Di Prato's Italian Deli in Columbia — Sandwiches, Imported Goods, and a Family Legacy

What Di Prato's is and where to find it

Di Prato's Italian Deli is a family-owned sandwich shop and Italian market in downtown Columbia that has operated since 1927. The deli occupies a narrow storefront on Main Street where owner Tony Di Prato and his staff build sandwiches to order, stock imported Italian meats and cheeses, and sell prepared foods that draw regulars from across the Midlands. You walk in, order at the counter, and watch them slice your meat fresh — the operation has not changed much in nearly a century.

The shop sits in the heart of Columbia's historic district, within walking distance of the State House and the University of South Carolina campus. Parking is street-level along Main Street or in nearby lots; the storefront itself is small and can get crowded during lunch hours, especially on weekdays.

Key Takeaways

• Di Prato's has been family-owned since 1927 and still builds sandwiches to order using imported Italian meats sliced fresh at the counter.
• The deli stocks imported Italian cheeses, cured meats, olive oils, and specialty ingredients you won't find in most grocery stores.
• Lunch hours (roughly 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays) bring a crowd; arriving early or mid-afternoon means shorter waits.
• The shop is cash-friendly but also takes cards; calling ahead with a large order gives the staff time to prepare.

The sandwich menu and what to order

Di Prato's menu is built around Italian cold cuts and traditional combinations. The Italian sandwich — layered with capicola, mortadella, and provolone — is the signature order and the one most regulars return for. Other standards include the roast beef, turkey, and ham sandwiches, all built on fresh bread that arrives daily. You can customize any sandwich by choosing your meat, cheese, and toppings, and the staff will assemble it in front of you.

Prices run between $8 and $12 for a full sandwich, depending on the meat and size. The bread matters here: Di Prato's uses a local Italian roll that is crisp on the outside and soft inside, which is why the same sandwich tastes different than it would on supermarket bread. Sides include Italian pasta salad, olives, and prepared antipasti plates that work for lunch or for taking home.

Imported goods and what the market side stocks

Beyond sandwiches, Di Prato's functions as an Italian market. The shelves hold imported olive oils, vinegars, canned tomatoes, and pasta from Italy — brands and products that specialty grocery stores carry but at higher markups. The refrigerated cases stock Italian cheeses (provolone, fresh mozzarella, aged asiago), cured meats by the pound, and prepared items like meatballs and sausages that you can take home and reheat.

If you are planning an Italian dinner or need ingredients for a specific recipe, calling ahead lets the staff know what you are looking for. They often have items not on display and can order specialty products if you give them a few days' notice. This part of the business serves both walk-in customers and people who know exactly what they want and come back regularly.

Hours, parking, and how to order

Di Prato's is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; it closes on Sunday. The shop does not take reservations, but you can call ahead to place an order for pickup, which is useful if you want a sandwich ready when you arrive or if you are ordering for a group. The phone number is listed on their storefront and online.

Parking on Main Street is metered during business hours; nearby municipal lots offer longer-term parking if you plan to spend time in the area. The deli itself is small — perhaps 400 square feet — so during peak lunch hours you may wait 10 to 20 minutes. Mid-afternoon (after 2 p.m.) is quieter. The shop is not wheelchair accessible due to the narrow entrance and interior layout, though staff can help with orders placed by phone.

Why Di Prato's matters to Columbia's food culture

Di Prato's is one of the oldest continuously operating businesses in downtown Columbia and one of the few remaining Italian delis that still operate the way they did decades ago. The shop represents a particular kind of neighborhood institution — a place where the owner knows regulars by name, where quality ingredients matter more than volume, and where the sandwich is built the way you ask for it rather than the way the menu dictates.

For visitors exploring Columbia's historic downtown or students at USC, Di Prato's offers a taste of the city's Italian immigrant history and a lunch that tastes like it was made by someone who cares. The deli has survived chain competition and changing shopping habits because it does one thing well and has done it for nearly 100 years.

What to expect on your first visit

Walk in and join the line at the counter. The staff will ask what you want; if you are unsure, ask for a recommendation — most will suggest the Italian sandwich or whatever meat is particularly good that day. Watch them slice your meat and assemble your sandwich. Pay at the register (cash or card), and eat there or take it with you. The whole transaction usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if the line is short, longer during lunch rush.

The shop is casual and unpretentious. There is no table service, no reservations, and no frills. What you get is fresh ingredients, a sandwich made to order, and the sense that you are buying from people who have been doing this for a long time and know how to do it well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order online or have sandwiches delivered?

Di Prato's does not offer online ordering or delivery through third-party apps. You can call ahead to place an order for pickup, or visit in person. This keeps the operation simple and ensures sandwiches are made fresh when you arrive.

Do they have vegetarian sandwiches?

Yes. You can order a sandwich with cheese and vegetables, or ask the staff what vegetarian options they have available. Call ahead if you want to confirm what is in stock on a particular day.

What is the best time to go if I want to avoid a wait?

Mid-afternoon (after 2 p.m.) is quieter than lunch hour. Early morning (right when they open at 10 a.m.) is also less crowded. Weekday lunch hours between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. draw the most people.

Can I buy just the imported goods without ordering a sandwich?

Yes. You can browse the market side and purchase imported meats, cheeses, oils, and other Italian products without buying a sandwich. Many people stop in just for ingredients or specialty items.

Is there seating inside?

Di Prato's is primarily a counter operation with limited seating. Most customers take their sandwiches to go or eat standing up. If you want to sit down, nearby parks and the USC campus offer outdoor seating options.