Molinari Delicatessen
Categories: Specialty Food, Delis, Sandwiches [Edit]
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill373 Columbus Ave
(between Grant Ave & Vallejo St)
San Francisco, CA 94133 (415) 421-2337
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Fri 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Wed-Thu 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Sat 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. - Menu: MenuPages
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: No
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Lunch
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
25 reviews
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
"As a local bodega, this place is the BOMB. I quickly based a menu around what fresh things I could buy from Mayflower when I lived across…" read more »
180 Reviews for Molinari Delicatessen
I have to admit. I have never eaten at sandwich here. I don't come for the sandwiches. I come for the spaghetti's, the cheese, meat ball, pepper chines, lasagna, and other delicious items. If you come on Saturday or Sunday at least get a number and wait almost 20 minutes for your turn. every Sat when I shop here I wait at least 20 minutes.
The service is great and they have great sandwiches which most people come only for.
I also buy Italian chorizos here. spicy and regulars.
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Molinari's hasn't been my sandwich spot of choice the past few years. I actually prefer Freddie's and Petit Deli when I'm in North Beach, but both places were closed when I was hungry for a sandwich- it was after 4pm.
I enjoyed a salami sandwich on a sourdough roll, less the mayo and onions. And sitting outside is always a treat, unless it's too cold. People watching on Columbus can be very entertaining...
Molinari's is one of the cornerstone establishments of North Beach. Authentically Italian, the place might be busy and packed but the guys behind the counter always keep their cool and crack a joke every now and again.
We have been buying their fresh pasta for the last couple years, and it's always fantastic. Two boxes of their fresh raviolis, with a matching amount of the meat sauce, is a perfect, simple meal for three (+ leftovers for lunch).
They have a great selection of olives, salamis, cheeses, and other Italian foods to accent your meal. The biggest problem is that they aren't open very often. The place closes down early, so the best time to get there is during the day on the weekend.
Sandwiches are great too, by the way, but too many people end there - this place has so much more to offer!
Have been here a couple of times while hanging out in North Beach and I have to say it's wonderful. Can't beat the smell when you walk in and peruse all the wonderful Italian Meats and Cheeses...Great sandwiches!
Wow, just thinking about writing this made me decide to go here for a lunch of caprese samdwich... SOOOO good, but sometimes really really busy. The guy from Philly in the office thinks this place is the business, and as I have never really known anything but Genova in the east bay and the odd pizza shop in NYC... I'm happy with what I get and what I can buy there!
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Came here at noon on a Tues worried about the line. Surprisingly, there were only a few patrons so we were helped right away. Maybe the loud construction outside is driving people away.
I was overwhelmed by the selection and asked the guy what their most popular sammie was. Ended up ordering the $6 special on french bread - yum and oh so cheap! They sure do give you a lot of meat in that sandwich.
Will definitely come here again - I've paid much more at lesser joints so it's a great deal if you don't go nuts with one of the fancier sammies.
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Other than Freddie's Sandwiches, Molinari Delicatessen of Columbus Street was another of my favorite spot to have a good sandwich. My favorite sandwich would be a sourdough bread with salame and mortadella and mozzarella cheese with mustard and mayo on top.
The one thing, that I like about Molinari if it starts getting really crowded you would have to take a number which is good because that makes it easier for the sandwich makers to call out the number other than the customers waiting on a very long line to order on what kind of sandwich that they want to order.
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Oh I love this place.
They have all the regional italian food here. Prociuto di parma was awesome!! The cheese selection is awesome, the deli line is awesome, the sandwiches are awesome, the home made pasta is awesome, even the frozen pasta is awesome. Everything's awesome! Hearing the conversations in italian is awesome.
Here's a conversation with the owner:
"Ha la mozzarella di buffala?"
"No, you ask me? no."
"Do you know where I could get it in the city"
"No, you ask me? no...e...no! you try trader joe's, you ask me? no. I have no mozzarella di buffala. You ask me? no. no. no."
(......m......ok......i hope you don't kill me cuz you look like a mafia in the Gad Father.....)
I love it here.
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The people who slice here put on a great show and the selections are too many, too awesome, to work your gut through without eating here twice a week for a few years. That's a lotta pork.
