Nana Deli Grocery in Baltimore: A Mediterranean Import Counter with Lunch Sandwiches
Nana Deli Grocery is a small, single-counter operation in Fells Point that stocks prepared foods, imported goods, and made-to-order sandwiches, bridging the gap between a neighborhood grocery and a casual lunch spot. It operates at a much smaller scale than full-service delis but fills a specific role for people seeking Mediterranean ingredients and quick meals in a walkable part of the city.
What Nana actually is
The business functions primarily as a grab-and-go deli counter paired with shelves of imported pantry items. The sandwich program is the main draw: staff build orders on fresh bread with cured meats, cheeses, and prepared vegetables. A typical order takes 5 to 10 minutes. The space itself is tight, with limited seating, so most customers eat elsewhere or take food home.
Menu and pricing
Sandwiches range from roughly $9 to $14 depending on protein choice and toppings. Common builds include combinations with prosciutto, mortadella, fresh mozzarella, and roasted vegetables. The deli also sells prepared sides such as marinated olives, caponata, and pasta salads by the pound. Prices for prepared items run $8 to $12 per pound. A small selection of fresh produce, Italian cheeses sold by the slice, and shelf-stable imports (pasta, canned tomatoes, oils) round out inventory. Prices on prepared items can shift seasonally; confirm current rates by calling ahead.
How Nana compares to other Baltimore delis
Nana differs from larger full-service delis like Attman's, which operates as a standalone destination with table seating, a full hot-foods kitchen, and decades of local reputation. Attman's serves breakfast and lunch and draws tourists and regulars alike; a typical sandwich there costs $11 to $15 and the atmosphere is diner-like. Nana is smaller in scope and neighborhood-oriented. It also differs from sandwich-focused chains such as Wawa or Jimmy John's by emphasizing Mediterranean and Italian ingredients rather than American deli meat standards. For someone seeking a specific imported cheese or cured Italian meat unavailable at a supermarket, Nana is closer to a specialty grocer; for someone wanting to sit down for a full meal, Attman's is better suited. For takeout sandwiches built to order with quality European imports, Nana fills a gap that neither large delis nor chains occupy in Fells Point.
Who it suits and who it does not
Nana works well for people living or working in Fells Point who want a quick sandwich with imported ingredients, or for shoppers hunting hard-to-find Italian pantry items. It also suits anyone buying cured meats or cheeses for a charcuterie board at home. It does not suit people seeking a sit-down meal, hot entrees, or the broader menu and diner-style service of a traditional deli. It is also not a grocery replacement; the imported-goods selection is curated but small.
What the first visit involves
Walk in and scan the counter. If a line exists, expect a short wait. Point to the protein and toppings you want, or ask for a recommendation. The staff will assemble your sandwich on bread of their choosing (unless you specify). Payment is cash or card. No table seating, so either eat outside on the sidewalk or take the sandwich with you. If you are shopping for imports, browse the shelves while you wait.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Nana operates from roughly 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. most days, though hours may vary seasonally or on holidays; call to confirm before a visit. Street parking is available on Fells Point streets but can be competitive during peak hours. The deli is on a block with foot traffic, making it walkable from the neighborhood's restaurants and shops. No dedicated lot.
Nana Deli Grocery matters to Baltimore because it serves a real neighborhood need: Mediterranean groceries and quality imported sandwiches at a local scale, in a walkable corner of a densely populated neighborhood where such specificity remains rare.
