Rex Italian Foods

Ordered a few calzones (pepperoni and sausage) and they were ok. The bread-to-filling ratio was more bread-heavy than actual sauce, cheese, and meat. The flavor was good, despite the lack of filling inside. They were honestly a bit of a slight disappointment, as I was expecting better after seeing all of the positive reviews and publicity. Gonna have to give their other menu items a try and hope for a more fulfilling experience. The service was good and the interior was clean and tidy and sported some neat, quaint Old World Italian decorations. There are plenty of tables and seating to go around, both inside and outside Rex. Overall - good service, cool ambiance, but the calzones were a swing and a miss. Cheers.

Great food and enjoyable staff. I recommend the Italian sandwiches. It’s a must stop for us every time we are in Chicagoland.

Such a perfect Italian deli. Pizza pasta calzone subs and more … we chose to eat lunch here based on google maps reviews and were very happy. Bought some cookies to bring to our meeting afterwards. Discovered sugar free San Peligrino sodas. All in all, a good day.

My wife and I, took a drive to my old neighborhood yesterday. My Mom, and many of our neighbors, had shopped at Rex's, many years ago, so we decided to stop and buy a few things. I asked the owner, if the sausage was still the same great recipe, from the 60's. He gave us a sample of the mild with fennel seed, and it sure was just as good! So we bough two rings of sausage, some Romano cheese and two arrancini balls, which we had for dinner. Mushrooms, and eggplant!! They were really good. Was a great trip and brought back a lot of good memories!

I have never ordered from Rex before today. I picked them based on their pictures on Door Dash. Their Italian Sub looked so delicious. I have done this many times with places and not been satisfied. This sandwich went beyond my imagined expectations. I will be ordering it again. My friend also ordered a meatball sib and she was beyond pleased as well.

I absolutely love this place. This is truly a fantastic authentic mom and Pop Italian deli. I wish it was closer and they were open longer as it’s hard for me to get there when I have a taste for Italian. I love their fried eggplant. I usually have them load up a half tin and then I take that to go. Whether I wanna make sandwiches, eggplant, Parm, or just fry it and eat it by itself. It is awesome. I love it. Anytime I get a craving for eggplant. I have to come here. Nothing else compares. I also usually stock up On their Specialty pasta in the freezer section never had a mediocre or bad meal. This place should be on your bucket list for Italian deli to try you will not be disappointed

Best lasagna I've ever had in my life! I always over eat and spend way to much because I want everything. The owners are super friendly as well.

Family run Italian food place. If you haven't been you have to go. Each meal is as good or better as home cooked. And the people there are friendly and welcoming to everyone.

Exploring all of the Italian establishments in the NW area as of late $ Rex's did not disappoint. Upon walking in, they have an array of selections to choose from including but not limited to deli, pantry products, fresh desserts and frozen goodies. Really impressed by their frozen gnocchi, FRESH arranchini (ranges from chicken, veggie and meat/beef) as well as their cannolis and fresh olives. Witnessed someone walking out with TRAYS of cut up Italian sandwiches for catering the night before Thanksgiving. It all looked very delicious and made me wish I was a part of that dinner. Relatively affordable and accepts card and cash.

Rex's is a great mom & pop Italian deli. Great for lunch and has a steady rush around lunch time. You can't go wrong with an order here. Everything is delicious. Make sure to grab some cookies or sweets too as they are amazing. I've also ordered catering from here several times and it has been great. It is an easy process and the food shows up hot and kept my guests happy.

My SO's brother raved about this place and wanted to share the love so he picked up sandwiches for all of us when he stopped by to visit. He wasn't kidding, they are really good. I had a turkey sandwich and it was really good. And filling, though I got the 6 inch one. We also got an arancini for my daughter to have and it was delicious. The one we chose had beef and peas and it's not a combo I'd typically think of but it was yummy. And huge. I'd like to try the sausage one I think, and the plain cheese as well. She enjoyed eating (some of) it and playing with the rest, but I saved half of it for her to have with another meal since it was about the size of my fist. I haven't been inside but I know we'll be back either to pick up because I'd like to try quite a bit more of their menu. They have pizza puffs which look mouthwatering, and pizza bread sounds like it could be interesting (and kid-friendly) as well. Schiacciata isn't something I've ever tried before, so I'd like to have a taste. And I'm always up for sampling tiramisu at a place so that's definitely on my list to taste test.

