Molinari Delicatessen
(415) 421-2337
373 Columbus Ave
San Francisco,
CA
94133
37.7984
-122.4076
Neighborhoods: North Beach, Northeast
What People Are Saying About Molinari Delicatessen
The Editor
Joanna Currier
Citysearch
In Short
Tourists and locals alike make the pilgrimage to this old-fashioned Italian deli for its copious larder, authentic atmosphere and gourmet, made-to-order sandwiches. Old Country delicacies include heavy, dangling rows of genuine prosciutto and salami, fresh mozzarella di Bufala and aged Parmesan. Hard-to-find imported goods overflow on the shelves. To-go sandwiches feature top-shelf fixings such as sun-dried tomatoes and sweet bell peppers, and come hot or cold.
User Reviews
mahadragon
November 23, 2008
I've eaten at many of the small mom and pop stores, and some in San Francisco. Some of my best experiences have been at Mr Pickles, A.G. Ferrari, Lunardi's, Piazza's, Lucca Deli, and others that escape my mind. This one is right up there with the best. I've eaten here more than 3 times and the sandwiches are always very good to awesome. Might depend on what sandwich you order if you feel you are not getting a good experience. The salami here is perhaps the best in the state of California if not the west coast. It is so reknowned that you see Napa wineries selling Molinari's Salami as well as chains like Mollie Stone and Lunardi's. If you order a salami sandwich the salami itself is an experience, Their other meats, cheese, real sun dried tomatoes, and sourdough bread are also oustanding so I completely disagree that this place is overrated. Lots of people just don't understand a truly good sandwich experience. You slab a bunch of mustard and mayo on a dutch crunch roll, fill it up with pickles, onions, slice of tomato and half way decent piece of meat and they think they're in heaven. The special taste of the meats and ingredients at Molinari's is subtle, it's the little qualities that make it stand out from the pack. My dad used to take me here when I was little and he'd buy me a pastrami sandwich and they always tasted so good. Now I'm 38 and they still taste awesome, although the menu has changed. You don't stay in business this long in the heart of North Beach and Chinatown by putting out mediocre quality. If it was mediocre everybody would know it and nobody would stand in line for 45 minutes. This place has character and all the food they sell has just as much. I agree they could use some updates in their sanitation methods but to some people that's a make or break thing and it's probably why they got a bad review. To me, they are old school and I'm an old school person so it doesn't bother me. A little bacteria never hurt anybody.
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Anonymous
September 09, 2008
This landmark Italian deli smells, tastes, and sounds like the corner deli's of days gone by. Their cheeses and salamis are full of hearty flavor. Whether resident or tourist, it's a destination that's not to be missed.
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Lynnette001
May 06, 2008
San Francisco is my ancestral homeland. Whenever my little french grandma came to San Diego to visit, she brought a Molinari salami and a Boudain loaf of sourdough. They have the best salami anywhere. We order to be shipped to San Diego if no one is traveling to San Francisco.
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Category:
Restaurants, Grocery Stores, Catering, Delicatessens
