Fraboni's Italian Specialties & Delicatessen

I was looking forward to checking out this deli. We grabbed a few things to purchase then went to the counter to order a subs. The guy behind the counter acted like we were stupid and told us we could find the sandwiches pre-made in a cooler. He was not friendly at all. We like our subs made fresh, this was like getting subs from a gas station. They didn’t taste fresh, bread very stale/cold, a little soggy from the “sub sauce” and very little meat and cheese. Think one slice of meat and super thin sliced cheese - mine was roast beef and cheddar. My husband’s had a little more meat but he didn’t like it. Very underwhelming and really not good. We wished we had gotten subway or potbelly. I will say the younger guy checking out was super friendly and cool. Will not be back.

Their food is really good. Have had different sandwiches and a salad from there, and it's just great quality all the way around. Prices are very reasonable as well. Even when there's a line at the deli, they get things moving pretty fast. It's probably good I don't live close enough to make this a frequent visit because I'd be there quite regularly.

Five stars from me is not one good meal, it’s multiple great meals. It’s a proven track record of consistency. I had been going to Fraboni‘s weekly for the last 10 weeks. Ordering the same thing each time. Two large Ottos, hold the sauce (I buy their bottles so I can pour on fresh), no provolone (lactose), and replace pastrami for more salami. The subs are gorgeous. Well-made and artistically stacked. Perfect layering. On my last order, a new guy made it and it was made incorrectly, for both. Terribly made, the perfect stack was gone, missed ingredients etc. I live 15 min away and didn’t notice till I was home. Came back the next day (today), this time, for the first time, ordered the same thing over phone. Went in, picked it up, opened it, and once again a beautifully made sandwich. I told the guy at the register, “this is a beautifully made sandwich.” I then said “Let me show you the sandwiches that I received yesterday”. I took pictures at home then fed the raccoons. The gentleman acknowledged the poorly made sandwiches, inquired at who made them. He confirmed my typical order and then asked me to take the two sandwiches that I ordered for free as replacements. The ownership of the mistake maintains that consistency in my mind. We all make mistakes, we’re all human, and as a customer it’s my job to see if the mistake is a result of their culture or simply a result of humanity. In this case, it was the humanity as they have a wonderful culture of ownership, props to them! More than five stars deserved. Also props to who might’ve been the manager on handling the issue with understanding and grace. They will continue to be my weekly sandwich shop.

Spicy Italian beef is beyond delicious, the au jus best I’ve ever had! All with a great atmosphere. Huge variety of delectable eats!

I’ve been enjoying Fraboni’s ever since I was a kid. They have the most delicious subs (and I especially love their homemade sub sauce). Their deli has some great items, too. Have also tried their hot food and it’s amazing! Great daily specials. Every once in a while they have cannoli cake which is absolutely insane. Trust me, you have to try it. A great, local gem! I hope this place sticks around forever because I don’t know if I’d ever find an Italian fix like this place.

If you want a sandwich, what are you thinking going anywhere else. Really?? They have lunch and dinner specials, which are great. I get sandwiches. Understand this is a deli. Not, an Uncle's subs or busway. Fresh, oversized, and you can get made to order. Tell me I am wrong....

Excellent! We love the Hot sausage, long spaghetti noodles, croutons and bulk noodles too! ❤️

What a great part of local history. Stop in and visit this location. They offer a wide variety of specialty grocery items, fresh made salads, Italian dishes, and so much more. Go early they are busy any day of the week. Fresh deli sandwiches premade or request your own. We tried the frozen dough and made some great dishes.

I can't get enough of this place. Start with service. It's friendly and old fashioned deli-style. There's plenty to explore on the dry shelves and imported gadgets but my shopping list always includes - Salami finocchio - Prosciutto Di Parma - Parmesan grana padano - Olives (depending on mood) - Mozzarella - Treat for the kids (lots of unique choices) - Affordable sandwich - Spicy Italian sausage for later It's not fancy. It's family run. They're apparently related to the other Frabonis in town. Eat here OUTSIDE if you like. It's not a palm lined palace scene but a great place to chat.