We were in the area and have not been to Rex for over 20 years and as soon as we walked in I realized nothing has changed, which I was thankful for. An authentic Italian deli serving homemade pastas and pizza. We split an Arancini ball. It was stuffed with rice , ground beef and peas. It was packed with rich flavor. My husband had a slice of homemade pizza and the slice was huge. I had the 6 inch Italian Sub and took half of it home. The sub had layers upon layers of paper-thin sliced salami, capicollo, mortadella, provolone, lettuce and tomato. The Italian bread was so fresh. This was probably one of the best subs I have had in a long time. We ended with a chocolate cannoli, yum. It can be a little intense and overwhelming when you are at the counter waiting to order because there are so many choices, but the staff are patient and friendly. There are tables to eat inside to enjoy your selections.

Little Italy on the north side, family owned, owner taking orders from behind the cases, mom running the cash register...truly authentic Italian fare. Hot and cold dishes, sandwiches and catering, grocery staple items give it the coolest old world feel. Don't forget to stop and grab some Italian baked goods on your way out or drop a dime for a colorful piece of Italian hard candy. The atmosphere gives you a sense of welcoming family and tradition. Too many items to choose from so you will have to come back more than once!

OMG this place is amazing. Rex Italian Foods is an awesome Italian deli that has a whole assortment of prepared foods that are home made. The selection is amazing and very overwhelming for someone coming here for the first time. They are a combination grocery store and deli. It's like being an adult in a candy store. (First time about 5 years ago) This is actually the second time I've been here but I never wrote a review da first time. I couldn't remeba where da joint was. Well tada I found it ova on Harlem Ave @ 4431 N Harlem save jest nort of Montrose on da east side ib da street. Well now that I found da joint I bookmarked it and went inside to reacquaint myself to Rex Eyetalian Foods. As you enter you see a deli case wit all sorts of goodies. They have sammiches, hot lunches and deli sthuff ta eat dere or ta take home. I think most of da people take it to go cause the seating area is a little small but I ordered da meat lasagna ta dine in. I chowed down on the cheesy meat lasagna wit red sauce. It was very good. Definitely worth checking out. Once you've been here you will be back again.

Get the stuffed artichoke at this authentic Italian deli. Wonderful tables available for sitting and dining in too. Try the meatball pocket. You will not regret it. While the service takes a minute to understand where to start your order, I assure the folks behind the counter will help you navigate what is what. It feels like I was back in Italy when I go here..and the friendly workers and delicious food will make you want to return.

As soon as I stepped inside this little corner deli I realized that this was a real deal Italian joint. Paninis, subs, pastas, fresh baked cookies, spumoni. Spumoni! I haven't had this in forever. Everyone is friendly and the prices are great for the quality of food. And the quality is five stars all the way. I went with the Guy Fieri sausage sub. Real Italian sausage, marinated peppers, Italian roll. Really good. Second visit: I came back with my fiance so she could sample the great food too. My Italian Sub was really good. Her stuffed pepper was divine, maybe the best I've ever tasted. It came with generous portions of a delicious focaccia bread. She ended up getting two meals out of it all. We both give it five stars.

We went back to our favorite Italian Deli today to pick up an order for a friends birthday. We, once again, were not disappointed. Hats off to Anthony and the Rex Crew! You all do it right. Definitely be seeing you again in the near future

I finally made it to Rex Italian Foods! You'll see on the side of the entrance door the mural for Diner's Drive-Ins and Dives so I knew I had to go one of these days. During our visit we ordered the Eggplant Parm and Arancini. The Eggplant Parm was great, I loved the sauce and the serving was huge. The Arancini however felt short for me. I ordered the arancini with prosciutto and at first bite there was a weird and something off with the taste that I couldn't describe and just didn't seem fresh. I did like the service, the staff was friendly and many of their customers are regulars. Not sure if it was an off day but hopefully for the next time, I'll find more dishes I like.

Rex food is always delicious and homemade! The best Sicilian restaurant in Chicago, authentic and truly Italian!

Great price and sandwiches are loaded with meat. fresh ingredients! Definitely worth a try! Im picky about cold subs but this hit the mark!

