Sam's Italian Deli & Market

Wow! This place is great! Such a great atmosphere! The staff are so friendly and helpful! This place is so busy, but the staff are so organized that you will be in and out in no time. The market is a cool place to browse while you're waiting for your sandwiches. They have everything you need for your authentic Italian style meals. Their menu is extensive,with a little something for everyone's taste. The sandwiches are well made with good quality ingredients and are very delicious. So if you're in the Fresno area and you want an authentic Italian delhi sandwich, this is your place! We definitely can't wait for our next trip through this area to try something new from their menu.

Went there for lunch. So surprised to see what that little corner store/restaurant had to offer. So many things to choose from , all authentic. A little price but definitely get what you pay for! I ordered the Net York pastrami sandwich and man, the best I’ve had! My bordered the grilled sausage sandwich and wow! So good! They’re variety of salads… I can’t wait to go back… this is a must!!!

That was a great surprise,finding this deli, i hear it has been there for years. They have a great selection of Everything Italian We had a fresh and fast made sandwich very tasty They are located on N First st Close to Clinton

Happy to have discovered Sam's Deli in Fresno. I've been back several times and have tried the pasta Bolognese, eggplant parm sandwich, pasta salad, and Alla Barese. I prefer the sourdough over their main bread. Pasta was surprisingly delicious.

First time waking in today place looked really nice I had seen the sandwiches online, I ended up getting the spicy paisano, and paid 16$ plus tax when I get home to bite into it the sandwhich was really dry ! No mayo no mustard! I called the store to ask if the sandwhich I ordered came with that becuase when you look at the menu bar it shows you what the sandwhiches come with, long story short man said that my sandwhich didn’t have mayo or mustard! Sandwhich was dry as hell

This place never fails! Every thing they sell is so delicious and their hot deli is the BEST. Their sandwiches are UNREAL. The wait is well worth it.

Local staple of Fresno. Great quality sandwiches & other food options for dine-in & take-out. Pizza, calzone, eggplant Parmesan, pasta options to go. Wine, beer, soda options.

Wonderful market and restaurant! They have three different types of high-quality prosciutto, for instance. Also, whoever slices the prosciutto is a master. Thank you for everything, see you every time. I’m in Fresno!!!

It's really good but the prize are a little high. Over all they have good sandwiches!

I absolutely love this Italian meat market. The smells that come from inside of there are truly magical. I remember eating lunch here with my Mama when she was alive. We always had a good chat sitting at the outside tables. Today I got my all time fave the Crudo. It has prosciutto and mozzarella with some pesto and arugula. The bread is delightful and so delicious! I paired this yummy sandwich with the shrimp salad and a bag of kettle brand honey Dijon chips. Grabbed a chocolate chip cookie and a lemon flavored almond candy at the register. My guilty pleasure. Hey I'm just a girl loving me some Sam's Deli! Stop in grab some spicy sausages or some anti pasta for that party later. The staff go above and beyond here. Take a number and wait for the deli counter or shop for some sides and wine. They also have premade pizza dough in bags and the best selection of stinky cheese. Mmmm this store is like my ultimate stop for all my holiday get togethers and special moments along with some self care me time eating a sandwich in my car!

Came here again but this time I ordered the Steak sandwich and boy was I blown away. I usually just get a sandwich for my husband and nothing for me, but my sister and her husband were in town so I was able to share hers. Sooooooo good. Nice and hot and on a crispy baguette. I'm hooked. I can't wait to come back!

Considering this place has been in Fresno all these years, I'm surprised I barely tried it out this year! And no wonder it's so busy. This is a charming market and restaurant out on First and Clinton, and their sandwiches are to-die-for. I've been 3 times in the past 2 months, and I've had the chance to try their New Yorker hot pastrami, the crudo, Parmesan fries, and Italian sausage and peppers. Everything tastes fresh, is made-to-order, and is unlike anything else we have in Fresno. The Crudo in particular is a delicious, filling sandwich that I'd come back for all the time! As for the shop itself, it's very cute and clean. There's outdoor seating and there's a wine bar where you can sit and get table service for your food. Everything was perfect, and the staff is particularly nice.

