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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in San Jose

Unique sandwich spots

A sandwich that breaks the mold of the standard deli menu without feeling like a forced experiment.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
WOWMIA PIZZA image 1
WOWMIA PIZZA image 2
WOWMIA PIZZA image 3
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Pizza restaurant

Small space with tight table spacing and Persian music sets a cozy, relaxed vibe. Friendly atmosphere feels welcoming, enhanced by visible pizza-making and a large salad bar. Offers authentic Persian-style pizza with a unique flavor not found elsewhere.

Persian-style pizzas stand out with unique flavor combinations and generous toppings. The aroma of thyme adds a distinct touch, while the Persian nachos bring bold flavors to the table.

Persian-style sandwiches stand out with options like the سوسیس تنوری sandwich that bring authentic flavors. These sandwiches pair well with their pizzas and offer a unique taste experience.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Persian pizza, just like in Iran."

"You have to try their sandwiches; they're the best I've ever had."

"The Persian-style pizza here has unique, rich flavors and generous toppings."

Good to know

1

Each Iranian-style pizza could easily feed 3 to 4 people.

2

The salad bar costs around $8 for two people, which is reasonable.

3

The owners explained that the shelf life of their pizza is only about 20 minutes.

02
Mazala Pizza San Jose image 1
Pizza restaurant

Outdoor seating creates a cozy, lively atmosphere with casual, welcoming energy. Vibrant red pizza boxes feature interactive designs that add a playful touch. The place stands out for its unique Indian-flavored thin crust pizzas and family-owned, small business vibe.

Bold spices create a unique twist on traditional pizza. Cheese and veggie options feature distinctive flavor combinations not found everywhere.

Chicken sandwiches offer unique flavors not typical for that type of sandwich. Paneer sandwiches, especially the fried paneer tikka, stand out as well.

People are saying

"I found the unique Indian flavors here to be a delicious fusion."

"It's a great late night spot for affordable and tasty pizza."

"I thought the paneer tikka and chicken tikka sandwiches were really good."

Good to know

1

Tuesdays offer 50% off on all orders.

2

Mazala Pizza is pick-up only with no seating available.

3

The restaurant is open until 3:30 AM for late-night cravings.

03
Rice Junky Katsu image 1

Small, clean restaurant with modern decor and traditional murals creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Low lighting and a cheerful vibe make dining feel like dinner and a show. Special eating challenges add a fun, engaging energy that brings people together.

Raw marinated salmon and shrimp plate comes with seaweed and wasabi for a distinct flavor. Tteokbokki offers unique varieties like cream with mushroom. Alcohol selection includes draft beers and Korean sojus.

Korean street-style sandwiches feature melt-in-your-mouth bulgogi and crispy toast for a great texture contrast. Options include gimbap, toasts, and tteokbokki flavors at affordable prices.

People are saying

"I thought the Korean food tasted exactly like what I'd find in Seoul."

"Their cream mushroom tteokbokki is a unique and tasty dish."

"These Korean street-style sandwiches taste just like back home."

Good to know

1

The prices at Rice Junky Katsu are under $15-20 for most items.

2

Free parking is available in downtown San Jose.

3

The menu offers a wide range of Korean street food options.

04
DESI EXPRESS (Inside SoFA Market) image 1

Indian street food spot inside a food court offers authentic chaats and sandwiches with excellent chicken tikka masala and flavorful chutneys. Cozy setup supports a casual lunch atmosphere popular with office crowds. Location is somewhat hidden at the market's end but provides adequate seating and a home-style vibe.

Food features an exotic blend with a unique guava flavor in the pani puri and a standout Bombay sandwich.

Bombay grilled sandwich stands out with authentic flavors and a tasty profile. Options like Paneer tikka Sandwich and Aloo tikki Sandwich offer variety, and the staff will heat sandwiches on request.

People are saying

"I thought the Bombay sandwich was the best in the Bay Area."

"I craved authentic Indian flavors that reminded me of home."

"You have to try the unique guava flavor in their pani puri."

Good to know

1

DESI EXPRESS is located inside a food court in downtown San Jose.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of chaat options.

3

Expect smaller portion sizes compared to other places for similar dishes.

05
The Breakfast Club at Midtown image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Breakfast spot offers cramped seating with many small tables and a loud, lively atmosphere dominated by hip hop music. Crowds fill the space, creating a busy, energetic vibe where conversation is difficult. Top-notch service complements the bustling environment.

Menu features unique and inventive dishes beyond typical breakfast fare. Herb potatoes and hash browns stand out with distinct flavors and textures.

Breakfast sandwiches stand out with bacon, hash browns, eggs, lettuce, and tomato packed inside. The crispy chicken sandwich features a notable sauce and comes with club fries.

People are saying

"The brunch here is classic and hearty, with huge portions."

"The breakfast sandwich and fries were huge and delicious."

"The menu has unique, inventive dishes beyond typical breakfast."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited at the downtown location.

2

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

3

Expect a wait time of at least 30 minutes on weekends.

06
Guildhouse image 1

Enormous space combines bar, internet cafe, and dance club with a strong gamer and nerdy vibe. Open and spacious layout supports board games and video gaming, creating a chill, friendly atmosphere. Noise levels vary, allowing quieter spots for relaxation amid social activity.

Very unique drink types stand out here. The overall vibe feels distinctive compared to other spots.

People are saying

"This bar is a gaming lounge with tons of board and video games."

"You can get a free hour of gameplay with the purchase of a mocktail."

"I love the sandwiches here; they're amazing and the staff is super nice."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 7pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Every Friday night features a free party in the back room.

3

Thursday fighting game tournaments start at 6pm; bring your own controller.

07
Con Azucar Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Small space with bright Mexican decor and Chicano cultural touches creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Mexican music plays, enhancing the vibe and making it feel like an authentic café. Unique feature includes custom photo art on coffee foam, adding a playful and personal touch.

Combines Latin cultures with a unique atmosphere and Mexican-inspired drinks. Offers specialty lattes and food with distinct flavors and decor that stands out.

Ham sandwiches stand out for their flavor. The grilled cheese sandwich melts fully with perfect bread. The club sandwich comes warm and flavorful.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be flavorful and delicious."

"I loved their ham sandwich; it was excellent."

"The atmosphere and decor here are really unique."

Good to know

1

Expect a one-hour wait outside the cafe on Saturday mornings.

2

There is no parking available at the location.

3

The cafe is small, and seating is often unavailable.

08
Phin Cafe - Blossom Hill Road | San Jose image 1

Small cafe with wood accents and real plants creates a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Space feels cozy and mellow, attracting people looking for a peaceful spot to relax or meet. Seating is ample, supporting casual visits despite occasional crowding.

Coffee flavors like ube, pandan, and egg coffee stand out with distinct tastes. Unique options include durian coffee and salted Vietnamese coffee, each offering a strong, memorable flavor.

Vietnamese sandwiches feature authentic flavors with options like shredded pork and fried egg, cold cut, and BBQ pork packed with meat. Toasted bread holds very flavorful fillings that satisfy hunger for hours.

People are saying

"Their unique coffee flavors like ube and egg coffee are delicious."

"The banh mi sandwiches here are flavorful and fresh."

"Their unique coffee flavors like durian and ube are so delicious."

Good to know

1

It gets busy around 10am on Sundays.

2

The wait time is about 30 to 45 minutes.

3

Phin Cafe is laptop friendly with free wifi and ample outlets.

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