This Deli In North Carolina Turns Sandwiches Into Culinary Dreams
I still remember the first time I walked into Giacomo’s Italian Market at 2109 New Garden Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410, United States. The smell hit me like a warm hug from my Italian grandmother. Fresh bread, cured meats hanging from the ceiling, and a symphony of garlic and basil dancing in the air.
I knew instantly that this wasn’t just another sandwich shop. This was a portal to Italy, right here in North Carolina. Every visit since has been a delicious adventure, and I’m thrilled to share what makes this place so incredibly special.
From the moment you step inside, you’ll understand why locals can’t stop raving about it.
1. A Family Legacy That Started In 1999
Giacomo and Laura Santomauro opened their market over two decades ago with a simple dream. They wanted to bring authentic Italian flavors to Greensboro, and boy, did they succeed. Walking through the doors feels like stepping into a family kitchen in Naples or Rome.
The passion they poured into this place radiates from every corner.
What strikes me most is how the Santomauro family maintains their commitment to quality. They didn’t just open a business; they created a community gathering spot. Every recipe, every ingredient, every interaction reflects their Italian heritage.
You can taste generations of tradition in every bite.
The market has grown steadily since its humble beginnings, but the heart remains unchanged. Giacomo and Laura still oversee operations, ensuring nothing compromises their standards. Their son has joined the family business, carrying the torch forward.
This continuity guarantees that future generations will enjoy the same authentic experience. The walls practically whisper stories of countless meals, celebrations, and satisfied customers who’ve become like family over the years.
2. Homemade Sausages That Redefine Flavor
Nothing prepared me for my first taste of their house made sausage. The explosion of fennel, garlic, and perfectly balanced spices transported me straight to an Italian countryside festival. These aren’t your grocery store links.
These are crafted with skill, patience, and recipes passed down through generations.
The staff offered me samples on my first visit, explaining each variety with genuine enthusiasm. Hot sopressata became my instant obsession. The spice level hits just right, with enough kick to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them.
The texture is perfect, with just the right amount of fat marbled throughout.
What amazes me is watching them prepare these sausages in house. They grind the meat fresh, mix in their secret spice blends, and stuff the casings by hand. No shortcuts, no compromises.
You can purchase them raw to cook at home or enjoy them sliced on sandwiches. Either way, you’re getting something special. My freezer always has a stash because once you taste real Italian sausage, everything else feels like a poor imitation.
3. Fresh Mozzarella That Melts In Your Mouth
The display case of fresh mozzarella stopped me in my tracks. Creamy white orbs floating in their own whey, looking impossibly fresh. I grabbed some to take home along with their house made bread and vine ripe tomatoes.
That evening, I made the simplest caprese salad of my life, and it tasted like poetry.
The texture of their mozzarella is unlike anything you’ll find in regular grocery stores. It’s soft but not mushy, with a delicate milky flavor that doesn’t overpower. When you tear it open, it releases a subtle sweetness.
Paired with fresh basil and a drizzle of their imported olive oil, it becomes transcendent.
What impressed me most was learning they make it in house regularly. This isn’t shipped from some distant factory. It’s crafted right there in Greensboro with the same techniques used in Italian cheese making for centuries.
The freshness makes all the difference. Whether you’re adding it to sandwiches, melting it over pasta, or enjoying it simply with crackers, this mozzarella elevates every dish to restaurant quality without leaving your kitchen.
4. Imported Italian Products You Can’t Find Anywhere Else
Browsing the shelves feels like treasure hunting through an Italian pantry. Bottles of aged balsamic vinegar from Modena line up next to imported olive oils from Sicily and Tuscany. Jars of specialty items I’d only seen in cooking shows suddenly became accessible.
My cart filled up fast.
The selection goes beyond the basics. They stock hard to find pasta shapes, jarred vegetables packed in olive oil, and imported cookies that taste exactly like the ones from Italian bakeries. Even their canned tomatoes are special, sourced from specific regions known for superior flavor.
Every product tells a story of Italian culinary tradition.
What I appreciate most is the staff’s knowledge about these products. They don’t just stock items; they understand them. Ask about the difference between various olive oils, and they’ll guide you through flavor profiles and best uses.
Need a specific ingredient for an authentic recipe? They’ll point you right to it or suggest an alternative. Shopping here educates as much as it satisfies, turning each visit into a mini culinary course on Italian cuisine.
