This South Carolina Deli Is A Must-Stop For Fresh Bread, Cured Meats, And Massive Sandwiches

What happens when an Italian deli decides a normal-sized sandwich simply is not enough? Somewhere in South Carolina, the answer arrives on crusty bread, piled high with cured meats, fresh cheese, and enough fillings to make picking it up a two-handed commitment.

These are not sandwiches designed for a quick, forgettable lunch. Some stretch impressively across the wrapper, others come stacked with layers of Italian favorites, and asking for extra napkins feels less like a suggestion and more like preparation.

But the sandwiches are only the beginning. Fresh bread, house-made mozzarella, cured meats, pasta, and a dangerously tempting dessert case give this cozy deli the feeling of an old-school East Coast corner shop dropped right into South Carolina.

Come hungry enough, and deciding what not to order may become the hardest part of the visit.

There is even a signature sandwich with a famous name waiting on the menu, but we will get to that soon.

So what makes this little Italian deli worth going out of your way for? Here are ten things to know before showing up with an empty stomach.

A Prime Spot On Historic Main Street

Finding Nonna’s is half the fun, because the deli sits right at 129 S Main St, Summerville, SC 29483, in the walkable heart of downtown. The building once housed a spot called Eva’s on Main, so longtime residents may recognize the address instantly.

Right across the street sits Hutchinson Square, the leafy town green that gives downtown Summerville its friendly small-town charm. Veteran banners, shady trees, and benches make the square a lovely backdrop for a lunch break.

That location is a real bonus for visitors, since seating inside the deli is very limited. Many guests grab their sandwiches to go and stroll over to the park for a picnic under the Southern sky, which honestly beats any dining room on a pleasant day.

Downtown is also packed with little shops and sights, so a stop at Nonna’s fits neatly into an afternoon of wandering. Parking along Main Street and nearby lots is usually manageable, though busy weekends may require a short walk.

For anyone planning a call ahead, the phone number is 843-873-5081. More details live on the official website at nonnasdelisummerville.com, where curious eaters can browse before visiting in person.

Mozzarella Made Fresh Every Single Day

Imagine biting into cheese so fresh it was still a curd just hours earlier. That is the everyday reality at Nonna’s, where the mozzarella is made in house daily.

Fresh mozzarella is a different creature from the rubbery shredded stuff sold in plastic bags. It is soft, milky, and slightly springy, with a gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with salty cured meats and ripe tomatoes.

At Nonna’s, this cheese shows up all over the menu. It melts over hot chicken cutlets, layers into cold Italian subs, and tops vegetable sandwiches with creamy richness.

Guests can also buy it on its own to take home, which is a smart move for anyone planning a simple caprese salad.

Here is a fun bit of history: mozzarella originally comes from southern Italy, where it was traditionally made from water buffalo milk. The word itself comes from an Italian verb meaning to cut, because cheesemakers tear the stretched curd into pieces by hand.

First timers should ask about tasting a piece. The staff is known for handing out samples, and one nibble of this cheese usually ends with a container of it heading home in a shopping bag.

The Legendary Dean Martin Sandwich

Crooners and chicken cutlets turn out to be a winning combination. The Dean Martin is the sandwich that stops people in their tracks at Nonna’s, and it earns that attention with every bite.

This hot sandwich stars a crispy breaded chicken cutlet bathed in creamy vodka sauce, then crowned with melted house made mozzarella. Everything gets tucked into a long Italian roll that stays crunchy outside while soaking up just enough sauce inside.

The flavor is rich and comforting without feeling heavy. Vodka sauce brings a smooth, slightly sweet tomato flavor with a gentle creaminess, and the cutlet adds a satisfying crunch that keeps each mouthful interesting.

Size is a serious factor here. A single sandwich can stretch longer than a forearm, and one half alone can rival a person’s head in size.

Splitting one between two people is a very practical plan, and saving leftovers for the next day is another great option.

Fun fact for music fans: the sandwich menu nods to classic Italian American entertainers, with names like the Sinatra appearing alongside the Dean Martin. Ordering one feels a little like requesting a favorite song from the jukebox, only tastier.

An Italian Sub Stacked With Cured Meats

Every great deli is judged by its Italian sub, and Nonna’s takes that test seriously. The classic version comes packed with layers of cured meats on bread that has a proper crackly crust.

Cured meats are the soul of an old school Italian deli. Think thinly sliced salami, savory prosciutto, and other traditional favorites, each bringing its own blend of salt, spice, and tenderness to the sandwich.

For an even bolder option, the Sinatra features soppressata, mortadella, and salami, finished with fresh mozzarella and a light kick of flavor. Fans of roast beef can turn to the Hoboken, which pairs that meat with creamy mozzarella.

There is also the Grandpa Tony, a hearty pick that can easily stretch across two meals when ordered all the way.

A handy tip: ask for extras like garlic or deli dressing if you like bigger flavor. Small additions can make a cold sub sing.

Did you know prosciutto can be aged for many months, sometimes over a year? That slow process gives it a silky texture and deep flavor, which is why thin slicing matters so much at the counter.

Bread With A Crunch Worth Talking About

Good bread is the quiet hero of any sandwich, and at Nonna’s it refuses to stay quiet. The rolls deliver a crunchy golden crust paired with a soft, airy center.

That contrast matters more than many people realize. A crisp exterior holds up against juicy fillings and warm sauces, while the tender inside soaks up flavor without falling apart halfway through lunch.

The bread here carries that classic northeastern Italian bakery style, the kind that crackles slightly when squeezed. It feels right at home wrapped around a pile of cured meats or a saucy meatball filling.