I am SPEECHLESS!!! I drove all the way from Schaumburg to visit this place. I'm first born USA, 100% Sicilian. I was super excited that I finally had the time to go!!! The second my mom and I walked in, we wanted to RUN OUT! The place is absolutely FILTHY!!! Nothing looked good at all and I felt so bad to leave with nothing, so I grabbed 3 small chocolate cannoli to-go. The old lady that rang me up was soooo rude and even worse.... All 3 of my kids hated the cannoli. Clean the place! And get rid of those OLD bread slices w melted cheese that are sitting on the display case for tastings! Disgusting.

The best Italian deli, catering and to go food! We tried the manicotti so fresh and tender with an incredible red sauce! Also got a sub sandwich, a Guy Fieri sausage sandwich and a cannoli. Everything was so fresh, seasoned perfectly and delicious. We are going back! Also bought frozen raviolis. Wish they had their sauce. Fresh and good....but get a tub of marinara for them. Parking lot. A few cute tables set up to dine in. The staff was so friendly and helpful. Also have home baked cookies and fresh gelato.

There are only a few words that describe Rex's Good Good And Good Food, cost, and service when you stop in Treat yourself and pop in , you'll be glad you did :)

Honestly a bit disappointed in Rex. I ordered a ton of food. The cheese arancini was a standout. These things are huge - bigger than a baseball. The flavors complimented each other perfectly. I didn't care for the grilled chicken caprese panini - the chicken was dry and there was too much flavorless tomato. The garlic cheese bread was a disappointment - just a chunk of white bread with melted cheese on top. It's the kind of thing you'd make in a hurry. We also got the focaccia and the flavors felt very muted to me. I loved the feel of the place - it feels very "homey." My hopes were high. I might return to try something else, but everything outside the aracini was a misfire to me.

I ordered a large Italian sub with hot peppers, and my son ordered a large meatball sub. The Italian sub was delicious. The cold cuts were freshly cut on the spot, and the toppings were nice and cold. The hot pepper giardiniera was very good as well. The meatball with cheese sub my son had was also very good. They toast the bread for the meatball sandwich, which gives it a little crisp.I think they make their own meatballs and sauce in house. Both sandwiches were very good. Service was good the order was taken quickly at the deli counter then you pay on the other side, There is a small dining area but we took our orders home. Parking is available in the front. They have a lot of pre-prepared Italian specialties there, meat lasagnas,cheese lasagnas, calzones, a variety of different Italian pastries as well which I would like to go back and try. You can also purchase dry pasta as well as canned items in their store.

Love this little Italian restaurant. I like to get a panini and always have to get a couple of Italian cookies to go. The Nutella heart cookies are my favorite. My son and I like to have cute little lunches here once in a while. It is small and they do get busy, but that's just a testament to their food.

Quick service, large assortment to choose from in the deli case. This place smells so good when you walk in! I ordered a 12" Italian sub, which was nicely dressed and evenly distributed on the bread. That may sound weird, but I hate a sandwich that has all the meat in the middle and nothing on the edges! Also tried a potato croquette, very tasty with lots of herbs and cheese in the stuffing.

Rex's Italian Deli is a very friendly place, everyone who works there is down-to-earth- You can eat there or take out. It's too bad Rex's Italian Deli isn't closer to me, I'd be there once a week. I ordered Lasagna, sausage calzone, two cannolis, and a nice piece of tiramisu to go. I was splitting the order with a friend of mine and she liked everything. It's busy on the weekend, park right in front.

REX was recommended to me by a friend. I ordered a tray of meatballs for a party I was having and the meatballs were delicious! Everyone loved them. Friendly service. Will be ordering again!

Best subs on the block! Service is solid 6/10 and same with the price. The place does have some dust build up on the decor but the food is 100/10

This place is awesome and serves authentic Italian food. They are most helpful and the Arancini is the best I've ever had.

Some authentic home cooking absolutely amazing. I seen a video on Facebook 15 minutes later I was there. I can't believe I've driven past this incredible establishment for 30 years. I'm making up for lost time twice a week.

Great selection where you can get a little bit of everything or go crazy on big items. No matter which thing you're looking for pasta or sweets or sandwiches, you will not be disappointed. They also have lots of good pantry items that are imported and you can't find elsewhere.

