Best Italian Delis In The Sacramento Area
(credit: dominicksmarketdeli.com)
Dominick's Italian Market & Deli
8621 Auburn-Folsom Road
Granite Bay, CA 95746
(916) 786-3355
dominicksmarketdeli.com
Dominik's has two different locations in the greater Sacramento area offering deli options. In Granite Bay, it's the Italian market and deli while the Folsom location is a NY pizza and deli. Thanks to a prior background in computer science, Dominick landed in Sacramento, and when his company wanted him to move again, he decided to ditch the computer science career and fall back on what he knew from his childhood in New Jersey – working in an Italian deli. Dominick's offers a giant menu of cold and hot hero sandwiches, paninis, soups, salads, pizzas, calzones and desserts. Be sure to peruse the menu online as the sheer number of hero sandwiches could leave you trying to decide for hours.
(credit: cortibros.biz)
Corti Brothers
5810 Folsom Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 736-3814
cortibros.biz
Corti Brothers was founded back in 1947 by brothers Frank and Gino. Their mission was to "expand the culinary experiences of Sacramentans" by offering a number of foods and wines not available locally. The hope was to get locals to appreciate diverse cuisines and different culinary influences. Frank's son became heavily involved in the business and was known for his encyclopedia-like knowledge of food and wine, earning him high praise from such noted food editors as Ruth Reichel (Gourmet Magazine) and Coleman Andrews (Saveur Magazine). He played a large role in the development of wine production in the local Amador County and, according to the Corti website, was even granted the "Italian equivalent of knighthood by the Italian Government for his efforts in promoting Italian products – one of which was the introduction of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale to America." If you have yet to try authentic traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy, be sure to splurge on a bottle at Corti Brothers. It's worth every expensive penny – drizzle over aged parmigiano reggiano, ice cream or fresh strawberries.
Sampino's Towne Foods
1607 F St
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 441-2372
sampinos.com
After nine years of providing gourmet produce, cheeses and more to the finest markets and restaurants in Sacramento, Sampino's decided to offer the same products for the home chef. Choose from ingredients to make your own recipes or take home one of Sampino's famous sandwiches or hot entrees like fried chicken parmigiana, chicken cordon blue or homemade meatballs.
Taylor's Market
2900 Freeport Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 443-6881
taylorsmarket.com
While not strictly an Italian deli, Taylors Market is a beloved part of the Sacramento scene. Opened back in 1962, the market offers some of the best deli meats and freshest seafood available in Sacramento. Be sure to check out Taylor's extensive selection of gourmet salamis like Creminelli Family's artisan Tartufo Truffle Salami, which is made with organic black truffles from Italy.
(credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Italian Importing Company
1827 J St
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 442-6678
As the name might suggest, the Italian Importing Company specializes in Italian eats and grocery products. One of the most popular items is the meatball sandwich, which comes with giant-sized meatballs, all for only $5.95. There's a different daily pasta special every day and Italian Importing Company offers a good selection of wines as well. Take some pressure off yourself for your next party and grab a few dishes to go for your guests. Everyone will love what's offered.
Erin De Santiago is a freelance writer and photographer currently based in Taiwan. To date, she has traveled to over 40 countries on four continents in search of the best food and wine around the globe. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.