Holy great sandwiches, Batman! Frenchi’s Deli as been on the list to try for a while, and for my birthday lunch we finally snuck into this little storefront on Hudson, just off High Street in Old North. Frenchi’s first opened there in early 2023, and a number of friends have recommended it highly. And, boy, were they right.
From the outside, Frenchi’s is an unpretentious operation. It’s tucked between a Little Caesar’s and a smoke shop, and the interior isn’t fancy: big counters, a cooler, a rack of chips, a couple counter seats lining the windows.
But we were warmly greeted by owner Djamal “Frenchi” Aboudou, who – when we told him it was our first time in – eagerly suggested a couple sandwiches and told us he was going to make them “his way.” Djamal said he is originally from France, and he ran a deli for many years in Pittsburgh before coming to Columbus.
We were happy to follow his lead and ordered two sandwiches based on his suggestions. When he started making the sandwiches, he piled up lettuce, pickles, banana peppers, jalapenos in a pile before drizzling them with sauces and dicing them all together. That’s when we knew we were in for treat.
Our first entry is Le Ruben: classic with corned beef, sauerkraut, loads of diced veggies. It’s one of those delightful sandwiches that turns into a mess but you don’t mind one bit. All the ingredients are layered and balanced so nicely, and just wonderfully seasoned.
Second was Le Tour Eiffel: corned beef, pastrami, and roast beef with lettuce and veggies. Like Le Corned Beef, it’s packed with tender sliced meats, zesty and crispy veggies, wonderful sauces that tie everything together.
Even before we finished them we were already craving another trip to try more!
Frenchi’s also whips up some beautiful French pastries and other treats, but you have to get there early to snag them.
Djamal kindly shared a pain au chocolat and a raspberry cream with us – both delicious. Just look at the layers on that laminated dough!
Djamal himself is just a delight, too. We’re lucky he brought his talents to Columbus, and his delis deserve to be busy!
Frenchi’s also just opened a new shop in the Short North. It’s just open dinner hours, but as the weather warms Djamal said he hopes to open earlier. Whichever location you choose, we suggest visiting and supporting him!
Frenchi’s Deli in Old North is open Sunday-Monday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Frenchi’s Deli
18 E. Hudson St.
Columbus, OH 43202
(614) 732-5222
AND
1219 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43201
Web: frenchisdeli.com
FB: Frenchi’s Deli
IG: @frenchisdeli614