Great please I love there food service is good I wood recommend this place to everyone I know

I had a taste for a good Italian sub but didn't want to go out to get one. I found Rex Italian Foods on GrubHub and ordered an Italian sub and a soup. They don't allow a choice of soups but I figured roll the dice and see what I get. I got a tortellini soup that was fabulous. Next I opened my sub. I grew up enjoying subs from little shops on Taylor St. this sub was as good as any of those Fresh bread crisp crust. Delicious cold cuts and veggies. I have to look at the menu because the after taste left a delightful spiciness in my mouth. Sometimes you have to take a chance on something new. You might get a winner like Rex Italian Foods.

God I miss this place. I've been going here for years. When the momma is there it's just special. I've never had anything bad. The Sunday gravy is as close to my great grandmothers. I've become addicted to the chicken parm. I have taken friends and my sons there. Many times I get what was that place you took me to. Go you will not be disappointed!

One word describes this place...."Family" ....coming in is like visiting family and the most delicious home styled cooked meals....EVERYTHING IS GREAT I drive 40 miles just to grab an amazing meal.

We saw this place on TV (BBB) and thought since it was only 5 mins away we would give it a shot. We ordered via Slice and got a variety of things. Everything was just dry. No flavor. The only thing we had decent was the mini $2 meatball sandwich. Again we ordered at least 5 different things and everything just was dry and no flavor. Maybe it's one of those places where you just have to eat there. For us, it's a no. And we REALLY looked forward to finding another great place in our area. I gave it two stars only because it wasn't the worst food I ever had. But honestly two stars is pushing it.

We love Rex! The vibe inside is very old school Italian and the food is even better! You won't be disappointed with anything you order on the menu.

good food but too cold in there to enjoy. need to be just for take out, not dine in. menu prices on board wasn't what i was charged. give same price as on board and heat up the place and i will be back. thank you

Rex Italian Foods is a gem! I tried their Meat Lasagna, Italian Beef, and their popular drink. Everything was made to order, delicious, and cooked to perfection. I got everything in a reasonable and fair prices. You all can save a lot of money choosing to dine here at Rex Italian Foods compared going to other places around. Their menu is huge and has lots of unique dishes. No wonder why this place is always busy and full of customers. Recommend getting a reservation first. Their customer service is great! Their staff is decent, professional, and attentive. Everything was fine and the experience was fantastic because of them. They even smiling the whole time of our stay. I am really impressed and satisfied. Thank you Rex Italian Foods! Will definitely go back!

Couple of years ago, I was driving down one of the major north/south surface streets in Chicago, Harlem Avenue.  It's one of the streets chock-a-block full of ethnic eating and grocery establishments, primarily Polish, but more than a couple of old-timey Italian joints.  I stopped at one, Nottoli's, a few times in the time since that drive, they have a great selection of imported groceries and a delicious meat counter.  Here's what I wrote about it. I had heard about, but not visited another joint close by, Rex Italian Foods, which has counter service to eat in or take out, plus a whole host of prepared Italian specialties in bulk to take home. I went to purchase stuff to take home, but got caught up in the energy of the regulars who were ordering food, so I had to take the plunge.  Modestly dipping my toe in, so to speak, got an order of meatballs, a side of garlic bread, and a San Pellegrino to taste.  Companion went with a Caprese Panini which she raved about. We then loaded up on a half dozen prepared dishes to tote home, along with a few pounds of Italian sausage, some olives, and olive salad to adorn muffalettas next time I'm feeling ambitious. I regret not purchasing more, cause it is kind of a hike from me to thee. The meatballs were delicious, great texture, pork/beef maybe, strong flavor of herbs and fennel.  Just the way I like them, and I'm tough to please, because I make damn fine meatballs at home.  Damn fine. I will return. I have to.  They stuff their own sausage and cook their home Italian beef.  And have been for the past sixty years or so. Just superb. I'll be a regular.

Friendly service & consistent & excellent flavor pasta sauce / meatballs/ eggplant and stuffed artichoke! Excellent. Good fig cookies. ..just like my homemade ones

Rex Italian Foods is a neat place with interesting atmosphere. They have so many options for Italian deli where you can pick out including pre-made pastas, variety of salads, eggplant parmesan, arancini, calzone, soups, and also cookies. You can also pay those food by the pound or per item. Fast service and the food is great. The dining area is not too large but it's in a good size though. Everything was delicious which made it hard for us to choose what to get. Did not disappoint. The eggplant parmesan was delicious as were the meatballs and sausage and peppers. I highly recommend this place. The food was fantastic the service was great all at fair prices. Will definitely visit again and consider catering from here in the future. Thanks!

