14 Must-Try Italian Sub Shops Across Oklahoma That Are Totally Worth The Drive
Oklahoma might be famous for barbecue and chicken fried steak, but hidden throughout the state are some seriously amazing Italian sub shops that deserve your attention.
From family-owned delis serving recipes passed down through generations to modern spots putting creative twists on classic sandwiches, these places prove you don’t need to travel to the East Coast for an authentic sub experience.
I’ve tracked down 14 incredible shops across Oklahoma where the bread is fresh, the meats are piled high, and every bite transports you straight to an Italian deli.
1. Cal’s Chicago Style Eatery
If you’re craving that authentic Chicago taste right here in Oklahoma City, Cal’s delivers exactly what you need. This spot has mastered the art of the Italian beef sandwich, featuring thinly sliced roast beef piled onto fresh French rolls that soak up all those delicious juices.
You can order your sandwich ‘dry,’ ‘wet,’ or fully ‘dipped’ depending on how much flavor you want dripping down your hands. The sweet bell peppers add a mild sweetness, while the hot giardiniera brings serious heat for spice lovers.
Located on Northwest Expressway, Cal’s has earned its reputation with over 640 reviews averaging 4.5 stars. The portions are generous, the prices reasonable, and the atmosphere feels like a genuine Chicago neighborhood joint transplanted to the Sooner State.
2. Neptune Submarine Sandwiches
Since 1974, Neptune has been a beloved fixture on North Classen Boulevard, serving generations of Oklahomans their submarine sandwich fix. Walking into this place feels like stepping back in time, with classic deli vibes and the unmistakable aroma of fresh bread baking daily.
Their Italian sub stands out because of the generous layering technique they use. Premium deli meats and cheeses stack up perfectly, creating that ideal bite where you taste everything at once.
What keeps nearly 1,000 reviewers coming back is the consistency and quality Neptune maintains year after year. It’s not fancy or trendy, just honest, delicious submarine sandwiches made the way they should be. The prices stay fair, and the service remains friendly, making it worth every mile you drive to get there.
3. Gandolfo’s New York Delicatessen
How often do you find genuine New York deli flavors in the heart of Oklahoma? Gandolfo’s brings that East Coast attitude and taste to multiple locations across the state, specializing in oversized sandwiches that require both hands and serious appetite.
Their Italian sub features a carefully selected combination of imported meats and authentic Italian seasonings. The bread arrives fresh daily, baked to achieve that perfect crust-to-softness ratio that makes every bite satisfying.
What separates Gandolfo’s from competitors is their attention to ingredient quality and preparation techniques learned from traditional New York delis. They don’t cut corners, and you can taste the difference. Whether you’re grabbing lunch during a work break or planning a road trip meal, this place delivers exceptional value and flavor.
4. Primo’s Italian Sub & Grill
Are you tired of chain restaurants that all taste the same? Primo’s offers something refreshingly different with their family-style approach to Italian sandwiches and grilled specialties. This locally-owned gem focuses on recipes that have been perfected over years of serving hungry Oklahomans.
The Italian sub here comes loaded with house-made dressings and seasonings that you won’t find anywhere else. They grill certain ingredients to order, adding warmth and extra flavor dimensions that cold subs simply can’t match.
Primo’s creates a welcoming atmosphere where regulars know the staff by name and newcomers quickly become part of the family. The portions justify the drive from anywhere in the state, and the reasonable prices mean you can bring the whole crew without breaking your budget completely.
5. Rococo Restaurant & Fine Wine
It’s not every day you find elevated Italian sandwiches paired with an impressive wine selection, but Rococo makes it happen beautifully. This upscale spot takes the humble Italian sub and transforms it into something special without losing the soul of what makes these sandwiches great.
They source premium imported Italian meats and cheeses, assembling them with house-baked focaccia or ciabatta bread. Fresh ingredients like roasted peppers, arugula, and aged balsamic elevate each component.
Though Rococo operates as a fine dining establishment, their sandwich menu remains accessible and perfect for a sophisticated lunch. The knowledgeable staff can recommend wine pairings if you’re interested. When you want an Italian sub experience that feels grown-up and refined, this is your destination worth traveling across Oklahoma to find.
6. Vittoria’s Italian Restaurant
When authenticity matters most, Vittoria’s delivers recipes straight from the old country with zero compromises. This family-run Italian restaurant doesn’t just serve subs as an afterthought they treat each sandwich with the same respect as their pasta dishes and entrees.
Their Italian sub features traditional ingredients like capicola, mortadella, and Genoa salami that many Americanized shops skip entirely. The oil and vinegar dressing gets mixed with secret family spices that create unforgettable flavor.
Vittoria’s atmosphere transports you to a small trattoria in Italy, with warm hospitality and genuine passion for food. The owners take pride in educating customers about authentic Italian ingredients and preparation methods. If you appreciate food history and cultural tradition alongside delicious taste, make the drive to experience what real Italian subs should be.
7. Stella Modern Italian Cuisine
Did you know Italian sandwiches can be both traditional and innovative at the same time? Stella proves this concept daily with their modern take on classic Italian subs, incorporating seasonal ingredients and creative flavor combinations while respecting time-honored techniques.
Their signature Italian features prosciutto di Parma, fresh mozzarella, and house-made pesto on artisan bread baked specifically for their sandwiches. The ingredients change slightly with the seasons, ensuring peak freshness year-round.
