19 Ohio Sandwich Stops Known For Their Loaded Italian Subs
Ohio has quietly become one of the best places to grab an authentic Italian sub packed with layers of meat, cheese, and all the fixings.
From family-owned delis that have been around for decades to newer spots putting their own spin on this classic sandwich, the state offers something for every sub lover. Whether you’re craving a traditional recipe or want to try a creative twist, these 19 sandwich shops deliver flavor in every bite.
1. Susie’s Sub Shop
Since opening its doors in 1959, this Columbus institution has been serving some of the most authentic Italian subs in the entire state. Families have been coming here for generations, passing down their love for these massive sandwiches stuffed with quality meats. You’ll find generous portions of ham, salami, and pepperoni layered between freshly baked bread that arrives daily.
What makes this place stand out is their commitment to keeping things simple and traditional. They don’t mess with the classic recipe that made them famous over six decades ago. The bread has just the right amount of chew, and the meats are sliced thick enough to taste but thin enough to create perfect layers.
Located on Karl Road, it’s become a must-visit destination for anyone serious about Italian subs in central Ohio.
2. Giovanni’s Pizza Super Sub
When you walk into this Chesapeake location, the smell of fresh-baked pizza fills the air, but locals know the real secret is their Super Sub. It’s not your average sandwich this beast comes loaded with premium pepperoni, salami, ham, and crispy bacon all piled high. Then they add melted cheese that stretches with every bite, creating that perfect gooey texture.
Fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and crunchy onions add a refreshing contrast to all that savory meat. But here’s the game-changer: their signature creamy Italian dressing ties everything together with a tangy kick. It’s the kind of dressing people ask about and try to replicate at home.
Though primarily known as a pizza spot, their subs have developed a cult following among sandwich enthusiasts throughout southeastern Ohio.
3. North Canton Heritage Italian Sub
Hidden in the heart of North Canton, this spot serves up an Italian sub that respects tradition while delivering bold flavors. Hard salami forms the foundation, providing that distinctive tangy taste that true Italian sub fans crave. Provolone cheese melts slightly from the warmth of freshly toasted bread, creating pockets of creamy goodness.
Shaved ham adds a delicate sweetness that balances the spicier pepperoni slices scattered throughout. Crisp onions, juicy tomatoes, and tangy pickles bring brightness to each bite, while fresh lettuce adds a satisfying crunch. The Italian dressing they use is well-balanced, not too oily or vinegary.
Located on North Main Street, it’s a community favorite where regulars greet each other by name and newcomers quickly become part of the family atmosphere.
4. Lehman’s Deli & Bakery
Westlake residents have long considered this combination deli and bakery their go-to spot for exceptional sandwiches. Being both a bakery and deli means their bread game is absolutely on point they bake it themselves daily. That fresh-from-the-oven quality makes a noticeable difference in every sandwich they craft.
Their Italian sub features hard salami with just the right amount of spice, paired with smooth provolone that complements rather than overpowers. Shaved ham provides substance, while pepperoni adds those characteristic oil-kissed flavors. Onions, tomatoes, pickles, and lettuce are always crisp and fresh, never wilted or sad-looking.
The Italian dressing brings everything together without making the sandwich soggy. With a 4.7 rating from over 700 reviews, it’s clear that Detroit Road locals know quality when they taste it.
5. DiBella’s Old Fashioned Submarines
If you’ve never experienced a sub on bread that’s baked fresh every hour, you’re missing out on something special. That’s exactly what this Independence location offers with their famous soft, chewy rolls that have become their signature. The texture is different from your typical sub bread it’s got more body and a slight sweetness.
Their Italian Assorted sub showcases a carefully selected combination of Italian meats that work in harmony rather than competing for attention. Each ingredient is chosen to complement the others, creating a balanced flavor profile. The freshness of the hourly-baked bread means you’re always getting the best possible foundation for your sandwich.
Located on Rockside Road, it’s a reliable choice when you want consistency without sacrificing quality or authentic Italian flavors in every single bite.
6. Tony’s Italian Deli
Did you know that the best Italian delis often look unassuming from the outside? This Cleveland gem proves that point perfectly, tucked into a neighborhood where locals have been getting their sub fix for years. Walking in feels like stepping into an authentic Italian market where the owners actually know what they’re doing.
Their loaded Italian sub features Genoa salami, spicy capicola, and rich mortadella meats you don’t always find at chain shops. Imported provolone adds an authentic touch that American cheese just can’t match. They dress it with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano in the traditional style.
Hot peppers are available for those who like some heat, and they’re not stingy with portions. It’s the kind of place where sandwich-making is treated like an art form.
