Romanelli's Italian Deli

On the recommendation of many, I finally visited this place while working nearby. Absolutely fantastic! This is your go-to spot for specialty Italian grocery items, plus an incredible selection of desserts, sandwiches, hot dishes, and more! The staff was very friendly, and we arrived early to beat the lunch rush. I wish they offered half-subs, as the sandwiches are huge—split one unless you're really hungry! Note: Bring cash to avoid a 4% card processing fee. Excited to return and try more!

Absolutely love this place. First time but definitely not the last. If you're looking for an amazing sandwich or soup come by. If you're looking for an amazing dessert come by. Looking for some great italian ingredients come by. Amazing service. Super nice people.

My wife told me about this spot that she's driven by and wanted to check it out.. This place was amazing! Loved everything about it. Lol we ended up coming here 3 times in the same week. The food is so good and the pastries are top notch. Can't wait to go back and try a different sandwich

BEST ITALIAN SANDWICH SPOT IN AZ… this was my first time here and food was amazing. Staff was helping choosing a sandwich. Many stuff to shop for. A must try!!

Great local old school import market with awesome deli and lots of great product in market. Friendly staff very attentive to all details. Open seating with counter service from deli hot and cold sandwiches, amazing looking desserts. Food was hot and tasted great. Worth the stop and coming back

I always thought it was just a store 😂 silly me 😂 its a store , deli , bakery and restaurant all together ❤️😎 its a fun and relaxed environment here and the staff are soo friendly and helpful ❤️❤️❤️ we got the hot sandwiches which were delicious 😋 there are soo many desserts to choose from that i got a box full 😂❤️ there are specialty Italian items through the store part to buy and sooo many cool pasta shapes to make any meal fun 😎

This spacious Italian supermarket offers a wide selection of authentic Italian products, including imported goods, pasta, sauces, bread, pastries, and cookies. They also serve delicious sandwiches, with the chicken parm sandwich being a standout. While the parking lot is a bit small, the store’s interior is roomy, with seating available in the middle for dining. Prices are reasonable, and service is quick, though it’s recommended to bring cash as they charge an extra dollar for credit card transactions

In our ongoing search for hidden gems serving great food, we discovered Romanelli's, an unassuming Italian deli, bakery, and grocery store that's been serving the Valley for over 50 years. Despite driving past it countless times, we had no idea what we were missing. With a 4.8-star rating and over 3,300 Google reviews, Romanelli’s lives up to the hype. Many of their items are made from scratch in-house, and it shows. The guys ordered subs, while I chose the lasagna dinner. As someone who makes lasagna regularly, I was blown away. The layers were packed with rich, complex flavors, and the portion was so generous I had plenty left over. We couldn’t resist trying several desserts: Tiramisu, Key Lime Pie, a cream puff, and Almond Biscotti—all were top-notch. We even had a great chat with the owner, who proudly told us, “Italian food made by real Italians.” If you're craving authentic Italian fare with heart and history, Romanelli’s is a must-visit.

Obsessed with the George's special sub. Thick layers of meat! Puts other sub places to shame. I always get hot peppers & The house dressing on my sub. The desserts are top notch with the limoncello mascarpone layer cake being my favorite!

We've been here a few times within the last week. Hubby's family lived not far from here for so many years, yet this was the first time he's been...LOL! The first time we came, I had the Reuben and Hubby had the Italian Sub. They were both wonderful! Their cole slaw is really creamy and it was a perfect side, as well as being on my sandwich. This time, I had a Chicken Parm Sub and Hubby had the Chicken Parm & Spaghetti. Again, they were both so good!!! They are also a bakery and we picked up a few items from there each time. Their butter cookie selection is mouth-watering and Hubby loves their Key Lime Cheesecake. Not only are they a deli and a bakery, they're also a grocery store with a ton of great Italian specialties. We wandered around after eating and I picked up a few things, which I'm looking forward to eating later. So glad we finally discovered this delicious spot, because we're going to be coming back here a lot!!

Take out 9.13.25: Was craving a sandwich & the George's special never fails. Highly recommend!

The best kept secret on the west side of PHX! Fresh bread and great sandwiches the pastas is phenomenal as well. Definitely worth the price for quantity and quality you get. If you have a hankering for some great Italian food this place won't disappoint. PS the lemon chello cake is AMAZING

Finally returned after many years. The chicken cutlets are now in an open area (too open i think), but they are all hot. They never heard of a cold chicken cutlet hero even though I think they are from NY. Well, I tried the eggplant parmesan hero for $12.99 and that was pretty good, although there definitely could have been some more mozzarella cheese involved.