Stella’s sleek, contemporary atmosphere attracts a younger crowd alongside Italian food traditionalists who appreciate quality. The chefs here trained in professional kitchens and bring that expertise to every sandwich they construct. Though prices run slightly higher than typical sub shops, the quality and presentation justify the investment for special occasions or when you’re treating yourself right.
8. Nic’s Grill
Though Nic’s Grill earned fame primarily for burgers, their Italian sub remains one of Oklahoma’s best-kept secrets among sandwich enthusiasts. This tiny spot with limited seating packs enormous flavor into every item on their compact menu, including their underrated Italian sandwich.
The sub comes piled impossibly high with quality meats and gets finished on the griddle to melt the cheese perfectly. That slight char from the grill adds a smoky dimension most cold Italian subs lack entirely.
Nic’s operates with minimal frills just fantastic food made by people who genuinely care about what leaves their kitchen. Lines form early and often, so plan accordingly and arrive hungry. The casual, no-nonsense atmosphere and wallet-friendly prices make this a regular stop for locals who know great food doesn’t require fancy surroundings or pretentious presentations.
9. Sussy’s Italian Deli & Market
Where else can you grab an amazing Italian sub and shop for imported olive oil, pasta, and Italian cookies all in one stop? Sussy’s combines a traditional Italian market with a deli counter that produces some of the most authentic subs you’ll find outside the Northeast.
They slice all meats fresh to order, and you can watch them layer each ingredient with practiced precision. The bread gets delivered daily from a bakery that uses traditional Italian recipes and techniques.
Sussy’s feels like a neighborhood market you’d stumble upon in Little Italy, with Italian being spoken behind the counter and regulars chatting about family recipes. The owners source many ingredients directly from Italy, ensuring authentic flavors. Browse the market shelves while waiting for your sandwich you’ll discover ingredients and products you never knew existed.
10. The Mule
It’s surprising to find exceptional Italian subs at a place known for craft cocktails and innovative bar food, but The Mule exceeds expectations in every category. Their approach to sandwiches reflects the same creativity and quality consciousness they apply to their entire menu.
The Italian sub here features house-cured meats, pickled vegetables prepared in-house, and bread from local artisan bakeries. Each component receives individual attention before assembly into something greater than the sum of its parts.
The Mule attracts a hip, food-savvy crowd that appreciates both tradition and innovation. Pair your sandwich with one of their craft beers or creative cocktails for a complete experience. Though the atmosphere skews more upscale-casual than typical sub shop, the quality and flavor make it absolutely worth including on your Oklahoma Italian sub tour itinerary.
11. Empire Slice House
How can a pizza-focused restaurant also excel at Italian subs? Empire Slice House proves that mastering Italian flavors translates beautifully across different menu items, from their New York-style pizza to their outstanding cold sub sandwiches.
Their Italian sub benefits from the same quality ingredients and attention to detail that makes their pizza exceptional. Fresh-baked rolls with perfect texture, premium Italian meats, and house-made dressings create sandwich magic.
Empire’s relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere welcomes families, students, and professionals alike. The prices remain reasonable despite the quality ingredients, and the generous portions mean you might have leftovers for later. Located in a vibrant area with plenty of parking, this spot makes an easy stop whether you’re local or passing through. The combination of great subs and pizza means everyone in your group leaves satisfied.
12. Bella’s Italian Bakery & Cafe
When a bakery makes your sandwich bread fresh every morning, you know you’re in for something special. Bella’s combines their baking expertise with traditional Italian deli skills to create subs that taste like they came straight from a family bakery in Naples or Rome.
The bread alone makes the trip worthwhile crusty exterior giving way to soft, airy interior that somehow stays sturdy enough to hold generous fillings. They layer quality Italian meats and cheeses with fresh vegetables and their signature dressing.
Bella’s doubles as a bakery, so grab some cannoli, biscotti, or Italian cookies while you’re there. The aroma of fresh bread and pastries fills the space, creating an irresistible atmosphere. Locals know to arrive early for the best selection, as popular items sell out quickly on busy days.
13. Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails
Are you someone who values knowing exactly where your food comes from? Scratch Kitchen lives up to its name by preparing virtually everything in-house, including their spectacular Italian sub that showcases their commitment to quality and freshness.
They cure their own meats, bake their own bread, and even make their own pickles and condiments. This dedication to scratch cooking creates flavor profiles you simply cannot find at conventional sub shops.
The restaurant’s modern, open kitchen design lets you watch the preparation process, adding entertainment value to your meal. Prices reflect the labor-intensive approach, but most customers agree the quality justifies the cost. Whether you’re a foodie seeking the ultimate sandwich experience or simply appreciate exceptional ingredients prepared with skill, Scratch Kitchen deserves a prominent spot on your Oklahoma dining bucket list.
14. Tony’s Italian Market
Since opening decades ago, Tony’s has remained a cornerstone of Oklahoma’s Italian food scene, serving authentic subs that transport customers straight to the streets of New York or Philadelphia. This family-owned market and deli operates with old-world values and time-tested recipes.
Their Italian sub follows a classic formula perfected over generations quality meats, aged provolone, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, onions, oil, vinegar, and oregano on perfect bread. No shortcuts, no substitutions, just the real deal.
Tony’s feels like visiting your Italian grandmother’s house, with warmth, hospitality, and food made with love. The market section stocks hard-to-find Italian imports, making it a one-stop destination. Regulars drive from surrounding towns specifically for Tony’s subs, and once you taste one, you’ll understand why this place inspires such loyalty and devotion.
