Tucked away on Pickens Street in Columbia, South Carolina, DiPrato’s is the kind of place that locals keep coming back to week after week. This NYC-style deli with a Southern heart has been winning over sandwich lovers with bold flavors, generous portions, and a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
With a 4.6-star rating from nearly 2,000 reviews, it’s clear that something special is happening between those four walls. Whether you’re a Columbia regular or just passing through, the sandwiches at DiPrato’s are absolutely worth the trip.
The Meatball Sub That Will Stop You in Your Tracks
Some sandwiches are good. The DiPrato’s Meatball Sub is the kind of sandwich people talk about on the drive home.
Reviewers have raved about the meatballs being absolutely huge, and one customer specifically called them out as a highlight of the entire meal.
The meatballs are hearty and satisfying, packed with flavor that hits you from the very first bite. Paired with a rich marinara and melted cheese, this sub delivers pure comfort food energy in every layer.
If you’ve ever doubted whether a deli could pull off a truly great meatball sub, DiPrato’s will change your mind fast. This is the kind of sandwich that earns its own fan club.
Order it once and you’ll understand exactly why regulars keep coming back just for this one menu item alone.
Caprese Panini With Pesto Mayo That Hits Different
Fresh tomatoes can make or break a caprese dish, and DiPrato’s clearly knows this. One reviewer praised the tomatoes in this panini as incredibly fresh and flavorful, giving the whole sandwich a bright, garden-fresh character that stands out from ordinary deli fare.
The addition of pesto mayonnaise served on the side is a smart, thoughtful touch. You control how much creamy herbaceous goodness goes on each bite, which makes the eating experience feel personal and intentional rather than just another assembly-line sandwich.
Pressed to golden perfection in a panini press, the bread gets that satisfying crunch while keeping the inside soft and melty. This is the kind of lunch that feels a little fancy without being fussy.
Locals and visitors alike have added this one to their must-order list, and honestly, it earns that spot every single time.
Sharp White Pimento Cheese Sandwich on Pita
Not many delis can claim a pimento cheese sandwich that stops customers mid-scroll through the menu, but DiPrato’s does exactly that. The sharp white pimento cheese has its own fan base, and one reviewer admitted they were immediately intrigued the moment they spotted it listed on the menu board.
What makes it even better is the flexibility. Ask nicely, and the staff may serve it with homemade pita chips even if it’s not listed that way.
That kind of laid-back, customer-first attitude is part of what makes DiPrato’s feel like a neighborhood gem rather than just another lunch spot.
The pimento flavor comes through clearly, bold and tangy without being overwhelming. Paired with those crispy, house-made pita chips, it becomes a snack or meal that feels genuinely Southern in the best possible way.
Try it once and you will keep thinking about it.
Vegetable Garden Sandwich So Big You’ll Need Both Hands
Portion size is a love language at DiPrato’s, and the Vegetable Garden Sandwich speaks it fluently. One visitor described it as absolutely HUGE even after adding turkey, noting that the turkey was almost unnecessary given how loaded the sandwich already was.
Packed with fresh vegetables and vibrant toppings, this sandwich is proof that going meatless doesn’t mean going without. Every layer adds texture and flavor, making each bite feel satisfying and complete without needing anything extra to fill you up.
It’s the kind of sandwich that makes you rethink what a veggie option can be. No sad wilted lettuce or thin slices of tomato here.
DiPrato’s builds this one like they mean it. Whether you add protein or keep it plant-forward, the Vegetable Garden Sandwich holds its own as one of the most talked-about items on the entire menu.
The Classic BLT With a Surprising Upgrade
Sometimes the classics deserve a little extra love, and DiPrato’s proves that point beautifully with their BLT. One longtime reviewer mentioned that the thought put into adding more ingredients to the common BLT genuinely surprised them, and they admitted they could eat it every single day.
That kind of enthusiasm for a sandwich that most people take for granted says everything about how DiPrato’s approaches their menu. They don’t just go through the motions.
They think about what would make each item taste better and then actually do it.
The result is a BLT that feels elevated without being pretentious. Crispy, fresh, and packed with flavor, it reminds you why the original combination became a classic in the first place.
Then it quietly raises the bar just enough to make you wonder why every BLT can’t be made this way.
Tuna and Chicken Salad Sampler Worth Every Bite
Ordering a sampler is always a smart move when you can’t decide, and at DiPrato’s, the Tuna and Chicken Salad Sampler makes that decision feel like a win. One first-time visitor chose DiPrato’s as their very first Columbia restaurant experience and walked away completely satisfied with this dish.
Paired with a balsamic dressing, the sampler balances richness and brightness in a way that keeps your palate interested from start to finish. Both the tuna and chicken salads are prepared with care, offering the kind of clean, well-seasoned flavors that remind you why homemade beats store-bought every time.
It’s a lighter option that still feels substantial and thoughtful. Whether you’re eating solo or sharing with someone who also can’t make up their mind, this sampler is a reliable crowd-pleaser.
Locals who frequent DiPrato’s regularly point to it as a hidden gem on the menu.
Corned Beef Hash That Brings Brunch Swagger
Brunch at DiPrato’s is a whole different kind of experience, and the Corned Beef Hash is one of the reasons people show up hungry on weekend mornings. One reviewer ordered it alongside Eggs Benedict and a Meatball Sub during a single visit, and the table was apparently very happy with all of it.
Corned beef hash done right has crispy edges, tender chunks of meat, and enough seasoning to make you feel like someone actually cared about what they put on your plate. DiPrato’s delivers on that front with a version that feels hearty and satisfying without being heavy.