Great sandwich selection. Nice and fresh. Great service friendly kind and helpful. Nice Italian deli. Large selection of different types of can goods. Fresh bread and cookies.

The staff were super friendly, and everything was sooo delicious! The prosciutto sandwich with red peppers and cheese was super tasty! I can't remember the name of the other sandwich we got, but it was also awesome. The place itself is a half specialty grocery, half deli, and fully awesome. Go check this place out for a great Italian deli/sandwich/grocery!

I've been here a few times and every single time it has been so much better than the first! I've been back so much. I've really learned the personalities of the family who owned it and worked there and they are absolutely amazing. Today we ordered George's special, which was the Italian sub and it was incredible. Very spicy. It wasn't a cheap visit today just now we have to go home and make sauce.... I WOULD RECOMMEND

I love me a good 'hole in the wall' spot! Romanelli's is probably not a place you'd pop into considering the location. You might even miss it while driving by. But this place is where it's at for good Italian flavors! I really enjoyed the Italian Beef sub and had to come back to try the pizza. Now, the pizza dough wasn't as crisp as I would've liked but the taste was still good. My next visit will have to include an Italian ice and cannoli. This is def a new hit lunch spot for me!

Picked up pizza dough for an upcoming make-your-own-pizza party and discovered they sold pastrami. Most places in the area sell pastrami that's too lean. This was the best pastrami I've had since moving here. Took it home and cooked it up for amazing sandwiches.

They've been here 40+ years and I'm born and raised here, but BARELY stopped by! I've been missing out for all these years, but not anymore! My son and I were greeted by this cute nice girl who gave me all the background info and even introduced me to the 3rd generation owner. The store has so many great Italian grocery options, it feels so family oriented in there we loved it. We went to the back where you order, I wish I would have gotten the name of the guy helping me but he answered every question I had and kept saying "get a #7" so I did and now I know why that's the most ordered! My son got the pizza which is made with dough from Italy and it tasted like we were IN Italy. We found a new weekly spot!

Why have great food, if you they going to be racist to the customer? Definitely don't recommend this place anymore and crazy I'm a fellow New York like how some of them claim to be. Liar and racist.

Service is always very friendly. To be honest I'm not a huge fan of the location. The parking lot is very small. There's plenty of things to look at, get some grocery shopping done, big pastry cases. It has "Italian deli" vibes which are very inviting, and you can sit inside and eat after you purchase your sandwiches and snacks. The sandwiches are always good. My favorite is the Italian stallion. I didn't post a pic bc I was too hungry. I always get cookies here. They have a good rum cake, rainbow cookie (I got it in a bar this time) and their cookies with jam are always a family favorite in my household. Get your subs, and don't skip dessert. Treat yourself

The sandwiches were great and were huge portions! At first I thought it was kinda expensive but the sandwiches were kind of big. The staff was nice and friendly and there was barely a wait for my food. The store was nice with all kinds of Italian desserts, drinks and snacks to browse while you wait for your order. Will definitely be back again.

Perfect Italian food!! I'm a native Brooklyn Italian been in AZ about 25 years...ALL the hot meals are perfect..ALL of them!! If I closed my eyes I'd think I was in my Grandma's kitchen!! And then look around and think I'm in an Italian salumaria in my Bensonhurst neighborhood.!! Open a store in East Mesa... a lot of people need to know you are here!!

I have been to Romanelli's several times and they never disappoint. Some coworkers and I went here for lunch today, two had never been before. As you walk into the store, there is a dessert case filled with all kinds of goodness. The deli counter to order food is in the back and has cases of premium meats, cheeses, cannoli filling, and other delicious items. I ordered the George's Special which is amazing. Most of my coworkers ordered the Italian Stallion and they all said it was great. The sandwiches were made to order and were ready quickly. I have had the cannolis from here and they are very traditional, like the ones I've had in Little Italy in New York City. I had heard the lemon bars were excellent so I had to try one and it too was incredible. The store and restaurant are family owned and run, and everyone was friendly and helpful. There's not a lot of parking but people are in and out quickly so it doesn't take long for a spot to open up. I highly recommend checking out Romanelli's if you want a good Italian deli, bakery, and store.

