12 New Jersey Italian Sub Shops That Don’t Hold Back On Flavor

New Jersey knows how to make an Italian sub that hits all the right notes. From crispy bread to layers of premium meats and cheeses, these shops craft sandwiches that are legendary.

I’m taking you on a flavorful journey through twelve spots where every bite is packed with authentic Italian goodness.

1. Antonio’s Italian Deli – Hackensack, New Jersey

Antonio’s has been serving Hackensack locals for years with subs that never skimp on quality. The owner personally selects every ingredient, ensuring you get nothing but the best in each bite.

Their signature Italian combo features mortadella, prosciutto, and fresh mozzarella that melts in your mouth. Add some hot cherry peppers if you’re feeling adventurous, and you’ve got yourself a sandwich worth the trip.

2. Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop – Newark, New Jersey

Known for their massive portions, Capriotti’s doesn’t believe in holding back when it comes to stuffing their subs. You might need two hands and a serious appetite to tackle one of their creations.

Their Italian sub comes loaded with premium salami, ham, and capicola, all topped with shredded lettuce and tomatoes. The secret house dressing adds a tangy kick that keeps customers coming back week after week.

3. Rutt’s Hut – Clifton, New Jersey

While Rutt’s Hut is famous for their hot dogs, locals know their Italian subs are equally impressive. The kitchen takes the same dedication to quality and applies it to every sandwich they make.

Expect generous portions of Genoa salami, pepperoni, and provolone stacked high on a fresh sub roll. They don’t cut corners on the toppings either, giving you plenty of lettuce, onions, and oil to round out the experience.

4. Leo’s Deli – Jersey City, New Jersey

Leo’s has become a Jersey City institution where regulars greet the staff by name. The family recipes passed down through generations make each sub taste like home cooking.

Their Italian special combines sopressata, cappacuolo, and aged provolone with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Fresh basil and oregano sprinkled on top give it that authentic Italian marketplace flavor that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.

5. Luigi’s Italian Deli – Edison, New Jersey

Edison residents swear by Luigi’s for their creative twists on classic Italian subs. The menu offers traditional options alongside unique combinations you won’t find anywhere else in the state.

Try their roasted pepper and fresh mozzarella addition to any sub for an extra burst of flavor. The bread arrives daily from a local bakery, ensuring every sandwich starts with the perfect foundation that’s crispy yet tender.

6. Santillo’s Brick Oven Pizza – Elizabeth, New Jersey

Famous for their brick oven pizza, Santillo’s also crafts subs that rival their celebrated pies. The same attention to quality ingredients and traditional methods applies to everything they serve.

Their Italian sub features hand-sliced prosciutto, sweet sopressata, and creamy provolone on bread that’s baked in-house. The combination of flavors reminds you why Elizabeth has such a strong Italian food culture that locals treasure.

7. Palermo Italian Deli – Bayonne, New Jersey

Bayonne’s Palermo Italian Deli brings Sicily straight to New Jersey with recipes that honor old-country traditions. The owners import certain ingredients directly from Italy to maintain authenticity in every sandwich.

Their spicy Italian sub features hot capicola, pepperoni, and sharp provolone with a generous helping of hot cherry peppers. The combination creates a heat level that builds gradually, leaving you reaching for more rather than running for water.

8. Jersey Mike’s Subs – Multiple Locations, NJ

Born in New Jersey, Jersey Mike’s has grown into a beloved chain while maintaining the quality that made them famous. Every location follows the same commitment to fresh ingredients and authentic preparation methods.

Their famous Number 13 Original Italian features provolone, ham, and cappacuolo sliced right in front of you. The bread is baked fresh throughout the day, and they serve it Mike’s Way with onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and their signature blend of spices.

9. Vinnie’s Italian Deli – Newark, New Jersey

Vinnie’s represents everything great about Newark’s Italian food scene in one small deli. The neighborhood regulars line up daily because they know consistency and quality are guaranteed with every order.

Their signature Vinnie Special loads up sweet sopressata, hot capicola, and aged sharp provolone with roasted red peppers. Fresh garlic and oregano get sprinkled on top, creating an aroma that fills the entire deli and makes waiting your turn pure torture.

10. Joe Leone’s Italian Specialties – Point Pleasant Beach

Since opening its doors, this Point Pleasant Beach treasure has become legendary for subs that could feed a small army. Fresh mozzarella gets made daily right in the shop, filling the air with that unmistakable creamy aroma that makes your mouth water before you even order.

The Italian combo here isn’t just big – it’s packed with premium cold cuts layered so generously you’ll wonder how they fit it all between two slices of bread. Each sandwich gets dressed with crisp vegetables and their signature oil blend that soaks into every delicious layer.

11. Cosmo’s Italian Salumeria – Hackensack

Ever wonder where Tony Soprano would grab a sandwich? This Hackensack institution gained fame after appearing on the hit show, but the subs here have been stealing hearts long before any Hollywood cameras showed up.

What sets this place apart is the perfect balance – not too much oil, not too little meat, and bread that stays crispy on the outside while staying soft enough to bite through easily.

12. Bagliani’s Market – Hammonton

Family recipes passed down since 1959 have made this Hammonton market a South Jersey institution where Italian tradition meets local charm. Walking through the door feels like visiting your Italian grandmother’s kitchen, except she’s got a full deli counter and makes subs that could win awards.

The oversized Italian-style subs here don’t just look impressive – they taste like someone put genuine love and decades of experience into every ingredient choice.