The Original Nottoli & Son

Loved hearing customers talking about their favorite items amongst each other and commenting on someones beef who had just unrolled it right in the store at the table. As well as conversing with the (I presume) owner as we wait 10 customers deep. 3 ladies were working as quickly as they could to fill orders. With signs around the store mentioning they are short staffed currently and looking to hire. A 3% surcharge for card purchases as noted in the window. They pulled the beef straight from their vat of juice and beef in the counter display and loaded up what I thought was going to be a scrawny sandwich for the price. Thick aluminum foil wrapping and a deli ticket with my sandwich options kept this sandwich hot and the bag dry. Extremely soft and supple beef slices with smaller shreds and bits throughout the sandwich. Visible spice on paper is good to see Not much heat from the spices on their own, but enough for it to not be bland without giardanra. It's slightly thicker beef than I prefer but excellent overall flavor, though Michael's in Oak Park still has the best flavor currently for me. The biggest thing that you need to know is that this was $6.55 before tax. Where are you gonna find such an amazing beef UNDER $7? I'll wait cause in 2024-2025, there isn't much left at that price point. If you haven't gone here, you need to make it a priority the next time you want a beef... and then also while you are there, it's a grocery and deli as well! Parking is hell because this very specific crossroads has many no turns, but if you look for parking and make a quick walk, it will be well worth your time. 4.5/5 (for the beef at least taking into account the cost.)

Everything about this place was amazing!! Such an awesome selection of quality foods! Had a couple different sandwiches and they were top notch!!!

Purchased two packages of XX HOT sausage from the freezer. I cooked one up. The sausage had a rancid taste to me. I could not eat much of it. Later I got very sick. My friend eat more than me. He had diarrhea and vomiting 🤢 for several days. This happened a couple years ago with a frozen bag of meatballs. Buyer beware.

Finally made it to this spot. The food is phenomenal and fresh. We got pasta, chicken cutlet, lemon soda and another sub. It gets busy on Saturday but the staff & owner do a great job on getting to everyone quickly without messing up orders or giving sloppy food. Very reasonably priced as well which is appreciated. Definitely my new weekly treat.

The Original Nottoli & Son – A Chicago Classic You Can't Miss! When it comes to Italian delis, *The Original Nottoli & Son* sets the gold standard in Chicago. For four generations, they’ve been crafting some of the most flavorful subs, sausages, and classic Italian dishes you’ll find anywhere in the city. It’s a local favorite, and after just one visit, you’ll see why this place has built such a loyal following. Walk through the door, and you’re greeted with the smell of freshly cooked food and a team of staff that makes you feel right at home. It’s clear that the folks at Nottoli put heart and soul into everything they do. Each sandwich is stacked with high-quality ingredients, like their legendary 12-inch Italian Beef and the equally satisfying Pot Roast sub. Packed with tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat, these sandwiches are a meal and an experience. Don’t miss out on their pasta offerings either. Their Vodka Rigatoni is the kind of dish that sticks with you long after your meal is over—rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of George, a familiar face at the deli, who brings his warmth and charm to the dining experience. But it’s not just the savory dishes that keep people coming back—save room for something sweet. The Tiramisu Cupcake is hands-down one of the best desserts in town, a delicate mix of moist cake and rich tiramisu flavors that hits all the right notes. Vito "2 Fingers" Fontaine, a well-known wrestler, now runs the show, keeping the family tradition alive and thriving. Under his leadership, Nottoli continues to serve up the best Italian comfort food around, with no sign of slowing down. In a city known for its food, *The Original Nottoli & Son* is a standout. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty sandwich, fresh pasta, or just want to experience the welcoming atmosphere, this place should be at the top of your list. One visit, and you'll be a fan for life.

Fabulous sandwiches. Food was amazing. Sausage is the best in chicago.

I'm hesitant to write this. I don't want to ruin it... I only stumbled upon this place recently, so I guess I shouldn't really feel that way, but Original Nottoli & Son is a hidden gem. The food is great, the lunch specials are cheaper than any chain and far better. They also sell homemade things to take home and reheat, though they're a little pricey, but you pay for what you get; it surely takes a lot of work to make these things. I'll be back. Again. And again.

Very Clean. Beef and sausage is excellent. Pot roast sandwich is very good. Picked up Food for the last 5 years at Christmas. will go again for sure!