I just love their antipasto salad and their muffalata sandwich!! Just can't get enough of it. . Service is always on point there!! They definitely care about their customers. There was a man standing by the door the whole time with his dog and it kind of intimidates ppl cus you dk if the dog going to attack but the lady that works there kindly ask if he can move away from the door cus he was literally right next to it.. like in the way really. He got an attitude and lowkey seemed like he could've let the dog loose on her but luckily the other workers came out n helped her out. Smh some ppl crazy! Anyway besides all that the food is always delicious there.! N I seen they got some other sandwiches not on the main menu. They look so good, going to try them next time!

Coming from a foodie & someone who enjoys cooking, This place is beyond amazing! I love the authenticity here. They have so much to offer: it's a MARKET & a DELI, the staff is so friendly, and they're exceptionally Fast considering how busy they get. Ambiance is great, lots of regulars / locals come in here. Sandwiches so big you can share, but careful.. they're so good with will make you want the other half . I LOVE LOVE LOVE the seasoned pitted olives, I get them often

The best not so hidden gem for deli sandwiches, pasta, and all sorts of italian comfort foods. My most recent visit has me dining in their new wine lounge located in the back of the restaurant. This dining area is treated like a sit-down restaurant with a full waitstaff and set menu. We shared the garlic parm fries and the sausage and peppers. Pure magic from the crispy parm loaded fries to the huge portion of sausage and peppers. You can also order pretty much whatever you want from their deli and grocery menu and eat it in here. This includes wine, beer and other adult bevies. They also host wine tastings and other private events like birthdays and anniversaries!

Ok, this review is long overdue. The hype is real- this place hits every mark and then some. Sam's is always busy, and for good reason. I am like a kid at Disneyland when I visit Sam's! So much to see- the sandwiches are perfect, the cookies are legit and every pasta sauce I have tried has been worth it. When you walk in - grab a number. Don't worry if the wait time is too long, that just gives you more time to look at all the wonderful goodies you can take home with you after you get your sandwich. What makes their sandwiches so good? Let's start with the gorgeous selection of meat and cheese. I always seem to opt for the Italian salami and provolone Oh, and their bread! Don't get me started on the sesame seed bread they use . Do yourself a favor and grab a loaf to take home with you - if it even makes it home. You probably will snack on it as you are driving home. Don't be ashamed- we all have done it! The sandwich , chips and drink are more expensive than your basic sandwich shops , but you get what you pay for. When I add up everything else I take home on my visits, I am usually 50,00 to 60,00 invested. I love Sam's and I am going to say all things considered, they make the best salami sandwich I have ever tried! As a chubby half -Sicilian old guy- I have tried my fair share of them.

I've been to Sam's many times over the years and never wrote a review. It has changed a little over the last few years so even so would deserve an upgrade review. It is a deli/Italian market where you can buy sandwiches, deli items, salads, treats, Italian dinners, and the list goes on. If you want sandwiches to go or to eat in the little nook they have created inside, take a number and wait to be called. They will take your order, then you take the receipt to the cashier along with any other goodies, drinks etc you may happen upon on the way, then wait for your food. They also have salads and fries. We usually just got our sandwiches to go, but this time we sat in their indoor seating they created recently. It's a nice little nook filled with booths with a window to see their homemade pasta being made. I have always had their Sam's special which is filled with meat and toppings on a crusty baguette. This time I got their ham and cheese but it was a little bland. I would stick to the Sam's special or a hot steak sandwich in the future. They have also opened on the premises a sit down area to be waited on that serves pizza, wine, Italian dinners, etc., called Nick's wine bar cafe. We have yet to try the pizza but it's on our list and will definitely be back to try it. They also have a great selection of wine in their market. So whether you want a sandwich, meatballs, tirumisu, Italian market items, or wine, give them a try.

We stopped off this Italian deli right before we entered Sequoia. Kind of a mixed bag on this place. So what's super cool about this place? Its kinda a small Italian shop. You grab a number, shop around, place your order, pay and collect. Its practically on the numerous signs they got posted. They have a lot of nice things you can pick up while you wait for your sandwich. Drinks and appetizers. Kinda smart how they got it set up... We ordered the Sam's Special and New Yorker Hot Pastrami to go. The sandwiches tasted pretty good. The pastrami was definitely on the salty side, so have something to help wash it down. Downside? Everything took waaay too long. Start to finish took us 50min. We just ordered 2 sandwiches to go. Oh yah, we also got a bit sick that night. I'm sure we were the odd ones out, but kinda wish we weren't. Welp...we probably wont go back. Not that they're bad, it just didn't give us that great of an experience. We were probably more unlucky that anything...

