Favorite Fresno deli among Yelp’s ‘Top 100 US restaurants.’ Have you eaten there?
Every year Yelp.com puts out a list of its top 100 restaurants nationwide.
Central Valley restaurants rarely land on “best places to eat” lists like these, so when a Fresno restaurant makes it on one, it’s a big deal.
And the 2023 list has a local favorite on it: Sam’s Italian Deli & Market.
The longtime deli and store at Clinton Avenue and First Street was founded in 1968. It’s got an old-school deli counter where you take a number to get service.
Its deli is full of meats and cheeses (including hard to find ones), along with salads, prepared pasta such as lasagna and meatballs, and more.
Its sandwiches have their own reputation.
A top seller is the Sam’s Special made with ham, turkey, mortadella, dry salami and jack cheese.
Says the Yelp ranking: “Locals and homesick Easterners alike praise the New Yorker Hot Pastrami sandwich, which features thinly sliced beef brisket, sautéed grilled onions, gooey melted provolone cheese, and a slather of Dijon sauce on a crusty baguette roll.”
The store also sells wine and all kinds of packaged foods to go with it.
The business was founded by Sam and Angel Marziliano. Sam Marziliano passed away in 2011 and Nick and his mother continue to run the business.
How was the list created? According to Yelp, it first reached out Yelp reviewers for their favorite spots. Then, it ranked each eatery by total number of submissions, ratings, reviews, and geographic representation, among other factors.
