A guide to Southern Georgian Bay’s greatest sandwiches.
by Geoff Taylor // opening photo by Anya Shor
The humble sandwich is the perfect food, endlessly creative and deeply personal. Somebody who loved you deeply made you sandwiches for years. And then a sandwich was likely the first meal you ever made yourself.
Workers’ fuel. Any time of day. Like life, sandwiches can be intimidating and messy, occasionally tidy and orderly. They evoke emotions like no other fare. A memorable sandwich allows you to travel space and time, taking you from your grandmother’s kitchen to a piazza in Italy, a picnic at Wasaga Beach or an awkward first date.
There are many challenges creating an artful handheld. You take a magnificent meal and put it between two slices of bread. Great bread. Bread is 50 percent of the equation. It provides the structure. No utensils. The virtuoso sandwich-maker dictates your entire eating experience, a symphony of flavours in every bite.
Transcendent sandwiches become emblematic of the culture, geography and people who create them. Think lobster rolls in Nova Scotia, pastrami on rye in New York City, mortadella in Italy, a Vietnamese banh mi. These sandwiches deserve to be on a flag. “This is who we are, where we come from and what we value.” The pursuit of the world’s classic sandwiches has taken my wife and me around the globe, but there are wonders to be experienced in our own backyard.
Establishing which are the greatest sandwiches of Southern Georgian Bay is a fraught enterprise. This list is neither definitive nor comprehensive but offers a smorgasbord of highlights. You will find options for every budget (the least expensive entry is $5.50) and everything from well-known establishments to locals’ favourite spots off the beaten path—but there are no weak links.
Did we miss any? Weigh in at readermail@onthebaymagazine.com with the subject line “Sandwich.”
Open wide and enjoy!
Pricing Guide
$ under $10
$$ $10 to $15
$$$ $15 to $20
$$$$ $20 and up
The Milk Maid $$
947 2nd Ave. E., Owen Sound,
519-372-1130, themilkmaidcheese.ca
Grilled Cheese is one of the ultimate comfort foods. The Milk Maid in downtown Owen Sound celebrates this iconic sandwich, taking it to another level. The Fiona (named after the owner’s daughter) features one-year-old local cheddar and crispy bacon between sourdough from Crust and Crackle Artisan Bread. Built with intention and beautifully presented, The Fiona fills the soul. The first crunch, the melty goodness, the exceptional chew. A locals’ favourite sit-down spot.
Ravenna Country Market $$$
495972 Grey County Rd. 2, Ravenna,
519-599-2796, ravennacountrymarket.com
This is the one. Polling local residents, the Ravenna Country Market has by far the most recommended sandwich in the area. It’s not even close. No contest. An impressive choice of fixings for all sandwiches. Why choose? Load ‘em up. Even a committed carnivore will be in awe of their roasted vegetables and goat cheese on sourdough grilled. It might get messy. Currently takeout only with picnic tables offering 50-mile views of the Beaver Valley. Reward yourself after a hike on the Bruce Trail or the long ascent on a bike up 119.
Jake’s Grab & Go $$
519-375-5933, jakesgrabandgo.ca
One of the quality indicators of a sandwich destination is the tradespeople, hydro workers and office crowds lined up at lunchtime. At this place, noon traffic is out the door. Meaford’s unassuming temple to the handheld meal, the Grab & Go fuels the local bustling building scene. For a pure protein delivery system it is tough to beat Jake’s Philly-style roast beef. Thin-shaved, in-house-roasted beef with caramelized onions and roasted red peppers is smeared with homemade garlic aioli on a squishy sub bun. Spice it up with jalapenos. Limited seating.
Four Corner Tea Room $$
28 Queen St. W., Elmvale, 705-322-0314,
instagram.com/fourcornertearoom
Eating at the Four Corner feels like sitting in your grandmother’s kitchen. Nancy greets most guests by name. Bread from the famous Elmvale Bakery three doors down is featured on their menu. My mom was a big fan of the half-sandwich offering and a mug of soup. A local favourite is the BLT with Swiss cheese and mayo on rye.
Paula’s Pantry & Gifts $
17 Eighth St., Collingwood,
705-445-0026, paulaspantryandgifts.com
This unassuming location is a “local favourite” destination of perfect sandwich simplicity. Pillowy bread fresh-baked on the premises. Each sandwich made-to-order served in a paper bag. Takeout only. Paula’s Pantry is the least expensive option in this survey. Relatives who have questioned whether or not to attend a funeral will choose to pay their respects if they find Paula’s is providing the sandwiches for the reception. She cuts her sandwiches in three because that’s the way her mother did it. Personal favourite is egg salad with lettuce on white. They’ll even cut off the crusts if you ask.
