Cafe L'Appetito

Saw this deli when we moved into the Airbnb at 30 E. Ordered some tortellini salad and it was quite delicious. Not bad considering the convenience. Have ordered other veg items, salads, gelato from them and they are pretty delicious. I loved their arancini balls. Extremely huge and mouthwatering. It’s quite hard to find them these days. The portion sizes of items, especially the sandwiches are pretty generous. Loved their lemon sorbet - so fresh! Their pistachio gelato is yummy, as well. Yes, it’s a small deli place, but very convenient for nearby apartments and businesses. Very clean as well. Not too many tables inside so I would recommend take out. Unsure if they put chairs out during summer.

What stands out most is affordability! Not my favorite deli sandwich, but would go back for large portions, baked goods are pretty good, gelato is very good- and cheap!! *edited to 4 stars after remembering how good their coffee and lattes are!!

(Huron location). False advertising of hours and menu. The advertised hours for this business for Saturday state they close at 6:30pm. We arrived at 6pm and tried to order a meatball sub, which is on their posted menu. The employee informed us he would not make that sandwich as he already put the meatballs away. He confirmed they had meatballs and did not run out, but he just wouldn’t take them back out to make the sandwich - during their posted business hours. He also stated they close at 6:20 so they can be out of there by 6:30, so they are not actually open until 6:30. If the posted menu is not available during business hours, they need to revise their menu. If they are not open during their posted business hours, they need to revise the posted hours. After this we decided to only proceed with ordering 1 sub, the caprese. We got home and it was absolutely pathetic (see photos). Our family has frequented this location many, many times and have spent a large sum of money here over the years. We have also recommended L’Appetito to our friends, co-workers, businesses, etc., and we will be informing them of this. We will no longer be customers here.

I ordered the diavolo sandwich. It was amazing. The bread was fresh, the cuts of meat were delicious, the giardinera was spicy. Nothing to complain about. Honestly, one of the best in the city and I've dined at all the famous delis in chicago.

Well the reason why I came here is because they opened up the Harry Potter shop which is two blocks down on Michigan avenue and I used to spot hero to park nearby. I didn't want to eat in any of the bougie restaurants and there was a Thai restaurant I went to nearby but I already had Thai food 2 days ago so I gave this Italian deli / Cafe a try. It was just a meh ok. There was nothing that got me excited in regards to their meatball sandwich it was predominantly sandwiches they didn't have other varieties of a hot foods that you could sit if they would have had spaghetti and meatballs or something being an Italian grocery store / Cafe I would have eaten that there are farmers market suit was just the meh okay. Service was good I can't complain I was hoping that they would have much pressure Italian dishes but I guess it's the best that downtown has and I've been to better but delis in the Chicago suburbs as well as in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Ambience had that groceries store food court kind of setting but the food was just okay. I was hoping I would get something super fresh or something tastier delicious but they weren't bad tasting food that's the three stars but I expected a lot more it's been trying to be a mom and pop Italian grocery store / deli. It even makes Franklin parks Al and Joe's deli I went to compare to Manny's low quality which was just a week ago

Really good sandwich for $10, and very a very large serving! I got the italiano. The tiramisu was also very good. Nice calm vibe inside and has a small market area with imported goods.

Totally disgusted - this used to be a great Chicago staple. Service has gone down IMMENSELY. We live two blocks away and stopped in at 6pm, 30 minutes before closing. The man working refused to make us what we ordered because “he already put it away” and was trying to be closed by 6:20 so he could leave. He then made us an alternate, and it was HORRIBLE. All he could offer was a caprese sandwich with very minimal ingredients. Truly disappointing from what was our favorite spot in the neighborhood. DO NOT come here looking for service or even the full menu, sometimes it seems they just want to leave early.

Fresh ingredients, perfect bread, and great flavors. Friendly service and a true deli vibe. Best in town can’t wait to return!

