Photo: Roasted Vegetable Sandwich at Murchie's                         Credit: Rebecca Baugniet

We all have days like this: you’re on the run, you didn’t have time to pack a lunch and you are starving. You want to eat fast, but you want something good. Where to turn? Lucky for us, Victoria has a fabulous selection of grab and go sandwiches. Here, listed in no particular order, are five of my favourites. These sandwiches are all made fresh daily on site, and cost between $5 and $8. Ingredients may vary slightly, and all are subject to availability. Disclaimer: this is the short list. For more great lunch ideas, check out the winners from the EAT Exceptional Awards for best island workday lunch, and best menu items in town for under $10. 

1. Bond Bond’s:

Roast Beef and Aged Cheddar: Prepared on Bond Bond’s whole wheat or cheese Kaiser buns with mayonnaise, Dijon, greens, aged cheddar and roast beef. A classic sandwich done just right. Not too much of anything, this sandwich does not overload you with meat as so many sandwiches do. Instead, they've measured out the right quantities of high quality ingredients and built a satisfying lunch with them. Be prepared: Bond Bond's takes cash only.

2. Murchie’s:

Roasted Veggies on Focaccia: Roasted eggplant and artichoke hearts, cucumber, tomato, greens, pesto on cheese and herb focaccia. Take a look at the photo above. It may be a challenge to get it all in your mouth in one bite, but it's worth the effort. A nice combination of fresh and roasted vegetables works perfectly with pesto on the fluffy herbed cheese focaccia. 

3. Ottavio’s:

The Lombardo: Prosciutto, Gorgonzola, pear slices and onion fig chutney on a Kaiser bun. The good people at Ottavio's struck gold when they came up with this combination. (I've been known to drive across town with no other motivation than to acquire one. If you're making a special trip, call ahead to have one put aside for you, as they sell out quickly.) The house-made onion-fig chutney with balsamic vinegar marries the creamy tanginess of the blue cheese, perfectly offset by a little crunchy pear and salty prosciutto. Your taste buds will be requesting this combination on a regular basis.

4. Devour:

Devour’s prepared sandwiches change from day to day, but they never fail to impress. They usually have two options, one with meat and one vegetarian or fish selection. One example: Prosciutto-wrapped pork and duck terrine with dill pickle on baguette. Opt for a surprise, or download their daily menu at devour.ca to find out what they’re serving today. 

5. Pizzeria Prima Strada on Bridge Street: The new Pizzeria Prima Strada on Bridge Street has been welcomed by the area's many office workers. You've heard about their pizzas, but don't miss out on Matt's sandwiches. Like Devour, the selections change regularly, but with consistently pleasing results. A sample from the blackboard: the Salame, Soppressata Salami, provolone cheese, red onion, fresh arugula with a mustard, rosemary and lemon aioli on their house wood oven-fired ciabatta buns.