My review is limited to a few select items as they are what I specifically go to Fraboni's for: 1. Inexpensive and tasty pizza crusts -- thin, coming in three packs (which Mrs. T didn't realize the 1st time she made pizzas on them and was quite surprised when the crusts separated while cooking). 2. Pizza sauce -- Well balanced on seasoning (like, moreso than most pizza restaurants) and similarly inexpensive. 3. Pizza cheese -- A blend of mozz and provolone that melts perfectly and browns nicely. 4. Bulk Italian sausage -- I bet you can guess why. Buying all of the above will let you 3 great small pizzas for about $10 total. Or if you're lazy -- you can just buy them frozen. As for the other stuff: Occasionally Mrs. T will get olives from here and remember that they are a bit too briny for her. Occasionally I'll get the meatballs here to make a meatball sub at home in memory of the near west side location that closed down so many years ago. Occasionally I'll get one of their pasta salads and wish I lived closer to get them more often. Fortunately this location is far more trafficked than the west side location ever was, so (fingers crossed) it doesn't seem like it's going anywhere but up!

Been going to Fraboni's on and off for years. Had a Hot Italian Sausage sub & a small Italian Potato Salad. Both were excellent, amazing. One complaint though, as I was checking out the patron in front of me had a card that was stamped by the cashier, when I was first in line I saw the unstamped cards adjacent to the register, I asked if I could start one and was told that it was for "cold" subs only. I do not understand that at all, I am a loyal customer and spend my hard earned money there and cannot even get a sub card. Completely UNACCEPTABLE.

This was a gem to find because it's an old school Italian deli/market where they make a lot of the items in house. They have tables so you can dine in but it's mostly carry out. The have pre made items in the freezer like pasta sauce, homemade sausages etc, the have a nice hot/cold menu with daily specials. Fresh deli case with salads, sausages, sweet things, meats, cheeses etc. I always keep a cooler in my car when I travel because I'm always looking little gems like this. I'm definitely getting a large muffuletta sandwich not realizing that for $10 it's bigger than the average chain sub store sandwich's with the same price point. The muffuletta looked amazing with the added hot peppers. The muffuletta is meaty on a nice seeded roll. The muffuletta was very tasty on fresh bread. I got a large cannoli and some fresh made hot Italian sausage which looks amazing as my three first time items. The place has a line at the deli counter and a line at the register on my visit but it moves fast. I mentioned at check out that this place is a gem and why I keep a cooler in my car so he offered some ice which was a first because I usually have to ask for it. Since I drive this way about three times a year and it's right off the highway I'm going to be stopping.

We ordered one small and one large sub to go with the sauce on the side which we have done for many years. We were handed the subs but no sauce and when we asked they said grab them out of the cooler. We saw they were marked $.75 for each small container. When we asked why we would have to pay $2.25 for something that would have been free on the sub we were told "thats the way we do it" m. We asked to speak to the manager who ended up being rude, abrupt and said it's the cost of packaging. Totally ridiculou.

Great Italian deli, awesome sandwiches, and to go options. Only seating options are the patio.

I've reviewed this place before and been back several times whenever I'm in Madison. It's just amazing! So fresh, so delicious and the prices are from like 30 years ago. A small sandwich which is plenty, will run you $5-$6. Nice little area to eat outside, staff is friendly and a true hidden gem.

Update! Came back a year later and the food and service are still great. We bought a bottle of wine and enjoyed it with dinner on their patio. Dinner specials are still a steal at $6.99 for pasta, bread and a pasta side salad. Note for those like my husband who are sensitive to particular cheeses: they top the pasta with a dusting of very aged parm. I think it taste wonderful. My husband finds it a bit too funky. Just ask them to leave it off if you're like him.

Love this place! Great service, great antipasto & the best spicy Italian sausage! Don't ask for brats because they don't have them! lol Cut little seating area inside or outside. Staff really cares about their product, quality & customers!

Love this resource for Italian food, both ingredients as well as ready-to-eat. The deli is good. My husband loves the subs. I got a pasta dinner tonight, large portion. We always get a couple frozen pizzas for home. Cannoli and sweets are delicious. When it's crowded the deli layout can get awkward with some patrons waiting to order and some waiting for food but the staff work hard and they're always friendly. Stock up on pastas, olive oil, meats, and canned tomatoes to make your own food at home.

My girlfriend and I picked up some food for takeout from here and we were blown away with how good it was

I am a sucker for a locally owned Italian Deli/Market. I seek them out wherever I travel. How lucky we are to have Fraboni's! My son swears their Italian Beef is the best. I am tearing into their lasagna right now, it is seriously so good! All that being said I have to say, my absolute favorite thing I've had there is the Lemon Cream Shortcake, great balance of sweet and properly tart lemon, I will be craving this cake!! On top of all that it is such a cool little market. You should check it out!

