Mochi's Deli draws crowds for New York-style sandwiches
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Sandwiches from L to R: The Ex-Wife, Chicken Caesar (bottom middle), Roast Beef Pho (top middle) and Chipotle Avocado Chicken. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios
Charlotteans are waiting nearly an hour for New York-inspired sandwiches at one of Dilworth's newest lunch spots.
Why it matters: As Charlotte adds more upscale dining options, Mochi's Deli offers something simpler — big, made-to-order sandwiches at relatively affordable prices in a no-frills setting.
What to expect: The menu is heavy on New York-style chicken cutlet sandwiches, chopped cheeses and cold cuts, plus Asian-inspired sandwiches and build-your-own options.
- Co-owner Terrence Manfredonia, who previously worked in a New York City deli, is behind the recipes, ingredients, sauces and menu.
Best bites: We ordered four sandwiches and fries for about $53. None of the four sandwiches we ordered cost more than $12.
- Chicken Caesar ($10.49): Chicken cutlet, Parmesan, romaine, tomato and Parmesan peppercorn dressing.
- Chipotle Avocado Chicken ($10.99): Chicken cutlet, mozzarella, avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, cilantro and chipotle mayo.
- The Ex-Wife ($11.99): Chicken cutlet, mozzarella, bacon, pesto, avocado, red onion, jalapeños and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Roast Beef Phở ($10.99): Roast beef piled with bean sprouts, red onion, avocado, basil, cilantro, tomato, lime, Sriracha and hoisin.
Pro tip: If you order fries (and you should), get a side of the house-made ranch — and extra sauce if you like a saucier sandwich. These things are thick.
Between the lines: Demand is high. On a recent Wednesday, I tried to order on DoorDash right when Mochi's opened at 11am, but ordering was already turned off.
- When I called, the line was busy. Once I got through, the staff told me they had paused DoorDash because of demand and were already about 45 minutes out on orders.
- I placed my order over the phone, and it was ready right on time.
What they're saying: Seeing Mochi's take off so quickly has been "pretty unreal," the deli's co-owner Jared Watroba tells Axios.
- Customers have sometimes waited more than two hours for sandwiches, he says. "That kind of support means so much."
- He adds that the team is working to shorten waits and make ordering more accessible while maintaining the quality of the food.
If you go: Don't plan to dine in. The deli is all takeout, with limited seating reserved for customers waiting on orders.
- Call ahead, too. You may still have a wait, but you can skip spending it at the deli.
Stop by: 2216 Park Road in Dilworth Crossing Shopping Center.
- Open Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-8pm.