Molinari Delicatessen
Deli · North Beach
373 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Highlights
Artisanal Italian deli with house-cured meats, cheeses & sandwiches
Artisanal Italian deli with house-cured meats, cheeses & sandwiches
"How we wish we could have visited this really special hole in the wall back when it opened just before the turn of the century. Today, they surely do things a little differently, but stepping inside definitely feels like stepping back to a simpler time. The sandwiches are uncomplicated and straightforward, but because of their high quality ingredients they couldn’t be any better, and you get to pick your own bread and bring it up to the deli counter! The selection of wine, cheese, oils and countless other Italian delicacies is extensive, especially for the size of the space." - Volume
"Molinari Delicatessen is in the North Beach tourist zone, but substandard money-suck this is not. The Italian spot is a temple of house-cured meats. Customize your sandwich, or go with something off the menu of specials—the Renzo, with silky prosciutto, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes, is our favorite. Settle in at nearby Washington Square Park, and munch away while you contemplate a gelato run for dessert." - julia chen 1, lani conway, patrick wong
"Molinari Delicatessen is a North Beach institution. But unlike a lot of the other spots on Columbus Ave., it’s not a tourist trap—the sandwiches are absolutely delicious. Walk in, pick your choice of bread (we like the soft roll), and order a sandwich stuffed with layers of their house-cured meats (the Renzo and North Beach Special are particularly good). They also have tons of wine to take home, along with pantry staples like pasta sauces and Italian snacks." - julia chen 1, lani conway, patrick wong
"It may not be top of mind, but having a go-to deli close to where you live is about as important as not cutting the tags off your mattress. If you have a friend eyeing apartments in North Beach, take them to Molinari for some of the best sandwiches in town. Remind them that they could come here every day on their walk to work or whenever they realize that the only bread left at home is those two awkward pieces at the end of the loaf. Lucca Delicatessen and Mission Cheese also do solid work if the Marina and Mission are on their radar." - will kamensky
"Satiate your cravings for loaded Italian sandwiches at Molinari, a temple of cured meats, cheeses, and olive oil–soaked condiments. The old-school deli is a prime spot to load up for a Washington Square Park picnic. Grab a number, pick your bread, and watch the sandwich magic happen. It’s hard to go wrong with the Renzo Special, a loaded combo of prosciutto, coppa (hot or not), milky fresh mozzarella, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes, though some swear by the grilled focaccia sandwiches. They’ve got fresh pasta on offer, too, along with pre-made lasagna and eggplant parmesan to cook up at home." - Dianne de Guzman, Lauren Saria
