How It Started
For generations, Sam's Italian Deli & Market has been the Central Valley's door to Italy. After immigrating from Italy to Toronto, Sam and Angela Marziliano married in 1966 and opened a small neighborhood grocery store. In 1980, they moved their family to Fresno and founded Sam's Italian Deli & Market.
Built on the belief that quality products, exceptional service, and listening to customers are the keys to success, Sam and Angie created more than a deli—they built a family tradition. Today, their son Nick proudly carries on that legacy, continuing to serve authentic Italian foods and warm hospitality to generations of customers.
From our kitchen to yours!
The Sam's Deli Experience
At Sam's, the classic neighborhood deli experience is still alive. Grab a ticket, browse our market, and when your number is called, one of our experienced deli clerks will help you with sandwiches, sliced meats and cheeses, handmade salads, hot entrées, and more. Whether you're looking for recommendations or a sample, we're here to help. When everything is ready, we'll call your name, our cashiers will take care of the rest, and we're always happy to help carry your groceries to your car.
It's the kind of personal service that's made Sam's a Central Valley tradition for generations.
Recognition
Sam's has earned top honors from industry organizations, food critics, and local readers, consistently recognized as one of the Central Valley's favorite destinations for authentic Italian food and exceptional service.
TripAdvisor #1 — Ranked the #1 restaurant in Fresno out of 697 restaurants, with a 4.8/5 rating.
Yelp Top 100 — Named #68 on Yelp's Top 100 Restaurants in the United States in 2023, the only Central Valley restaurant to make the list. Rated 4.6 stars across 1,300+ reviews.
California Restaurant Association — Named Best Deli by the Fresno Chapter in both 2023 and 2025. Sam and Angela Marziliano were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.
CVLUX Magazine — Sam's was recognized for Casual Dining in 2025 and Nick's Wine Bar Cafe in 2026. Sam's was also named and featured as the cover story in CV LUX 2024 Legacy Issue.
Best of Central California — Multiple gold and silver wins across 2022–2025 for Best Deli, Best Charcuterie, Best Sandwiches, Best Wine Bar, and Best Wine Selection.
Sam's has also been featured in The Business Journal, ABC30, Fresno Bee, CV Lux Magazine, GV Wire, SJV Sun, and the Giornata Podcast.
Our New Villagio Location in North Fresno
Sam's is growing with a second location in North Fresno scheduled to open in Spring of 2027. The new store will feature a larger market and deli, with seated dining while preserving the authentic Italian flavors, quality, and service that have defined Sam's for generations.
Located in one of Fresno's premier retail destinations, the Villaggio location will better serve longtime customers while welcoming new ones. As the Marziliano family says, "We're building on what works—not chasing trends."
Ready to Taste the Tradition?
Visit us at First and Clinton in Fresno — or order your favorite Italian classics online and experience Sam's wherever you are.