9 Massachusetts Italian Delis And Markets In Greater Boston With Sandwiches Worth The Drive
One North End shop opened in 1962 because a new mom wanted her baby son to grow up eating the foods of her Italian homeland. I love that a whole store started with a single family wish.
That kind of story keeps popping up around Boston. One Revere spot hangs salamis near its produce.
A Somerville counter opens before sunrise on weekdays and stacks its subs on braided sesame rolls.
I can’t think of a better excuse for a Massachusetts road trip. You get imported cheeses, fresh pasta, and cutlets that barely fit inside the bread.
Plus, you get to see a different neighborhood at every stop.
So which sandwich deserves the first spot in your lunch plans? It might be a classic Italian loaded with cured meats.
Or maybe it’s a chicken parm big enough to share, if you’re feeling generous.
1. Salumeria Italiana
A store born from a mother’s love for her homeland? That’s the sweet backstory of this North End classic, opened in 1962.
The idea was simple. Its founders wanted their baby son to grow up eating the foods they loved from Italy.
Today, the front of the shop is packed with imported groceries. You’ll spot olives, olive oils, vinegars, pastas, and jars of tomato sauce.
The cured meat lineup is serious business. Look for Prosciutto di Parma, sopressata, mortadella with pistachios, guanciale, and bresaola.
Now for the part your stomach cares about. Behind the deli counter, fresh panini are made to order during lunch hours.
The La Donna is a top pick worth knowing by name. It layers prosciutto, mozzarella, roasted red pepper, tomato, basil, and olive oil.
Craving something heartier? The Panino alla Porchetta brings savory roast pork into the picture.
Keep in mind that this is more of a quick stop than a long sit-down. Grab your sandwich, then stroll the narrow North End streets while you eat.
It’s also smart to shop while you’re here. A wedge of cheese or a bottle of good olive oil makes a tasty souvenir.
Hours run Monday through Saturday, with a shorter Sunday schedule. Point your map to 151 Richmond St, Boston, MA 02109, and let the panini hunt begin.
2. Bob’s Italian Foods
Deli and butcher shop in one building? Medford got lucky, and so does your lunch.
Bob’s Italian Foods is an old-school spot for Italian provisions and hearty sandwiches. It even runs a catering operation for bigger crowds of hungry relatives.
Start with the Italian subs, because that’s where this counter shines. The Italian deluxe is the fancy cousin of the classic.
Chicken fans have options too. The chicken cutlet parm comes out huge, and some combos pair a cutlet with meatballs.
Speaking of meatballs, they’re a big deal here. The menu even highlights cheese lasagna with meatballs for anyone who wants a fork-and-knife meal.
Shelves hold handmade pasta, salami, imported meats, cheeses, and oils. There’s also a lineup of cook-at-home pasta items for easy dinners later.
Need fresh cuts for the grill? The butcher side covers that, so you can shop for dinner while lunch is being wrapped.
Friendly, personal service is part of the charm. Ask questions and let the counter crew point you toward their favorites.
Free street parking nearby makes the stop simple. Saturday opens at 8 AM, which is a great excuse for an early sub run.
It’s a Massachusetts deli with real staying power and plenty to bring home. Set your course for 324 Main St, Medford, MA 02155, and bring an empty cooler.
3. New Deal Fruit Inc
Don’t let the word fruit throw you off. This Revere market hides one of the North Shore’s most talked-about sub counters behind the produce.
Yes, you can still fill a bag with fresh fruits and veggies. But the deli is the real reason to plan a detour.
Here’s your must-know order: the top shelf Italian. It’s stacked with premium meats and is a big reason the place is famous.
Want something warmer and crunchier? The Neopolitan piles a chicken cutlet with prosciutto, mozzarella, red peppers, and oil.
Plain chicken cutlet subs are on the menu too. So are meatballs, which make a solid backup plan if you can’t decide.
Look up while you shop. Salamis hang above the counter, and fresh-made pasta waits for your dinner plans.
Gourmet Italian groceries fill the aisles as well. Imported ingredients make it easy to cook an Italian feast at home.
There’s no dine-in, so think picnic. Revere Beach makes a pretty tempting spot to unwrap your treasure.
Parking is simple, with a free lot and free street options. Long hours, from 8 AM most days, give you lots of chances to swing by.
Breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner sub? You choose.
Head to 920 Broadway, Revere, MA 02151, and grab extra napkins.
4. Fasano’s Marketplace
Can’t decide between a sub, a slice, and a salad? Fasano’s Marketplace in Braintree basically says, why choose?
This Italian marketplace and deli covers a lot of ground. Fresh sandwiches lead the way, backed by high-quality prepared Italian dishes.
The deli counter is loaded with marinated options. Those tangy extras are perfect for building a snack plate at home.
Calzones show up here too. So does pizza, if you’re feeding a group with different tastes.
Hot meals make it easy to skip cooking tonight. Just pick up dinner, take it home, and act like you planned it all along.
A salad bar adds a fresher option to the lineup. It’s nice when you want something lighter with your sandwich.
There’s a bakery section as well. A sweet treat for the drive home seems only fair.
The whole place has an old-school, homemade style that fits the South Shore perfectly. It’s a handy stop on the way to or from Boston.
Bonus points for a restroom on site, which road-trippers will appreciate. Weekday hours run until 7 PM, with shorter weekend times.
