Sandwich lovers in Naperville have no shortage of crave-worthy options, whether you’re after a classic Italian sub, loaded banh mi, or a juicy steak sandwich straight off the grill. Local shops here excel at both homestyle comfort and bold, inventive flavor, making it easy to find your new go-to lunch spot.
Let’s get to it.
Lotus Banh Mi – Naperville
Tucked into Naperville’s downtown row, Lotus Banh Mi brings authentic Vietnamese flavors with straightforward charm. Their sandwiches sit on slender, toasted baguettes—crisp outside and slightly soft in the middle. The Belly Classic layers pâté, pork roll, and pork belly, finished with soy and raw onion for a rich, indulgent taste. Honey Grilled Pork is bright with lemongrass and garlic, while the Ginger Chicken delivers a gentle kick of fresh ginger.
You’ll also find a Sunny-Side Beef banh mi topped with a fried egg, plus the Veggiecado option that combines creamy avocado and crispy tofu without feeling like an afterthought. Bowls and salads hover in the low teens, matching the sandwich prices, and portions are generous without leaving you overwhelmed.
Counter-service moves efficiently, seating is limited, and the setup works perfectly for a quick lunch or easy pick-up. Since opening in December 2024, the team has quietly settled into the suburbs. They make all proteins, pickles, and pâté daily, and their vegan and gluten-free choices never feel like compromises.
MO TEA AND BANH MI
Stepping inside MO Tea and Banh Mi in Naperville, you’ll notice a cozy mix of colorful décor and arcade games. It’s a compact strip-mall spot with small booths, a handful of tables, and the cheerful buzz of a Vietnamese snack bar. The menu focuses tightly on banh mi, each built on crusty baguettes from a local bakery. The fillings—house-marinated pork belly, grilled pork, or crispy chicken—are grilled fresh, sliced in-house, and layered with traditional pickles and sauces.
The Combo Bánh Mì Đặc Biệt delivers the full pâté and cold-cut experience. For those skipping meat, a tofu version can be made vegan by omitting mayo and fish sauce. Most sandwiches cost seven to eight dollars, yet the size feels substantial.
Bubble tea rounds out the drink list, and each order is fully customizable—adjust sugar levels, leave out the tapioca pearls, or go for a fruit smoothie. Counter-service is swift, parking remains easy, and the casual atmosphere matches a spot that nails both its bread and its bubble tea.
Zeppe’s Italian Market
Hidden in a Naperville strip mall, Zeppe’s Italian Market exudes the easygoing neighborhood vibe of a family-run deli. Subs are the main attraction, each piled with a full third of a pound of meat on house-baked bread. The Italian Torpedo loaf makes its weekly debut every Saturday, and a daily rotation ensures fresh options the rest of the week. All meats and cheeses are sliced to order, never pre-packaged.
Hot subs include meatball melts and Italian sausage, while cold combinations feature salami, capicola, turkey, and ham. Vegetarians and vegans aren’t left out—homemade sauces, giardiniera, deli salads, and vegetable-forward Take & Bake lasagnas hold their own. It’s takeout only, so expect efficient counter service and a lineup of regulars grabbing slab sandwiches or cannoli.
Prices stay modest, with fresh-baked loaves starting under two dollars and hearty portions that don’t shortchange you. After a decade of local ties, Zeppe’s still does things the old-fashioned way—from made-to-order deli cuts to a well-stocked bakery case.
Ellie’s Deli
You might walk right by Ellie’s Deli in the Rose Plaza strip mall, but step inside and you’ll find more than your average sandwich shop. In business for over a decade, this family-run spot roasts and slices meats to order, and bakes breads right in-house. Whether you’re after marbled rye, crusty French, or pillowy ciabatta, everything arrives fresh.
Their signature Big Picanha features Brazilian beef seared on a specialty rotisserie imported just for that purpose. It’s a generous pile under eight dollars. The menu also boasts Naperville’s Best Reuben, Italian subs, Philly Cheese Steaks, and the crowd-favorite Venetian. Vegetarians can enjoy the Veggie Wrap or Pizza Panini, and gluten-free bread or bun swaps are available on request.
Seating is limited—just a few tables inside and a couple outside where dogs are welcome. Delivery, takeout, and catering round out the offerings. While there’s no breakfast service, lunch and early dinner at Ellie’s Deli deliver classic sandwiches with genuine homegrown personality.
Fontinas Italian Kitchen
Fontinas Italian Kitchen sits in a modest Naperville strip mall but stands out with no-frills Italian comfort food served at a quick counter. Their panini menu earns praise for its simplicity and flavor. The Napoli layers prosciutto and capicola with fresh mozzarella on house-pressed Italian loaves toasted to that perfect balance of crisp and chew.
If you prefer subs, the 10-inch pork tenderloin and veal parm arrive on freshly baked rolls. Each cut is hand-trimmed and tenderized in-house, ensuring a tender bite. Vegetarians and gluten-free diners enjoy options like the Caprese Stacker, grilled veggie subs, and gluten-free penne—all prepared with the same care.
Prices feel fair given the portions. A $9.49 panini or $13 ribeye sub often leaves you with leftovers. The dining area is cozy, with a few tables tucked in back, though many people drop by for takeout. For a family-run Italian joint that knows its audience, Fontinas has Naperville well figured out.
Baba’s Famous Steak and Lemonade
If you love a good Philly-style sandwich, Baba’s Famous Steak and Lemonade might become your new favorite spot. Thinly sliced steak is grilled in-house with onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers, then topped with provolone and mozzarella. Each sandwich comes on a toasted sub roll, with mayo added on request.
You’ll also find a classic Italian beef on pillowy French bread, the roast beef soaking up au jus. Pick cheese or a pile of spicy giardiniera to finish it off. Beyond Philly fare, they offer gyros, ribeye steak sandwiches, country fried steak, and even grilled tilapia.
Bread choices don’t feel like an afterthought. Opt for French loaves with beef, pitas for gyros, or a lettuce wrap if you’re watching carbs. They’ll happily customize your meal with a salad or a stripped-down version. Flavored lemonades are bright and sugary, perfect alongside a big sandwich.
Most items cost between $7 and $13, and portions are generous. Service is quick and casual, with a focus on carry-out and late-night orders. After 25 years in Northern Illinois, their formula still works.
Patelli’s Gyros & Beef
Tucked into a Naperville strip mall, Patelli’s Gyros & Beef serves up a menu that really delivers on variety. Classic gyros arrive with spit-roasted halal meat in a warm pita, while Italian beef sandwiches ride on soft rolls. Smash burgers come straight off the grill, and the Gym Shoe Sandwich adds a playful twist.
Salads, wraps, and daily specials join the lineup. If you’re craving something wrapped, the TKO Philly or crispy beef roll, wrapped in a flour tortilla and fried, packs plenty of flavor. Sauces and giardiniera are all customizable, so you can dial the spice up or tone it down.
The restaurant caters mostly to families and lunch-hour crowds who appreciate no-fuss ordering. You simply pay at the counter, then take a seat or head out with your order. The dining room is simple and unpretentious, letting the food shine on its own.
With vegetarian options, Zabihah Halal meats, and sandwiches priced between $10 and $15, this spot feels both reliable and approachable. After more than 25 years in business, it’s easy to see why regulars keep coming back.
