The Olive Market Heads to Voting Round in Best of Bay Area 2026
Pleasanton, California — April, 2026 — The Olive Market Mediterranean, a locally owned grocery store with a deli making waves in Pleasanton (right off 580/680 Dublin/Pleasanton intersection), has been named a finalist in the voting round of SFGATE’s Best of Bay Area 2026.
The annual Best of Bay Area awards celebrate outstanding local businesses that make a meaningful impact in their communities. After receiving strong support during nominations, The Olive Market is now encouraging customers, neighbors, and community members to cast their vote in the “Deli” category– The only deli nominated outside of San Francisco in the Bay Area.
A Local Business Rooted in Community
Founded in late 2024, The Olive Market has proudly served the Pleasanton/Dublin community by offering unique and staple Mediterranean finds– both local and imported. The business is mainly known for their sandwiches– especially their Pastrami “Market Special” & the Italian inspired “Padrino”. They are highlighted for their generous portions, fresh bread baked every morning, welcoming atmosphere–likely being greeted by name– and their cleanliness.
The owners are long-time Bay Area residents from San Francisco & Dublin. You might catch a family member playing in the Pleasanton co-ed league on weekends then back in the deli slicing and keeping the team’s velocity high in the next shift. The Olive Market also proudly sponsors The Bay Valley Suns Sports Club! Athletes frequent this spot for good reason.
The Olive Market brings that San Francisco/Oakland food vibe to the Tri-Valley with culture, quality and freshness. They also work with local small vendors that are contributing to the food scene in positive ways by uplifting them with shelf space and reach. They're not just working with distributors to re-sell, they are curating products directly from the source.
With a plethora of foodie finds, what they didn’t realize was how well received the community wanted real, fresh quality ingredients in a sandwich. Their deli meats are impressive– mortadella imported from Italy, and nitrate free options from their turkey to the roast beef. On top of that, their portions are never disappointing.
Within their first year, they were written in the SF Chronicle by Associate Restaurant Critic, Cesar Hernandez who said in 2025, “The Tri-Valley’s best Italian-style sandwich comes from a Mediterranean grocery store called Olive Market”.
A Message From Co-Owner & Culinary Autodidact, Issa
“Being named one of the top 5 delis in the Bay Area is a huge honor for us. We started with a simple goal– serve good food and have a place where people feel welcomed. We bring nostalgia, that feeling that reminds you of a place you’ve stumbled upon in your travels near or far. This recognition shows we are on the right path. We are grateful for our team, our community & customers,” Issa Samara, Co-Owner.
How to Vote for Us
Community members can vote for The Olive Market by:
1. Visiting: Vote For Us https://sfgate.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-Bay-Area-2026-Readers-Choice-Contest/gallery/527113165/
2. Selecting the category: Deli
3. Find: The Olive Market Mediterranean
4. Submitting the vote for us!
The voting round opens April 14th at 2pm pdt and closes on May 5th.
Why Supporting Local Matters
The Best of Bay Area awards spotlight the small businesses that define the region’s character, culture, and economy. Community participation plays a vital role in recognizing and uplifting the local businesses that make the Bay Area unique.
About The Olive Market
The Olive Market is a family owned Mediterranean grocery and deli. Located in Pleasanton, California, the business specializes in gourmet sandwiches with an international flair. Since 2024, the company has been committed to quality, customer service & taste without ever cutting corners.
For more information, visit:
Website: www.theolive.market
Instagram: @theolivemm
Media Contact: Issa Samara Co Owner
theolivemm@gmail.com
925-399-6761
