Francolini's
Restaurant · East Riverside ·
Italian deli sandwiches with mortadella, chicken cutlet, and focaccia
Italian deli sandwiches with mortadella, chicken cutlet, and focaccia
"In 2023 Tara Francolini opened an homage to the Italian delis she knew in New Jersey, offering Italian-American sandwiches on Ralph Brennan Bakery rolls or housemade focaccia in New Orleans. Classics like chicken parm subs sit alongside inventive combinations such as the Gandolfini, an Italian-inspired muffuletta loaded with hot soppressata, fresh mozzarella, arugula dressed in hot Calabrian chile vinaigrette, and a spicy olive salad; the shop’s tagline—“Not everything from Jersey sucks”—sums up the playful confidence of the menu." - Raphael Brion
"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
"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). Don’t sleep on the mortadella here, either — the latest vessel for the thinly sliced meat is the Updawg, a brilliant bite with the addition of ricotta spread; there’s also a new turkey sandwich, the Florence. The shop might just be the most exciting sandwich development to hit New Orleans since the po’ boy." - Beth D’Addono
"I note that Francolini’s, which Greenleaf loves, offers sub-roll and focaccia sandwiches that are fairly specific to New Jersey and served as a point of comparison for the kind of sandwiches she missed from New York." - 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." - Beth D’Addono