[[{“value”:”You can get an Italian sub, chicken cutlet, or imported cheeses at a number of places, including chain sandwich shops and grocery stores, but if you want real-deal-delicious, your best bet is Italian delis. These institutions are usually owned and operated by Italians, who take food seriously. Italian delis are everywhere, but only a handful have been named the best by foodies. Here are the 5 best Italian delis in America, according to diners.
Molinari Delicatessen
Molinari is an Italian-style delicatessen and a San Francisco staple since 1896. Diners adore the sandwiches, made with meats and cheese imported from Italy. “A stop in San Francisco should include a quick sandwich from this local favorite. If you want to see how popular this place is try to get in there during lunch. Lines can be ridiculous. They have some of the best Italian dried meats this side of the Atlantic,” a TripAdvisor diner writes. “The Worlds Best Sandwich,” adds another. “When in SF, Molinaris is a must. Small Italian deli, grab a french roll and wait for your number to be called. Loads of sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, basil pesto, your choice of meats and cheese adorn every sandwich.”
Di Palo’s Fine Foods
Di Palo’s Fine Foods has been family-owned and operated since 1925. The New York City Little Italy spot specializes in Italian food and wine. “Insanely delicious chicken cutlet, Good mozzarella and focaccia,” a Redditor says. “Just had that cutlet on Friday hot and fresh, What a perfect cutlet,” another agrees. “The wonderful thing about the food at DiPalo’s is the care taken on everything. They are known for their house made mozzarella. They could easily glide on that. But their cured meats are from the best producers, sliced to order (unlike eataly). You get the prosciutto there and it’s ethereal. You get the speck and it’s not dry on the edges from low turnover like most places. Their prepared foods are like a person actually made them with care – the cutlets, the meatballs, the roasted peppers that still have black edges from a grill. Just everything. And the price points are actually reasonable. That’s what going to a family business is all about,” another adds.
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Bay Cities Italian Deli
One of the best Italian sandwiches I’ve ever feasted on was at Bay Cities Italian Deli in Santa Monica, California. I remember the first time someone took me there for lunch, and I waited what felt like forever for a sandwich dubbed The Godmother. Traditionally, I’m not a fan of mixing meats. However, upon the first bite, I realized there was a reason people traveled from all over to feast on this beauty. Layers upon layers of freshly sliced, high-quality Italian meats, the best provolone cheese, crisp veggies, and freshly baked sub bread, all doused in salt and pepper and oil and vinegar. I’ve honestly never had a better one, and many people agree.
RELATED: The 7 Best Sandwich Chains in America, Ranked by Diners
DiPasquale’s
With three locations in Baltimore, DiPasquale’s, established in 1918, is Maryland’s top spot for Italian sandwiches. The famous Real Italian sub is stuffed with salami, peppered ham, mortadella, capicola, and provolone and should be ordered “with everything,” which includes oil, vinegar, DiPasquale’s blend of spices and cheese, hot peppers, onion, lettuce, and tomato. The Santino is another customer favorite. “Its the only legit sandwich shop in md, but its 100% legit. Their italian is amazing. They also make their own bread, so there you go,” a Redditor says. “That sandwich brings me back. When I was a kid I would get that, the real Italian, or the Monticello,” another adds.
Guido’s
Scottsdale, Arizona isn’t a city you would expect to find a next-level Italian deli, but Guido’s is proof that it’s possible. Guido’s Chicago Meats & Deli has been a hot spot in the state since opening in 1983, winning endless awards. “This place is like walking back in time in Chicago. Employees are welcoming and the ambiance is lively. The food is so fresh and tastes like a slice of Heaven,” writes a Yelper.
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