Gibson & Company $$
93 Hurontario St. Unit 3, Collingwood,
705-293-3500, gibsonandcompany.ca
With a back-alley speakeasy vibe, this downtown Collingwood hub is known for its excellent coffee and cocktails. Gibson’s secret weapon is its blackboard menu featuring a curated collection of small plates. The signature sandwich is a smoked trout and cucumber with dill mayo served on Collingwood Bread Company’s exceptional sourdough. Balancing intensity without being overbearing, the trout is offset by the brightness of the cucumber. Delicate but firm. This selection has never left their menu.
Mylar and Loreta’s Restaurant $$$
Grey County Rd. 124, Singhampton,
705-445-1247, mylarandloretas.ca
A great turkey club sandwich is worth the pilgrimage. The Mylar and Loreta’s club is the best anywhere. Imposing but not unmanageable, from whole turkeys roasted on-site. Thick-cut local bacon. At its absolute peak when tomatoes are in-season and you can savour it in the back courtyard. You might want to share one but you’ll resent it partway through. Order a whole one. This is a glorious historic building for eating in or out. Photos of my relatives adorn the walls and several family members have been born here.
Che Roba! $$$
705-429-8252, cheroba.com
If you have not been to Che Roba! yet, what are you waiting for? Chef Luca is a maestro. Cloud-like focaccia is baked in-house; nearly all of the ingredients sourced from Italy, including the flour for the bread. Uncompromising. Each sandwich honours the flavours and culture of Italy’s Abruzzo region. Choosing the best is akin to choosing your favourite Michaelangelo. The Signature Chez Roba! with prosciutto, burrata, truffle spread and arugula is a wonderful place to start. You’ll be tempted to split one. Don’t. Limited eat-in or takeout. Did I mention homemade gelato?
Brightside Deli $$$
75 Hurontario St., Collingwood,
705-444-9848, brightsidedeli.ca
“See a need, fill a need” was the mantra when Brightside opened in 2023 as a traditional deli sandwich-only establishment in downtown Collingwood. Their signature handheld is the Classic Carver Roast Beef. Not one to be attempted behind the wheel of a car; it’s best savoured from a perch in the front window watching the street theatre. Chewy sourdough holds a symphony of flavours: generous thin-sliced, in-house-roasted beef accented by the bitterness of arugula and the tang of pickled red onion. The secret superpower is the Alabama white barbecue sauce. Special mention also to the Vegan Smash. Gluten-free options too!
Honey Monster Fried Chicken & Ramen $$$
7304 Hwy. 26, Stayner, 705-517-0071, honeymonstercrispychicken.ca
Starting as a summer business serving sandwiches on Wasaga Beach, Honey Monster has evolved into a beloved year-round eat-in fixture in downtown Stayner. Chef-owner Shim Jung grew up in Korea and infuses all of her dishes with an Asian twist. Lightly battered fried chicken thighs deliver a tender serious crunch. Not greasy. Served with cheddar cheese and coleslaw on a premium bun with a choice of fries or onion rings, it might be the only meal you need all day.
The European Bakery Café $$
806 16th St. E., Owen Sound, 519-371-1260, theeuropeanbakery.com
This Owen Sound institution is always packed with locals for a reason. A variety of daily fresh-baked breads, generous portions, and wonderful service with a warm and inviting ambience signal that the owners love what they do. They’ve been doing this the right way for a long time. If you have to choose just one handheld, the Lando with roast turkey, cranberry mayo, spinach and Swiss cheese grilled on rye is a beautiful offering. You’ll be back.
Tesoro Mercato $$
2 School House Ln., Collingwood,
705-444-9230,
tesororestaurant.ca/tesoro-mercato
Tucked just west of Collingwood’s town clock, Tesoro Mercato offers one of the finest meatball sandwiches north of College Street. Takeout only. When they hand over your paper bag, take a moment. Stick your nose in and breathe deeply. It’s intoxicating. The heft to the bag indicates this is more than a sandwich, it’s a commitment. Tesoro’s landmark meatballs, grilled mushrooms, house-made Cucina Rustica tomato sauce on fresh ciabatta bread. An uncomplicated classic.
Black Angus Sandwich Shop $$$
199 King St. E., Thornbury,
905-520-4988, blackangusmeat.ca
The Brisket Sando at Black Angus is one of the greatest sandwiches you will ever eat. An establishment with a limited menu is always a good sign. It indicates they do very few things and they do them very well. Black Angus takes it next-level. They feature a menu of a single featured sandwich Monday to Friday. One. Every day it changes. Friday is brisket day. Brisket smoked by the butcher on-site with barbecue onion jam, sweet-and-spicy pickles and horseradish mayo on a fresh butter-toasted brioche bun. The Sandwich Shop is a shed at the back of Black Angus Fine Meats & Game south of Thornbury. Cash or email transfer only. Takeout only. Say yes to a side of wild boar eggy potato salad. Oh, baby.