5. The Frankie Sub: An Umami Explosion
After reading reviews raving about the Frankie, I had to try it. Salami Milano, hot sopressata, sundried tomatoes, grilled marinated zucchini, and mozzarella create a flavor combination that sounds complicated but tastes like genius. The first bite made me understand what people mean by umami bomb.
The sundried tomatoes add a concentrated sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spicy sopressata. The grilled zucchini brings an unexpected earthiness and texture. Everything melds together in a way that feels both complex and comforting.
Each ingredient enhances the others rather than competing for attention.
What makes this sandwich special is the thoughtful construction. The vegetables are marinated with herbs and olive oil, adding layers of flavor. The meats are sliced thin enough to create delicate folds rather than thick slabs.
The mozzarella acts as a creamy binder, smoothing out the bold flavors. This isn’t a sandwich you throw together randomly; it’s carefully composed like a culinary symphony. After finishing it, I sat in my car for a moment, savoring the memory before driving away.
That’s the Frankie effect.
6. House Made Sauces That Transform Home Cooking
I grabbed a jar of their homemade marinara sauce almost as an afterthought. That jar changed my weeknight dinners forever. The sauce tastes like it simmered for hours in an Italian grandmother’s kitchen.
Rich, complex, with just the right amount of garlic and herbs. No metallic aftertaste like canned sauces often have.
Their vodka sauce became another staple in my pantry. Creamy without being heavy, with a subtle depth that makes you wonder about the secret ingredients. I’ve used it on pasta, as a pizza base, and even as a dipping sauce for their fresh bread.
Every application works beautifully.
The best part? These sauces save me time without sacrificing quality. I can create restaurant worthy meals in minutes by simply heating the sauce and tossing it with pasta.
Add some of their fresh mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan, and suddenly I’m serving something that tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. My family thinks I’ve become a better cook. Really, I just found better ingredients.
That’s the magic of having authentic Italian products at your fingertips.
7. Friendly Staff Who Treat You Like Family
My regular server greeted me by name on my third visit. I was shocked he remembered me among the dozens of customers they see daily. But that’s Giacomo’s difference.
The staff doesn’t just take orders; they build relationships. Every interaction feels warm and genuine, never rushed or impersonal.
On one visit, I mentioned wanting to try something new but feeling overwhelmed by choices. The gentleman behind the counter prepared a sampling tray of different meats without me even asking. He explained each one’s flavor profile and his personal favorites.
That level of service isn’t required, but it’s freely given.
The knowledge the staff possesses impresses me constantly. They know the products intimately and can suggest pairings, preparation methods, and alternatives if something’s unavailable. When I asked about preparing their sausages, they shared cooking tips and recipe ideas.
This isn’t just customer service, it’s hospitality rooted in genuine care. They want you to have the best possible experience, both in the store and when you prepare their products at home. That attitude transforms transactions into conversations and customers into friends.
8. Fried Ricotta Balls: A Crispy Revelation
During my first visit, the staff offered me a sample of their fried ricotta balls. I popped one in my mouth and nearly groaned out loud. Crispy, golden exterior giving way to creamy, seasoned ricotta inside.
The breading was perfectly seasoned, adding a savory crunch that contrasted beautifully with the mild cheese.
These aren’t your typical fried appetizers. The ricotta filling is light and fluffy, not dense or heavy. Herbs throughout add complexity without overwhelming the delicate cheese flavor.
They’re served warm, which makes the exterior extra crispy while keeping the inside soft and almost molten.
I bought a container to take home and reheated them in the oven. They crisped up beautifully, tasting almost as good as when freshly made. My kids devoured them, asking what these amazing cheese balls were.
I served them with marinara sauce for dipping, creating an instant appetizer that impressed dinner guests. Now I grab a container whenever I visit, knowing they’ll disappear within hours of getting home. They’re proof that simple ingredients, when prepared with skill and care, can create something truly memorable.
9. Sandwiches Piled High With Love
My husband ordered the Italian Stallion on our first visit, and his eyes widened with each bite. The sandwich was so stuffed with meat and cheese that it barely held together. But that’s exactly how it should be.
Giacomo’s doesn’t skimp on portions; they build sandwiches like edible towers of flavor.
I went with the chicken parmesan sub, and it changed my understanding of what this classic could be. The chicken was tender and juicy, breaded to golden perfection. The homemade marinara sauce had the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Fresh mozzarella melted into every crevice, creating strings of cheesy goodness with each pull.