Paired with eggs cooked to order and good company, this brunch plate turns an ordinary Saturday into something worth remembering. The NYC deli influence really shines here, bringing a big-city energy to a Columbia morning in the most delicious way possible.
Pimento Cheese and Pita Chips — A Match Made in Columbia
Ask almost any DiPrato’s regular what they order every single time and the answer comes back quickly: pimento cheese and pita chips. This combination has developed a reputation of its own, drawing people in from across the city and keeping them loyal for years on end.
The homemade pita chips are the real secret weapon here. Crispy, golden, and seasoned just right, they’re the kind of thing you keep reaching for even after you’re full.
Multiple reviewers across different visits have called them out specifically as a favorite, which is no small thing for a side item.
Together with the bold, tangy pimento cheese, this duo becomes more than just a starter. It sets the tone for the whole meal.
One reviewer even mentioned packing extra samples to bring home to family, which is honestly the highest compliment a snack can receive.
Chicken Salad That Keeps Customers Coming Back
Good chicken salad is harder to find than people think. DiPrato’s has clearly figured out the formula, because multiple reviewers mention it with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for something much more dramatic than a chicken salad sandwich.
One visitor enjoyed it as part of a trio that included pimento cheese and pita chips, and even asked the server to pack extra samples to share with family. That detail tells you everything.
When food inspires that kind of generosity, it’s doing something right at a fundamental level.
The texture and seasoning in DiPrato’s chicken salad strike a balance that feels homemade without being sloppy. Served on fresh bread or alongside pita chips, it adapts easily to whatever mood you’re in.
Comfort food fans will appreciate how familiar it feels, while first-timers will be surprised by how much personality a simple chicken salad can actually have.
The Pasta Salad That Might Be the Best You’ve Ever Had
Bold claim? Maybe.
But one reviewer put it plainly: DiPrato’s pasta salad is 100% the best pasta salad they have ever had. That’s the kind of statement that makes you want to order it immediately just to see if they’re right, and based on the consistent praise, they probably are.
A great pasta salad requires balance. The pasta has to be cooked just right, the vegetables need to be fresh, and the dressing has to tie everything together without drowning it.
DiPrato’s clearly understands all three of those rules and follows them without cutting corners.
As a side dish, it elevates any sandwich order from a simple lunch into a complete, satisfying meal. As a standalone snack, it holds its own with confidence.
Whether you’re a pasta salad skeptic or a lifelong fan, this version deserves a spot on your plate the next time you visit.
Breakfast Panini With Grits — Southern Brunch Done Right
There is something deeply satisfying about a pressed breakfast sandwich paired with a bowl of warm, creamy grits. DiPrato’s breakfast panini pulls this combination off with the kind of ease that only comes from a kitchen that genuinely knows what it’s doing.
One reviewer’s wife ordered exactly this combination during a Sunday brunch visit and came away impressed. The portions were described as very large, which tracks with everything else DiPrato’s puts out.
Nobody leaves this place wondering if they got enough food.
The panini press gives the bread a crispy exterior while keeping the fillings warm and melty inside. The grits bring that unmistakably Southern comfort that balances the whole plate beautifully.
Together, they create a brunch experience that feels both familiar and special at the same time. If you’re visiting on a weekend morning, this is an order you will not regret making.
Lemon Berry Cake That Ends Every Meal on a High Note
Every great meal deserves a great ending, and at DiPrato’s, the lemon berry cake is that ending. A server recommended it to one visiting group and they absolutely loved it, describing it with the kind of enthusiasm that makes you want to skip straight to dessert before even ordering your sandwich.
Lemon and berry is a pairing that feels bright and refreshing rather than heavy, which makes it the perfect way to close out a satisfying deli lunch. The balance of tart citrus and sweet fruit creates layers of flavor that keep each bite interesting from first to last.
DiPrato’s also has a reputation for celebrating customers in small, thoughtful ways. One server brought a birthday slice of cake to a young diner without being asked, which speaks to the warmth woven into the culture of this place.
The food is wonderful, but moments like that are what make it truly memorable.
Eggs Benedict That Brings NYC Deli Energy to a Southern Table
Eggs Benedict is a brunch benchmark. When it’s done well, it signals that a kitchen takes its craft seriously, and DiPrato’s version earns that respect.
Multiple reviewers have ordered it during weekend brunch visits and included it in glowing overall meal reviews alongside other strong performers on the menu.
The hollandaise needs to be silky, the eggs need to be poached just right, and the English muffin has to provide that sturdy, toasty base without falling apart under the weight of everything stacked on top. When all of those elements come together, the result is something genuinely satisfying.
Served in a setting that blends NYC deli confidence with Southern hospitality, DiPrato’s Eggs Benedict feels right at home on Pickens Street. Pair it with a side of grits to lean fully into the Southern experience and you have a brunch plate that represents everything this beloved Columbia spot does best.
How to Find Us
Finding DiPrato’s is half the adventure, and trust us — it’s absolutely worth the trip. Located at 342 Pickens Street in Columbia, South Carolina, the deli sits in a welcoming neighborhood spot that feels like it’s been part of the city forever.
Street parking is available nearby, and the walk up to the entrance already gets your appetite going.
Hours run Monday through Friday, so plan your visit accordingly. The lunch crowd fills up fast, especially mid-week.
Arriving a little before noon is a smart move if you want to beat the rush and snag a cozy table.
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