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Molinari Delicatessen
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Molinari Delicatessen
8.2
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Historic Italian deli (since 1896) known for stacked, made-to-order sandwiches on fresh local bread. Ideal for a quick, high-quality takeaway lunch that still reads as thoughtful.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Combo on Dutch Crunch, Turkey, Mozzarella & Pesto, Prosciutto with Fresh Mozzarella
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Legacy deli with premium meats, fast assembly, and iconic sandwiches.
Who should go: Busy pros who want quality in minutes
When to visit: 11:00–12:00 to beat peak sandwich rush
What to order: Italian combo, turkey–mozz–pesto, prosciutto caprese
Insider tip: Grab bottled sodas inside the market to speed checkout.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited along Columbus Avenue—arrive early or use nearby paid lots on Vallejo or Stockton Streets.
Dress code: Casual—expect locals in work attire and tourists in relaxed clothes; no formal wear needed.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly takeout traffic with minimal dine-in noise, easy to hold brief conversations.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a daytime operation, closes before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: 10–15 minutes during peak rush; faster before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—caprese and roasted vegetable sandwiches are solid meat-free options.
Vegan options: Limited—customizable sandwiches can omit cheese and meat, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free bread available; sandwiches are all on traditional Italian rolls.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going casual—great for a low-key lunch or walk through North Beach, not a sit-down experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations are taken; counter-service with a few outdoor benches nearby.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—quick service and simple sandwiches make it easy for families, though seating is limited.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and higher-quality ingredients than most sandwich shops in North Beach—ideal for professionals on the go.
Skip if: You want a full-service meal or indoor seating; try Original Joe’s instead for a more traditional business lunch setting.
Molinari Delicatessen
8.0
Historic Italian deli (since 1896) slicing cured meats and building loaded focaccia sandwiches. Shelves of imported goods make it a destination takeout stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Combo on Dutch Crunch, Renzo Special, Eggplant Caprese Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Century-plus deli legacy with serious Italian imports and sandwiches.
Who should go: Takeout lovers and sandwich hunters
When to visit: Late morning before the lunch rush
What to order: Italian Combo; Renzo; fresh mozzarella add-on
Insider tip: Grab a bottle and picnic at Washington Square.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—tight around Columbus Ave and Stockton, especially during lunch hours. Paid garage at Vallejo & Stockton is the closest reliable option.
Dress code: Casual—most guests stop by in everyday attire, from locals grabbing lunch to tourists exploring North Beach.
Noise level: Moderate buzz from the deli counter and street traffic; outdoor or takeaway eating keeps it lively but not overwhelming.
Weekend wait: N/A—closes early evening and operates primarily for lunch.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes at peak, faster if you arrive before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several sandwiches and antipasti can be made vegetarian (e.g., caprese, eggplant).
Vegan options: Limited—request veggie-only builds, but bread may contain dairy.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread; salads and antipasto plates are alternatives.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual shared lunch stop than a sit-down date—grab sandwiches and picnic nearby for a charming low-key option.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no formal tables or reservations; it’s counter service with limited sidewalk seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy sandwiches and quick bites; space is tight for strollers or large groups.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Italian deli experience and top-tier imported meats unmatched by most sandwich spots in the area.
Skip if: You’re seeking a sit-down meal, full bar, or evening dining—it’s strictly a daytime takeaway experience.
Molinari Delicatessen
8.1
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
A North Beach icon since the 1890s, this Italian deli builds towering sandwiches on classic rolls with imported meats and cheeses. Families line up for quick, affordable lunches and takeout picnics around the park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Combo on Dutch Crunch, Turkey-Provolone with Pesto, Eggplant Parm Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Historic Italian deli with best-in-class sandwich counter.
Who should go: Families picnicking in the park
When to visit: Before noon to beat the sandwich rush
What to order: Italian combo; turkey-pesto; eggplant parm
Insider tip: Order by sandwich number at the counter to speed things up.
Molinari Delicatessen
8.6
Historic North Beach deli (since 1896) turning out stacked Italian combos on quality breads with a choose-your-own-roll ritual. Expect a short wait, quick counter rhythm, and sandwiches built with house and imported cured meats.
Must-Try Dishes:
Molinari Special Italian Combo, Luciano Special, North Beach Special
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.5
What makes it special: Fourth-generation Italian deli famed for classic combo builds and salumi.
Who should go: Italian sandwich traditionalists and deli purists
When to visit: Late morning to dodge peak lunch line
What to order: Molinari Special; Luciano Special; fresh-mozzarella add-on
Insider tip: Pick your roll from the bread rack first to speed ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited metered spots on Columbus Ave, best luck early or in nearby residential streets.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; deli counter vibe with standing tables only.
Noise level: Moderate—lively lunch crowd and chatter, but conversation is possible.
Weekend wait: Closes before dinner; daytime only operation.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minute wait typical during lunch rush; faster before 11:30am.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—Caprese, eggplant, and veggie sandwiches available upon request.
Vegan options: Limited—possible to customize with bread, veggies, and condiments only.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread or prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional sit-down date—better for a quick, authentic bite or casual meet-up with a fellow food lover.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations or tables—it's a counter-service deli with limited standing spots and nearby benches for outdoor eating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy sandwiches; tight quarters and minimal seating make it less ideal for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Classic Italian cold cuts, authentic deli atmosphere, and historic North Beach charm unmatched by newer sandwich spots.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, gluten-free options, or a quiet place to linger.