America has its fair share of Italian delis and markets that serve amazing food.
New York has Faicco’s Italian Specialties, the Bronx has Joe’s Italian Deli and Lioni Italian Heroes in Brooklyn. While Philly has Pastificio and Vincenzo’s, Chicago has Tony’s Italian & Subs, Bari and J.P. Graziano Grocery.
Meanwhile, the West Coast is known for East Side Market Italian Deli, Rocco’s Italian Market & Deli and Eagle Rock Italian Bakery & Deli in Los Angeles and San Francisco for Molinari Delicatessen and Lucca Delicatessen.
And while one can expect Northern California and Southern California to have Italian deli and markets, located in Fresno, California is a local favorite and in my opinion, is one of America’s shining gems.
The gem I’m talking about is Sam’s Italian Deli and Market located in Fresno, California. So, popular and loved by locals and people who have traveled far for the sandwich experience.
And it was announced on March 5th that Sam’s Italian Deli and Market won “Best Sandwich” and “Friendliest Service” at the 28th annual Best of the Valley Restaurant Awards.
As a person who travels to try what many people consider “the best”, I was in Fresno and decided to give Sam’s Italian Deli & Market a try for lunch. I personally have read about Sam’s Italian Deli and Market for years but I was able to finally make it to the location.
Created over 30 years ago by Sam and Angela Marziliano, this is a place that cuts their own meat, makes their own pasta, breads, sauces, ice cream and carries an impressive selection of Italian wines, olive oil and meats. And of course, many other Italian food brands.
While Sam has passed away, Angela and her family have continued to operate Sam’s Italian Deli and Market, maintain its excellent customer service and one thing I’ve learned by talking to employees at Sam’s Italian Deli and Market is the passion they have to working at Sam’s. The employees are happy, they love the family, they are passionate about the sandwiches and the environment and it shows.
So, what about the wonderful sandwiches and food offered at Sam’s?
The first thing to do is to get a ticket and when they call out your number, you let them know what you want to order. I didn’t have to wait that long, despite the line, the place is ready to take your order in a matter of minutes.
Of course, asking those in line of what they recommend, it was hard because they love all the sandwiches. (Click here to see the sandwich menu – large jpg)
As I decided as I wanted to try the eggplant Parmesan sandwich but there was a consensus that the New Yorker Hot Pastrami Sandwich was a must!
It’s probably been a few years since I have eaten a pastrami sandwich (as I don’t eat much bread or red meat for dietary reasons) but I was willing to give this sandwich a try. I came for the best sandwiches and I was down to try the best!
Oh my…the melted provolone cheese on the thinly sliced seasoned beef brisket pastrami with grilled onions, the Sam’s Signature Dijon Sauce served on a crusty baguette roll with a dill pickle spear on the side.
A 5″ would cost $6.99, while a large 10″ would cost $11.99.
For meat lovers, other signatures include their Steak Sandwich with thinly sliced sirloin steak, sauteed with peppers and onions on a crusty rolle and topped with tangy swiss cheese, a Rosemary Ham Focaccia with Prosciutto Cotto, Havarti, Red Roasted Peppers, Arugula and Enzo’s EVOO. The Paisano Piccante Spicy_ with spicy Calabrese Salami, Spicy Capicollo, Casalingo Hot Salami, Provolone and Deb’s Smoked Jalapenos and a Muffaletta Sandwich with a marinated vegetable spread, mortadella, dry salami and provolone cheese.
For the vegetarians, there is the Griliata with marinated grilled eggplant, zucchini, red peppers and onions, the Cali-Caprese with house-made Focaccia Bread layered with pesto, tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, avocado, basil, balsamic glaze and Enzo’s EVOO.
They also offer a sausage sandwich, eggplant Parmesan sandwich, chicken Parmesan sandwich and a meatball sandwich. And they also offer a lot of deli sandwich varieties comparable to other deli restaurants and much more!
The time to get your sandwich is not long at all. Just a few minutes wait after paying.
Overall, this is a wonderful place to eat and do grocery shopping if you plan to make Italian dishes. I was appreciative of the family friendly business, caring customer service, clean establishment and the wonderful food without a long wait. Especially if people are coming for lunch and have to get back to work, I like the fact the place had good staffing and not a long wait at all.
Definitely a shining gem of Fresno, California and the Central Valley.
“Sam’s Italian Deli & Market”… Highly recommended!
