Monica’s Mercato

Love Monica’s. I have only had their Italian Sub and the Chicken parm. Each time was magnificent. There always seems to be a line, which says to me that it’s a very popular eatery. I would recommend this to anyone who is in the area and hungry. I plan to explore the menu a little deeper. The grilled veggies seem to always call out to me. Maybe next time.

Very disappointing — I ordered a $ 9 caprese sub, which consisted of three small pieces of mozzarella, some wilted basil, no balsamic, and some tomatoes (picture posted above). Hope others have better luck here than I did — I’ll be going elsewhere from now on.

Visited on a food tour and got a sample bite of their Italian Sub, came back for later to get the whole thing. Everything is fresh — so tasty!

Great selection of imported soppressata, prosciutto (several different DOP varieties — Parma, San Daniele, etc.) and every other salumi you can imagine. It’s a good spot to try new cured meats most Americans don’t usually see, such as the bresaola, lardo, and speck. I can’t be sure, but the meats seem to be pretty legit, without the preservatives and sulfites that ruin American versions of cured pork products.
Yes, the Italian sub is spectacular (and expensive, but that’s because its ingredients are much higher quality than your typical corner pizza parlor) but the prepared foods are also really great. I like the empanadas a lot. The homemade pastas are great (especially ravioli).
The staff are super friendly, and I used to live around the corner so I’d go in all the time. They always let me try some things before I bought them, cutting off pieces of cheese I’d never heard of and telling me about all the different varieties they have.
Monica’s is amazing

True to their word, they really do have the best Italian sub in Boston! Freshly toasted crunchy bread stuffed and I mean really stuffed with delicious cold cuts. High quality cold cuts too, like thin slices of prosciutto stacked high… Yummmmm! $ 12 for a large that’s large enough to share, definitely a deal! Get it with extra hots to make it extra juicy.

One of the best subs I’ve ever clinched my teeth into.
The Italian Sub offers eaters meat on meat action that makes my mouth water. In each bite you can taste the different flavors like — ham here, provolone here, onion here, salami here.
The meat was thinly sliced and stacked upon a fresh and chewy, yet crusty on the outside roll.
If you are visiting from out of town, I suggest buying an extra one and storing that baby in the hotel fridge because it’s definitely the ultimate post-​bar snack during the late times.

I grew up on the east coast and worked at a great sub shop making sandwiches in Md. This place is sadly overrated. Balsamic vinegar has no place on a true Italian Sub. What you’ll experience is a sub made by non-​Italians who can’t even get your order correct. No onions or pepper relish even when you ask for it from the English-​challenged crew.
I was sorely disappointed after great expectations. They even used great meat and cheese that was cut fresh so I was sure they couldn’t miss. They did. For all of the uninitiated out there, let me give you a secret. Go to the Italian deli of your choice and get your own meats (imported dry salami, capacolla ham and provolone cheese. Get the best and freshest Italian sub roll you can find. Combine imported olive oil, light vinegar (white way better than balsamic), maybe some salt pepper and oregano and your done. Just combine
Cut the bread and pull out the middle fluff. Pour a slight amount of your oil vinegar mix on the bread first. Four slices of capacolla make the base, 3 slices of provolone and four slices of salami next. Throw on shredded lettuce, tomatoes and onions. Salt and pepper crucial, which this place forgot. Then throw on oil– vinegar mix last.
News — if you use best ingredients, you have the best sub. Balsamic vinegar is for those Subway customers who happen upon a new place in the city.

And they did it again! Not once, but twice more!
They lose another star.
Their lack of attention to detail or information baffles me.
If I ever come back to Monica’s, I’ll just order in person… and it’s unlikely that I’ll return.

I stumbled upon this place when I was exploring in the North End. The Italian Sub is by far the best one I’ve had in the greater Boston area, and I’ve tried a lot of Italian subs. The cold cuts are incredibly high quality, cut so thin that they melt in your mouth. The bread is fresh and fluffy and delicious, and there is the exact right portion of all the ingredients in the sandwich.
The other entrees looked delicious and fresh with a homemade quality, but unfortunately I haven’t been able to try any. The market was stocked with an incredible variety of authentic Italian goods.
I can’t wait to go back there! Highly recommended.

If ur coming to Monica’s, get the Italian sub or you’re doing it wrong!!! Its very much so worth the wait. Hope to be back soon.

Because of the reviews, we ended up getting the large Italian sub. This sub is not like what we are used to in Ohio. Crammed full of Italian meats and cheeses freshly sliced in front of you it is wonderful. Now all of this takes time. Supplementing it with a salad, one sub served both of us two dinners leaving us with spare calories for Mike’s Pastry. Roaming through the store besides meat and cheeses, they had homemade pasta, wine and an assortment of imported grocery items. I thought the prices were fair. We almost got the Cubano but thought that was a better fit for the Mission in San Francisco. Deli case and fresh pasta case (on the other side of the wall) looked wonderful. I would have bought more but my suitcase was stuffed.