7. Café Borgia
When you want an Italian sub with a more sophisticated twist, this Cincinnati café delivers beautifully. Instead of the typical cold cuts, they elevate things with paper-thin slices of prosciutto that practically melt on your tongue. Fresh mozzarella replaces standard provolone, bringing a creamy, delicate texture that’s simply divine.
Peppery arugula adds a modern touch while maintaining Italian authenticity, and a drizzle of aged balsamic glaze provides sweet-tart complexity. The ciabatta bread they use has those signature air pockets and a crispy crust that holds up to all the ingredients. It’s proof that Italian subs can be both traditional and contemporary.
Though slightly pricier than your average sub shop, the quality of ingredients justifies every penny you’ll spend here on this exceptional sandwich.
8. Marcella’s Subs & More
How big should an Italian sub be? According to this Akron family business, the answer is “bigger than you think you can finish.” Their reputation for generous portions has made them legendary among college students and working folks who want maximum value. You’ll genuinely struggle to finish one of their loaded Italian subs in a single sitting.
Multiple types of salami, ham, pepperoni, and capicola are layered so thick you can barely get your mouth around it. Two types of cheese provolone and mozzarella add extra richness. Shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, onions, and banana peppers provide crunch and tang.
Their house Italian dressing has a secret ingredient that keeps customers guessing and coming back for more. It’s messy, massive, and absolutely worth the napkin situation you’ll find yourself in.
9. Russo’s Market
Are you looking for the most authentic Italian sub experience in Toledo? This market imports many of their meats and cheeses directly from Italy, which makes all the difference. Walking through their doors is like visiting a small shop in Rome or Milan, with Italian products lining every shelf.
Their Italian sub uses mortadella imported from Bologna, sopressata with visible peppercorns, and prosciutto di Parma that’s aged to perfection. Real Parmigiano-Reggiano gets shaved over the top, not that pre-grated stuff. Fresh basil leaves and sun-dried tomatoes add Mediterranean flair that transports your taste buds across the Atlantic.
It’s pricier than chain shops, but you’re paying for genuine imported ingredients that you simply can’t find elsewhere. True Italian food lovers consider it absolutely worth the investment.
10. The Sub Station
It’s hard to beat a place that’s been perfecting one thing for over thirty years. This Dayton staple has built their entire reputation on doing Italian subs the right way, every single time. Consistency is their superpower you’ll get the same great sandwich whether you visit on a Tuesday afternoon or Saturday evening.
They slice all meats fresh throughout the day, never using pre-sliced products that lose flavor and texture. Their bread comes from a local bakery that’s been their partner since day one. The vegetables are delivered daily and prepped each morning, ensuring optimal freshness.
What really sets them apart is their attention to meat-to-bread ratio, making sure every bite includes all components. Their oil and vinegar blend has the perfect acidity to cut through the richness without overwhelming delicate flavors.
11. Vince’s Original Subs
When Vince opened this Youngstown shop back in the day, he had one goal: make subs so good that people would drive across town for them. Mission accomplished, because that’s exactly what happens daily. His original recipe Italian sub has remained unchanged because, frankly, perfection doesn’t need modification.
Extra meat is standard here, not an upcharge Vince believes in giving people their money’s worth. Capicola, hard salami, and Genoa salami create a trinity of flavors that work beautifully together. Aged provolone adds sharpness, while hot pepper rings bring legitimate heat for those who can handle it.
They toast the bread lightly if requested, creating a textural contrast between crispy exterior and soft interior. Italian seasonings sprinkled on top add that final aromatic touch that makes your mouth water.
12. Gino’s Deli & Market
Though this Columbus market sells groceries and imported goods, their deli counter is where the magic happens. Gino himself often works behind the counter, chatting with customers while building sandwiches with practiced efficiency. His Italian sub reflects his Sicilian heritage, with ingredients and proportions that honor old-world traditions.
He uses a blend of three salamis Genoa, hard, and soppressata for complexity you won’t find at corporate chains. Mortadella adds richness, while capicola brings spice. Sharp provolone from Wisconsin (he swears it’s better than imported for this application) melts slightly from body heat.
Giardiniera those tangy pickled vegetables adds authentic Italian flair that most Ohio shops skip. It’s the kind of detail that shows Gino isn’t just making sandwiches; he’s sharing his culture one sub at a time.
13. Brothers Sub Shop
Are family recipes really better? The two brothers who run this Canton shop certainly think so, using their grandmother’s Italian dressing recipe that’s been passed down through generations. That dressing is what locals rave about it’s got a unique flavor profile that keeps people coming back week after week.
Their Italian sub sticks to the classics: ham, salami, and pepperoni in equal proportions. They don’t try to reinvent the wheel because the wheel was already pretty great. Provolone cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and red onions complete the traditional lineup.