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Molinaris has a lot going for it:
1. Location right in the epicenter of North Beach.
2. History - Been in Biz since 1896? I wonder what it was like then.
3. Ambience - has that old school hanging salami thing going for it.
4. Thriving (surviving?) in a town where most italian deli's generally have no clue.
The only bad thing I can really say about it is that it ain't NY. Growing up on italian deli's that were owned and operated by people that looked and acted like real life soprano's, I've seen and tasted better. Not because they looked and acted like sopranos silly, because they knew how to do italian food. This isn't a knock on the place, it's just the facts. Bada bing bada boom.
Regardless of what it ain't I still think it's one of the better places to grab a sandwich in all of SF.
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While Molinaris can rightly be called touristy it is by no means a tourist trap. A stop here on the way back from work is a must for me. I pick up a pound of fresh pasta, some pesto sauce on occasion, some fresh mozzarella, etc. Also, great olive oil, a step up from TJ in quality and much more reasonable for the quality than Safeway IMHO. Yes standing in line during lunch is lame, but the sandwiches are phenomenal. Also, try some of their more unique cured meats like the bresaola (cured beef) it's worth the steep price. I also prefer this place to Palermo deli, which is less touristy but somehow also less satisfying.
Minus one star however for being closed Sundays and the early closing (5:30, but I've come by at 5:15 just to find them closed).
This place gets busy on the weekends, but, their system is pretty efficient and the wait of 12 people in front of you goes by super fast as the staff is quick yet the quality of the sandwich is preserved. Hard to find service like that these days.
Tips:
1. As soon as you get there, make sure you grab a number.
2. After you grab a number, make sure to go to the bread bin and pick your choice of bread.
3. Be ready when they call your number. They call em quick.
4. Make sure you know exactly what you want to keep the system rolling.
As far as the sandwiches go, I'm pretty sure you can order pretty much any type of sandwich from here and be 100% satisfied.
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Sometimes, I miss the east coast. Not the cold winters or the humid summers...not the fast pace...or the traffic on the NJ Turnpike. What i miss the most are the great Italian delis. Molinari has the best Italian sandwiches in the city and by far the best ravioli (no offense grandma!) If you haven't been here, get there (and bring an appetite).
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Great sandwich. If Roxie did not exist, could be #1
If you live in SF, go during the week. If you want a good ravioli and meat sauce, this is the spot if you can't get to LUCCA on Valencia. Family style deli that is more famous than you may think outside of SF.
Chicken cutlet, add spicy copa, swiss on soft roll. So good.
Grab a number, know what you want before your number is up.
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!
This is the second best vegitarian sandwhich in the city of San Francisco! I love how they put it all together with marinated and roasted vegetables. The portions are ginormous and more than fullfilling.
Great little Italian deli!
I get cravings for coppa from Molinari. The staff is helpful and nice, they know their shit, they call my number in Italian, and they love that I love their meat.
Their wine selection is also fantastic--it's the first place I've seen a vermentino from Liguria in the US--ever.
The only thing is that I get a little sad when i forget they're closed on Sunday and show up hoping to stock up.
Best Italian sandwiches....HUGE! with the roasted peppers, olive oil and vinegar....YUM! You walk in and feel like you are watching an episode of Soprano's....seems everytime I go there is usually older Italian women doing their shopping....variety of cheeses and meats.....
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This is absolutely, bar none the best Italian shop in San Francisco.
Let me tell you why.
Every weekend or so a few buddies and I (we all live around inner richmond) jump on longboards and make the trek across the city to eat here. It's a long way, but it is well, well worth it.
The breads are fresh and tastefully chewy in the middle with just the right amount of crispiness around the crust. The meats are sliced thin to perfection while you wait. Never have I had such a great combo of sun dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts. The spicy meats are particularly delicious. Walking into the place is great as well, as it is adorned with swinging sausages and dried veggies.
Granted, the guys behind the counter aren't going to give you lovey attention like you get at starbucks. They are there to make you your (delicious) sandwich and take the next number. There's a bin to pick up your bread and once you take your number be ready. They are good at what they do and they are quick, help them along.
Bottom line: This place is an absolute jewel. Here's to its continuing success!
Allow me to join the chorus of reviewers who love this place.