The bread deserves its own standing ovation. Crusty exterior, pillowy soft interior, baked fresh daily. It holds up to all the fillings without getting soggy, which is crucial for a properly constructed sandwich.
Every ingredient works in harmony. The lettuce stays crisp, the tomatoes taste like summer, and the house oil and vinegar dressing ties everything together. These aren’t just sandwiches; they’re architectural marvels of deliciousness.
10. Catering Services That Make Events Special
My sister needed catering for her graduation party, and I immediately suggested Giacomo’s. Their catering menu offers everything from antipasto platters to sandwich trays, all prepared with the same quality as their in store offerings. The ordering process was straightforward, and the staff helped us calculate portions perfectly.
When we picked up the order, I was blown away by the presentation. The antipasto platter looked like something from a magazine. Meats arranged in elegant folds, cheeses displayed artfully, marinated vegetables adding pops of color.
It wasn’t just food; it was edible art. The sandwich tray featured their most popular combinations, each one labeled clearly.
The party was a huge success, largely thanks to the food. Guests kept asking where we got the catering, amazed by the quality and flavor. Several people mentioned it was the best party food they’d ever had.
The portions were generous, ensuring everyone ate their fill with leftovers to spare. For anyone planning an event in Greensboro, Giacomo’s catering transforms ordinary gatherings into memorable celebrations. The food becomes a talking point, elevating the entire experience.
11. Desserts That Provide The Perfect Ending
After demolishing my sandwich, I spotted the dessert case and couldn’t resist. The cannoli called to me with their crispy shells and creamy filling. One bite confirmed this was authentic Italian pastry, not the soggy imposters you find at chain bakeries.
The shell stayed crunchy, the ricotta filling was sweetened just right, and chocolate chips added textural interest.
The tiramisu looked equally tempting, with distinct layers of espresso soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream. I saved it for later that evening, letting it chill in my fridge. That night, each spoonful delivered coffee forward flavor balanced by sweet cream.
The texture was cloud like, melting on my tongue.
What impresses me is how they maintain dessert quality alongside everything else. Many delis focus solely on savory items, treating desserts as afterthoughts. Not Giacomo’s.
Their sweets receive the same attention and authenticity as their sandwiches and meats. Whether you’re ending a meal or treating yourself to something sweet, their dessert case offers genuine Italian pastries that taste like they came straight from a Roman bakery. Always save room for dessert here.
12. Limited Seating Adds To The Authentic Experience
Giacomo’s is primarily a market, not a restaurant, so seating is limited. They’ve added a small table outside when weather permits, but most people grab their food to go. Initially, I saw this as a drawback.
Then I realized it adds to the authentic Italian market experience.
In Italy, many people visit markets to purchase ingredients and prepared foods, taking them home or to nearby parks. Giacomo’s captures that same spirit. You’re not expected to linger for hours; you’re gathering delicious food to enjoy elsewhere.
This model keeps the space focused on what matters most: quality products and efficient service.
I’ve developed my own routine. I order my sandwich, browse the shelves while it’s being made, and then eat in my car or find a nearby spot. The twenty minute drive home used to concern me, worried the sandwich would get soggy.
But their bread holds up remarkably well, and honestly, the anticipation makes that first bite even better. Some visitors prefer the immediate gratification of eating right away, and the outdoor table serves that purpose. Either way works.
The experience remains excellent regardless of where you consume your feast.
13. Operating Hours That Require Planning
Giacomo’s, at 2109 New Garden Rd, Greensboro, keeps specific hours that don’t follow typical restaurant schedules. They’re closed Monday and Tuesday, which I learned the hard way after showing up on a Tuesday at a locked door. Wednesday through Friday, they open at eleven in the morning and close at seven in the evening.
Saturdays offer slightly earlier opening at ten, and Sundays are abbreviated from noon to five.
These hours reflect a family-run business that prioritizes quality over constant availability. The staff needs time to prepare their homemade products, source ingredients, and maintain the high standards customers expect. I’ve learned to plan my visits accordingly, often stopping by on Saturday mornings when the market is freshly stocked.
Peak times can get busy, especially during lunch hours on weekdays. The staff works efficiently, but when you’re crafting sandwiches to order and slicing meats fresh, it takes time. I don’t mind waiting because I know the care going into my food.
Plus, waiting gives me time to browse their shelves and discover new products. Pro tip: call ahead with your order if you’re in a rush. They’ll have it ready when you arrive, minimizing wait time while ensuring you still get that freshly made quality.