Hands down the best chicken parm and Italian sub I’ve ever had. You cannot find anything more authentic and fresh. The deli has an array of fresh meats and cheeses along with Italian favorites.
They carry local dairy products and also have fresh pasta and pasta sauces to take home and cook.
It can get very busy from 5 – 7 on most work nights but it’s worth the wait.

Monica’s Mercato is that classic Italian deli you dream about. Prosciutto hangs from the ceiling and they have a wide varied of grocery items you would not see in any typical grocery store. The old school environment tops it off as you wait for one of their amazing traditional Italian subs. Note: NO Seating In the DELI.
Food: After some careful brainstorming, I decided to order the Italian Steak Tips sandwich with everything in it. My girlfriend chose the Caprese Sandwich. Since they did not have any seating, we decided to walk to the park and enjoy our subs there with the moonlight glowing and downtown Boston as our background. Quite romantic lol. My Steak tips sub was outstanding. Everything from the balsamic dressing to the veggies worked so well with the char of each steak cube. This is sandwich packed with meat so come here with an appetite. My girlfriend loved her sandwich as well. She let me know that her sandwich was top notch as far as quality and sometimes simplistic is key.
Overall, we loved our subs and I have to go back here when I travel back to Boston. 5 out of 5 sub. Don’t come here if you are looking for trendy or fluff subs. Totally traditional style Italian deli, the way I prefer. Hope you enjoyed my review: D

I moved in down the street and popped in last night after some friends raved about this place. I had the Italian sub (duh) and I watched enraptured as they slice the meats (3 kinds!) and cheeses (paper thin so it melts in your mouth) in front of me. Have I mentioned that they use real crusty Italian bread? Omg, soooo good.
Also, the service was SO friendly! Finally, they have homemade pasta that they sell by the pound. Mouthwatering!!!

I think I’m in love with this place. As soon as you walk in you can see all the meat lined up and you can feel the genuine quality of the food that is served here.
I ordered the Italian sandwich large and shared it with a girl friend of mine. It’s 12 dollars and I thought it was worth every penny.
You go in and you can watch the sandwich artists work as they slice your mortadella, prosciutto, salami, and provolone into nice thin slices. Next time I visit Boston I am DEFINITELY getting this sandwich again.

I liked this location. I was delivered by it straight back towards the little cheese/​beef locations of Amsterdam. They’ve an entirely affordable or even little wine area, in addition to some tasty picnic products.
Get some treats, some wine, and go towards the waterfront to get a fantastic lunchtime within the sunlight!

The smell when you walk in here is intoxicating. I personally can’t think straight with all the tantalizing aromas. If you’re not hungry, you will be. And there is so much to choose from! Pizza, or other semimade delicacies like ravioli (just need to boil) or if you’re even lazier, a crazy selection of ready to eat foods. There is also gourmet food stuffs like tomato jam. My new favorite place!

I can certainly see why they won best sandwich in Boston by Boston Mag in 2015. Words can’t describe how great steak tip sandwich is…

BEST SANDWICHES IN BOSTON!!! I love Monica’s. Luckily I live within walking distance. They also have great cheeses that I often purchase when I want cheese and crackers. I like that they sell single beers too!
They also sell beers in 6 packs and they have a variety of wine.

I will admit that the food is good, but the service is borderline pathetic. The last three times I have called in orders I have shown up only to be told that they did not have what I ordered. If you go to Monica’s just know that chances are whatever you ordered will not be waiting for you and you will be waiting in the very long line you proactively tried to avoid by calling in.

Since moving in to the neighborhood nearly 4 years ago, I can safely say that Monica’s makes, hands down, the best Italian sub I’ve ever had. Along with all the other obvious meats, Monica’s is the only place I know that also puts prosciutto in them! I’ve steered away from their prepared foods section (not because of any quality or taste concern) and now usually get either subs, fresh pasta, or deli-​sliced meats and cheeses.

If I could eat here every day I would. Get the large Italian with red peppers and extra balsamic. Add artichoke hearts if you’re feeling extra fancy. My only comment is that they need to standardize their pricing? Sometimes I have to pay extra for my additions, sometimes I don’t! This place is amazing.

This place is awesome! Very helpful and suggested the best meats and cheeses! Peppers stuffed with provolone and prosciutto are a must. Will return before leaving town to get some more my travels. Check them out!

