Molinari Delicatessen: Savor Authentic Italian Delights in San Francisco

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.

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!

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!

Wow, if you want to wait an hour go on a Saturday at 4! But after waiting an hour, the sandwiches we ordered were so worth it! The sandwich makers/meat slicers/deli professionals were super busy but still had time to help point out the wine I was looking for. I got the Luciano Special, I could only eat half, but the fresh focaccia and the salty prosciutto with the delicious mozzarella and hint of acid from the sun dried tomatoes and the lettuce helping to cut through the saltiness of the meat, I got one of the best sandwiches in my life. My husband ordered the sausage and pepper sandwich and devoured it, according to the noises he was making I had to assume he really enjoyed it. Im sure he mumbled something with a mouth full of sandwich declaring that the hour wait was worth it. Definitely a must stop if you are in Little Italy. It is San Fran, not the most budget friendly city but two sandwiches for $40 seems very reasonable especially for the quality that you get. If you love cheese they have a nice selection of those as well as other goodies available.

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.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An absolute San Francisco institution! You can’t say you’ve truly experienced North Beach without a stop at Molinari Delicatessen. Stepping inside this legendary shop on Columbus Ave feels like being transported straight to a classic Italian deli in New York or Naples. The Food: The sandwiches are massive and use the highest quality meats and cheeses. The North Beach Special is a masterpiece, but you really can't go wrong with the Renzo Special or the Luciano Special. The Bread: It’s all about the crunch! Grab your own bread from the bin at the back before heading to the counter—the Dutch Crunch and sourdough are iconic. The Goods: Beyond sandwiches, it’s a foodie paradise stocked with imported olive oils, house-made pastas, and a deli case full of incredible cured meats. The Vibe: It’s bustling, chaotic in the best way, and smells like heaven (garlic and aged provolone). There's no indoor seating, so do what the locals do: grab your sub and walk a block over to Washington Square Park for the ultimate SF lunch. Pro Tip: This place is popular for a reason. If you're visiting on a weekend, get there early to beat the rush, and remember to grab a number as soon as you walk in!

I bought 2 sandwiches a turkey basil sandwich with fresh mozzarella roasted bell pepper and sun dried tomatoes. The 2nd was a chicken cutlet with provolone cheese on a Ciabatta bread. Both sandwiches were delicious