Octavio Arzola is no stranger to the Mississippi Coast food and dining scene, and now he’s brought a dream to life with a new European-style sandwich shop in downtown Gulfport.
A chef for three decades, Octavio has long dreamed of opening a salumeria — an Italian shop that sells cured meats. But he’s expanded the concept to a deli with fresh-cut meats and cheeses, homemade breads, with both Italian- and French-inspired spreads and sides, desserts and beverages imported from overseas.
Tavi’s Salumeria opened to fanfare last month, drawing big crowds at lunch to try the artisan creations and unique chip flavors.
It’s just across the street from Pop Brothers, the flagship store for the artisan popsicle business he runs with his wife, Shannon. Both are about a block away from the new Amtrak stop.
Tavi’s is casual with a coastal flair and you’ll find Octavio, who goes by Tavi, greeting customers and explaining the menu, which is different from any other sandwich shop on the Gulf Coast.
Tavi’s Salumeria in downtown Gulfport, Mississippi, before it opened in 2025.
Hannah Ruhoff/Sun Herald
Cold cuts hang from the ceiling, and the kitchen is surrounded by clear glass so you can watch the crew make your order.
Many European countries are represented on the menu. There’s the Madrid with serrano ham, salchichon iberico, and 12-year aged manchego cheese. The Milano has prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, arugula, red peppers and basil pesto. The Sicily features spicy salami with a feta spread, and there’s a French ham and brie sandwich.
With more than a dozen sandwiches on the menu, I opted to try the Rome, a cold sandwich featuring thinly sliced mortadella, stracciatella cheese, crushed pistachios, pistachio cream and hot honey.
The Rome sandwich with mortadella and pistachio cream at Tavi’s Salumeria in downtown Gulfport.
Justin Mitchell
The bread was soft and fresh-baked and while the sandwich looked magnificent, it wasn’t pretentious. Tavi’s serves their meals in to-go containers for convenience.
The hot honey, cream and paper thin-sliced mortadella paired perfectly. The pistachios also offered a crunch the sandwich needed. The textures were unreal in the best way.
Tavi’s is on 25th Avenue and is about a 10 minute walk from the Amtrak station, if you’re taking a trip to the Mississippi Coast soon. And it’s near Coast Roast coffee if you need some extra caffeine after a filling lunch.
Tavi’s Salumeria
1618 25th Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501
Open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Saturday
An employee at Tavi’s Salumeria in downtown Gulfport makes a sandwich.
Hannah Ruhoff/Sun Herald
Dining and Cooking