The sandwich Salvatore Lupo invented in 1906 remains the benchmark. A 9-inch round loaf is piled with ham, salami, mortadella, Swiss and provolone cheese, then topped with Central Grocery's signature briny marinated olive salad made with olives, cauliflower, celery, and other pickled vegetables. The bread is sturdy enough to stay crusty while the moist olive salad soaks through. Reviewers consistently say this version is the only one that matters — others pale in comparison.
Tips from diners
This is the original muffuletta — the reason other versions exist. One sandwich serves two people comfortably, or one very hungry person. It's enormous and should be eaten fresh.
Split it with someone or ask them to wrap half for you to eat later. The olive salad makes it soggy if you let it sit more than an hour.
They make muffulettas fresh to order — there's no heat lamp involved. The wait is 10-15 minutes but worth it. If you're in a rush, call ahead.
A lighter alternative to the muffuletta. Sliced Italian salami and provolone are combined with the signature olive salad on a roll. The simplicity lets the quality of the salami and cheese shine through.
Tips from diners
This is cheaper than the muffuletta but still showcases the olive salad that makes Central Grocery special.
A more manageable portion of the full muffuletta, still made with all the same meats and the signature olive salad. The half-muffuletta gives you the authentic Central Grocery experience without requiring you to finish a massive sandwich or split it with someone.
Tips from diners
This is the perfect size for one person — not overwhelming but still a substantial meal. You get the full flavor of the original without waste.
The soul of the muffuletta, sold separately for those who want to bring the Central Grocery experience home. The salad is briny and tangy, loaded with olives and pickled vegetables. It can be ordered by itself or shipped nationwide through Goldbelly.
Tips from diners
Many people order jars of olive salad to take home or ship to friends. A jar will last weeks in the refrigerator and transforms sandwiches at home.
Central Grocery stocks imported Italian meats, cheeses, pasta, and other specialty items. The deli counter will slice anything fresh to order — mortadella, salami, prosciutto, and hard cheeses are available by the pound.
Tips from diners
If you're staying in the Quarter, you can pick up Italian meats and cheeses here for charcuterie at your apartment — prices are better than tourist-focused shops nearby.
Founded in 1906 by Sicilian immigrant Salvatore Lupo on Decatur Street, Central Grocery is the birthplace of the muffuletta sandwich. For three generations, the Lupo family has operated the old-fashioned grocery store and deli, making muffulettas with meats sliced in-house, locally baked handmade bread, and their family's proprietary Italian olive salad. The Today Show named their muffuletta one of the five best sandwiches in America.
Central Grocery is part Italian grocery, part deli. You order at the counter and pay there — no waiter service. Seating is limited and tight, so most people take their food to go.
Arrive before noon to avoid the lunch rush. Midday lines can wrap out the door, and the wait jumps to 30+ minutes.
Call ahead to pre-order your muffuletta if you're arriving during peak hours (11:30am-2pm). They'll have it ready when you walk in.
It's one of the cheapest, most authentic meals in the French Quarter. Budget under $20 for a full muffuletta and it's one of the most famous sandwiches in America.
Page last updated: