CLOSED December 21, 2013. Reportedly bad relations with a landlord unwilling to fix the place up while increasing rent.1632 W Main St #7
Walking into Deli Roma, I had minimal expectations. I often hear about so and so place being good only to be disappointed. Rarely does a place exceed expectations.
Walking into Deli Roma, three customers were ahead of us awaiting their orders. The counter was abandoned and it was about a minute before anyone showed up and took our order with New York brusqueness. Deli Roma isn't quite a hole in the wall but a dive.
Muffaletta is Deli Roma's signature sandwich and comprises Genoa salami, ham, mortadella, provolone, mozzarella, and of course it wouldn't be a muffaletta without the olive salad. At just under $13, the wallet took a hit.
It was a 5 minute wait and then our order was called. It was the size of a go-kart tire with weight to match. This was one big mother of a sandwich and weighed in over a pound, maybe closer to two. It could easily feed two to four people.
What exactly is the bread? Muffaletta bread? Focaccia? Ciabatta? I plead ignorance. I only say it was a fantastic component and the best and freshest bread I've had in my limited Madison experience.
The meats and cheeses as densely packed and stacked as they were didn't feel excessive or overdone but were balanced with the olive salad and the bread. The deli cuts were outstanding in quality, texture, fat content, and saltiness. The garlicky olive salad also was well balanced with olives, olive oil, and the pickled vegetables that only got better the next day.
I haven't had the opportunity to chow on a Central Grocery muffaletta in New Orleans, which is the gold standard so I don't know how Deli Roma's muffaletta compares but it surely didn't disappoint. I've had muffalettas in various restaurants and they never even came close to matching my homemade version but Deli Roma's version far exceeds mine.
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