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Molinari Delicatessen
Authentic Italian deli sandwiches and imported goods since 1896—a North Beach tradition.
4.8(5 reviews)
grocery-store
$$
Authentic Italian deli sandwiches and imported goods since 1896—a North Beach tradition.
Molinari Delicatessen is a historic Italian deli in San Francisco's North Beach, serving authentic sandwiches, imported meats, cheeses, and gourmet goods since 1896. Known for generous, flavorful sandwiches like the Molinari Special and Luciano Special, we offer a classic old-school atmosphere with friendly service. Beyond sandwiches, we stock a wide selection of Italian imports including salamis, pastas, olive oils, and wines, making us a go-to spot for locals and visitors seeking a taste of Italy. With a 4.7-star rating, we pride ourselves on quality, tradition, and a bustling deli counter that keeps the neighborhood fed.
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Handcrafted sandwiches like the Molinari Special and Luciano Special on fresh sourdough or focaccia, loaded with premium meats and cheeses.
A curated selection of imported Italian products including salamis, cheeses, pastas, olive oils, and wines for take-home gourmet experiences.
Freshly sliced deli meats, hams, and cheeses, along with pickled vegetables and salads, available by weight for custom orders.
Custom catering services for events and parties, offering sandwich platters, cheese boards, and Italian specialty items.
Quick, efficient service for grab-and-go sandwiches and goods, perfect for lunch rushes or exploring North Beach.
Authentic Italian delicacy Deli! Amazing sandwiches with a wide selection of deli meats and ham as well as cheese and pickled vegetables and salads. Very neatly organized and friendly service. Would definitely stop by again to grab a bite when exploring the neighborhood.
Vising SF and had to try the sandwich. I waited for 30-40 minutes. Good thing that I got to chat with a nice woman behind me so the wait felt quick. I got the Lucca Special. It was really delicious. For the price of $16.25, it is a huge sandwich and totally worth it. Highly recommend!
This sandwich requires a full hour of patience before you even order. Once it lands, though, it’s huge- I ate it for two days, so the $20 price tag almost behaves. One star off for the attitude toward delivery drivers. Feed people, not egos!!!💔 I’d be back… just emotionally prepared
Molinari Delicatessen is one of those places that defines North Beach. It’s been around forever, it’s usually busy, and it feels like it hasn’t tried to reinvent itself just to keep up with trends, and that’s a good thing. I’ve stopped here many times over the years to grab a sandwich to go, and it has always delivered. The atmosphere is classic old-school Italian deli, the staff keeps things moving, and even when there’s a line out the door, it goes faster than you’d expect. Let’s be honest, though, the reason people come here is for the sandwiches. My top picks are the Molinari Special Italian Combo, the Luciano Special, and the Grilled Focaccia Special, in that order. If you’re getting the Italian Combo, do yourself a favor and ask for it on gutted, toasted hard sourdough. And unless you feel very strongly against something in the sandwich, just say “with everything on it.” They’ve been making these sandwiches for over a century; they know exactly how to balance the flavors. The bread, the meats, the cheese, the oil, the vinegar; it all works. Beyond the sandwiches, Molinari also sells imported Italian goods, cheeses, salamis, pastas, olive oils, and wines, which adds to the experience and makes it feel like more than just a deli counter. But for me, it’s still all about grabbing a sandwich and walking out into North Beach with lunch in hand. It’s reliable, it’s satisfying, and it’s one of those places I’m always happy to recommend to visitors and locals alike.
I could eat this every day. Generous portions, I got 2 meals out of the focacia prosciutto sandwich Friendly staff as well! I have a dairy allergy and asked for no cheese so they encouraged me to sub out cheese for another topping. We got there probably between 1130-noon, as we were leaving it started to fill up with the lunch rush!
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