I've been to Sam's Italian Deli a few times now.....and every single time I walk in, I'm hit with that amazing smell.....fresh bread, good meat, real food. It's the kind of place that makes your mouth start watering before you've even looked at the menu. You walk through the door.....and boom.....it's like stepping into a little corner of Italy tucked right into Fresno. The sandwiches? Always spot on. Full of flavor, great portion sizes, and made with quality ingredients. They've got a killer selection too.....you could walk through this place for 20 minutes and still keep finding things you want to try. The whole deli setup is just beautiful.....from the glass displays to the shelves of imported goods. Everything's clean, everything looks fresh, and it always seems to be packed. That should tell you something.....people know this spot is legit. If you've never been.....go. And if you've been.....go again. You really can't go wrong with Sam's Italian Deli.

Got our order taken quickly on a weekday afternoon and probably got our food within 10 minutes of ordering. The New Yorker Hot Pastrami and the Steak Sandwich were great. The bread was soft and fluffy inside with a nice crust on the outside. Loved how the cheese melted and how juicy the pastrami was. I thought it was a good size for being a "small" although a little pricey. I'm not usually a sandwich person but would definitely come back again.

10 out of 10 just go ! I was in town for work and ate there twice . Solid samiches made fresh Liked the pasta salad !

Man are their sandwiches loaded with meat! The have both hot and cold options! Not to mention the endless amount of wine, fresh cut meats and kitchen items. There are tables/booths for dining and a ticketing system for ordering. The place gets pretty packed around lunch so if you're going be prepared for a bit of a wait.

I crave this place all the time. I love when we come in town. This is our go to spot every time. Everything is always amazing. I can't wait to go back!

We stopped by to pick up some hot sopressatta salami. We stayed for lunch at their deli. The sandwiches were wonderful and when we got home, the hot sopressatta salami was fantastic. I have been going there once a year for 15 years now I would go more often if they were closer to where I live. the people there are super friendly and very helpful. We were going to eat outside because they have tables but once we ordered, we noticed they have indoor tables so we sat there. We are definitely going back as always. It's a very relaxing place to eat.

Today we were seated quickly at lunchtime on a Friday. One of my friends and I had salads for lunch. I had a cappuccino beforehand since it was a bit chilly outside when we came in. Yum yum. You can taste Italy here; it is exactly like it. I had the Italian chopped salad and she had the Caesar salad. Our other friend had Sam's special sandwich. With the special sandwich, you have a choice of sides, including potato chips, orzo pasta salad, or I think a green salad or a combination of those. My choice, the chopped salad was delightful. ChoppedRomaine, shreds of sliced salami, pepperoni, provolone. Garbanzo beans, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, chopped red bell pepper, pepperoncini, and Sam's marvelous vinaigrette. It was a joy. Service was rapid, and the ambience was conducive to conversation. As usual a fabulous Sam's experience.

Sam's Italian Deli is a Fresno staple! Their quick service makes it a great option to pop in for a sandwich. I got the focaccia sandwich and garlic parmesan fries that were both delicious. I also grabbed a trio of cannolis that were crispy and fresh. We sat in the back of the store at the tables while watching the employees make handmade pastas. I'll be back soon to grab fresh pizza dough and pasta sauce!

Sam's Italian Deli is one of Fresno's best "hidden" (but not-so-hidden) gems. The Chicago-style sandwich is incredible -- definitely a must-try. Their menu is full of great options, and the grocery section is packed with amazing finds you can take home. Don't skip their take-and-bake pizza either -- it's seriously good. If you haven't been to Sam's yet, go! It's the kind of place that quickly becomes a regular stop once you try it.

Still my favorite sandwich place. The staff is amazing. They also have to go options inside the store for dinners and such. The sourdough is amazing. They keep the place nice and clean. My favorite is the hot pastrami. I've had others but I always come back to this. Upgrade to sourdough. I heard a rumor we were getting another spot in the riverpark area which I would love so I don't have to travel but I haven't see it yet. Worth the drive!