What makes it special is the care they put into each sandwich, treating every order like they’re making it for family. The bread is always fresh, the meats are quality cuts, and the proportions are perfect. Sometimes simple done right beats fancy done wrong.
14. Bella’s Sandwich Emporium
If traditional Italian subs are great, what happens when you add creative modern touches? This Cleveland Heights shop answers that question deliciously. Bella took the classic Italian sub concept and asked, “What if we made it even better?” The result is a sandwich that respects tradition while embracing innovation.
Roasted red peppers add smoky sweetness that complements the salty meats beautifully. Marinated artichoke hearts bring Mediterranean flair and a slight tang. Instead of plain mayo, they use pesto mayo that adds herbaceous notes. The meats remain traditional salami, capicola, mortadella, and prosciutto maintaining authentic Italian flavors.
Focaccia bread replaces standard sub rolls, providing olive oil richness and a sturdier base. It’s proof that you can innovate without losing sight of what makes Italian subs special in the first place.
15. Mama Rosa’s Deli
When Mama Rosa immigrated from Naples forty years ago, she brought recipes and techniques that her family had used for centuries. Her Springfield deli has become a local treasure where authenticity isn’t just a marketing term it’s a way of life. Everything from the bread to the way vegetables are sliced reflects Old World methods.
Her Italian sub features fresh mozzarella that she makes herself several times weekly. Ripe tomatoes and fresh basil create a Caprese-inspired layer within the sandwich. Quality balsamic vinegar not the cheap stuff adds complexity and depth.
Traditional Italian cold cuts are imported monthly, ensuring genuine flavors that can’t be replicated with domestic versions. It’s more than lunch; it’s an edible connection to Italian culinary heritage preserved through dedication and love.
16. The Italian Spot
How did a small shop in Lima become known across western Ohio for their Italian subs? Word of mouth, pure and simple. When you make something this good, people can’t help but tell their friends, family, and random strangers. Their secret is what they call “Italian sub oil” a proprietary blend of oils, vinegar, and spices.
That oil soaks into fresh-baked bread, creating flavor throughout rather than just on top. Multiple meats they use five different types create layers of taste and texture. Two cheeses melt together from the warmth, creating creamy pockets.
Hot cherry peppers add heat without being overwhelming, and they’re always willing to adjust spice levels to your preference. It’s the kind of sandwich that ruins you for chain subs because you’ll know what you’re missing every time you settle for less.
17. Carmine’s Sandwich Factory
Did you know some places call themselves a “factory” because they literally crank out hundreds of subs daily? This Parma location does exactly that, especially during lunch rush when the line stretches out the door. Speed is impressive, but quality never suffers despite the volume they handle.
Their Italian sub comes standard with more toppings than most places offer as extras. Banana peppers, black olives, cucumbers, and green peppers join the usual suspects. Four types of meat create substance, while melted provolone ties everything together.
They toast the bread until it’s golden and crispy, adding textural contrast to soft meats and vegetables. The assembly line system they use ensures consistency every sandwich is built the same way by trained staff. It’s efficient without feeling impersonal or rushed.
18. Sal’s Submarine Sandwiches
When you visit this Warren shop, Sal might ask if you want it “the regular way” or “the Sal way.” Smart customers always choose the latter. The Sal way means extra Italian dressing, double pepperoni, and a generous handful of hot pepper rings that transform a good sub into something memorable.
His regular Italian sub is already excellent, featuring quality salami, ham, and pepperoni sliced fresh. Provolone cheese, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and sharp onions complete the classic combination. The bread comes from a local bakery that makes rolls specifically to Sal’s specifications.
What makes this place special isn’t fancy ingredients or modern twists it’s the personality and passion Sal brings to every sandwich. He genuinely cares whether you enjoy your meal, and that caring translates into better food. Sometimes the human element matters most.
19. Eastside Italian Subs
It’s not fancy, and they’re not trying to be. This Columbus eastside institution focuses on one thing: making consistently great Italian subs at prices that won’t break your budget. Neighborhood regulars stop by several times weekly, treating it like their personal kitchen.
Their Italian sub uses straightforward ingredients ham, salami, pepperoni, and provolone without pretense or unnecessary complications. Fresh vegetables are prepped daily, and the bread arrives warm from the bakery each morning. Italian dressing is applied generously but not so much that it makes everything soggy.
Portions are fair, prices are reasonable, and service is friendly without being overbearing. Sometimes that’s all you need. It’s the kind of place that reminds you good food doesn’t require fancy atmospheres or Instagram-worthy presentations, just honest ingredients and people who care.
