Tucked away at 342 Pickens St in Columbia, South Carolina, DiPrato’s is the kind of deli that earns its reputation one sandwich at a time. With a 4.6-star rating from nearly 1,900 reviews, this NYC-style deli with a Southern twist has become a beloved staple for locals and visitors alike.
From towering meatball subs to crispy paninis loaded with fresh ingredients, the menu is packed with options that keep people coming back. Whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime fan, here’s a look at the sandwiches and bites that make DiPrato’s truly unforgettable.
The Meatball Sub That Makes Jaws Drop
When a customer’s daughter ordered the meatball sub and the reviewer felt compelled to mention that the meatballs were “huge,” you know something special is going on in that kitchen. DiPrato’s meatball sub isn’t your average sub shop offering.
The meatballs are generously sized, saucy, and packed with flavor that hits you from the very first bite.
Multiple reviewers have raved about this sandwich, and it’s easy to see why it keeps showing up in five-star reviews. The bread holds up beautifully without getting soggy, which is a skill not every deli can pull off.
Paired with the right sauce ratio, every bite feels intentional.
If you’re visiting DiPrato’s for the first time and can’t decide what to order, the meatball sub is a rock-solid choice that rarely disappoints anyone at the table.
Caprese Panini With Pesto Mayo
Fresh tomatoes can make or break a caprese dish, and at DiPrato’s, they absolutely make it. One reviewer described the tomatoes in this panini as “very fresh and tasty,” which is exactly what you want to hear about a sandwich built around simple, quality ingredients.
The addition of pesto mayonnaise on the side is a clever touch that adds richness without overwhelming the clean flavors.
Paninis can sometimes come out rock-hard after the press, but DiPrato’s has clearly mastered the balance. Another reviewer noted that their sandwiches came out “still warm and soft and PERFECT,” even after going through the panini press.
That consistency matters more than people realize.
The caprese panini is a lighter option on the menu that still feels satisfying and complete. It’s proof that you don’t need a mountain of ingredients to create something truly memorable.
The Cuban Hoagie Worth Every Penny
“We had the cuban and meatball hoagies,” one reviewer wrote, finishing the sentence with a string of drooling emojis that said everything words couldn’t. The Cuban at DiPrato’s brings together the classic combination of savory meats, tangy pickles, and melted cheese in a way that feels both familiar and elevated.
It’s comfort food done with care.
What makes DiPrato’s version stand out is the attention to detail that goes into building each sandwich. Nothing feels thrown together or rushed, even on the busiest lunch shifts.
The bread gets properly pressed, the fillings are layered thoughtfully, and the flavors work in harmony rather than competing with each other.
For fans of classic deli-style hoagies, this one is a must-try. It’s the kind of sandwich you find yourself thinking about on the drive home, already planning when you’ll come back for another one.
Vegetable Garden Sandwich That Surprises Everyone
Don’t let the name fool you into thinking this is a sad, afterthought sandwich. One visitor added turkey to the Vegetable Garden Sandwich and described it as “HUGE,” then admitted they didn’t even really need the turkey because the sandwich was already so satisfying on its own.
That’s a serious compliment for a veggie-forward option.
DiPrato’s clearly puts thought into their non-meat offerings, making sure the vegetables are fresh and the overall sandwich has enough texture and flavor to stand on its own. It’s the kind of menu item that pleasantly surprises people who almost ordered something else.
That same reviewer also called the pasta salad served alongside it “100% the best pasta salad I have ever had,” which is a bold claim that deserves attention. If the sides are hitting that hard, the full meal experience at DiPrato’s is clearly something worth experiencing firsthand.
Sharp White Pimento Cheese Sandwich
Pimento cheese is practically a religion in South Carolina, so when a deli gets it right, people notice. At DiPrato’s, the sharp white pimento cheese sandwich is one of those menu items that quietly steals the show.
One reviewer was intrigued the moment they spotted it on the menu and said it “did not disappoint” once they tasted it alongside the house-made pita chips.
The sharpness of the cheese gives this sandwich a bold, tangy character that separates it from milder versions you might find elsewhere. It’s creamy, flavorful, and unapologetically Southern in the best possible way.
The staff have even been known to offer pita chips as a side even when it’s not listed as an option, showing a genuine desire to make the experience great.
For anyone who takes their pimento cheese seriously, this sandwich is a must-order on your first visit to DiPrato’s.
The DiPrato’s Combo That Covers All the Bases
Some people come to DiPrato’s knowing exactly what they want, and others walk in completely overwhelmed by the menu in the best possible way. For those folks, the DiPrato’s Combo is the answer.
One first-time visitor ordered it alongside a Breakfast Panini and left with a list of other sandwiches they still wanted to try. That’s the sign of a menu done right.
The combo format lets you sample a little of what makes this deli special without committing to just one thing. It’s a smart move for newcomers who want to understand the full flavor profile of the kitchen before narrowing down a favorite.
Regulars love it too because it delivers consistent satisfaction every single time.
DiPrato’s has built a loyal following in Columbia partly because options like this make every visit feel rewarding. You leave full, happy, and already thinking about round two.
Chicken Salad and Tuna Sampler Plate
Not every great deli experience has to come in sandwich form, and DiPrato’s proves that with their chicken and tuna salad sampler. One visitor tried it with balsamic dressing and described being “very pleased” with the result.