Cafe L'Appetito is the gift that just keeps on giving! The team is so warm and welcoming that it truly feels like family the moment you walk in. I work from home, so my daily coffee run has become more than a routine; it's become a non-negotiable- not just for the coffee, but for the easy conversation and familiar faces that make my day better, even if it's just a quick chat. They know my order by heart, the vibe is always great, and even new employees blend in seamlessly, which says everything about the culture they've built. In the middle of busy downtown Chicago, it's such a refreshing constant - and having one of the only true patio spots around makes it even better when the weather's nice. The homemade bakery items are unreal, and I would say my hyper-fixation on the iced oat milk lattes with sugar free vanilla should be studied, but this is the only place that consistently makes it perfect each time. So I owe it to them for curating my new standard.

This is a cross between an Italian deli and a bakery, located near the Driehaus museum, the Harry Potter shop, and the downtown casino. They've squeezed 16 small tables into this space, and have a small grocery (Torrone nougat, including adorable minis; pasta; cookies; frozen ravioli; Lezza spumoni); sandwiches/pizza and pastries/muffins/cookies. Sandwiches are in the back; breakfast is til 11:30 (at least 2 vegetarian croissant choices). Vegetarian options are clearly marked. There are 3 veg sandwiches; a veg pizza option; and veg arancini (delivered in the morning with the pizza; they were out by 1:30), as well as a small selection of deli salads (tuna; potato; pasta; marinated olives; marinated bell peppers). In the bakery section choices range from Italian cheesecake and magic cookie bars to traditional thumbprint cookies and amaretti, and you get get bottles or cans of Italian soda in the cooler. The seating area is pleasant, with painted ivy and a view of the street through big glass windows; prices are reasonable and the service is very friendly. We got the verdura sandwich; an untoasted mushroom/cheese panino and the mushroom pizza. The eggplant sandwich is unbreaded and good even if you're not a big eggplant fan; the panino was garlicky and next time I'd have it toasted. Pizza was nice; they'll let you pick corner or side so you can decide how much caramelized cheese you want. Portions are generous. Worth a stop.

Love this place. Best panini in town.. and coffee is realllllllllly good as well. Everything is always fresh and the staff is sooo friendly! Best thing is that it's hardly a 2 min walk from the Omni Hotel where I was staying. I just rush they'd stay open a little later.

Well the reason why I came here is because they opened up the Harry Potter shop which is two blocks down on Michigan avenue and I used to spot hero to park nearby. I didn't want to eat in any of the bougie restaurants and there was a Thai restaurant I went to nearby but I already had Thai food 2 days ago so I gave this Italian deli / Cafe a try. It was just a meh ok. There was nothing that got me excited in regards to their meatball sandwich it was predominantly sandwiches they didn't have other varieties of a hot foods that you could sit if they would have had spaghetti and meatballs or something being an Italian grocery store / Cafe I would have eaten that there are farmers market suit was just the meh okay. Service was good I can't complain I was hoping that they would have much pressure Italian dishes but I guess it's the best that downtown has and I've been to better but delis in the Chicago suburbs as well as in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Ambience had that groceries store food court kind of setting but the food was just okay. I was hoping I would get something super fresh or something tastier delicious but they weren't bad tasting food that's the three stars but I expected a lot more it's been trying to be a mom and pop Italian grocery store / deli. It even makes Franklin parks Al and Joe's deli I went to compare to Manny's low quality which was just a week ago

Wonderful neighborhood deli with reasonable priced breakfast and lunch sandwiches! They even sell packaged spumoni ice cream and Italian iced. Also picked up along with the the Rosina & Svizzera paninis, an iced coffee and spinach & ricotta arancini. Perfect lunch and friendly staff.

This was absolutely one of the best Italian subs I've ever had. I asked for extra vinegar and they nailed it, the bread was good enough to hold up even with all the vinegar. So good!