This place is super cute. Molinari's reminds me of the little Italian deli I grew up with in my tiny south suburban hometown. As everyone has said, their staff is so friendly and helpful. The deli guy always helps me plan out my whole dinner, complete with cooking tips and all! And the deli really is as fresh and delicious as everyone says - many of the items are their own special recipe.
I ordered the Italian sausage and peppers sandwich. It was this delicious a long sub with Italian sausage, tomato sauce, sweet peppers, and crusty bread. For $6, this was a great deal!
obnoxious sandwiches.
pepper shooters, marinated shrooms and arties.
Rosemary foccacia.
Awesome wine.
Chicken-parm to die for.
Originally from the northeast, I love my new home in San Francisco and hate those implants who talk about how things are better elsewhere. However, great bagels, pizza, and sandwiches are few and far between here in SF. Molinaris has taken sandwiches off that list for me.
The grilled focaccia sandwich is one of the most delectable things I have ever put into my mouth, and although my friends swear the italian is amazing, I have yet to gather enough strength to go there and get anything but the grilled focaccia....
If you are hungry, there is no question, San Francisco is a place that can feed you, and feed you well. Whether it's cheap eats or gourmet dining, San Francisco can be called a food mecca. Am I biased, not at all, but I live here!
When I moved across the continent to the East Coast in 1999, after a short while, there was one thing I really missed, one thing I hungered for. My mouth watered for bacon and not just any bacon, pancetta Italian bacon. A delicacy not unique to San Francisco, surely? Of course not, depending on where you live, there is usually a good italian deli, usually an ability to find a decent salami and succulent italian sausages. But good hand cured pancetta, that's an entirely different story.
I lived too far from Washington D.C. to get to Dean and Deluca for goods and let's face it, good though they may be, they are also overpriced. I also lived out in what would be considered the sticks, so I was nowhere near a deli and Safeway's deli counter had nothing so esoteric as pancetta. What's a girl to do?
I did what any hungry person would do, I found a way! If I was flying back to San Francisco for a visit, I always included a stop in North Beach to my own holy grail of an italian deli, Molinari's for pancetta, which I then froze and carried lovingly in my luggage and doled out as slowly as I could manage. At this I was not successful and it never lasted nearly as long as the cravings. I induced friends to do the same, or people in the San Francisco branch of the law firm I worked for, yes, I was desperate, I would have them freeze and send me pancetta through inter-office fedex.
So, now eight years on, I am returned home and it was not too long before I found myself making a pilgrimage to the mecca for all things good that are Italian. Molinari's on the corner of Columbus (cross Vallejo). It is a well known spot for people working in the Financial District to take a short hike to Molinari's for a delicious hand-made sandwich at lunch time (remember, take a number and pick your roll for your sandwich in advance folks).
Enough about me, though.
Molinari's has all sorts of delicious prepared foods, fresh pasta and Italian goods on the wall, you almost feel like you've stepped back in time to an old-fashioned grocery. As a matter of fact, you have. Molinari is 100+ and going strong, Thank God. If it's a sandwich you want, go here, if you want to stock your pantry, go here, if you want the most delicious domestic salami and other delicate cured meats, go here. There is no better spot in SF to satisfy that rustic craving for cured meats and cheeses. The wine selection is pretty good. The guys are friendly, helpful with questions and quick as they can be and it's entertaining just to shop there. I love Molinari and, unless you're a vegan or dead, you'll love them too, trust me on this one.
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My quest for the new "Phat Hippos' Best Deli" is still an ongoing failure. One big reason, Molinari's. Few come close to Molinaris, and many have failed. So snag your number, head for the bread trough, and make sure you know what you want. Don't be an idiot and ignore the boys behind the counter calling your number.
Hands down, my favorite deli in San Francisco. It's even better than Genova's Deli in Oakland. Monster sandwiches, with premium meats hand sliced to order. The herb seed bread is my favorite, but the foccacia upgrade is always another great choice. The cold foods are a plenty. The pasta salads are creamy and darn tasty. Mortadella, Head cheese, Roast Beef, supreme slices of Prosciutto, Coppa, Salami, you name it baby; the meat is all that, and a bag of chips. They're always consistent with the right amount of everything. My father told me stories about an amazing ox tongue they used to carry back in the days. I'm sad that its not there, but I mean this place was up and running since the 1800's. If your unsure, the Italian sub is a must try. A little bit of the best they have all in one packed sub.
