The Italian sub is a heavyweight in the sandwich world, packed with salty meats, crunchy veggies, and tangy dressings. But when your local deli isn’t an option, which national chain deserves your order? We tasted six of the biggest players and ranked their takes on the Italian. Some brought bold flavors and near-perfect balance. Others collapsed under soggy bread, sloppy sauces, or sad slices of meat. Here’s how the chains stack up—best to worst.
Potbelly’s Four-Meat Powerhouse
Potbelly sits at the top for a reason: their Italiano isn’t just a sandwich, it’s a statement. Loaded with salami, capicola, mortadella, and pepperoni, it brings variety and richness that other chains simply can’t match. The bread has a great chew, but what really makes this one pop is the giardiniera-style peppers. They add the perfect heat and tang, turning every bite into a flavor explosion. If you’re lucky enough to have a Potbelly nearby, this is the Italian worth driving for.
Jersey Mike’s Classic “Mike’s Way”
Jersey Mike’s has personality, and it comes dripping out—literally. Their signature Italian is messy, oozing with oil, vinegar, oregano, and seasoning. The bread soaks it all up while still giving you that satisfying crunch. Order it “Mike’s Way,” and you’ll get lettuce, tomato, onion, and the works, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Just add pickles for free, and you’ve got one of the most craveable Italians out there.
Jimmy John’s Big Bold Log
Jimmy John’s goes against tradition by refusing to slice their subs in half—you get one long “log.” For some, that’s a dealbreaker. For others, it’s part of the fun. Their Italian is fresh, simple, and tasty, with solid ingredients that hold up well. Just be prepared to eat fast: the chaotic, sign-filled decor doesn’t exactly invite a slow, cozy lunch. Still, the quality of the sandwich itself is undeniable.
Subway’s Customizable Safety Net
Say what you want about Subway, but when you need something quick and familiar, it delivers. The Hotshot Italiano comes with pepperoni and Genoa salami, plus the freedom to stack on whatever toppings you want. Sure, it may not rival the top-tier chains, but consistency is its strength. Order it “Mike’s Way” style with oil, vinegar, and spices, and suddenly Subway’s Italian is far more respectable.
Which Wich: A Sandwich of Contradictions
Which Wich’s Italian sub is a rollercoaster. On the bright side, the bread is flavorful and the pickled peppers bring a punch. On the downside, the bread often fails to hold everything together, and the meats are on the weaker side. Still, they wrap the meat around the bread, so each bite feels complete. It’s a mix of hits and misses, but it keeps you coming back just to see if it’ll land on the good side.
Firehouse’s Messy Melt
Firehouse Subs takes the “more is more” approach—and it backfires. Their Italian is stacked with mayo, mustard, Italian dressing, and melted provolone. Add thin bread that can’t handle the load, and you’re left with a dripping mess. It’s less sandwich, more slip-and-slide. If you love big flavors and don’t mind a disaster in your hands, you might enjoy it. Otherwise, you’ll wish you packed a change of clothes.
Which Italian Is Your Go-To?
From Potbelly’s unbeatable four-meat champion to Firehouse’s sauce-drenched misfire, the range of Italian subs across chain shops is huge. Some rely on tradition, others push the limits, and a few fall apart—literally. But at the end of the day, the best Italian is the one that hits your cravings just right. Have you tried any of these? Tell us which chain makes your favorite Italian, or if we missed the one you swear by.
