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Local picks in Sterling Heights

Authentic sandwich spots

A sandwich that feels authentic to its heritage instead of just another assembly-line lunch.

Based on 801 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Gigi's Italian To Go image 1
Gigi's Italian To Go image 2
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Italian restaurant

Italian eatery offers family-oriented atmosphere with homey murals and a hidden garden. The vibe is comfortable and welcoming, attracting those who appreciate authentic, old-school Italian sandwiches and Sicilian specialties. Busy and popular, it stands out for its high-quality ingredients and generous portions.

Food tastes fresh and authentic, like a Sicilian kitchen. The meatball sub features massive-sized meatballs with authentic flavor and delicious marinara.

Old school Italian sandwiches come on a hard roll with bold flavors. The Sicilian muffaletta and Spicy Lent Caprese stand out as rich and satisfying options.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches here were amazing and old school."

"The meatball sub here is massive, flavorful, and delicious."

"The meatballs here are massive and taste so authentic."

Good to know

1

Orders are typically ready in under 30 minutes, even during busy times.

2

Expect a wait during lunch hours, especially on weekends.

3

The menu is primarily focused on sandwiches, with a few Italian market items.

02
Ventimiglia Italian Foods image 1
Italian grocery store

Small market with a deli inside offers fresh pasta bar, olive bar, and soup bar alongside a huge cold cut selection. Cozy atmosphere fills the space with authentic Italian aromas and rustic charm. Casual patio invites relaxed dining while fresh subs and sandwiches stand out as local favorites.

Food here tastes authentic Italian with a rustic feel. The store offers a friendly atmosphere and genuine Italian groceries.

Italian sub sandwiches stand out with fresh ingredients and well-prepared flavors. Options like the eggplant and rosemary or turkey sandwich offer immense satisfaction and quality.

People are saying

"I found the Italian subs here to be ginormous and delicious."

"I thought the deli sandwiches here were excellent."

"I thought the Italian sandwich was ginormous and delicious."

Good to know

1

Catering options are available for events with a diverse menu.

2

Expect higher prices than typical grocery stores due to quality.

3

Subs are made to order with a variety of fresh ingredients.

03
Alrafidyn Restaurant image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Middle Eastern restaurant with Babylonian murals and decor inspired by regional art creates a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Seating resembles a school cafeteria, offering a casual dining experience. The place draws people seeking authentic shawarma and generous portions at reasonable prices.

Middle Eastern breakfast and Iraqi dishes come out incredibly fresh and authentic. Beef and chicken shawarma stand out for their authentic flavors.

Chicken and beef shawarma sandwiches come with a generous amount of ingredients and strong flavor. Plates allow adding multiple sandwiches cut into bite-sized pieces for sharing.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and delicious."

"The Middle Eastern breakfast here is so fresh and authentic."

"I thought the shawarma sandwich was great and generously filled."

Good to know

1

The portions for the combo trays are suitable for 2-3 people, not 4.

2

Combo trays are priced under $50, making them affordable for families.

3

Carry-out menu pricing is cheaper than dining in.

04
Toniniโ€™s Woodfired Pizzeria image 1

Wood-fired pizza restaurant offers a warm, family atmosphere with a cozy, European-style vibe. Spacious dining area feels authentic and inviting, resembling an old Italian friend's home. Tables are well spaced, enhancing the comfortable, casual dining experience.

Woodfire pizza delivers an authentic pizzeria experience with fresh, thoughtfully made dishes. Tiramisu stands out as a delicious, authentic dessert that complements the meal.

Enormous sandwiches come on wood fired bread with options like the Chicken Deluxe and meatball. Chicken can be a bit over seasoned, and fountain pop is available for purchase.

People are saying

"I thought the wood fired pizza was delicious and cooked to perfection."

"The authentic pizza here is the best I've ever had."

"I felt like I was in heaven eating this huge sandwich."

Good to know

1

A 20% gratuity is automatically added for parties of five or more.

2

Expect to pay around $30 for a pizza.

3

The restaurant closes at 10 PM, not 11 PM as listed online.

