Traditional house-cured meats, offbeat sandwiches and bargain prices make this unique shop a local favorite.

The Scene
The pig sign hanging outside this Pioneer Square hot spot could have come from the Middle Ages--appropriate, as owner Armandino Batali cures meats and makes sausages the way Italians have been for centuries. Crowds of regulars make the communal dining table an entertaining experience, but there are a few smaller tables that offer slightly more privacy.

The Food
Sausages come in sandwiches on artisanal bread, or can be cooked at home. Meats include lamb and pork prosciutto; two kinds of copa, including rarely found pig cheek; Tuscan finnochiona and other salami. Sample them all by ordering a full plate of either hot or cold meats. In addition, Salumi prepares sensational sandwiches like porchetta, meatball and spicy oxtails. Try a Pinzamonio salad (seasonal raw vegetables), soup or a daily special such as frittata or pasta. A counter in the front window showcases various family members making gnocchi and biscotti.