I had not been here for years, but I stopped by yesterday for an Italian submarine sandwich. I also bought the Italian sausage with peppers as well anti-pasta salad and Mediterranean salad. All the food was just delicious. My next trip here, I will try the meat balls, they looked good.

The manicotti was really good, and a lot of the deli style stuff looked great the few times I went in, but overall I felt like the place just wasn't for me. The sub was ok, which was a little disappointing for me as I went in with really high hopes for the subs. All of the ingredients should have been good, but when the sandwich came together it didn't have that much flavor. The second time I wanted to try the subs, around early Nov, I noticed none of the staffers were wearing masks, which I guess is the business's choice but I just wasn't ready for that at this point. The parking lot is always jammed, so people definitely love the place, just pad a little extra time to find parking and don't be in a hurry to find a spot if you want to head in - the lot is pretty small but there's room off to the side too on one of the side streets.

We order from here all the time if you want Mom and Pop old Italian food this is your place. The lasagna is just like Grandma use to make Italian subs delicious, also they deliver fast delivery at that. Service always has been great this is our go-to! A friendly place to go to also. Ambiance family-friendly!

Guy knows the right places to eat. He has a doppelgänger there! Spitting image!! Food was worth the stop. Authentic to the tee. I had the daily special Ciambella which was in a tomato base with potatoes, peppers, onions, sausage and chicken. Perfect zest. Loved it. So glad I couldn't finish it and can have more later. My husband had the Italian beef and he enjoyed it. Plentiful. We also left with some frozen homemade ravioli and cannolis. Bring a cooler if you have a far ride h

This place was amazing everything custom-made even the customer service, feels like visiting a deli out of this country! I walked away with an Italian sandwich because that's what I went for, but it was very hard to stay away from all the hot food options because they looked amazing walked out with some custom, jelly and the cookies I can't begin to tell you how beautiful they look, and how delicious they were. I went for lunch time so there was a lot of people, but it was a cozy little Italian lunch spot!

I don't usually go to a deli for an Italian dinner, and I was a little apprehensive when we walked in. It looked a bit like a cafeteria, and I wondered how long the food had been sitting out. I ordered the cheese lasagna, and my husband had the veal parmesan with pasta. We also ordered some fresh parmesan cheese for the top. We took our food to go, although there are small bistro tables for eating there. After a 40-minute drive home, we topped our dishes with fresh parmesan and put them (which included a roll) in a 350-degree oven for 10 minutes. WOW! The food was fresh and delicious. Large portions, lots of cheese, and a wonderful flavor. We definitely will get food from here again. In fact, as soon as my husband finished his food, he said, "let's go back and get some more!"

Eggplant, and chicken parm are great. Pizza too. Breaded chicken is excellent as well. Lots more to try. Rex is a gem.

Amazing. Authentic Italian as it gets. Small place but big big flavor. Would definitely go again, they treat you just like family.

Simply the best freshly made Italian sausage I've ever had! My daughter loves the calzones and I enjoy the focaccia bread too. Friendly service and a large variety of food items, salads, and refrigerated items to purchase - for dine in or to make at home.... And.... The gelato! Yum

My wife is from Sicily. My mother-in-law went crazy over this place because I have so much authentic Sicilian items she can't find anywhere else in Chicagoland. It's family run and the people are gracious. The name doesn't make sense to me but other than that the place is great! Arancini to die for.

In hopes of reminiscing of a time where we could travel safely and on the 1 year anniversary of being in Italy, we decided to give this place a try. It was definitely worth it. First off, this is no frills. Come in, there's a counter where you get your food, some imported groceries, and another counter to pay. It's good food. They know it. There's no need to fancy the place up too much. The food was great and definitely hit the spot. Next time, we're going to have to just keep trying different things on the menu to taste it all. Lastly, the price is pretty good (2 people- ~$20) but we have enough food for at least 2 meals! Definitely recommend and will be coming back!

I've passed this establishment many times. A coworker told me I had to try it. I ordered more than I should have. Staff was attentive. Food was good they have many options. The place was cozy near with an old time theme. Will be back

Updated review for trying more things. Deli salads are the best here ..no doubt. Best potato salad I've had and pasta salad not far behind it! Husband and I got chicken, mushroom and spinach schiacciatas and baked at home. Wooooow! Rex is where it's at!