There is a difference between a sub tossed together at a chain counter and one built at a real Italian deli, where the meats are sliced to order and the bread comes out fresh. Maryland has a surprising number of these old-school shops, from Baltimore rowhouse neighborhoods to small-town Main Streets.
Each one has its own take on the classic Italian cold cut sub, and most double as markets where you can grab cheeses, pasta, and homemade sauces on the way out. If you have been settling for lunch you can barely remember an hour later, this list is your fix.
Here are eight Maryland delis that still stack cold cuts the way it should be done.
1. Di Pasquale’s, Baltimore, MD
Over in Baltimore’s Canton area, Di Pasquale’s has built a reputation as one of the best Italian delis and markets in the city. It works as both a specialty food store and a cafe, so you can order a sandwich to eat now and load up on groceries to take home.
The sub to know here is the Real Italian, packed with salami, ham, capicola, and mortadella. Regulars often grab the fixings to build subs at home too, including olive relish and fresh-baked rolls.
Beyond the cold cut subs, the kitchen turns out homemade soups and pizzas, and the shelves carry bakery items and prepared foods. You will also find good produce if you are making a real Italian dinner.
Find it at 3700 Toone St. Hours run Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and it is closed Sundays. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons get busy, so an early stop is your best bet.
2. Filippo’s Italian Specialties, Silver Spring, MD
If Montgomery County has a contender for best sub, plenty of folks point straight to Filippo’s. It is a long-standing Italian deli that sells sandwiches and soup alongside traditional groceries and cold cuts.
Portions are the headline here. The Italian sub arrives loaded with fresh meat on house-baked bread, and the menu leans into old-school service.
The Italian Sausage Melt is another standout worth trying.
The bakery side is no afterthought either. Cannoli, cookies, and hard-to-find Italian packaged goods round out a visit, so it doubles as a stock-up trip.
You will find it at 11224 Triangle Ln, with most meals landing in the $10 to $20 range. Hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturdays and Sunday afternoons draw the biggest crowds.
3. Gemelli’s Italian Market, Gaithersburg, MD
Rustic hard rolls are the secret weapon at Gemelli’s, a friendly Italian grocer in Gaithersburg that also serves cold cuts, warm subs, pizza, and pastries. That bread makes the difference on nearly every sandwich.
The Italiano on the rustic roll gets the most attention, but the meatball sub has a serious following too. Other favorites include the tacchino turkey sub, often ordered with roasted red peppers, and the Manzo sub.
Because it is a full market, you can walk the deli case for fresh meats, cheeses, and pastas, then raid the freezer full of Italian dinner entrees for later in the week.
The address is 12169 Darnestown Rd. Hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with Sundays closed. Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons are the busy windows, while weekday mornings stay quiet.
4. New York Italian Deli, Brandywine, MD
Early risers, take note: this Brandywine spot opens at 6 a.m., which means you can grab breakfast and still plan your sub run for lunch. It is a homey joint known for specialty subs, but the menu stretches into Italian entrees, burgers, wings, and morning plates.
The traditional Italian Sub is the classic order, piled with quality meats on fresh-baked, oversized sub rolls. The 11-inch version is a real commitment.
Beyond the Italian, the Reuben and the cheesesteak both get strong marks, and there are options like the Archie Bunker for the curious.
The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with counter service, seating, and outdoor tables where dogs are welcome. It works well for solo lunches or groups.
Head to 13700 Old Brandywine Rd, with most meals in the $10 to $20 range. Hours are Monday through Saturday 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Sundays.
There is usually plenty of free parking, and no reservations are needed.
5. Giulianova Groceria, Westminster, MD
Right on East Main Street in Westminster, Giulianova Groceria brings the Italian deli experience to Carroll County. It is a grocer built around hoagies, deli meats, and other Italian fare, with dry goods and bakery items filling out the shelves.
The cold cuts are the reason to stop. The Italian sandwiches come fresh and spot on, and the meats and cheeses are the kind you want to bring home and slice yourself.
It also doubles as a source for easy dinners. Ready-to-take options make it simple to pull together a meal without much fuss after a busy day.
You will find it at 11 E Main St #1. The schedule is a little tighter than most, so plan around it: closed Monday and Sunday, open Tuesday and Wednesday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday and Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On-site parking keeps the visit quick.
6. Giolitti Delicatessen, Annapolis, MD
Annapolis brings its own entry with Giolitti Delicatessen, a quaint Italian deli and market with a wide lineup of specialty sandwiches, sweets, and imported goods. It leans authentic, from the deli counter to the shelves.
The sandwich menu covers a lot of ground, including a Muffalatta, a Cuban Panini, and an Italian Hard Roll build. Pair one with the Antipasto Salad, or the minestrone soup that has earned a loyal following.
Save room for dessert, because the case is stocked with Italian cookies, cannoli, and tiramisu. There are also thin-crust pizzas and calzones if you want something hot.
Beyond sandwiches, it stocks take-and-bake pastas and home-cooked meals, so you can carry dinner out the door. Meals generally run $10 to $20.
The location is 2068 Somerville Rd. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons see the most traffic.
7. Pastore’s Italian Delly, Towson, MD
Towson keeps its old-school deli tradition alive at Pastore’s Italian Delly, a family-owned neighborhood shop that has held onto the same setup and ownership over the years. It is a cozy space built for sandwiches, jumbo subs, and Italian kitchen staples.
The Italian sub earns its billing with top-tier cold cuts and quality bread, and the prosciutto and provolone combination is a go-to. The meatball sub, made with big meatballs and house sauce, is another one people come back for.
It is more than a sandwich stop, though. Expect crushed green olives, fresh ricotta, Italian bread, stuffed shells, ravioli, and desserts like cannoli, tiramisu, pizzelles, and rice pudding, all at reasonable prices.
Note that this one is takeout and shopping only, with no dine-in. Find it at 8646 Loch Raven Blvd. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday.
Friday and Saturday afternoons are the peak times, so aim earlier in the week if you can.
8. Cannella’s Italian Deli, Nottingham, MD
Rounding out the list is Cannella’s Italian Deli in Nottingham, a mom-and-pop shop serving Italian comfort food in a laid-back, casual space. It handles both classic subs and hot plates with equal care.
The Italian Cold Cut is the star, built on excellent rolls with high-quality meats, and it comes both hot and cold. The porketta has its own fans, and the cheesesteaks and chicken cheesesteak keep the griddle busy.
Named sandwiches like the Godfather, Monticello, and Sopranos give you plenty to work through.
There is more than sandwiches on the board, including meatball subs, salads, fries, fried zucchini, tortellini salad, ravioli, and dessert. Portions run generous, and prices sit in the $10 to $20 range.
The inside is roomy enough to eat in, and it is set up well for kids, with high chairs available. Visit at 9611 US-1.
Hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., closed Sunday. Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings are busiest, and parking is usually easy.
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