The fresh pasta's are a must take home for the home cook. Light, almost airy with a heavenly texture, the reasonably priced pastas are ohh so yummy. Fresh pastas cook fast so be careful not to over cook. There are many great selections of wines, specialty cheeses, oils, vinegars and other specialty items. I've had my eye on the big bag of dried porcini mushrooms.
Women, I suggest flirting with the boys behind the counter. The boys seem to provide a "little extra" for a smile. It's sad that it doesn't work for me, but I'd come back any day. It's worth the wait, and the money. Molinari's please don't ever close, for I have no other to turn to. Thanks for being the most amazing deli in San Francisco. This place does it right.
One of the best deli's. And I grew up in a blue collar town in NY. The guys don't gush with service, but they are as rough around the edges as some say they should be. Palermo's is great too, but Molinari's has them on selection and scale. Their ravioli is amazing. The deal is the foccacia bread substituted for your roll. The sandwich is 2 meals.
I love the north beach special, keepin it old school with the italian mix, and the sausage with pepper onions and provolone.
Nothing like sitting in north beach on a sunny day eating a fine sandwich with a san pellegrino soda.
As expected, it was packed but what's a little wait for a good sandwich?
If you are new to this place, be sure to grab a number first THEN go pick out your own roll in the plastic bin. When your number is called, please promptly hand over roll and order - do NOT be undecided when your number is called, it's very annoying for others waiting in line!
The Italian combo was good (but we still miss Panelli Bros. - they used to slice everything fresh when you order the sandwich). The Luciano looks very good and will have to try next time among other stuff.
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Love the Garlic Rosmary Turkey with swiss.
Bread is super fresh.. and the service is quick considering how many people are waiting in line for a sandwich during lunch.
Molinari's is way high on my list of favorite places to eat in the city.
The best way, IMO - go a tiny bit after the lunch rush, on a weekday, late spring or summer. Grab a roll from the bin. Hand it to the guys behind the counter and tell them what to put on it - preferably something with salami and provolone. Go with one of your favorite people or with one of your favorite novels. Sit at one of the rickity little tables out front, eat your amazing sandwich, and watch the world go by.
Repeat as needed or (if you're me and have to live somewhere else) whenever you're in the Bay Area.
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SANDWICHES... I agree. take you bread, take a number and join the queue. No complaining. It's gonna be a great sandwich.
While you're there you should definitely stock up on fresh pasta to take home for dinner. The Lasagna is killer, especially the vege. Same goes for the fresh ravioli, & tortellini.
The cut meats - five stars.
Olives - 4 stars
My personal favorite .... White Sardines. They're pricey but great.
I hate to write this review, because the last thing I want is more people going to the best Italian deli in North Beach, but with 155 Yelps, I suppose the word's out.
Molinari's is really quite good. Is any place perfect? No, of course not. This place is kinda packed most lunchtimes. But otherwise, the sandwiches are authentic, the meats fresh and thinly sliced, and the "take a number" service moves pretty fast.
I've lived in North Beach for almost two years, and Molinari's is still the best Italian deli food you can get in the immediate area.
Grab some bread, meat, cheese and wine and head over to Washington square park and enjoy the afternoon.
This is one of, if not the best, deli's in the city. Great meats, killer sandwiches, real bread. Good Italian wines. All at decent prices. The prices have gone up over the past few years, but so has everything else.
So follow the directions and be ready for a wonderful meal.
Now I can hear you asking why only 4 stars. Well, parking in the area is a drag. On weekends, get there early or be prepared to wait behind rude and clueless tourists.
Even with those drawbacks, still well worth going there often.
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Delicious meat sandwiches. I just consumed the tasty meatball parm on a crusty roll that has made me a very happy camper. I now want to curl up in a ball under my desk and lick the remaining remnants off my face.