On a beautiful fall day we really wanted some food for the north end that we could take to the park and enjoy in the sun. Monica’s was perfect. We ordered an italian that was amazing. Additionally, I ordered a caprese with salami. I didn’t want to come to a salumeria and only get vegetables! They made my special request with no problem and the sandwich did not disappoint. SO much salami. Already looking forward to coming back to Monica’s. The ordering counter was a bit confusing but everyone was very nice and helpful. When you decide what you’d like to order just assert yourself to the front so you don’t get cut by locals who know better! Then make your way around to the other side of the store to check out and pay. Enjoy!

I needed to bring a large salad to a party and didn’t have time to make one. After seeing the reviews for Monica’s, I thought it’d be the perfect place to call. They agreed to make the large garden salad (enough to serve 8) same day, though that’s not something they normally do. They weren’t able to give me the price over the phone, but I know the same salad in Brookline runs $ 30. You can imagine my surprise when the register read $ 50! They told me they «put so many fresh vegetables in» — which I didn’t ins impressive as it’s a GARDEN SALAD. Between the pricing and the attitude, I will never visit this place again. Would have been well worth the drive to Brookline to save $ 20!

WHAT A FIND in the north end!!! Locals coming in and out. simple, well made, fresh sandwiches from the counter. Lots of cool fun items for your pantry to purchase.
the guys behind the counter and the check out clerk were super kind!
Will be a go to spot for lunch if i am ever back in boston.
PS the sandwiches are HUGE. if you are having a late or light lunch… split one!!!

This italian sub makes me regret my ignorance for the last 20 years.
As a long-​time Boston resident, I consider myself well versed on the dining inside the city limits. However, when the girlfriend told me there was a place in the North End with Boston’s best italian sandwich, I was taken aback. The name was unfamiliar and I couldn’t imagine where it could possibly be. To my chagrin, Monica’s Mercato was publicly located on my almost-​daily route to a buddies. We stepped inside, and swooned. It feels like what I imagine a local deli in suburban Italy to feel like, stocked with cute Italian products and with meat hanging everywhere.
After my first swallow of their sandwich, I could have kissed their doorstep. I consider italian sandwiches plain and tend to order something else, but even I could not help but marvel at this one’s flavor. The meat, so delicately cut, dissolves into fatty goodness. I liked this sandwich so much that I came for the next two days and ordered the italian again, as well as a cuban.
Learn from my mistakes, and get familiar with Monica’s Mercato.

The most overrated, skimpiest Italian «sub» I’ve ever had. We paid over $ 24 for two of them, and only did so because of the high local praise. If this is how they do Italian subs in Boston, I’ll *never* order an Italian sub in Boston again.
Monica’s «famous» and «best» Italian sub is SO small! And it’s ridiculously light on ingredients, too. AND, to make Unilocal matters worse, they forgot to put the provolone on our subs. Because their deli functions as a to-​go counter, and you can’t actually see them assembling your sandwich, we were already a mile away before I noticed. What a shitty feeling.
Anybody can make an Italian sub better than this. Anybody.
There have been recent studies that suggest that when people know what they are eating and/​or drinking is expensive, their brains trick their tastebuds into thinking what they are eating and/​or drinking tastes better than it really is. Don’t let this $ 12 Italian sub fool you. If I paid $ 6 or $ 7 for this sub, I’d still feel ripped off.

Was roaming around the north end. Didn’t expect to actually get anything for lunch but came into Monica’s and was enticed by the «Cuban» sandwich on the menu. $ 9 for a small. A small is massive. This sandwich is pretty spot on for a Cuban even though they do not used Pulled Pork. Instead they have Roasted Pork, Ham, Pickles, Onions, Mayo, Mustard, and Swiss. Very delicious. I was full off of half of a small. Will definitely come back here again.

We recently visited Monica’s and ordered large chicken parm and meatball parm sandwiches to go. The bread still had a great texture and didn’t get soggy after walking with the sandwiches for 30 minutes after ordering them. Both were HUGE and delicious; however, I am not sure they are worth 12 dollars each. The price is definitely a bit stiff. It also seemed odd that the meatball parm had provolone cheese instead of the traditional mozzarella. The provolone was not bad, but tasted different than a traditional meatball parm hero. The shop was crowded on a Sunday afternoon, which caused a 20 min wait for the sandwiches too.
Overall, the sandwiches were pricy, but definitely had a lot of flavor and satisfied our italian sandwich craving. We will most likely be back.