05
Pattternz (Authentic Damas Gourmet) image 1

Small space with authentic Syrian decor creates a cozy, calming atmosphere reminiscent of a family home. The environment stays clean and comfortable with dim lighting enhancing the mood. Known for home-cooked Middle Eastern cuisine, it serves some of the best shawarma and falafel around.

Food features rich, authentic Syrian flavors made with care by a loving chef. Traditional dishes taste just like home with outstanding, genuine Damascus cuisine.

Falafel and beef shawarma sandwiches stand out with huge size and superb taste. Prices run high, with a single sandwich costing quite a bit.

People are saying

"I found the Syrian food here to be the most delicious and authentic I've had in years."

"The ice cream here is authentic and crafted with care."

"The falafel sandwich is huge and tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

A $3 service charge applies per person for dining in.

3

Expect high prices for menu items, especially sandwiches.

06
Saj Alreef Restaurant image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Middle Eastern restaurant offers an elegant interior with bright lighting and tasteful decoration. The atmosphere feels lively and warm, enhanced by Arabic music and interactive tea preparation shows. Tables are arranged closely, creating a crowded but vibrant setting.

Food offers authentic Iraqi and Middle Eastern flavors with fresh ingredients. Dishes taste like homemade cooking and come with top-notch service.

Shawarma sandwiches stand out with chicken and beef options that are both great and filling. The tanoor chicken shawarma sandwich offers a unique flavor, and off-menu choices are available with server assistance.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentically prepared."

"The food here is so flavorful and authentic."

"You have to try the shawarma sandwich; it's delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on New Yearโ€™s Eve, with delays of 1-2 hours.

2

The restaurant specializes in authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.

3

Cleanliness issues have been reported, including flies and ungloved kitchen staff.

07
Falafel and Amba restaurant image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Rustic decor and soft lighting create a warm, welcoming atmosphere with the smell of freshly fried falafel filling the air. The space feels cozy and family-oriented, inviting guests to relax as if at a kitchen table. It stands out for serving authentic Iraqi-style falafel that many consider the best in the area.

Falafel and Amba restaurant serves authentic Iraqi falafel with a sharp Amba that brings back childhood memories. The spot offers genuine Middle Eastern delicacies that stand out in the US.

Falafel sandwiches stand out with their generous size and fresh vegetables. Syrian style falafel and Iraqi burgers offer packed flavor and hearty fillings.

People are saying

"This falafel tastes just like home, especially the authentic Iraqi flavor."

"The falafel here is so authentic, with a crispy outside and soft inside."

"These falafel sandwiches are fresh, delicious, and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant stays open 30 minutes past closing time.

2

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

3

The sandwich costs $6, which some may find too much.

08
Portillo's Sterling Heights image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant with large dining room and flexible seating including accessibility features. Atmosphere is lively and loud, decorated with Chicago-themed memorabilia and vintage car parts. Known for authentic Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches.

Fresh hot dogs and Italian Beef sandwiches capture authentic Chicago flavors. The ambiance feels true to the original, creating a genuine Chicago dining experience.

Italian beef sandwiches come with extra gravy on the side to pour over for a traditional taste. Chicago-style hot dogs and a Spicy Chicken sandwich also stand out as popular choices.

People are saying

"I loved the Italian beef sandwich with extra gravy."

"These burgers are juicy and seasoned so well."

"You've gotta try the authentic Italian Beef and Chicago hot dogs."

Good to know

1

Portillo's Sterling Heights has a drive-thru for quick service.

2

Expect to pay around $10-$15 per person for a meal.

3

Cash is not accepted in the drive-thru; use credit or mobile payments.

09
Baghdad Restaurant image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Middle Eastern restaurant with authentic Iraqi decor featuring old pictures of Baghdad creates a family-friendly, comfortable atmosphere. Staff offer kind, welcoming service that enhances the clean, recently remodeled space. Open late until 2 AM, it serves notably good shawarma and burgers at reasonable prices.

Very authentic Iraqi food with genuine flavors and warm hospitality. The service and owners focus on delivering a true taste of Iraq.

