Alimento (North Beach)
For those that know me, it is a known fact that I do not like cold cut sandwiches. If there is no other option I will eat it, but it certainly is not my first choice when eating out. But Alimento changed my mind on all that.
Located in the Little Italy area of the North Beach neighborhood, Alimento is a classic amongst San Francisco locals. The relatively tiny grocery store is packed with various goods and genuinely feels like you are transported to a deli in Italy.
And while sandwiches are one of their more popular options, Alimento also carries a plethora of Italian items such as imported wine, salami that hangs from the ceilings, and gelato near the storefront.
But regardless of the Italian goods galore, this review will focus on the shop’s famous sandwiches. Priced around $15-18 for most sandwiches, the menu boasts an impressive list that is sure to please even the most discerning of customers. One of my personal favorites is the “speciale”, which comes with prosciutto, salami, mozzarella, olive tapenade, and hot coppa.
The bread from the Italian roll is lightly scooped out from the top side to give more room for the ingredients, and it is toasted to perfection upon request. My advice is to get the “works” on your sandwich. The “works” is basically a combination of in-house pepper and mustard pastes, as well as some olive oil and vinegar. I don’t know how they do it, but the flavors come together in a way that isn’t really found at other sandwich shops. I mean, try it for yourself, and I’d be willing to guess that it will probably be up there as one of the better sandwiches you’ve had.
The meat is perfectly spicy, and yet has the flavor that demonstrates years of expertise and care. The vegetables are not too stiff and they perfectly complement the meat, which is usually not the case with many other sandwich shops, which usually have lettuce that is too crunchy or too soggy. But the best part is without a doubt in the secret pepper and mustard pastes they put on the inside of the sandwich. The peppers give it a unique kick, and the mustard gives an acidic finishing taste that elevates the sandwich to something on a gourmet level.
Having tried their other sandwiches over time, I can confidently say that you cannot go wrong with their menu. They even offer vegetarian and vegan sandwiches for those that have any alternative dietary preferences. It is highly recommended to pick up a sandwich with a small bottle of cold Aperol or San Pellegrino behind the sandwich counter, and take it over to eat at Washington Square park while watching the crowds.
So whether you’re looking for a niche Italian grocery item, or just popping in for a quick lunch, Alimento in North Beach is a legendary shop that is loved by true locals, and one that you won’t want to miss on your travels to San Francisco.