Jimmy’s Kitchen $$
1997 Nottawasaga Concession 6, Stayner,
705-444-9770, cny3.ca/jimmys-kitchen
For those lamenting the dearly departed Little Red Hen Restaurant, Jimmy’s Kitchen at the Collingwood Airport offers a similar but scaled-down diner experience. You can’t make a mistake with their all-day breakfast. Real maple syrup for the pancakes (of course). A handful of tables to watch planes take off and land provides a perfect setting for grandparenting rituals. For those moments when a toasted western on brown with excellent home fries is the only thing calling your name, Jimmy’s uncomplicated The Chopper can’t be beat. Get me to The Chopper.
The Cheese Gallery $$
11 Bruce St. S., Thornbury,
519-599-6699, thecheesegallery.ca
“Edible Art” is the tagline for The Cheese Gallery in Thornbury. Thoughtfully selected cheeses and local artisanal offerings are on beautiful display. At the back counter, they also craft magnificent creative sandwiches. Think charcuterie board ingredients between two slices of bread. French and local brie and fig with a locally made maple fig spread grilled on a traditional baguette is an exquisitely simple selection. Takeout only but you will want to consume it in short order to enjoy the warm gooey goodness. The Cheese Gallery is also the diabolical mastermind behind April’s Big Cheese Smackdown, which sees local establishments competing for best grilled-cheese bragging rights.
Misfits Bodega $$$
65 Simcoe St. Unit 2, Collingwood,
416-568-8183, misfitsbodega.com
“Obsessed. Relentless. Mastery.” Three descriptives for Chef Ali Grundman, whose Misfits Bodega is the newest addition to the Collingwood sandwich scene. She controls every aspect of her sandwich preparation from smoking her own salmon and bacon, baking her hoagie-style bread, pickling marinades and creating her own spreads. These detailed initiatives are all designed to elevate flavours and surprise the customer. Misfits’ signature is The Donna: Italian cold cuts, shredded lettuce, marinated tomatoes, pickled red onion, mozzarella, muffuletta spread, oregano vinaigrette and pepperoncini mayo. It’s rarely finished in one sitting.
The Bakery of Flesherton $
6 Sydenham St., Flesherton,
519-924-1576, fleshertonbakery.ca
There is a lot of love in this room. The warmth of fresh-baked bread envelopes you as soon as the screen door slams behind you. Nothing would be out of place from a century ago in this heritage building. Flesherton offers the only peanut-butter-and-jam sandwich on a menu in the area. The Turkey Pesto with your choice of toppings on freshly baked, toasted sourdough is special. Enjoy one at an intimate table. Save room for their legendary doughnuts.
Creemore Bakery $$
148 Mill St., Creemore,
705-466-5621,
creemorebakery.ca
Creemore Bakery has been a beloved destination in downtown Creemore for over 20 years. You often find bicycles parked out front as riders fuel up. Everything is made in-house. Their large storefront picture windows provide wonderful backdrops for eat-in options. Their roast chicken and fig spread on whole grain is a sandwich on the seedier side. You still might be picking your teeth afterwards while climbing the hill up Fairgrounds Road on your bike.
Euro-Lex Deli $$
1441 Mosley St. Unit 2, Wasaga Beach,
705-429-8008, facebook.com/eurolexwb
You are initially struck by how spotlessly clean this space is kept. Meticulous. The array of international foods here is spectacular with items you won’t find anywhere else in Southern Georgian Bay. The owners are extremely friendly and knowledgeable. At their extensive deli, products are explained, samples are offered. Sandwiches are made-to-order with meats and cheeses sliced in front of you. Euro-Lex offers the best Reuben in the area. These folks are serious about sauerkraut. Go with the grilled rye and a pickle on the side. Takeout only. Great for a romantic walk on the beach.
YF Patisserie Chocolatier $$$
134 Mill St., Creemore,
705-466-6464, yfpatissierchocolatier.com
This stunning space looks more like a jewelry store than any sandwich shop you’ve ever been in. If bread is 50 percent of the equation, their sandwiches on miniature baguettes triumph on the bread alone. YF takes its bread very seriously. They may produce the greatest baguette you will ever eat. Anywhere. Light and crispy with a seductive chew. Conversation stops as you realize you’ve never eaten anything this good before. A swelling sense of disbelief and euphoria. There are no weak links among their ready-to-go handhelds. YF roasts their own chickens in-house for a magnificent chicken-salad sandwich. Combined with shallot, mayo, thyme and lemon juice with sliced tomato, every bite requires savouring. Takeout only. You are a two-minute walk to the Mad River Park.