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Without question, the best Italian Deli in San Francisco. The commandments:
1. Thou shall select your own roll from the bin
2. Thou shall order the Renzo's Special
3. Thou shall honor thy old deli manager and order promptly when the store is busy.
4. Thou shall take a friend with you to snag an outdoor table while you order.
5. Thou shall enjoy people-watching while the multi-national crowd swarms North Beach.
6. Thou shall also order home-made tortellini and cook it thyself for dinner.
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Prosciutto foccacia special... that thing is like an UFO kekek!! The sammich is mucho mucho delicious! That thing is so huge that I can totally split with someone and still be mucho full! The Raviolli are so good and easy, add some vodka sauce, slice some mozzarella balls on top, dinner served. Also, the foccacia look-a-like herb bread in a bag is TO DIE FOR!! omg... just... omg....
Great place to grab a sammie for lunch. You can create your own...I always do turkey, hot salami, and fresh mozz......yummmmmmmmo!
Scholars maintain that the translation of this specific part of the Bible was lost years ago, but it is a widely held belief that when God created the earth, he said blessed are those who go to Molinari's, for they shall inherit the taste for divine Italian meats.
Molinari by far has the best sandwich in SF that I have ever had - a pretty lofty statement, but trust me. They have a delicious basil pesto spread, sun dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and fresh mozzarella to accompany any sandwich. They have about 10 different special sandwiches, but will happily create one specific to your tastes. I am a particular fan of their prosciutto, but all their meats and cheeses are wonderful. Not only do they offer a wide selection of high quality ingredients without the high price, but they also have delicious sides such feta stuffed olives, marinated red peppers (I can now no longer fully enjoy a sandwich without them), meatballs, prosciutto and provolone stuffed peppers and more. They have meat and marinara sauces you can by to accompany the fresh ravioli and fresh pasta they sell. Why ever would you buy pasta or pasta sauce in the grocery store again? Their ravioli is far better than most restaurants and is around $5 for a large box. If you're cooking Italian for guests, seriously go there. Maximum impression with minimal work.
Aside from the amazing food and wide array of Italian deli ingredients they offer, I was particularly taken by their friendliness and willing to help you get exactly what you are looking for. It's a darn popular deli, and they are darn busy on a Saturday afternoon, but every time I've been in there they have always treated me as an individual instead of a number. Something that is rare in the hustle and bustle of such a food-centered city. For example, I would go in there and say, I'd like a soft cheese, and someone would take the time to make recommendations and let me sample cheeses until I come to a decision I am happy with. When it comes to cheese, you do not want to mess around. They understand this, and I respect that.
God certainly smiled upon man when he created Molinari, for he knew we were going to be hungry.
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the best deli in town...no doubt. i used to go to this place when I worked in the financial district, and never got disappointed. their bread are fresh, choose what you like and follow that line to the counter to fill in what you want in the sandwich. for me, it's always a huuuuge sandwich for a small eater, but very satisfying. try their salads and some of their imported goods. i'm missing it...i have to go back just to bring old memories and to get their freshest sandwich deli....yummmm.
Some of the best Italian (Deli) food in the city. Great take home cuisine as well. Also check out their selection of high end Italian water in large glass bottles. Make sure to note that for sandwiches you need to choose your own bread before your order from behind the counter (in the middle). Overall a great choice for lunch and Italian water.
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Aw yes, this is the best and the most original deli in SF. Its not just the amazing handmade ravioli or the sandwiches that draw a crowd, its the history of the store and the handsome and smiling Joe M that make it worth your while.
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I feel like I just walked into a meat grocery in Italy. I get all my specialty meats and Italian food here. I love this place and dream about their Italian Combo!
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I would give 10 stars if i could. I'd even take every other star i've issued to a deli to give it to Molinari's.
I recently reunited with a deli i fell in love with 7 years ago. I had since traveled across Italy, and it just confirmed the way i felt about this deli. As i was in SF this past weekend, this was my first stop. I was very nervous that it wouldn't live up to my expectations from my last stop years ago. Was it all a dream, was it all hopped up in my mind on sentiments? Walking through the door just opened the flood gates of memories.
I think their service is awesome. The staff is very friendly and very accommodating. I had a North Beach w/ a little garlic/pesto kicker and it blew me away. Man, that is my perfect sandwich. Why don't they have an Italian Deli like that in LA? I can only hope it doesn't take another 7 years to get back up there.
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