I Finally Tried Molinari’s Delicatessen After Years of Walking By – Worth It?

I lived in San Francisco for over twenty years, and my grandparents immigrated to the city from China many years ago. I’ve since moved to Oakland, just a short BART ride away, and I still love returning to neighborhoods like North Beach to visit Molinari Delicatessen.

I’ve been to North Beach on several occasions, and I’ve walked by the deli too many times to count. Every time I walked by, I’d think, I need to try a sandwich here someday. I’ve heard many good things about the business, which put it on my must-try list. Finally, the day came, and I decided to find out whether Molinari’s lived up to the hype.

Quick Facts

📍 Location: North Beach, San Francisco

🥪 Ordered: North Beach Special (Dutch Crunch)

💵 Price: $18.50–$20.50 (As of July 2026)

⏱ Wait Time: ~20 minutes

⭐ Worth It? Absolutely

🥪 A Piece of Molinari Delicatessen History

After the 1906 earthquake destroyed the original Molinari Delicatessen shop, the founder, P.G. Molinari, rebuilt his business with the help of a collateral-free loan from A.P. Giannini, the founder of the Bank of Italy, which later became Bank of America. Molinari’s Deli is also one of the oldest continuously operating Italian delis in the United States. It was founded in 1896. 

On a past weekend, my boyfriend said, “Let’s go to San Francisco.” I thought it was a great idea! The weather had been beautiful, and thinking about places to eat, I said, “Let’s finally try Molinari Delicatessen.” Let me tell you – I am a HUGE sandwich lover. I’ve lost count of how many sandwiches I’ve eaten in my lifetime, and I know a good sandwich when I eat one. Naturally, I had high expectations.

On our way to Molinari Delicatessen, we spent some time wandering through Chinatown and eventually made our way to North Beach. When we arrived, my expectations were high. We got there around noon; yep, it was busy! There were nearly twenty folks ahead of us, but don’t let that discourage you — it moved much faster than expected.

Ordering the North Beach Special

Insider Tip: If you’re ordering a sandwich, be sure to grab a number as soon as you walk in. It’s easy to get distracted by the hanging salamis, pastas, focaccia bread, and more at this North Beach deli, but the staff will remind you if you forget.

Fortunately, the wait took about 20 minutes, and I was honestly surprised it didn’t take longer. The team behind the counter at Molinari’s was efficient and friendly. We both ordered the North Beach Special: one on a soft roll and the other on a Dutch crunch roll. Once we got our sandwiches, we walked over to Washington Square Park. It was a great spot to chill and eat our sandwiches. A local musician was performing a set of very chill tunes, ranging from R.E.M. to the Beatles and Bruce Springsteen, which perfectly fit the relaxed afternoon.

The Experience

Tasting the North Beach Special at Molinari Delicatessen

Once I took a bite out of the North Beach Special from Molinari Delicatessen, I thought this sandwich exceeded my expectations. It impressed me because all of the ingredients melded together to create a really balanced sandwich. The prosciutto was sliced thin and practically melted with each bite, and I could really taste the quality of the ingredients. (I’m still full as I write this!) The prosciutto was not too salty and paired perfectly with the sweet peppers and the smoky provolone. The Dutch crunch added the right amount of crunch, and the roll never became soggy. It outshines other sandwiches I’ve tried over the years. After trying it, I can completely see why this place has been around for generations.

What stood out to me was that the sandwich is simple, but done right. Every bite was balanced.

⭐ Is Molinari Delicatessen Worth It?

My take? Absolutely!  Easily one of the best sandwiches I’ve had. While the $18.50 to $20.50 price range may seem a bit steep, the generous portions and high-quality ingredients justify the cost. You’ll also find fresh focaccia, pastas, cheeses, salamis, sauces, and plenty of other delicious goods.

Spend a Day:

Before heading to Molinari’s, we started our day at the famed Dragon Gate entrance on Grant Avenue and strolled through Chinatown, taking in the sights and sounds – one of my favorite ways to spend a weekend.

Clockwise from top left: Washington Square Park and Saints Peter and Paul Church, St. Mary’s Square, Grant Avenue in Chinatown, and Old Saint Mary’s Cathedral.

Once you’ve got your sandwich, don’t worry if you can’t find a seat outside—there is limited seating. Instead, head over to Washington Square Park, just a short walk away.

We found a spot directly across from Saints Peter and Paul Church and enjoyed our sandwiches while listening to a local musician perform some folky covers, ranging from R.E.M. to Bruce Springsteen. It ended up being a relaxing day, spent in the city by the Bay.

After lunch, explore the area—go inside the church, browse the Italian markets, stop for a pastry or coffee, take in the historic buildings, and enjoy everything in between.

Looking back, I can’t believe I’ve walked past this place without stopping in. It completely exceeded my expectations, and I will be back the next time I’m in North Beach.

If you’d like to read about another deli on my list that I love, check out this article.

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