Wow! I'm glad I found this Phoenix hidden gem. I parked in Tempe and was taking the new light rail extension and decided to be a little adventurous and hopped on a bus to find some food from there. Stumbled upon this place. The lasagna and chicken parm are delicious. I have nothing but kind words and they are very good at what they do. They remembered my name as well when I was walking around the store and my order was ready. Got yourself a regular customer now!

First time at Romanelli's. What an amazing place!!! I'm from Pennsylvania originally and I've eaten in a fair number of "Italian Deli's " and this place is a real as they get. Family run, huge deli, homemade sandwiches, and a great grocery selection. I had the chicken parm sub which was perfectly breaded with sweet sauce and mozzarella cheese. But the bread!!!!! Toasted in the oven (to die for). My girlfriend's cheese lasagna was also great with perfectly cooked noodles and plenty of cheese. I can't recommend Romanelli's enough. Come here if you are in Phoenix.

It like walking into a NYC Deli, lots of products to guy and a deli counter with excellent sandwiches. Ordered we sandwiches, chips, drinks, lemon bar & cannoli for $70.00 The do offer a dine in area with TV's but feels very comfortable

Had heard so much about this place and was so ready to try it! I love a good eggplant parm sandwich but I can be picky about them and don't like when they get overly mushy. It was pretty busy here and they closed off the dining area for the holidays. They have some good grocery options and the desserts looked amazing. My sub was ready pretty fast especially for how busy it was! They fit a lot into this place and it all appears well organized and easy to find things. My sub was so delicious, bread was soft, great amount of cheese, and love how they have most of the sauce on the side to reduce sogginess. Really cool restaurant and Italian grocer and I am glad I finally tried it!

I've FINALLY found a good place for an Italian Beef sandwich. The pictures of the sandwichs don't do them justice. The flavor profile was spot on, but I wish it was a little bigger for the price. INFLATION SUCKS! When I walked in this store I knew it was going to be good, because they have the right aroma that hits you when you step inside. There's a good sized grocery store area, and deli counter, and a desert case just as you walk in. The staff was friendly and helpful, and seemed proud of their business. I usually order my Italian Beef sandwich wet or dunked, and these guys don't do that, but it wasn't a big deal. Their aujus was fantastic. It wasn't to salty, and it had just the right amount of herbal notes. Because their bread is on the crunchy crusty side it soaks up the jus nicely. I look forward to returning to try some of the other things here. I just wish it wasn't a 30 mile drive for the visit, but it's near my oldest friend hone so I now have another reason to visit him. How many places like this have lasted over 35 years? They must be doing something right...

We tried the Meatball Sub and the Chicken Parmigiana Sub both were absolutely delicious. For dessert, we shared a lobster tail pastry that disappeared the moment it hit the table, so no photo proof! The owner and his family were incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. Next time, I've got my eye on the Italian Stallion Sub and the highly recommended cheesecake.

Ok, so this was recommended by a friend. It did not disappoint. Now the downside was when I walked in the guy behind the counter looked at me and turned away (no greeting). I overlooked it and proceeded into the store deli. I asked for recommendation for the sub he said #18 George's special. That sub was bomb so fresh. They put my favorite gardenia pepper mix and ask you what spice level. Yeah hot please. I also got the NY cheesecake & the key lime cheesecake, also bomb. Behavior changed I think when I started taking pix. Now I also got the bulk green olive (OMG best olives ever). FLUFFY GRANDMA HIGHLY RECOMMENDS!!!

This is a long-standing small local biz that is BIG BIG BIG on flavor! No frills, just the goods. Their submarine sandwiches are made fresh to order, the bread is fantastic (nor huge or hard to eat like some big chains) - the Robert's Special is my very favorite (#19, no onions ... )! They also have a great deli for your cheese and meat needs. (Mmmmozzarella...) Support local businesses! Enjoy!

Old school, family run deli with excellent food and friendly service. What more can you ask for!? Places like this, with their grit and originality, are fast fading away and must not protected at all costs. The best way to do that, is to go get a couple sandwiches for you and your girl. Thank me later!

Moved to AZ and didn't know I'd be less than 2 miles from this fantastic place. It reminded me of Claro's in Arcadia, CA. Great service, people are very helpful and friendly , it's a plus. Great selections of meats and cheese if you want to make your own charcuterie board. Will be back.

