Robert Lucente
Authentic sandwich deli shop straight out of the early 1900s. Lou the owner just hanging out at the window greeting customers and having a great chat with us about the history of this place. Sandwiches were delicious. I went with the Meatball and it didn’t disappoint. My wife went a classic turkey avocado and was a two thumbs up. Nothing about this place says chain. Original to its core including what looks like the original railing that they hung pots pans in 1920’s. There’s are pictures of the counter service spot for each decade it’s been open and you can see the background is the same!
… moreEdith Pilaf
No frills, soft and gooey vs crunchy and layered, an enjoyable meatball sub that is pillowy. Highly enjoyable for a kid, with a park and a playground steps away.
Meatball Sub – it is not a thing of beauty, as it shouldn’t be.
Place is full of history and a step back in time. Love that it is still around.
… moreFrank Perez
This deli is truly old school, filled with character and rich in history. Stepping inside feels like stepping back in time, and you can sense the stories behind every corner. It’s the kind of place that, once it’s gone, can never be replaced, there simply won’t be anything else like it. That’s why it’s worth a visit while it’s still here. On top of all that, their sandwiches are genuinely delicious and remain my personal favorite.
… moreKrista Beyer
I am the 5th generation of my family living in San Jose, and this was my first visit. Upon talking to the gentleman at the register, I found out that they are the oldest family deli to open in San Jose. Founded over 100 years ago! So cool. I was hoping for a prosciutto sandwich for my boyfriend, because that is his favorite in the world, but unfortunately they were sold out. I got him a roast beef sandwich and I ordered turkey avocado. The man that who was helping me ended up being 5th generation family of the owners. He came out and told me that the turkey they had was the last of what they had, and didn’t look very fresh, so he asked me if I wanted something else. (I REALLY appreciated his integrity and honesty.) I told him ham was fine, and that ended up being the same situation as the turkey. So I ended up getting Genoa Salami and swiss. (Glad I did. Best salami sandwich I’ve ever had.) I was there for about 30 minutes waiting because they had to switch the meat twice, and since they slice it fresh , it’s understandable that it took a while. The only bad thing I can say is it was very hot and stuffy in the shop and I was very uncomfortable sitting there waiting because there were no fans on, but let me tell you, it was worth it. The sandwiches were absolutely delicious. They were so big my boyfriend and I barely finished half of our sandwiches and we were full. The sourdough rolls were super soft and really delicious. On top of that, he gave me one of my sandwiches free due to the inconvenience of the first three sandwiches I wanted not being available. I highly recommend this place in terms of customer service and quality. We definitely will be back when the prosciutto is back in stock, which he said would be sometime next week. I definitely want to go back to try the homemade sausages and meatballs, and raviolis as well! I also got the creamy strawberry Italian soda and it was so good ! I love the decor inside with all the black and white photos of the different generations of the store being open, and all of the newspaper articles about the deli on display. Definitely gives you an old world family feel. Highly recommend. The ONLY reason I voted four stars for atmosphere was because of the temperature inside. For most people it would probably be fine, but I have a health condition that makes me extremely sensitive to heat and it was uncomfortable for me. Definitely not something to prevent me from going back, though.
… moreAryan Mobiny
Everything about this place is authentic and amazing. It is the oldest family-owned Italian deli and restaurant in San jose (Founded in 1908). We tried 3 different sandwiches. The Italian meatballs were the best I’ve ever had! Meatballs are not like saucy cheesy weird American meatballs. They are super herbal and delicious, and they literally melt in your mouth. Their Italian sausages were so good that I bought some extra sausages to keep in my fridge and make some every now and then.
… moreFatima Saldivar
Yesterday I was looking for a new place to have lunch so I decided to give this place a try.
It’s a simple & unpretentious but lovely place. You can eat inside or outside (I decide to stay inside). The menu is simple but varied, with vegetarian options, good options of sides and also you can buy chips, olives, hot salsa from the “store” inside. The staff is friendly and the service is fast.
I ordered:
Italian Sausage Sandwich (their own marinara sauce, sauteed bell peppers and onions or mayo, mustard and produce)
Side of Potato Salad
Side of Macaroni Salad
Ravioli ricotta cheese
The portions of the food are perfect, you are satisfied, the flavor is authentic, in general, it is a good place to eat quietly without any pretense and enjoy homemade food.
… moreBill Lin
Definitely the most authentic and “real” Italian deli shop ever !!! Without the marketing and social media trick, Chiaramonte family has been serving the same thing in the past 115 years.
Ordered their signature Italian Sausage Sandwich, it doesn’t have a fancy look, but the taste of their sausage and meatball sauce is really full of flavors, you can literally appreciate the spices of their recipe, this sausage is probably the best I’ve ever had.
The environment is not posh, but you can imagine the scenes that Chiaramonte family has been serving this neighborhood with the same heart and effort throughout the past century!!!
… moreLiz Holakiewicz
Legit Italian deli with 117 year family history. We shared a meatball sandwich. Very tasty. Just popped by on our roadtrip down the coast.
… moreBill Daly
Excellent food! It has a New York-style deli counter with what you might expect in the cold case. LOVE it! I bought an Italian Sausage sandwich and a single side meatball… both of with were excellent. I can’t wait to go back and try the rest of their menu soon!
… morepapa Tutti
First time here. The store has history. It the oldest family owned eatery in the area. Been here since 1908. They have indoor and outdoor seating, but it limited The Navel Pastrami sandwich was good. The bread was very soft and fresh made. Could’ve had a little more meat on it. They also sell Italian food products inside the store.
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