Shawarma sandwiches come in beef and chicken options with prices around $6.00. Portions are small for the price and some sandwich requests like chicken cream chop in saj may be refused.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and authentic."

"I found the authentic Middle Eastern food to be delicious with great flavor."

"I always ordered the delicious shawarma sandwiches here."

Good to know

1

Baghdad Restaurant closes at 2 AM every day.

2

It is the only restaurant open until 2 AM in the area.

3

Expect to pay around $72 for two chicken dishes, three beef dishes, and three kebabs.

10
Zarzoor Restaurant image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers a beautiful, classy interior with comfortable seating and a quiet, friendly atmosphere. Staff perform a tea-serving ritual with tricks and song, adding a unique cultural touch. The space includes a banquet room for larger gatherings, enhancing its appeal for special occasions.

Food features authentic Iraqi and Mediterranean dishes like dolma, hummus, and tabbouleh. The setting includes traditional Iraqi touches that create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Cream chop sandwiches with French bread stand out for their rich flavor. Beef and chicken shawarma sandwiches served in Iraqi bread offer a tender, juicy experience with quick service.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing with wonderful flavors."

"I found the food to be authentic and delicious."

"The beef shawarma sandwich flavor was crazy good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for private events to ensure availability.

2

The restaurant offers complimentary desserts for birthday celebrations.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere during special events like birthdays.

11
Sahara Mediterranean Grill & Catering | Shelby Township, MI image 1

Modern, bright interior with a cozy, inviting vibe and authentic Middle Eastern atmosphere. Loud music creates a lively energy, often making conversation difficult. Popular for flavorful shawarmas and fresh Mediterranean dishes, it attracts groups and families, blending casual hangout with dining.

Middle eastern dishes come with fresh flavors and well-prepared ingredients. The atmosphere matches the food, creating a truly authentic experience.

Chicken shawarma sandwiches come in pita bread with great meat flavor and are sometimes greasy. Lamb kabob and baklava sandwiches offer solid options. Falafel sandwiches do not stand out here.

People are saying

"The chicken shawarma here is amazing, so tender and flavorful."

"The food here is so fresh and tasted truly authentic."

"I loved the chicken shawarma sandwich; it was the best."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a beautiful banquet room for events.

2

Expect large portions for a decent price.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment, including modern bathrooms.

12
Kabob Hut image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Small dining area with about six tables and booths creates a casual, family vibe. Atmosphere feels welcoming and clean, supporting a busy, staple spot energy. Known for large portions and bold Middle Eastern flavors that offer great value.

Fresh falafel and hummus showcase authentic Middle Eastern flavors. Mediterranean dishes come out quick and affordable with a focus on stellar quality and service.

Chicken and beef shawarma sandwiches come with generous portions and fresh taste even hours later. Garlic sauce adds a perfect touch, and falafel wraps offer a filling, flavorful alternative.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's shawarma sandwich is tasty and filling."

"The falafel and hummus here taste so fresh and authentic."

"The shawarma sandwich is tasty and filling."

Good to know

1

The portions are very large, perfect for sharing or leftovers.

2

Pricing is reasonable for the amount of food provided.

3

Takeout orders are accepted, and dining in is available.

13
Dream Market (15 Mile Rd) image 1

Grocery store offers varied foreign foods and authentic Middle Eastern products with an in-store bakery producing fresh breads daily. Atmosphere stays crowded and lively, featuring a deli and ready-to-eat warm foods. Prices tend to be affordable, especially on produce and bakery items.

Offers authentic Iraqi flavors with dishes like Ouzi featuring half lamb. Ingredients stay fresh and preparation follows traditional Middle Eastern standards for a genuine taste.

Shawarma sandwiches stand out with delicious prepared foods that rival local spots. Some orders face multiple errors and long waits, including mix-ups between chicken and beef sandwiches.

People are saying

"This grocery store has amazing, authentic food."

"I found the Iraqi food here to be delicious and authentic."

"I thought the sandwiches tasted great."

Good to know

1

The market offers a large selection of halal meat options.

2

Prices for halal meat are cheaper compared to other markets.

3

Expect a variety of international groceries, especially Middle Eastern products.

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