The sandwiches are the best! Cheeses and meets are great too. Staff is always very friendly and helpful

As good as you'll find N & W of Chicago. My carnivore friends say their sausage is amazing; I say their selection of Italian pasta, rice, olive oil and vinegar is aces. Great sandwiches, too.

If it's Italian you want... they have it! Imported oils, pastas, and meats. Great quality, and great people.

Great service, nice people. And the food was amazing,their cakes/cheesecakes are amazing!!

I have loved this place since it was across the street from Madison General Hospital (Regent St). Wonderful sandwiches, amazing side salads and the our favorite pizza sausage. We've even used the chicken italian sausage to make lasagna to our great joy. This is a Madison tradition passed down generations.

Off the charts, real deal Italian food. Most ingredients I'm sure come direct from Italy. Even the premade sandwiches in cooler are excellent. Pre made dinners to go and a long list of fresh made sandwiches

The Italian #1 subs are the bomb!!! Love !! Been going there for years. Their meat and pasta salads are great too!!!!

As an East Coaster, getting a good hoagie is an impossible task in Madison. Until I found Fraboni's. Fraboni's manages to have the most delightful service, a wide selection, and many creative twists on the classic Italian deli formula. We came right in the middle of the dinner rush. The wait was a bit long but it was so, so, worth it. We tried 4 different sub sandwiches and every single one of them was a hit. The biggest star was the LETTUCE? I don't know what you guys do with your lettuce, if you soak it in vinegar or something, but that stuff is to die for. Crisp and crunchy and perfectly flavored, it's the most important part of a fresh Italian hoagie. Fraboni's knows this and they clearly care about the quality of their meals, down to every detail. And the prices! With inflation out of control and eating out getting expensive, Fraboni's is beyond reasonably priced to the point where it feels like I'm ripping them off with food this good at such a low price. I have nothing bad to say about my experience at Fraboni's and from a Philly native, you have my stamp of approval. Best hoagies in Madison, and don't tell my friends back in Philly, but it might be better than some of phillys best

Love this place for a deli sandwich. But really love getting my Italian pastas and sauces to go for dinner. Love the bread sticks they sell!

I cannot get enough of this place and I thank the good Lord I don't live within 30 minutes of it. Rather, it's a seven+ hour drive from KC and I am so grateful my daughter's family lives a mile from it and they provide additional motivation for the drive - grandsons. My first taste was their Italian beef sandwich with giardiniera peppers. It was incredible, as was the porchetta, the Italian Sub, the Otto sub, the Italian sausage, the meatball, the porketta roasts we have purchased to cook, the pasta salads, artichoke salad, potato salad, chianti, and all the other treats this Italian deli/market has to offer. Ive been here four days and have eaten three meals from there and I AM NOT FINISHED!! While I respect many other great restaurants in the Madison/Monona area, none compare to the quality one receives here for the price. Regular subs are typically $4.99 while the large Otto is only $9.99. The only advice I have for you is simple, "Go hungry, Go big, & Viva la Italia"!!

I grew up going to Frabonis for lunch or to pick up dinner items. My mom would give us the croutons and we LOVED! To this day the garlic croutons are so nostalgic and DELICIOUS. My husband and I always get the frozen pizzas to make at home. They are so so good! Go support this lovely Italian family establishment

Fraboni's is a delicious Italian deli and market. I don't know why it's taken me so long to visit Fraboni's but I just went for the first time yesterday and now I'm ADDICTED!Y husband and I ordered sandwiches and got some sides for our lunches this week. I ordered the Italian sandwich and added olives to it. It was absolutely delicious! The bread was thick and stayed in tact despite the sub sauce. The meats and produce tasted fresh and the sub sauce was so flavorful! I can't wait to order another one in the future! The sides we got were also delicious. We ordered the cheese tortellini, Sicilian olives, and blue cheese olives. Everything was fresh, crisp, delicious, almond flavorful. The market itself has so much to choose from; pasta, sauces, Italian desserts, cooking ingredients, meats, and so much more! the staff is quick and friendly as well. I highly recommend and am already looking forward to my next visit!

The food is great- quality ingredients and you get what you pay for in regards to proportions. Ambiance is close but enjoyable. My only issue is that if you want a sandwich made fresh, they give you slack for it. I understand that this is a frequently busy place. And most people enjoy soggy sandwiches. However, you are here to serve and I don't find it difficult to do so in a respectful and friendly manner. Other than that, I recommend you stop by and try the Otto.

My Husband talks about their subs all the time! He'll go their before anywhere else! Lots of choices and great service.