If you want the best $10 sandwich in the state of California you gotta go to Sam's Italian deli. Exceptional service from an amazing staff. They're well trained, and totally service oriented. I had the chicken, meatball sub, it had four huge meatballs in it, and it was more than I could eat absolutely delicious.

I have had Sam's on my list for a long time but it's just not in my vicinity. Today I was in the area and decided to stop by and grab some lunch. I ordered a Turkey sandwhich online and then walked in and was amazed at all the items they have in the market! I grabbed some macaroni salad and a take n bake pizza for dinner. My kids picked out some cookies. My sandwhich was perfect and I love the macaroni salad. The pizza is also delicious! Service was quick too! They have a bunch of tables inside and outside(with misters on when it's hot) to sit and eat. I didn't look inside but it looks like they have a wine bar too. Will be back with the rest of my family!

If you're looking for an authentic and delicious hearty sandwich, this is the place. The store is clean, well stocked with amazing food. They never disappoint, even when the line is big. They work efficiently and create the best sandwiches. The deli counter workers are always so pleasant and never rush you. The spumoni ice cream...wow!!! Try this deli. You'll be glad you did!

Best place to grab sandwich in town! Wow! You can taste the quality, and oh so flavorful. I had the Sam's Steak Sandwich, it was loaded with meat, the peppers delicious and the bread fluffy and delicious. The fries are a must! It has a nice crunch and seasoned well. And you can't skip on the cannoli! What a great deli and market. If you are ordering food, I suggest ordering online on the website, be sure to order ahead to avoid long wait times.

Delicious-driving through but wish it were closer! Really great food and quick! Yelps said I need more characters so I'm just going to keep typing till I can send it, lol!

Best sandwich in town. Which one? All of them. Just come by they have hot and cold options pick your sandwich and don't forget to get a number as soon as you walk in. The service is amazing and you will not be disappointed. They have many things like meats cheese and fresh pasta.

Still solid as ever. Salami is still my favorite sandwich. Service is pretty quick and love the market and the options it offers. Busy but quaint.

Happy to have discovered Sam's Deli in Fresno. I've been back several times and have tried the pasta Bolognese, eggplant parm sandwich, pasta salad, and Alla Barese. I prefer the sourdough over their main bread. Pasta was surprisingly delicious. Food is solid. If you order ahead you can save wait time. I like the atmosphere, reminds me a bit of the delis in Brooklyn.

Been here before and I know the food quality is good. The guy who took my order was also super friendly and offered samples and recommendations. Because service and the situation that happened today I'm placing 2 stars. Wasted 30 minutes basically my whole lunch and received no food. Got my refund after it was confirmed they gave out my order to someone else. It was about 20 minutes already so I asked the cashier if they called out my name and she said some guy came up and grabbed the order already. Manager and cashier just said "It's unfortunate" and that their sorry. Took an additional 10 minutes to pull up and give me the refund. Cashier also tried to lie and switch the blame back on me when I said they should be handing out receipts to customer and confirming it when picking up orders. She said she had asked me if I wanted receipt in bag or with me and told me I told her to put it in the bag. I clearly remember she did not ask me if I wanted the receipt in the bag because I remember questioning where was my receipt but I didn't think/say anything at the time. While I understand it is a grab and go establishment with many customers coming in and out but take out the extra few seconds or minute to confirm with customer picking up the order to see if it's the right order for the right person. So basically anyone can come grab the order without paying/receipt.

Saw the reviews and decided to try. It's in a strip mall type place, with parking in the back. When you step inside, grab a number. Then walk around the huge counter and see what they have. Pay attention to what you order. We didn't know the bread would be on a sesame type bread which was just ok. I had the meatball and would have liked it in a French roll more. Perhaps I ordered the wrong thing because it wasn't as delicious as I expected. Too much hype from the reviews? The pastrami sure look good... maybe I'll go back and try it next time.

An amazing find in Fresno for delicious Italian deli and gourmet food items, and the wine selection is impressive as well.

This review is solely based on sandwiches... I feel the sandwiches here are strongly overrated. It's a place you want to be good as the hype is strong for some reason. There's a lack of texture, balance, and flavors. Cold cheese, cold bread, leaves a lot to be desired. There are far better sandwich places to consider.

