I’m a total sucker for a good Italian deli, so the second I found out about Giolitti’s, I knew I had to get there ASAP. This Annapolis spot’s been around since 1992, and the moment you walk in you just get it, there’s a big market stocked with imported goods, a serious wall of wine, and a case full of sandwiches, pasta and dessert that makes it really hard to decide.
I grabbed a couple of sandwiches, a cannoli and some tiramisu, and left already plotting my return. The BYO with prosciutto was the standout, all soft focaccia and generous meat, and it’s exactly the kind of sandwich that makes you want to work through the whole menu. If you love this kind of old-school Italian spot as much as I do, you NEED to put it on your list!
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What Makes Giolitti Deli A Must?
Giolitti’s isn’t just a sandwich shop, it’s a full-on Italian market and deli rolled into one. They’ve been doing this since 1992, and that kind of longevity tells you everything you need to know. Beyond the sandwiches, they’ve got pizza, pasta, hot entrees and a whole case of Italian desserts, plus a market stacked with house-prepped frozen foods, imported cheeses and SO much wine (seriously, so much wine).
It’s the sort of place where you come for a sandwich and leave with a bag of goodies for the week. Everything’s made to order, which means it’s fresh but can take a little time, and honestly that’s a trade worth making for food this good.
What to Order at Giolitti Deli
There’s a lot to work through here, but I came for the sandwiches and I’d steer you there first. Here’s what I got, and what I’d grab again.
The BYO (Build Your Own) Sandwich (half $5.95, full $9.95)
This was my favorite of the two sandwiches, no contest. I built mine with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, tomato and balsamic on focaccia, and it was everything I wanted. They gave me a super generous amount of meat and cheese, and the focaccia was SO soft and delish. Being able to customize it exactly how you like is half the fun. A half was plenty for me, but get the full if you’re really hungry.
The Porchetta (half $8.95)
Italian seasoned roasted pork with melted fontina, caramelized onion and rapini on a crispy Italian baguette. This one wasn’t my absolute fave of the two, but it was still really delicious. Heads up on two things, it’s a little more garlic-heavy, and that baguette is SUPER crispy. I personally loved the crunch, but I know that’s not everyone’s jam, so now you know going in. If you like bold, garlicky bites, this one’s calling your name!
Cannoli ($2.25) and Tiramisu ($5.95)
You’ve gotta save room for dessert here. I grabbed a mini cannoli for $2.25 that was yummy, a sweet little way to cap things off. But the tiramisu ($5.95) was the real winner, REALLY tasty and a big, generous portion for the price. If you only get one, make it the tiramisu! You can thank me later.
If you’re still in Annapolis in full sweet-treat mode, Always Ice Cream Company in West Annapolis is a fun next stop, a small-batch scoop shop making everything in-house with rotating flavors and vegan options a short drive away.
A few things I’m going back for, since they do way more than sandwiches.
- Their lasagna ($15.95), which I keep hearing is fantastic
- Chicken parm ($14.95) and eggplant parm ($15.95)
- Pizza, by the Sicilian slice or a whole 14-inch Neapolitan pie
- Soups like the Maryland vegetable crab, perfect for a cold day
Come for the Sandwich, Stay for the Market
Here’s the thing I wasn’t expecting, Giolitti’s is as much a market as it is a deli, and that’s a real problem for my self-control. The shelves are stocked with imported cheeses, house-prepped frozen pastas and, did I mention, SO much wine. It’s a proper one-stop shop, and I’m not even a little mad about it. It’s the kind of neighborhood staple I wish I had around the corner. If scratch-made Italian’s your thing, Nonna Angela’s in nearby Crofton is another favorite of mine worth the short drive.
The Vibe and Experience
Giolitti’s has a laid-back, order-at-the-counter setup with seating both inside and out, so you can grab your food and actually sit and enjoy it. It’s casual and friendly, the kind of place that feels like it’s been a neighborhood fixture for decades (because it has).
One real tip, the food’s made to order, so if you’re coming at peak lunch or dinner, call ahead at 410-266-8600 so you’re not stuck waiting. There’s free parking on site and across the street too, which makes the whole visit easy. Just bring your appetite and a little patience, and you’re golden.
Good to Know
- Location. 📍 2068 Somerville Rd, Annapolis, MD.
- Hours. Monday through Saturday 10am to 7pm, Sunday 11am to 4pm.
- Phone. 410-266-8600, worth calling ahead at busy times since everything’s made to order.
- Parking. Free off-street parking on site, with more across the street.
- Service. Order at the counter, dine in or take out. They also cater with 48 hours notice.
- Dietary. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and they’re noted as gluten-free friendly (just ask about specific items).
- The market. Stop at the on-site market for imported cheeses, house-prepped frozen foods and a big wine selection. More at giolittideli.com.
Is Giolitti Deli Worth A Trip?
Yes! Giolitti’s is one of those spots that just gets Italian deli food right, generous sandwiches, fresh ingredients, and dessert worth saving room for, all under one roof with a market attached. It’s a must if you’re in Annapolis and craving something hearty and old-school. I’d happily send anyone here, whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or stocking up for the week. For another great Annapolis sandwich, The Big Cheese is worth a look too. Me, I’ll be back for that lasagna.
Have you guys been to Giolitti’s yet?! If you’re an Italian deli person like me, this one belongs on your Annapolis list. And if you’ve already been, tell me your go-to order down in the comments, Nomsters, I want to know what I’m missing. Save this one and send it to whoever you’d happily share a sandwich (and a bottle of wine) with.