[Cafe L'Appetito] Italian deli located in River North. Got the Italian sandwich, veggie sub, and the cannoli It's a quick little lunch spot but kinda mid https://lappetito.com 30 E Huron St Chicago, IL 60611

I came here twice during my trip to Chicago. I typically don't go someplace twice because there are so many good food options, but I loved L'Appetito. Both times I got a sandwich, and they were amazing. All of their ingredients taste so fresh and they are reasonably priced. L'Appetito is right next to the L and the Magnificent Mile. There are a few tables inside and they have a ton of drinks and a coffee bar. I came here before my flight so I could have half a sandwich on the trip home. This place is the real deal and I will definitely be back the next time I'm in the area.

A nice deli near where I work a variety of sandwiches chili everyday. The sandwiches are so good. They also have a daily pasta and cold salads and composed salads like tuna and chicken salad. The artichokes and mushrooms are refreshing. Service can be slow but overall a great lunch spot!

I look for a good Italian sandwich anywhere I travel and this spot came up in my Yelp search and seemed super promising. Not only do they have sandwiches and hot foods, but they also sell cookies and coffee drinks. We stepped into the small store and there's a front counter where you can order cookies or drinks, some items along the wall including cold drinks and sodas and then the sandwich counter in the back along with sides and hot foods like pizza and pasta. We started at the back and ordered a turkey sandwich and their "Tony's Bomba". Both sandwiches were ready quickly and had a good amount of toppings. Up front we grabbed a few cookies and I ordered a coffee and paid for all our items. We found a table in their small seating area easily and my coffee was out pretty quickly. The Tony's Bomba was a good sized sandwich with capicola, salami, mortadella, provolone, lettuce, tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar and Italian spices on a tomato focaccia that we deemed "pizza bread". I could only eat half but it was delicious. My coffee was also great, nice and hot and the perfect amount of sweetness. On top of the tasty food all the staff members were really nice. I would definitely return.

Great turkey pesto panini and baked goods. Variety of drinks. Lovely staff. It's my new favorite place!

Great little Italian place, Lavazzo coffee, Italian pastry... what else can the morning ask for!. They have great selection if pizza and sandwiches but we settled for coffee and pastries

Came for a quick lunch and tried the Italian spicy signature sandwich with hot peppers. They made the sandwich fast and I was able to sit outside and eat! I thought the sandwich was delicious and fresh, and the peppers were definitely spicy. The sandwich was huge and for a decent price- I could've even split it with someone! I'll be back to try some of their other sandwiches.

I love L'Appetito!!! This place has been our staple since we moved to River North and we come here several times a month for breakfast and lunch. We always bring out of town visitors here for the city deli vibe and everyone we've brought has loved it as well!! All of their sandwiches are delicious and the workers are all friendly and quick. The coffee is really good (iced caffé latte is what we usually get) and comparable to the more *expensive* coffee stores around this part of River North (cough cough, Ralph's). I also love the atmosphere because it's quite reminiscent of a bodega in Europe, and they decorate for every holiday! I've purchased imported dry goods and pastries as well, and both have been excellent. I haven't tried the gelato, but they have several flavors available at any given time. Highly recommend!!

False advertising of hours and menu. The advertised hours for this business for Saturday state they close at 6:30pm. We arrived at 6pm and tried to order a meatball sub, which is on their posted menu. The employee informed us he would not make that sandwich as he already put the meatballs away. He confirmed they had meatballs and did not run out, but he just wouldn't take them back out to make the sandwich - during their posted business hours. He also stated they close at 6:20 so they can be out of there by 6:30, so they are not actually open until 6:30. If the posted menu is not available during business hours, they need to revise their menu. If they are not open during their posted business hours, they need to revise the posted hours. After this we decided to only proceed with ordering 1 sub, the caprese. We got home and it was absolutely pathetic (see photos). Our family has frequented this location many, many times and have spent a large sum of money here over the years. We have also recommended L'Appetito to our friends, co-workers, businesses, etc., and we will be informing them of this. We will no longer be customers here.

Horrible service by the lady manager. I came early to place an order. I requested if there was a new badge of the garden salad with the olives, tomatoes, cheese and oils. The young guy helping me went to ask the manager in the back. The reason why I asked for a new badge was because the left over from the days before was already bad, cucumber was already soggy and looked gooey. The young guy came back from the back and stated that the manager said this had to be finished first. How can a chef or a manager not service and give bad food to a paying customer. I will not shop there any more and it's sad because I work in the building.

