Step into Francolini's, New Orleans' new Italian deli where house-made focaccia cradles mouthwatering sandwiches stuffed with top-notch meats, delivering a true taste of Jersey.
"Tara Francolini’s Italian-style deli sandwiches draw on her New Jersey upbringing, pairing meats like mortadella, salami, and soppressata with briny, tangy accoutrements like Italian salsa verde, marinated artichokes, and sweet pickled garlic. And though the cold-cut sandwiches shine, Francolini’s also offers exceptional hot sandwiches, like the “Uncle John,” stuffed with crumbled Italian sausage and gooey cheese; or the “Smoltz,” made with hot roast beef and horseradish aioli. Francolini’s is a shrine to the Italian delis of the Northeast." - Beth D'Addono, Clair Lorell
"Ask the staff at awesome Italian deli Francolini’s what their favorite sandwich is and they’ll likely mention the Underdog, named for its unexpected greatness. Owner Tara Francolini says most people have the wrong impression of mortadella, but her shop cuts it super thin and adds provolone, an unctuous salsa verde, and a pickle mix of garlic, broccoli rabe stems, and mustard seed on focaccia. Standout sandwiches abound at Francolini’s, like the classic Italian, the Gandolfini (hot soppressata, fresh mozzarella, spicy olive salad, and arugula with a Calabrian chili vinaigrette), and the Freddie Freeman (grilled chicken, pesto, fontina, roasted red peppers, and arugula in lemon dijon vinaigrette). The shop might just be the most exciting sandwich development to hit New Orleans since the po’ boy." - Beth D'Addono, Clair Lorell
"Great news for the legion of fans addicted to Francolini’s awesome Italian deli sandwiches. Quantities of ten to 25 of can be pre-ordered, either all Italian or a mix of three favorites, ranging from $149 to $375. Salads by the quart are also available, ranging from $16.99 to $26.99 — the Calabrian chili chicken is one winner. Fans of Francolini’s chicken parm can order family style for six to eight people for $65. Order online." - Clair Lorell, Beth D'Addono
"The team at Francolini’s needs 48 hours' notice for bulk orders of 10 or more of some of the best sandwiches on the planet. Order from the vast cold menu, like the Italian stuffed with imported cured meats and cheeses or the Dima, with fresh mozzarella, chicken cutlets, soppressata, and Calabrian chili. Vegetarian options too. Sandwiches are menu priced, but order 15 or more, get 5 percent off; 40 and up are 10 percent off." - Beth D'Addono
"A popular new Italian deli that has introduced online ordering, third-party delivery via DoorDash, and reintroduced permanent hours." - Clair Lorell