Cassidie is the BEST! We ate at Nick's Café and she was the best server. She is so friendly and belongs in a sitcom or on stage. Her personality is just beautiful. We asked a lot of questions and found out she was not from here but from the coast. She was so knowledgeable and shared with us that their chips are homemade and that we could purchase them to go. I was actually there yesterday and found this out and today I came back to purchase two orders of their homemade kettle chips. I also found out that their pastas are made on Thursday and then frozen so I got several boxes of various pastas to take to my son's house today. Our sandwiches were huge even though we ordered small. I had enough for yesterday and today. I highly recommend coming here for lunch as they close at 5 o'clock, unfortunately.

Great service old school feeling Giant portions Highly Recommend for lunch dinner and dates

Was looking for a place to have lunch and this place came highly recommend and it did not disappoint. I had the Sam's special and it was outstanding. Soft bread and fresh meats and cheese. While eating Nick the owner stopped to ask how everything was. As I was walking through the deli I saw him talking to many other customers. He cares about his business and the customers they serve. I wish I wasn't flying home or I would have taken home some pasta and sauce. I highly recommend giving them a visit. You won't regret it.

This place has the best Butternut Squash Lasagna. It's one of my fall favorites. The service is very helpful and friendly. I also like their Italian chicken sausage.

I'm a sucker for delis. Those classic sandwiches made with quality ingredients, fresh veggies, a tasty spread, and the right bread are tough to beat. Bonus points if the deli is part of a market. A few more if they also sell some sort of alcohol. And just for good measure, see if they're a family-operated small business that has been around for years. Sam's does a pretty good job of checking my boxes. ___D E L I___ Take a number and wait for the deli to call out your number. Choose from a variety of hot or cold sandwiches. Decide on your sandwich size, bread, and toppings. Order any sides from the deli counter. They'll work on your order and the cashier will call your name when the order is ready. Sam's Special: Ham, Mortadella, Turkey Breast, Dry Salami & Jack Cheese. Served cold. Ordered with everything on it. This is what you expect from a well-made deli sandwich. A generous amount of meat. Fresh veggies. Enough mayo and mustard to make sure the sandwich is moist and flavorful, but not soggy. Their bread was acceptably soft, yet sturdy. Steak Sandwich: Thinly Sliced Sirloin Steak, Sautéed with Peppers & Onions, on a Crusty Roll & topped with Tangy Swiss Cheese. Served hot. This was my wife's sandwich and she loved it. It was tasty and pretty hefty. I appreciate that they did not skimp on the meat. Braciole: flank steak. Served hot. This was my FIL's sandwich. We liked this more than the steak sandwich. Partially because it was more flavorful. Partially because we don't normally see braciole offered as a sandwich. Potato salad: Tasty. Nice texture. Enough mayo. Nothing weird added. Would happily order again. Antipasto Pasta Salad: Tri-colored corkscrew pasta, artichoke hearts, summer squash, green zucchini, black olives, red roasted peppers, diced cheese, a combination of fresh meat, such as salami, ham and turkey, flavored with a traditional Italian vinaigrette. My wife enjoyed this. I thought it was just ok. I don't really appreciate having nicer cheese or meats in my pasta salads. Cannoli: picked up from the grab-n-go section. This was not filled to order. I do not know if they will make you a fresh cannoli. This was still pretty good. We liked the filling. Texture held up nicely. ___M A R K E T___ They sell wine. There aren't too many local options. Per the employee, the area was settled by Italian immigrants, so most of the locally produced wines are Italian-style wines. Plenty of sweet dessert wines. There are some specialty ingredients. Special flours, cured meats, homemade pastas, and some pasta-making tools. ___E X T R A I N F O__ -There is a wine bar connected to the market. If I remember correctly, they have more than one dozen wines available. You can enjoy your deli sandwiches there too. -There are two restrooms. One restroom is located in the market. Another in the wine bar. Sam's is a great place for lunch if you're just passing through or if you want some nice items for a picnic with friends. They also are good option if you're looking for some specialty ingredients for pasta at home. Sam's will always be an option for me if I'm in Fresno.

First time here after looking up sandwich places in Fresno and then found out it was highly recommended. It's now a must go to when I'm in town . We ordered: Sam's special was a great balance of flavors and textures to make the perfect simple but not simple sandwich! 5/5 Ham and Swiss sandwich Prosciutto sandwich Their market is so well kept, displayed and organized. Love how they have a little bit of everything yummy for a pasta night, pizza night, charcuterie boards, sandwiches and so much more with all their fresh options. Service was friendly and inviting .