No frills Italian Deli. I got an Italian sandwich from here for a little over $10 I think. Really solid! Nothing bad to say really. The folks who worked here were nice and efficient too. Be warned that the only seating is in the front of the deli and there aren't many tables/chairs.

Delish! Had a taste for something different. I've walked by here for years but never stopped in this small grocery/cafe. Glad I tried it today. I ordered a Turkey panini. One sandwich is more the size of two. Cooked to perfection. I added a small dish of Gorgonzola potato salad. The perfect thing to accompany my sandwich. There are a few tables inside plus a few out on the sidewalk. Enough for me. Total cost including tax $11. Pretty good price for this area. Next time I'm hungry for a good sandwich I'll remember to stop here.

Solid sandwich. Lunch combo was a great deal. Will be back for baked goods. Also has a little market of Italian food.

True rating 2.5 but I'll edge it closer to a 3 than a 2. Went with the Italiano, just the most default sandwich of all time. When you're working with more lettuce than meat, you got a problem. Dece hoagie, I'll say that, but rest was a joke. Sandwiches are rated on the universal meat to sandwich ratio (Ted Flask TM). L'Appetito ranks 10%, deplorable.

Small corner store right across from St. James Episcopal Cathedral. I stopped in when I was walking to my car after my doctor's appointment a few blocks away. They had exactly what I needed, though when I went in some areas seemed a bit bare. But I'm assuming that's in large part related to various shortages, since I was here in December 2021 when the pandemic was still wreaking havoc on lots of unexpected facets of life. They have an area where you can sit and have food if you order from the sandwich bar or whatever. They also have a lot of bakery items, though I didn't purchase any. If they carried my favorite Lemon Soda (that's what it's called) from Italy, I'd make it a point to stop there. They have some things that can be useful from a corner store so sure, I'd stop in again if I was nearby.

I'm a "Trick" for a good Italian Cafe! In every city I've ever lived in or frequented I always had my go-to Italian deli. In L.A. it was Domingos in the Tarzana neighborhood In New York it's Faiccos Italian Specialties in the West Village In San Francisco I love Molinari Deli on Telegraph Hill and this list goes on! Up until today I was missing an Italian Cafe / Deli in Chicago A picnic dinner in Millennium Park for a Jazz Festival last night brought me to L'Appetito's here on the Gold Coast, and I now have my Chicago rendition of what I needed for Italian sandwiches L'Appetito is this small, quaint sandwich shop and more. They have beautiful salads, fantastic Hero's, incredible Panini and robust subs. We ordered: * Turkey Panini - with all natural turkey breast, creamy havarti cheese, homemade pesto mayo, on grilled rustic Italian bread - Great! * Caesar Salad - this classic salad had romaine lettuce, chicken breast, parmigiano and croutons - Thumbs way uo! * Parma Hero - with imported prosciutto, fresh mozzarelle, tomatoes basil and an evoo dressing - Loved This * Italian Cookies by the pound were just fantastic The staff here at L'Appetito couldn't have been nicer and more professional. My 18 months here in Chicago has been a culinary wonderland. The foods I have run into and the people (owners, cooks, staff) handling this food couldn't have been more lovely. L'Appetito is just this continuing love affair I am having with this city and its provisions.

It's good & the food is freshly made, I'll them that. But if you're ravenously hungry, be prepared to pay up. Two small spoonfuls of tortellini for 8 bucks? Come on, guys! A working girl on a legal assistant's salary can't cough up $20 for a sandwich & pasta, and then scrabble around for extra change to pay for the drink. Unless my pimp is poppin' for the grub, this ain't my hub.

The best almond cookies I've ever had in my life! So chewy and amazing with the chocolate corner! Yum! Can't beat a good Italian sub as well. Grazie

They really need to train the new people making food here. I've been coming here for 15 years. There is a reason I come here. I don't come here for how the new hire feels like making it. The employee also had an attitude when I was trying to tell him how they usually make the sandwich. The sandwich was so empty I had to put my own ingredients from home on it. Next time I come here, I am going to leave if it's made this way again. In the meantime I will not recommend this establishment.

