian chili spread that adds serious heat. The bread gets pressed panini-style, creating crispy edges while the inside stays warm and melty.
You’ll appreciate how the bold flavors stand up to their extensive beer selection without overwhelming your palate. The staff knows their stuff and can recommend the perfect brew to match your sandwich choice.
13. Main Street Pizza & Pasta
It’s comforting to find a place where families gather for honest Italian-American food without pretension. Main Street in Columbus serves the kind of Italian subs that remind you why this sandwich became an American classic.
Their sub includes generous portions of ham, salami, and pepperoni with melted mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, and their house Italian dressing. Everything tastes fresh and flavorful without trying to be fancy or complicated.
The prices stay family-friendly, and the portions easily satisfy even hungry teenagers. I recommend pairing your sub with their homemade minestrone soup for a complete meal that warms both body and soul, especially on cooler Mississippi evenings.
14. City Grocery
When a James Beard Award-winning chef makes an Italian sub, you can expect something extraordinary. City Grocery in Oxford brings fine dining sensibility to this casual sandwich category.
Their version features house-cured meats, imported Italian cheeses, and vegetables sourced from local farms, all assembled on bread from their own bakery. Each component receives the same attention and care as dishes from their upstairs fine dining room.
Yes, this sub costs more than most, but the quality justifies the price for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself. The downstairs bar area offers a more casual atmosphere where you can enjoy this elevated sandwich without the formal dining experience.
15. Amerigo Italian Restaurant
Are you looking for an Italian sub made by people who really understand Italian cuisine? Amerigo in Ridgeland brings authentic Italian cooking knowledge to their sandwich program.
Their Italian sub showcases imported prosciutto, soppressata, and fresh mozzarella with roasted red peppers, basil, and a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar. The ingredients taste noticeably higher quality than typical deli fare, reflecting their commitment to Italian culinary traditions.
The restaurant atmosphere feels upscale but not stuffy, making it appropriate for both business lunches and family dinners. I always save room for their tiramisu because once you’re here enjoying Italian flavors, you might as well go all in!
16. Sully’s
When game day hunger strikes, Sully’s in Hattiesburg delivers Italian subs big enough to fuel you through double overtime. This neighborhood sports bar understands that sometimes you need serious sustenance with your entertainment.
Their Italian sub comes absolutely loaded with meats and cheeses, topped with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and their special sub sauce. The bread holds up remarkably well despite all the fillings, staying intact from first bite to last.
The casual atmosphere means you can relax, watch the game, and enjoy your food without worrying about spills or crumbs. Prices stay reasonable, and the portions definitely give you your money’s worth, making this a go-to spot for hungry groups.
17. McAlister’s Deli
Though this chain started in Oxford, Mississippi, it has spread across the country while maintaining the quality that made it successful. McAlister’s Italian sub remains a reliable choice wherever you find their locations.
Their version features Black Angus roast beef, ham, salami, and provolone with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and their signature sub dressing on wheat or white bread. The combination tastes familiar and comforting, exactly what you want when you’re craving a classic Italian sub.
I appreciate their consistent quality across locations and their quick service that doesn’t feel rushed or impersonal. Don’t forget to order their famous sweet tea, which perfectly complements the savory sandwich flavors with its refreshing sweetness.
18. Dunbar’s Dagwood Deli
How did this Biloxi institution get its name? The massive sandwiches here rival the towering creations from the old Dagwood comic strip, and their Italian sub lives up to that legendary reputation.
Their version stacks multiple layers of Italian meats and cheeses so high you’ll wonder how to fit it in your mouth. The generous portions mean excellent value, though you might need to unhinge your jaw like a python to take that first bite!
The retro atmosphere adds to the experience, making you feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem from another era. Locals have been coming here for decades, and once you try their Italian sub, you’ll understand why they keep returning.
19. Mugshots Grill & Bar
It’s fitting that a place named Mugshots serves sandwiches big enough to get you in trouble with your diet. This Mississippi-based chain in multiple locations knows how to build a seriously satisfying Italian sub.
Their Italian features ham, salami, pepperoni, and capicola with provolone, banana peppers, and Italian dressing on toasted bread. You can customize it with additional toppings from their extensive list, creating your perfect combination.
The fun, irreverent atmosphere makes this spot popular with younger crowds and families alike. The prices stay affordable even when you add extras, and the quality remains consistent whether you visit during lunch rush or late-night hunger emergencies when their extended hours really save the day.