Monica’s is the worst dollar value in the north end. I got a large tuna and my coworker had a large meatball and while the ingredients were certainly superior to my go-​to sandwich shop, «Going Banana’s», the portion size is insulting for the price.
I paid $ 12 for a sandwich that could fit comfortably inside a Pringle’s can. It was the approximate width and length of a premature baby’s forearm. I own watch bands thicker than the slice of bread that was served to me. To call this a sandwich is to spit in the face of Truth; this was a glorified breadstick.
My coworker’s meatball sub was littered with four to five acorn sized lumps of ground chuck that would make Spaghetio’s meatballs look the size of grapefruits. In her words «the only redeeming factor is the sauce.»
My overall experience was not aided by the fact that seven guests who ordered after us received their sandwiches first. I can only speculate the reason for the hold-​up was a shortage of the nano-​technology instruments necessary to construct this microscopic meal.

Well here’s the deal !
I’ve live here all my life… and when you think NORTH END «you think
Sit down Italian restaurants on the strip of Hanover st… well this place is tucked off Hanover st ! With a impossible chance of getting a parking on a very narrow st. (Salem st.)
It’s best to park somewhere you know and walk or tip you’re valet guy on Hanover st… then take the 3-​min walk to this hidden GEM !!! It’s worth it 100% they say it’s the best Italian sub in BOSTON !!! Best believe it… hands down the best no doubt!!!
Better than bricco who claims they got the best Italian sub !! NO WAY
*BRICCO
–No flavor to sub
–staff looks like they are mad all the time :-(
–mostly eating bread and no cold cuts
–kinda dry
*Monica’s
— friendly staff
— larger sub packed with fresh meats
— fresh bread
— flavorful, tasty,…simply delicious
To sum it up !!! Don’t look for any thing better just make this a must stop place for all your Italian goodies !!! The Italian is the best :-)

This is tasty. The bread makes the sandwich.
It was worth the wait in line, even with the drunk weekend warrior knuckleheaded idiots.

I’ve had my eye on Monica’s Mercato for a few months now. Their outdoor sign claiming they have the best Italian sub in Boston is a bold statement. But after seeing that their Italian was named «Best Sandwich of 2015» by Best of Boston, I had to see for myself.
When you step inside Monica’s Mercato, you’re greeted by the scent of fresh olives and balsamic vinegar. You can tell the place is legit immediately. I quickly ordered a large Italian sub and then noticed that it cost $ 12. That is a steep price tag to say the least; especially when compared to the large $ 8.50 subs at Al’s Café on State Street. Nonetheless, I persevered.
Watching the guy behind the counter make the sub is a joy. He slathered the fresh roll in hots and then squeezed on some balsamic vinegar glaze before topping it with the usual Italian sub ingredients. He sliced each piece of deli meat and cheese immediately before placing it on the bread. I knew I was going to love this sandwich way before I took my first bite.
I took the sub to a local park in the North End and enjoyed every bite. It’s safe to say this is the best Italian sub I’ve ever had. It was worth every penny and I’ll be going back anytime I crave an Italian.

Go to spot for an Italian sub, they boast they have the best in the city, and they aren’t lying. We lived up the street from Monica’s and it was a staple for us. Their bread is great, they slice the meat for each sandwich, the cheese is cut so thin and fresh, it’s like butter. The small is enough for two lunches.
They also have a selection of fresh pasta, bread, stuffed olives, artichokes, cheese, meats, etc. and pre-​made food (roasted vegetables, chicken, etc) that are all great for a quick dinner. Vegetarians — don’t worry they make salads.
When we first moved to Boston, they didn’t have a menu it was kind of confusing, but since then they’ve put up menus which is helpful, plus the staff is great.
One of the things I miss most about living in Boston is Monica’s!

ITALIAN SUB. My boyfriend was hesitant to show me this place because he knew I would Unilocal about it — and unfortunately, he was right.
Tucked away in the north end is a small, sandwich shop that serves one of the best italian subs I’ve ever had. They also have a wide selection of meats and cheeses, but why buy them separately when you can get them both in a delicious sandwich? The meat is thinly sliced — so thin that every bite just melts in your mouth. The cheese is so fresh and soft that it feels like butter. The portion is huge — too big for one person, but a bit short to share. At $ 12 a sandwich, it’s a bit pricey, but worth it. I apologize to my boyfriend for revealing his favorite sandwich shop, but this place is too good to keep secret. But if you’re ahead of me in line and take the last sub, I will hunt you down and take your sandwich.

Best Italian Sub.
This tiny Italian shop offers the Best Italian Sub in Boston! They have a sign outside the place saying it, and trust me, its no joke! The cured meats are of high quality and freshly sliced right before you order. The bread and veggies are nice and fresh. One of the gems in Boston’s North End!

I’m not a fan of Italian subs but Monica’s is the exception! It’s $ 12 for the larger size, which has more goodness in the sandwich. The bread was chewy and fresh. All of the meat (including the prosciutto) and cheese were freshly sliced before your eyes as they were making the sandwich. Moistened with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, it was delectable. I had the smaller size for lunch, which was still tasty later as a midnight snack!