Fantastic fresh Subs easy to order good quality meats and the service was good and friendly

I don't know how many times I have passed this Deli going to and from work and didn't know what a hidden gem this was! Stopped by after work to order some subs. I decided on a cold sub and a hot Italian sub plus an eclair! Everything was so fresh and delicious!! Definitely coming back to try the other subs, pastas, pizzas, and desserts!

"First time in?" the fellow behind the deli case asked? He's all too familiar with the doe-eyed expression when taking in, for the first time, the incredible cheeses, meats, and deli offerings. "I'm told I need a meatball sub," I said, partly asking and partly telling. "One of my favorites," he said. I bet it's all favorites: subs made to order with freshly sliced imported meats? Pizza made with dough from Italy? House-made salads and entrees to go? And that's just the deli side. Then there are all of the imported specialty pastas, sauces, relishes, frozen foods and fresh foods, too. Oh yeah, and cannolis, cookies, and cakes, too. I just took it all in, and then left with a five-layer slice of double-chocolate cake for my sister (her birthday) and the aforementioned sandwich safely tucked in my backseat, smelling like oregano and bread. Heaven! It's an institution and I'm glad I occasionally work nearby so I can become a regular.

Awesome!! Authentic Italian sandwiches made to perfection. Yum! I tried the Italian stallion sub. It was great!! Definitely going back! Definitely recommend! Two thumbs up!

The deli was great and the store is so amazing. I love mom and pop restaurants and this one was really fun. The baked goods were also great. Really fun experience eating and shopping there. I'm

Definitely worth the hype. I got the Italian Stallion toasted (all the way) and my husband got the ham and cheese. Probably one of the best sandwiches I've had. I'd say this is one of the best local restaurants for the area. The supermarket is also great. Tons of Italian food products, pastas, sauces, fresh mozzarella and fresh sliced deli meat. We'll be back.

Ordered sandwiches and cannolis. Quick service because I ordered ahead of time. Was pretty busy throughout the store/deli. A 'no fuss' keep it simple and straightforward type of vibe. If you want special treatment, this is not the spot. Small parking lot with many homeless around.

"I WISH THEY HAVE THIS PLACE IN CHRISTOWN!" 10" Italian Beef- I never had Italian Beef before. I love having au jus on the side. You will need two Au jus for these sandwiches. YOU WILL NEED TO DIP/DUNK THESE SANDWICHES ON THE AU JUS. The baguette is very toasted for dunking. Tiramisu- You got to have it! Cannoli- DA BEST IN PHOENIX! Price per piece. Buy lots of these and don't share with anyone! Chocolate Cannoli- I'm saving this for tomorrow. Impression: I've lived in the East Coast before and I love Italian delis. I've listened to reviews on TikTok about this place and I'm glad this place has been here in Phoenix since 1975! This is a place for me to take a woman for a cheap date. If she can't handle a guy who loves good and cheap eats, then I will find a date-worthy female to take here. I WISH THEY WOULD HAVE AN ESPRESSO MACHINE AND SERVE LATTES. I WOULD HAVE A COMPLETE MEAL WITH SANDWICH, CANNOLLI AND A STRONG ITALIAN LATTE.

What a treat it was here! It definitely gave old school NYC bodega vibes in the Bronx! The meatballs are amazing. The pizza was amazing. You could taste the authenticity of the ingredients. I loved pursuing the aisles and visiting the treats. The cheesecake was delicious.

Absolutely amazing deli. Reminds me of NY and Long Island. Takes me home for an hour or two. Highly recommend

Everything we have had there has been good. The sandwiches there are great I've been back a few times and it's a 25 minute drive from my house. The "lobster tails" are the best dessert to finish off with.

Excellent customer service and great attention to detail. I truly felt looked after and appreciated the professionalism throughout.

Greatest Italian grocery store in the area. Sandwiches are Bomdiggity legit. The pastries are ridiculously wonderful, just like Italy. John does a fantastic job with the lobster creamed desert. Delicious. Everyone working there are so nice and friendly, especially Tamara and Joe. I took my wife Linda here for the first time, she had a blast and was like a kid I a candy store. Thank you for your kind and courteous attention you gave here, she loves this place. The store and deli remind me of my days back in Milwaukee where they had a store just like Romanellis, it was called Glorioso's, my good friends Mom's family owned it. Was there often. Thanks for the memories.