Stopped by with the ole ball-n-chain for a Saturday snack. We just finished a hard day on house cleaning so my tummy was grumbling for some grub. The sando was dank and potentially one of the best in the lackluster Chicago sando scene. The meat had some inches on it. About 0.25" in length. Everyone know that size matters especially when it comes to meat. Ref picture. Will be back

I am absolutely obsessed with this place. I go twice a week for coffee and get a sandwich every now and then (because we have to limit ourselves occasionally). The coffee is fantastic and reasonably priced. The baristas are incredibly helpful and kind, and the espresso is strong and delicious. I never really leave reviews of places but I feel so strongly about this cafe that I had to! Coming here is the highlight of my day. I often stop by for a double espresso as an afternoon pick-me-up, but their mocha bianca is a favorite as well. I've only tried the Italiano sandwich, but that's because it's so good I can't resist. Maybe next time I'll branch out - there are so many great options on the menu. Everyone that works here is so pleasant and service is efficient. So happy I found this place!

I haven't been there in a long time, but if they're still there, I can only assume their subs are still incredible. I worked in construction for 40 years and did some jobs in the area. L'appetito was always a go to for subs, and I would go for the whole crew sometimes. Glad they're still around. I owe them a visit!

I'm from New York, the land of Italian subs, and this place has the best Italian sub in Chicago that I've tried. JP Graziano's is very good, this is better!

This has really good pastries! It's grab and go. But it's a very nice small store. The coconut macaroons are the beast.

This is my favorite place for coffee and paninis. I pretty much go here every single day and their iced lattes have never missed the mark. They are known for their paninis which are freshly made, taste amazing, and they are also huge so you really get your money's worth! They also have some groceries, and lots of pastries and gelato, the vibe is great and I would highly recommend to check it out. Not to mention they have a rewards program so you can earn points and get free coffees!!!!

A great basic deli with a clean eating area inside. Had a delicious Genoa sandwich to go. Quickly made and less than $10. Fresh bread and generous portions of meat with fresh vegetables. Bonus was that there was a wide selection of Italian cookies and sweets for sale as well.

Let me start off with I order from here all the time considering I work in the building. I get breakfast, coffee, pastries, lunch, I mean everything!! I have always been pleased. That veggie breakfast croissant sandwich is perfectly made!!! Today however I ordered an iced black tea. They gave me an iced latte. I informed the lady I ordered an iced black tea and she started to argue in front of staff and filled room of customers that I ordered an iced latte. The gentleman behind even told her I ordered an iced black tea. I was embarrassed and walked out. Then I filled my coworkers in on what happened and they convinced me to go get what I ordered. My co worker asked the cashier if they can please fix my drink order and replace for colorectal order. She got aggressive and was snippy saying "if this wasn't you who ordered it she can come ask for it herself!" I obviously was uncomfortable therefore my co worker went. I have never dealt with anything like this there. They continue yes to say that I ordered a latte. I definitely did not. Then she started to give me a guilt trip how I need to look at monitor next time to see that my order is correct. That o wasted their supplies bu ordering the wrong drink. All I wanted was the drink I ordered. They made this into such a debacle. And basically calling me a liar. Never again will any of us go back.

The $4.50 Breakfast Brioche sandwich came with a small pile of hours-old scrambled egg, a slice of American cheese and a spicy puck of breakfast sausage on a charred brioche roll, pressed as flat as a drink coaster. The Pesto Egg Croissant ($6.50) certainly has good flavors - smoky bacon with a bright pesto spread covering the dry scrambled eggs and tasteless tomato slice - but the flaky, somewhat tender croissant was ruined by another aggressive panini pressing. Almost all their deli items - tuna and chicken salads, Tuscan Bean salad, Village (?) Salad - were $1 more per pound than the actual menu listed, and most of the salads looked as if they had been left over from the day before. Their Lavazza Coffee is exceptional - rocket hot and served with a smile. The small shop also features nice scones, cookies and other sweets in their display case, most sold by the half-pound.

