Best Sandwiches in America 2018: Tuna Melt

This year's Best Sandwich winners reflect broader consumer trends as chefs find a new twist on traditional menu favorites. See all the winners >>

Winner: Hooked! Tuna Melt

Restaurant: Grub, Los Angeles

Units: 1

Price: $13.50

Food cost: $3.49

Ingredients: Tuna, sharp cheddar, watercress, and cashew and red pepper pesto on San Francisco-style sourdough bread.

What makes it special: Tuna melts can be a polarizing subject, but those who love them really love them. Even before the Hollywood sandwich shop Grub opened, chef Denise DeCarlo had developed a popular pesto made with watercress, cashew and red pepper. Grub co-owner Betty Fraser — a former “Top Chef” contender — is a lover of tuna melts. So DeCarlo put her pesto into action for this sandwich. It has been a hit.

What others are saying: It was named the best tuna melt in LA by Los Angeles magazine in 2009. One Yelp user said recently: “The tuna melt was REALLY good. Crispy, tangy, buttery and zesty — yum.”