Ordered chicken parm sandwich..chicken was so old and tough that I couldn't even eat it -just spent 26$ on old leftover food --Front counter lady was the only positive about this place ......Do not recommend !

The food is outstanding, the service was friendly and overall I will be back! The only downside is the small parking lot.

Everything good n fresh grate service they even have dessert as well. Walking in they greet you n I didt know it was a mini market but they also have all your good you need

The food here is lovely, we ordered the meatball sub and chicken parmigiana, it was just delicious. We also ordered nice drinks and dessert. The owner was very friendly and welcoming. I think I will also look forward to my next visit to this establishment whenever I have any occasion.

The food was incredibly delicious! The service....love these people! The owner came over and chatted for about 20 minutes. Gave us a bit of history about Romanelli's. Interesting, to say the least. Ambiance - it is a Deli and market, oh my! I purchased Peppadew peppers, Italian sausage and a yummy Lobster Tail pastry to eat later. So, so, good, the pastry cream is made fresh daily! When we left, there was a mix up, one in our party ended up paying for the next customer's loaf of bread. He just turned to the couple and said Merry Christmas! LOL. We are standing outside saying our goodbyes, next thing we know, an employee appears with a giant black and white cookie and gives it to our friend. I Loved it!

What a great Italian grocer and deli! It was packed with stuff in narrow aisles with a bustling deli/food area. We got a few desserts from the front near the cashier, an Italian stallion sub sandwich from the deli, lasagna, meatballs, and some Italian gelato (packaged). Service was friendly and the place was kept nice and clean. I absolutely love these type of places, absolutely a must visit if you want an Italian grocer/deli experience with awesome food!

Caio delizioso. It's been a while since we made a pilgrimage from the far east valley to Romanelli's. We usually go to shop for the authentic Italian pastas, sauces, and deli meats they sell. Before leaving, we always treat ourselves to one of their freshly made Canalis. Today, however, we decided to order lunch from the lunch counter. I don't know why I have never eaten there before, and now I know what I was missing out on. This store is busy around lunchtime, and seating is limited. My wife and I ordered a meatball sub and a medium container of antipasta to share. I was fortunate to get a table just as the previous customer was leaving. Our lunch order was ready in a reasonable amount of time. The meatballs on the sub were the size of walnuts and covered in a mouthwatering sauce topped with provolone cheese. The meatballs were seasoned perfectly. They were firm and tender. This was placed on a fresh baked foot long Italian bun. The bread was hearty enough to hold all the sauce without falling apart or getting soggy. The antipasta is made of a mix of assorted cured meats like prosciutto, mortadella and salami, cheeses, and marinated vegetables like artichokes, red and green peppers, and onions all marinated in an Italian vinegrette. This meal was enough for my wife and I to share. To me, this was a true representation of what an Italian lunch should be. Oh, and yes, we did get one of their amazing canolis.

I took my Aunt lunch while she was in hospital. A sandwich or entree with delicious butter cookies. I was going to throw her minimal leftovers away and she said she needed her butter cookies for her morning coffee. Her last coffee and butter cookie was last year.

The moment we walked in, we were greeted by Beth's warm, welcoming and friendly, beaming smile... the familiar aromas of 'cooking Italian', sausages, spices, and cheeses filled the air. I knew This was the place I'd been looking for. - Great Food, I had the meat Lasagna and Mom had half of a meatball sub and took the other half home. Of course we Had to have a Cannoli for Dessert. Awesome selection of authentic, traditional imported Deli Meats, Cheeses, sausages, salami, canned goods, Pastries, cookies. Some essential, specialty kitchen gadget and practical tools too. My Italian Dad and Grandma would approve... Mom and I sure do, and You will too. Well worth the drive for us from S Scottsdale, and for You too, wherever you're from.

First, the staff were really pleasant, all of them. Sandwiches were great. We had Italian Stallion and Chicken Parm. Came out quick and delicious. I'd probably prefer a bit more oil / vinegar on IS roll but that's quibbling, and sure they'd do it if you asked. Sauce on CP super tasty...and they bottle and sell it, along with like a million other Italian things. If you can't find it here you're gonna have to book a trip to Sicily or something. The place is a feast for the senses really. Cannolis really good and fresh. Tiramisu also notable. Wish we lived closer but we'll be back when we're up north. Beats DiF's in SDale!