Great little corner Italian deli. Subs, warm or cold, and salads are made fresh, quickly while you wait. They sell a variety of goods, fresh cheese and meat as well as limited pastry selection. You can order fresh made coffee. Staff is friendly and prices are affordable.

Very nice people, amazing sandwich, and yummy Italian flag pastry. Reasonably priced for location, size, and quality.

Sweet employees, solid food, quick service, in and out. Recommend. If you're downtown, stop by!

This is a wonderful hidden local Italian deli in the middle of gold coast/downtown. It's a great lunch spot for sandwiches, soup and salad at incredibly reasonable prices. There is even a small amount of tables and chairs (inside and outside) if you want to eat there. Everything I have tried is excellent, highly recommend!

El día de ayer 30 de junio fui como regularmente voy a este establecimiento ya que me queda cerca a mi trabajo, y que decepción con el servicio al cliente que están ofreciendo, me atendió una señora que no tuvo un buen día me imagino, porque ordené 4 sándwiches y solo en uno de ellos le expliqué que quería retirar el huevo porque no me gusta y me contestó que no podía hacer eso porque se me iba a cobrar extra, es en serio? Yo no quería nada extra al contrario quería retirar un ingrediente pero me dijo que no, que no había "sustituciones " le expliqué nuevamente, no quiero substituir nada solo no quiero huevo en mi sándwich y no lo quiso hacer, den mejor entrenamiento a su personal para ser un poco flexibles con el cliente y más aún con un cliente habitual. Gracias esto sucedió más o menos a las 3.20pm

The absolute best paninis in downtown are sold here! I did not expect much from this place since it's half grocer/bakery and also sells sandwiches, but I was so impressed! The paninis are warm and just delicious. The best part - the prices! I got a whole panini for less than $7 ...in DOWNTOWN! A Subway sandwich costs more and isn't even good. This panini was stellar! I highly recommend you check them out! They close around 6pm so make sure to check them out for lunch or a very early dinner. The bakery items here are spectacular as well.

Just enjoyed a meatball sandwich at your MDW airport location. Selected the multigrain roll...sauced perfectly! Superb! Thank you!

This is my second time being to L'Appetito and again I am blown away at how good their sandwiches and prices are. Just a little over $10 got me a sandwhich and a pop and some chips. I came here just before lunch time and was able to eat the food right inside the seating area. Had I shown up any later I would've missed out because it got quite busy for lunch. With it being a smaller location I would suggest just grabbing your food to go or if you have the time and the ability to. Take a seat and enjoy! 10/10 yet again!

I could go on and on about how much I love this Italian sandwich shop. I love ordering from here and I also love coming here in person the workers are always so delightful. Chicago lacks some good sandwich shops but this place takes on the burden of it all and carries it on its back with full strides. I can recommend the turkey and provolone sub to everyone and anyone who loves a good sandwich.

Cute little place, sandwiches were yummy! Potato salad and tortellini salad was so delicious! The pizza was a kids favorite too! Must try!!

Yummy! Bread was DELISH!!! Order the Tony Bambo, so good and pretty close to authentic, definitely a keeper on the list! Can't wait to try others.

Best of the best! I used to come here almost everyday for lunch when I lived in Chicago! Wonderful Sandwiches

So disappointed with my order, used to eat here several times a week when I worked in the area and the quality has gone down in the last few years. I used to love the Parma but the bread was different this time and was also stale. The pasta salads had no flavor, overall the food was not worth the price.

Awesome little Italian Deli that carry the essentials like pasta, bread, meats etc...but sells sandwiches and salads. Stopped in for a quick lunch and got the Italiano with hot peppers. Simple sub but great flavor and very fresh bread. Definitely will come back to try some other type of sandwiches. Very good value for the area.

Good sandwich but need more meat and a bit more olive oil. But it's a good sandwich!