The combination works because both salads are made with care, not just thrown together as an afterthought for lighter eaters.
The chicken salad at DiPrato’s has shown up in multiple reviews as a standout, including from a guest who paired it with pimento cheese and pita chips and couldn’t stop raving about the overall spread. When multiple people independently highlight the same dish, it tells you something reliable about quality and consistency.
Whether you’re going light or building a bigger meal around it, the sampler plate is a refreshing choice that showcases DiPrato’s commitment to fresh, well-seasoned ingredients. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for almost any appetite or occasion.
Breakfast Panini for Morning Sandwich Lovers
DiPrato’s isn’t just a lunch destination. The breakfast panini has developed its own fan base among people who like their morning meal pressed, warm, and satisfying.
One visitor who ordered it alongside the DiPrato’s Combo left the restaurant already mentally planning a return trip to work through the rest of the sandwich menu. That enthusiasm says a lot.
Breakfast sandwiches live and die by their bread and their fillings, and DiPrato’s nails both. The panini press creates that satisfying crunch on the outside while keeping the interior warm and cohesive.
It’s the kind of breakfast that actually keeps you full until well past noon, which is always a win.
DiPrato’s opens at 10 AM, making the breakfast panini a perfect late-morning treat for those who aren’t early risers. Show up hungry, because this sandwich means business and doesn’t disappoint.
Corned Beef Hash That Brings Brunch Vibes
Brunch menus can feel predictable, but DiPrato’s manages to bring some real energy to the table. The Corned Beef Hash was ordered during one family’s brunch visit alongside Eggs Benedict and a Meatball Sub, and the reviewer described the overall food as “good” while clearly enjoying the variety the menu offered.
Corned beef hash done well is a deeply satisfying thing, especially in a deli setting.
DiPrato’s leans into its NYC deli roots with dishes like this one, bringing that classic East Coast diner energy to the heart of Columbia, SC. There’s something comforting about a plate of corned beef hash that feels both nostalgic and indulgent at the same time.
The brunch menu runs alongside the regular menu on weekends, so you get maximum flexibility in what you order. Coming in with a group means you can sample across both menus without missing out on anything worth trying.
The BLT With a Twist That Wows Regulars
“The thought to add more to the common BLT surprised me the most; I would eat that every day if I could.” That quote from a longtime DiPrato’s fan says more about this sandwich than any formal food review ever could. Taking a classic like the BLT and making it feel exciting again is genuinely impressive, and DiPrato’s pulls it off with confidence.
The secret is in the details. Rather than sticking to the bare minimum of bacon, lettuce, and tomato, the kitchen adds unexpected elements that elevate the whole experience without making it feel overdone or gimmicky.
It’s creative without being weird, which is a balance that’s harder to achieve than it sounds.
For sandwich purists who think they’ve had every version of a BLT imaginable, DiPrato’s version is a genuine revelation. Try it once and you’ll understand exactly why that reviewer was ready to eat it every single day.
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Combo
Few food pairings in the world feel as universally comforting as grilled cheese and tomato soup, and DiPrato’s delivers both with style. One family visited and ordered the Kid’s Grilled Cheese alongside a cup of tomato soup, with the reviewer noting the soup looked and tasted fantastic.
In fact, they practically finished every last drop before finding anything to complain about.
The grilled cheese at DiPrato’s has that perfectly golden exterior that comes from cooking it at just the right temperature, with a melty interior that stretches satisfyingly with every pull. It’s simple food executed with obvious care, which is exactly what makes a deli worth returning to time after time.
This pairing is ideal for kids and adults alike, making it a reliable choice when a group can’t quite agree on what to eat. Sometimes the classics exist for a very good reason.
Homemade Pita Chips That Steal the Spotlight
Technically not a sandwich, but honestly, these pita chips deserve their own entry because nearly every reviewer mentions them unprompted. “Fresh, crispy, and honestly hard to stop eating once they hit the table” is how one enthusiastic fan described them, and that level of crunch and freshness is something you simply can’t fake with a store-bought chip.
DiPrato’s makes their pita chips in-house, and you can taste the difference immediately. They have a warmth and texture that pairs perfectly with the sharp white pimento cheese, turning what could be a basic starter into one of the most talked-about parts of the meal.
One server even offered them as a side option outside of what was printed on the menu, which shows how much the staff believes in them.
Order these the moment you sit down. You will not regret it, and you will absolutely be thinking about them on the drive home.
Lemon Berry Cake That Ends the Meal Right
Every great deli meal deserves a great ending, and at DiPrato’s, the lemon berry cake is the stuff of dessert legend. One reviewer was personally recommended it by their server and responded with three words: “WE LOVED IT.” When a server is confident enough to push a dessert and it delivers that hard, you know the kitchen is doing something right.
The cake has that bright, citrusy backbone from the lemon that keeps it from feeling overly sweet or heavy after a big sandwich meal. The berry element adds a freshness that makes each bite feel light and summery, even in the middle of a regular Tuesday lunch.
It’s the kind of dessert that makes you reconsider skipping sweets on your next outing.
Other reviewers have also flagged the cheesecake as a must-try, so DiPrato’s is clearly not messing around when it comes to finishing strong. Save room.
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