Saturday mornings are a nice, relaxed time to browse. When the craving hits, steer toward 372 Washington St, Braintree, MA 02184.
5. P & K Delicatessen
Early birds, this one’s for you. P and K opens bright and early on weekdays, so your sub can happen before most people find their car keys.
This old-school Somerville deli has a signature move. Its subs come on braided rolls, often with sesame on top.
That bread makes a big difference. It holds up to generous fillings and adds a toasty, seedy bite.
Start with the Italian on a braid roll. Exceptional Italian meats and cheeses do the heavy lifting here.
The roast beef sandwich is another standout. It comes with a subtle kick from the sauces.
Meatball subs are on the board too. And the chicken salad sandwich is a nice pick if you want something cool and creamy.
Portions are big, so plan accordingly. Half now and half later is a totally respectable strategy.
Here’s the key planning tip: weekday mornings are the surest bet, so check weekend hours before you go.
Free street parking keeps the stop easy. It’s a quick grab-and-go kind of place with neighborhood roots.
Somerville is full of fun places to wander after lunch. Start your sandwich mission at 244 Beacon St, Somerville, MA 02143.
6. Tutto Wellesley
Fancy town, honest sandwiches. Tutto Wellesley proves suburban Massachusetts knows its way around a deli counter.
This Italian deli serves authentic sandwiches plus prepared specialties. Meatballs and lasagna lead that second list.
So what should you order first? The Italian sub is the crowd favorite, and for good reason.
Meatball fans get a treat too. The meatballs come in a fresh sauce that tastes like Sunday dinner.
Craving something lighter? The caprese sandwich keeps it simple with classic Italian flavors.
The chicken parm is another must-try. It’s the kind of hearty pick that makes a long drive feel smart.
Fresh bread arrives daily, which helps every sandwich shine. The shop itself is clean and neat.
Shelves hold authentic olive oils and pastas from Italy. You’ll also find imported meats, cheeses, and Italian-made Nutella.
Plan your timing carefully. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sundays and Mondays.
Street parking is available, with free and paid spots nearby. Wellesley’s downtown makes a pleasant place for a walk afterward.
A sandwich, a stroll, and a jar of Nutella for later? That’s a solid afternoon.
Find it all at 570 Washington St, Wellesley, MA 02482.
7. Peppino’s Italian Market
A NEW old world Italian deli. That’s how Peppino’s describes itself, and honestly, it’s a pretty charming mix.
This Melrose market is built for both eating and shopping. Pop in for a bite, then browse your favorite Italian specialties.
The Italian sub earns plenty of love. It’s the obvious first order for anyone new to the place.
Pizzas join the sandwiches on the menu too. That makes it easy to please a group with mixed cravings.
Morning person? Peppino’s serves breakfast and coffee starting at 7 AM on weekdays.
Unlike many delis, you can actually sit and eat here. Dine-in is an option, and the mood stays casual.
It’s good for kids, which helps on family outings. Dogs are welcome outside, so your pup can join the adventure.
The Italian imports are worth a slow look. Grab pantry treats to bring the trip home with you.
Catering is available if you’re planning a party. A tray of sandwiches always makes friends.
Most days close in the mid-afternoon, with Friday running until 6 PM. It’s closed Sundays.
Plan your lunch break around 954 Main St, Melrose, MA 02176.
8. Fulciniti’s Market
Sausage, peppers, and a soft sub roll make one tasty argument for visiting Waltham. Fulciniti’s Market is ready to make that case.
This local Italian grocery and deli serves signature sandwiches and pizza. It leans proudly into old-school classics.
The sausage and pepper sub is a highlight. Chicken parm is another favorite worth trying.
Prefer cold cuts? The deli sandwiches and subs cover that, made fresh and stacked with care.
Pizza slices make a quick lunch even quicker. Daily specials add a little surprise to your visit.
Service is fast, friendly, and respectful. That makes it a great stop when your lunch hour feels short.
The shop stays clean and easy to shop. Italian specialty market items line the space for your pantry.
Prepared foods are available too. Take home dinner and skip the dishes for one night.
Need it delivered? Delivery is an option, which is handy on lazy days.
Friday hours stretch to 8 PM, and it’s closed on Sundays. Waltham’s Moody Street area makes a fun next stop.
Start at 121 Hammond St, Waltham, MA 02451.
9. D’Agostino’s Delicatessen
Open seven days a week from 7 AM to 9 PM? D’Agostino’s basically makes sandwich cravings a no-excuse situation.
This Arlington landmark serves both hot and cold sandwiches. Salads and prepared Italian entrees round out the menu.
The Italian sub is a big draw here. So is the meatball sub, a classic done right.
Chicken parm fans should take note too. That sub ranks among the shop’s best-known favorites.
Grinders are a specialty worth trying. Call it a sub or a grinder, it still disappears fast.
Need dinner handled? Grab prepared foods like lasagna and heat it up later.
Hosting a party? Party trays make you look like the most organized person in the room.
The shop also sells pre-marinated meats. Unique frozen items let you stock up for future meals.
Expect a welcoming greeting and consistent quality. It’s a Massachusetts deli that keeps things friendly.
There’s no dine-in, so take your feast to go. A free parking lot and street parking keep the trip easy.
The Minuteman Bikeway is close by for a scenic post-sub stroll. Cap off your delicious road trip at 1297 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476.