If your looking for an authentic Italian deli and market this is your place! What a selection of Italian foods and desserts! I love the fresh bread and the cannoli is like being back at home in NYC! I got the Italian beef spicy and cannoli and was impressed by both! Great prices and definitely a must hit for lunch! To see more pictures of this place and others go to my food page Kam Finds Food page on Facebook and Instagram!

Great little Italian shop! Sandwiches and cannoli are delicious. Hand the small Italian sub and a mini cannoli!! All the food looked and smelled great. People were all very nice and helpful.

For more than 50 years, the best Italian Deli in Madison. With apologies to Gino's, Fraboni's is the sine qua non of Italian delis in Madison. Pasta, seasonings, olive oil, meats, sauces, cheeses, wine, sandwiches, salads and olives - lots of olives. Plus spices and cooking tools, plus a few deserts. I say 50 years, because that is how long my family has been going to Fraboni's. As others have said, the smell when you walk in is kind of the summary of decades of memories. All good memories. Personal favorites are the Italian sausages, the olive choices, the No. 1 Sub (Italian) and the pesto potato salad. Add in the numerous imported pastas and olive oil, plus all the rest, makes this a place I always stop in when I am going through town. For me, there is no better Italian Sausage - they make it themselves, and it is the most perfect made. Can you tell I love this place? Family run for decades, ever since they moved from Hibbing, this is one of the truly must go to places in Madison.

I can't say enough good things about Fraboni's. I've never been disappointed when I've gotten food here. I love their blue cheese Alfredo sauce with penne, and their lasagna is incredible! I had their tuna sandwich for lunch for the first time today and it was the best tuna sub I've ever had. The veggies on the sub were SO fresh and the cheddar cheese on it was amazing! Their prices are reasonable and their portions are very generous. You get a deli salad as a side for most entrees which is really nice, there are SO many to choose from. Their Baklava and cannoli are SO good, and I know they sometimes have cake which I've never tried. The staff is SO GREAT! They are all so helpful and nice and do a great job keeping things going when it's busy. I will ALWAYS choose Fraboni's over one of the chain sub shops in the area, there's no contest as to who is better!

Been going here for years for their sandwiches, pizzas, and Sunday Chicken. All of it has always been great! Don't forget to preorder the chicken as they may run out.

This Italian deli/grocery store is amazing. I have eaten here and bought groceries many times and have always been satisfied. Deli- They make hot and cold sandwiches and pasta dishes to order. You can also purchase pre-made to-go cold sandwiches if you are in a hurry-- my go-to is the Otto which is an Italian (salami, pepperoni, ham, something like that) with banana peppers. The deli case has many side and dessert options. I've tried many of the items on their menu and in the deli case and if there's something I wouldn't recommend I can't remember what it is. Grocery- I highly recommend Fraboni's sausages which have a quality taste and are delicious. There are also some fun Italian cookies and snacks you can get here.

The best little Italian deli around! Great selection, sandwiches, and sauce/dressing! Many of my childhood memories involved meals from Fraboni's! They are almost always busy but it's worth the wait!

It's been there for decades, and WAS always awesome. It IS great for an Italian grocery store, but their deli food (like Italian Beef sandwiches, lasagna, pasta salad, etc) has evidently started on the downslope in the last 5 or so years. It just isn't nearly as good as it used to be. I'm thinking the introduction and emphasis on the chicken dinners was around the time it started to suck. The Italian beef sandwiches are now just roast beef sandwiches (they used to cook the beef with pepperoncini to give it the "kick") lasagna used to be 5 layers with noodles, cheese, Italian sausage, super decadent. Now, it's like 2 layers of noodles, jarred spaghetti sauce (not the homemade sauce they used to use, or a watered down version of), ground beef and a sprinkle of mozzarella. They used to have amazing pasta salads in the deli, super yummy, but now they're like pasta, a handful of veggies, mozzarella cubed, doused in olive oil and oregano.

I was lucky enough to have family in WI recommend Fraboni's this week for a good lunch. They were right. Based on other yelpers recommendations I picked the Otto with everything on a sub roll. The bread was fresh and all the veggies were great. The dressing that was on it was flavorful and did not make the sandwich a wet mess. The italian meats on the sandwich were perfect. It was thick enough for my liking but not obnoxious like some NYC deli's. I can't comment on the location since my food was delivered by a friend.

First timer to Fraboni's and it was awesome! Cute space with dining in the center - Italian grocery on one side and deli on the other. Very authentic - the staff were great - you can tell they enjoy where they work. I got the spaghetti which came with a side - pasta salad for me. Also got a sandwich go go - the #1 - amazing! Also the desert of the day was Moscato Berry Tiramisu - no words needed...