Beyond the sandwiches, the deli also offers a stromboli loaf, which rolls fillings inside dough and bakes it into a golden, sliceable treat. It is a fun choice for sharing at a family gathering or game day.

Here is a helpful idea for planning: bigger sandwiches travel well because the sturdy bread keeps everything in place. That makes Nonna’s a smart stop before a beach day or a long drive.

Bread lovers should take a moment to notice the texture with the first bite. That satisfying crunch sets the tone for everything that follows, and it explains why the sandwiches feel so special.

Portions Built For Sharing

Hungry visitors, consider yourselves warned in the friendliest way possible. Sandwiches at Nonna’s are famously massive, often longer than an arm and stuffed generously from end to end.

That size makes these sandwiches a real value. One order can comfortably feed two people, or it can serve as lunch today and dinner tomorrow.

Families on a budget can split a couple of sandwiches and still leave feeling full.

Prices fall into a reasonable range for a specialty deli, especially considering the house made cheese, quality meats, and fresh bread involved. Specific prices are not always posted publicly, so checking the menu at the counter or on the website is the best way to plan.

A smart strategy for groups is to order a mix of hot and cold sandwiches and swap halves. That way, everyone gets to taste the Dean Martin, the Italian, and maybe a meatball sub in one visit.

Bringing a cooler or an insulated bag is also a clever move for leftovers. Those extra halves hold up nicely in the fridge and taste great the next day, especially the cold subs with cured meats.

Hot Plates And Grab And Go Goodies

Sandwiches may grab the spotlight, but the full menu deserves a standing ovation of its own. Nonna’s offers a wide range of hot and cold dishes made to order.

Chicken parmesan and eggplant parmesan are standouts, both rich with tomato sauce and melted cheese. Sausage and peppers bring a savory, slightly sweet combo that tastes like an Italian street festival.

There are also broccoli rabe egg rolls, a creative twist that blends Italian greens with a crunchy wrapper.

The refrigerated and frozen cases are a treasure chest for home cooks. Handmade pasta, sauces, meats, cheeses, and pasta salads are ready to grab, making weeknight dinners a whole lot easier.

A chicken pasta salad is among the deli’s fresh salad offerings.

Many specialty items are sourced from New York, which helps keep that authentic East Coast flavor alive here in South Carolina.

Since dishes are made fresh rather than kept under heat lamps, a little patience is part of the deal. Calling ahead is a great idea for anyone on a tight lunch break, and it guarantees that everything is ready the moment you walk through the door.

A Dessert Case That Steals The Show

Saving room for dessert is not optional at Nonna’s, it is practically a rule. The bakery case stretches out with sweet treats that make choosing just one a real challenge.

Cannoli are a must, with crisp shells and smooth, creamy filling. Rainbow cookies bring colorful almond layers and a chocolate coating, a true East Coast bakery classic.

Italian rum cake, small S shaped cookies, and chocolate mousse round out the traditional side of things.

Fans of modern flavors will find plenty too. Options have included cheesecake brownies, Nutella cheesecake cones, blueberry lemon cheesecake, key lime tarts, carrot cake, pecan gooey bars, banana bars, and black and white mousse.

One pleasant surprise is that many desserts lean toward balanced sweetness rather than sugar overload. That makes it easier to enjoy a second treat without feeling overwhelmed.

Fun fact: cannoli come from Sicily, where they were traditionally made during Carnival season. Today they are enjoyed all year long, and Summerville is lucky to have such a tasty source.

A box of mixed pastries also makes a fantastic gift for a host, coworker, or neighbor. Nobody ever complains about a surprise cannoli.

Family Warmth Behind The Counter

Walking into Nonna’s feels a bit like visiting a friend’s grandmother who has been cooking all day. The deli is family owned and operated, and that personal touch shines through.

Owner Rick and his family have roots in Hoboken, New Jersey, and they brought that East Coast deli tradition south to Summerville. Rick often chats with guests, sharing the story behind the business, where ingredients come from, and why freshness matters so much.

The staff is attentive and welcoming, happy to explain the menu and offer recommendations. One of the nicest touches is the generous sampling policy.

Guests can often taste items before buying, from fresh mozzarella to cannoli cream.

That approach makes the deli especially friendly for first timers who may not know the difference between capicola and soppressata. A quick taste solves that mystery fast.

The overall vibe is clean, bright, and well stocked, with shelves of specialty goods and cases full of fresh food. Even kids feel welcome here, and the cheerful atmosphere makes a quick lunch stop feel like a small celebration.

Bring a few questions along, because the team clearly loves talking food.

Smart Timing For Your Visit

Planning ahead makes a delicious visit even better. Nonna’s is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and the deli is closed on Sunday and Monday.

Arriving soon after opening is a clever move. The dessert case is fully stocked, the bread is at its freshest, and the counter tends to be calmer before the lunch rush picks up.

Weekday afternoons can also be a relaxed time to stop in, especially for anyone wanting to chat with the staff or browse the take home cases. Saturdays bring a lively energy as weekend visitors explore downtown Summerville.

Seating is very limited, with only a single table inside, so think of Nonna’s mostly as a takeout spot. On sunny days, the park across the street makes a perfect picnic location.

Since everything is made to order, calling ahead at 843-873-5081 is helpful for big orders or tight schedules. It is also wise to bring a bag for extra goodies, because few people leave with only a sandwich.

Newcomers should try one hot sandwich, one cold sandwich, and at least one pastry. Consider it the official starter kit for falling in love with this deli.