I love this place, but the quality on the pasta is going down a little bit. I don't know what's happening. But over all still good. Love the little restaurant in the back gives you such a warm feeling.

Been wanting to come here for the longest time. The chicken parm sandwich online looked fantastic so that's what I had to get. Sandwich is large! I asked the guy at the counter about it and says it's made to order. Though it took a bit to be made, it was fantastic! Ate outside in the covered patio area. They also have an inside space as well as a wine bar. Only drawback is that they don't make a small.

The line is so long, as many want to get some of their delicious Italian food. We ordered the Cali Capri with turkey on a crunchy bread, which is a baguette. The inside was so good. Thick slices of fresh mozzarella, pesto, ripe tomatoes, ripened avocado and turkey! Yum. The baguette was not crunchy though, more on the soft side. To take home we picked up some sweet Italian sausage and a tub of pasta sauce. Will be trying that for dinner tonight! They have a real nice selection of root beers to choose from, so we picked up two of those. Very good choices. The people are friendly, the place is crowded with a low hum of talking. It was crowded, even at 1:30. After waiting for the sandwich, the checkout line was quick and friendly. I only took a point because I believe if the menu system crunchy or crispy bread, it should not be soft.

Delicious fried calamari, fries and pastrami sandwiches. Salads are delicious. Go early to avoid lines. Super fun to walk around and look at all the food.

Sam's has a great selection of Italian and American fare, from deli sandwiches to wine and ingredients for the home cook and ready-made and grab-n-go food. My favorites are the deli sandwiches and the pasta. You can't go wrong with any of the freshly made sandwiches. I recently ordered Sam's Special, London Broil Roast Beef, and Paisano Piccante, which were all delicious! There are so many options available to satisfy any hungry belly. The staff is friendly and efficient. When you walk in, grab a ticket number and wait your turn if you plan to purchase from the deli counter. The space is casual, inviting, and packed with plenty of items on shelves, so it can be challenging when many customers are waiting. Everyone has been patient and courteous. There's also a dine-in area in the back and outside patio if you want to enjoy your food immediately.

Such a cool local spot. A bit out of the way for me but worth the trip over! My favorite sandwich is the chicken parm. Consistently good every time! If you're going during lunch hour, prepare for the lunch rush. Ordering ahead definitely helps! Love the market too, great wine selection. Wish there were more places locally like this.

They have all kinds of ready to eat dishes, as well as pastas & sauces you can pick up & serve at home. Cookies galore & Amaretto cookies which are one of my favorite.

My absolute favorite sandwich spot in Fresno! The alla barese is my go to. If you haven't tried it yet, you must!! The slight sweetness from the sun dried tomatoes perfectly compliments the saltiness of the prosciutto. It's always busy, but service is fast. Everyone is really nice. There's a small amount of seating inside, as well as outside with fans and misters when it's hot out. They have tons of premade Italian meals, desserts, groceries, and wine. The tiramisu is phenomenal. This place never disappoints!

One of my favorite places in the area. The wine selection is great and their staff is very knowledgeable. I get my guanciale here. They have a great selection of prepared food too. Every time I come, I get wine, tiramisu, a sandwich and prepared food from the deli.

I was really excited to stop by and check this store out. I truly love subs and this place was worth the stop. I grabbed so many of their Italian sodas and of course a freshly prepared sub. The sub was delicious and their service is on point. When you are there you get that true deli shop feel. They even have some tables in the back where you can enjoy your food. If you love buying from the deli this is your spot!

YUM YUM YUM! We stopped here while driving through on a road trip, and we're so happy with the choice of Sam's! Luckily, we called and ordered ahead of time which was the right call. It was a 45 min wait for our sandwiches, but we're able to time it perfectly by ordering. Just be prepared to wait, but it's worth it. We got the grilled chicken sandwich and the spicy Italian. Both were perfection and incredible! We added the olive oil and vinegar which was a nice touch. We also got a side of pesto which went perfect with both sandwiches. Although we were roadtripping, we took the time to walk through the shop. It had so many fun things to browse through and shop for! We were so happy we stopped here for lunch.