A hidden gem of Monona. Old school Italian market with amazing food and always great service.

The best Italian deli and grocery in the Madison area, if you're looking for authentic, fresh foods. Family owned and run. We always make a point to stop here a couple times when we visit.

So today I came through and got amazing service. So I've increased the review to five stars. Everything else is consistently awesome. Thanks Fraboni's!

Excellent! The lasagna at Frabomi's is the best I've ever had. You can buy it in the fridge section to heat yourself at home. Be sure to get extra sauce- delicious! Another favorite is their Italian sausage. It's available in links or bulk, mild or spicy- I like being able to get just as much as I need. Add it to a jarred sauce and pasta and you have a terrific easy meal. The sausage sandwiches are also excellent, and a great value. Fraboni's is worth visiting again and again.

Fraboni's is the best! Very cool Italian market with some groceries and food counter. Their sausages are great for grilling. I'd also highly recommend their homemade croutons. Their sandwiches are very good. I've had their Italian beef sandwich as well as a pre-made one they have in their cooler. Both were very good. They have some really good pasta salad too.

I ordered some sandwiches and deli stuff for a picnic, and I'm pretty middle of the road about everything. Dill crab salad--A-OK. Tuna salad? Good. As perfect as tuna salad can be. Meatball sandwich? Amazing. The meat was good, and you can tell it was fine ground which makes THE best meatballs. I'm super in love with all the little sodas and pastas and little treats and imported stuff they have there, so I will definitely be back to try out a few more things.

Had the hot Italian beef sandwich. It was really good. When it came out it looked like it would be dry. I was looking for some sauce to put on it. Went outside and sat down and when I picked up the sandwich it was very moist from the aus ju. In a good way. The hot peppers added a nice amount of heat and the provolone cheese was melted to perfection. After eating the sandwich I went back in and got a small container of tapioca pudding. It was also very good. I would definitely come back again.

This was a little off the beaten path for us on our way to Milwaukee but so worth it! I got the meatball sub and that bread is something special! It was so soft but still held up under all that marinara sauce and huge meatballs. The meat was tender and had a really great flavor. Service was quick and there's even a few tables in there to eat because we all know you can't make it out of there without woofing down whatever delightful thing you just bought! I loved the market side of the store as well, so many amazing things to choose from. If I'm ever back in the area, I'll make sure to stop back in. I wish this place was near where I live, I would eat there constantly!

We ventured in here for lunch on a Saturday. Nice selection of salads, sandwiches and a few entrees. Ample indoor seating. They seemed to have a good assortment of Italian grocery items like pastas, olive oils, and canned goods. I especially enjoyed their shredded pizza cheese.

What a cool little place. Everything is very traditional. Fresh made pasta, sauces, meats and deli. Their pizza sauce is very very good. They also have pre made pizza dough. They also have Gluten free dough available for purchase. I will say this... My favorite sub in all of Madison... The OTTO. So very tasty.

The first thing I think about when I think about Fraboni's is the smell when you first open up the door. It is totally delicious, and you really can't put your finger on exactly what it is. I assume it's a combination of the cooking porkettas and meatballs, the various spices they sell, and pizza sauce. Whatever the smell is, I wish I could order a plateful of it! If I am going into Fraboni's, you know I'm not coming out empty handed.

Why aren't there more places like Fraboni's. I'm so grateful for this place. There is a lot to love here. So much to love. The food is great, the prices are great and people are also quite great. Some notable favorites are the Italian sausage (best ever) their pasta sauce, meatball subs and changing assortment of cakes. I like their lasagna. And their muffuletta sandwich. The only thing I've ever been dissatisfied with is the chicken salad sandwich (Bland and too much mayo). Also excellent selection of sandwich meats and salads. And spiced olives!! Yum. I hope Fraboni's stays around forever. :)

Another 5 star review for this place. Yes I know everyone raves about the sandwiches, but the prices for everything are good for a non chain, small grocery. We get the pre made pizza crust and everything else needed for pizza right here and make our own at home rather than order delivery. Just tried their pizza dough and had total success due to the quality. Their pizza sauce really is what it says, the best in town. The sandwiches, while heavy on the bread, are quality made and worth the price. If you are expecting $5 subs, go to Subway. If you want authentic Italian deli subs, come here and spend the extra buck or two. You will not be dissatisfied. I was pleasantly surprised to find this second location on the east side in Monona. Very convenient.