An institution since 1918, Gioia's Deli(multiple locations including 1934 Macklind Avenue, 314-776-9410) began its life as a grocery store but is now a sandwich shop with four locations. The original is on the Hill, a friendly counter-service shop named an "America's Classic" by no less than the James Beard Foundation. Gioia's is most famous for its hot salami, or Salam de Testa: a thick, soft salami made from beef and — yes — pork snouts.

At the beginning of the pandemic, Gioia’s Deli sold frozen pizzas featuring the iconic Hill restaurant’s signature hot salami as a topping. Owner Alex Donley called them his “payroll pizzas” for the lifeline they provided in those fraught early weeks. By June 2021, Gioia’s frozen pizzas were available for purchase at Schnucks supermarkets, and Donley had opened a commissary kitchen in Maryland Heights to meet the demand.

A mainstay on the St. Louis foodie scene since 1918, Gioia’s Deli (4 Locations) evolved from a market to a deli. The original restaurant is in The Hill, a St. Louis neighborhood known for its Italian markets, restaurants, and boutiques. Gioia’s Deli is famous for its Homemade Hot Salami Sandwich made with fresh sausage and sliced fresh to order, which helped make them a James Beard award winner in 2017.

A neighborhood staple in The Hill since 1818, Gioia’s specializes in overstuffed sandwiches. The Hot Salami, with house-made sausage, is the most popular order, but you can’t go wrong with the Italian Trio (mortadella, salami, Genoa), the Hogfather (coppa, salami, bacon), or any of the deli’s other gut-busting delights. The restaurant also has three other locations across St. Louis County.

If you’re looking for a delicious deli dining experience, look no further than Gioia’s Deli. There you can savor brownies, cookies, fresh Italian Lemon Ices, and sandwiches like Gioia’s Famous Hot Salami, and Italian Trio. With a variety of menu items made ala carte for on-the-go, you can also look out for their famous food truck or use them to cater your next office party.

As soon as you’ve been there twice, you're "sweetheart." There's another place called Gioia’s that's big for its hot salami—this meaty, mushy amazingness they put on different types of bread. The other thing is that during Lent, every Catholic Parrish in the city has a fish fry. It's too fun to go around every Friday eating tons of fried fish and drinking cheap, light beer.

If there’s something that can make Gioia’s even more of a fan-favorite to the St. Louis region, it’s The King Cod sandwich, available again this year during Lent. This Friday special features crispy fried cod, mac 'n' cheese and Red Hot Riplets piled high on its famous garlic cheese bread. The Classic Cod sandwich, a more tame version of the King, is also an option.

If we asked a dozen St. Louis residents for their favorite sandwiches from a single deli, such as Gioia’s, LeGrand’s, or Blue’s City, we would probably get a dozen different answers. We haven’t even mentioned sandwiches at such local favorites as Crown Candy, Union Loafers, Salume Beddu, EAT Sandwiches, Fozzie’s, Grassi’s… We could go on.

The brick and wood used to build the deli in 1918 was recycled from the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair — maybe that is why the hot salami is referred to as “St. Louis’ sandwich.” That, and maybe because the beef and pork combo is the ultimate salute to an Italian-style sub.

For some of the best sandwiches and salads on The Hill, Gioia’s Deli is the place to go. A James Beard Foundation Classic Award Winner in 2017, their delicious reputation backs up each and every sandwich they craft!. 1934 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

For the best sandwiches in St. Louis, look no further than Gioia’s Deli. This deli is famous for its delectable sandwiches, especially the hot salami sandwich. A visit to Gioia’s is a rite of passage for anyone exploring the culinary delights of The Hill.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (192 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (5.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, Italian- Address: 1934 Macklind Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63110-2726- Read more on Tripadvisor

IN A NUTSHELL: Known for its oil-tanker-sized sandwiches, particularly those with the signature hot salami, Alex Donley’s century-old deli has appeared on national shows and won the coveted James Beard America’s Classics award.

And in The Hill, if you want a hot salami sandwich, there’s only one clear choice: Gioia’s Deli. Every STL foodie knows that this has been THE place for hot salami in St. Louis for over 100 years!

Louis, MO 63110(314) 776-9410 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Gioia’s Deli, which debuted in April 2016, is an acclaimed sandwich shop in the city center.

Gioia’s Deli is St. Louis, Missouri’s best sandwich shop or Quick Bite restaurant. We have sufficient evidence to support this unprecedented claim.

1934 Macklind Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110Phone: 314-776-9410 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Gioia’s Deli (@gioiasdeli)

Gioia’s Deli - Co-Owned by Cathy Donely this sandwich staple on The Hill is particularly well known for their hot salami.