Everything is fresh and delicious. The only negative thing I have to say is the hours they close pretty early and the availability because the meatloaf sandwich can be sold out from time to time. Other than that this place is amazing

You must go to this place !! Hot foods and everything was excellent. You can eat it ~ not many tables but good atmosphere. Surprised at how friendly everyone was, for Chicago. Close to airport so you can get food to go. Best SAUSAGE!

The phone orders IL never do it again additute is very caki and the owner put alot off I remember when he came and learned how to make aranchini by us wow no remembereing nothing I guess success cover all from a old time costumer .From a block Away

Came here for lunch on Friday was in the area and was in the mood for Italian deli. Was impressed with all the meals I saw in the freezer, and fresh things behind the deli windows. They have something for everyone! I ordered the Two fingers braciole Sandwich. It's tender round top beef with, Romano, mozzarella, provolone, bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, with marinara sauce. On a ciabatta bun. Got the combo and picked out bag of BBQ chips and coke. Hot lunch is heart warming; can tell it's prepared with love and care. I've heard of braciole but this was my first time having it. Gotta come back and explore more of the menu.

Dunning neighborhood gem! The perfect place to get your authentic Italian fix. They sell an array of sandwiches, pasta, etc. and more! You can order down the line, choose from their hot bar, or grab something from their frozen section. I got the combo sandwich which contains Italian beef and sausage combined! I screwed up and forgot to add Giardiniera but I know for next time. Overall a solid sandwich. The arancini was my absolute favorite. First, that thing is huge! Tasted super fresh and comes with a side of marinara. I ordered only 1 and you can easily share with someone. Next time, I want to try their pasta and grab stuff from their frozen section!

One of the best things about Chicago is these Italian deli and shops. The Original Nottoli and Son is known for their sausage and for their sandwiches. They also have frozen and dried foods as well as prepared salads and hot food. So many delicious options. The bad news for us is that we had already picked up sandwiches so we didn't get any sandwiches this day. The good news is, we are definitely coming back to try some of the sandwiches. We did pick up a spinach and cheese and a beef arancini. The beef was our favorite. We also picked up some packages of frozen pasta. They also carry a nice selection of breads and pasta sauces too. You can pretty much find anything to eat on the spot or to take with you to eat later. We can't wait to get back to try their sandwiches and pick up some more delicious Italian food.

Order sausage to bring back to Nashville. We love the hot Italian sausage. For us, the best around. Now my neighbors ask to bring some back for them.

I have been going to Nottoli for a few years. Usually to pick up sausage for trips out of town. Their food is delicious and it is no wonder there is a line out the door sometimes. I usually grab a sandwich while there. The pot roast sandwich is fantastic. Lean and tender on good bread. The sausage is phenomenal. Many people have rated it the best Italian sausage in Chicago. I haven't found better anywhere. If I were to caution anything about their store it would be to have patience. Everything is made fresh and it is a popular place so lunchtime is busy and you may be there a while.

We have been here several times and usually never have an issue or a concern. Food is usually great and we usually fill up a cooler. Today I was just glad I didn't get the Italian Beef sandwich for two reasons. One the lady restocking everything used her bare hands to put beef in the warming tray in the case and two, a lady ordered a sandwich, went outside and then brought it back with some complaint about it needing something. The worker took the sandwich and used utensils used to make fresh sandwiches to add whatever the lady wanted... no idea if that lady had her fingers all in that sandwich or if she licked it. No clue.. what we got was good as usual and I hope today wasn't the new norm of standards.

This is a must try. The sandwiches are the bomb. Had the Italian, pot roast and meat ball. All three were fantastic. Great place to sit outside. Great neighborhood vibe and lots of history in this place. You won't be disappointed.

Everything here is delicious, but if you're looking for something different try the pot roast sandwich , very lean meat and tender as can be. Every sub or hot sandwich is a home run. So you can't go wrong with anything you order.

I LOVE this place!!! Been working in the area and getting lunch from here 3 times a week lately. ALL of their food is very good! Haven't had a bad thing yet! Definitely beats any fast food joint! And reasonably priced! Wait can be a little long sometimes, but worth it!

I was going to go into full detail but it's too much. Small place- nobody greets customers at all and they stand there waiting to be called on wondering if they're noticed. I waiting at the register for over 5 minutes waiting to order before they acknowledged me. Lots of them LOOKED AT ME, but nobody acknowledged me. Not even a smile. It was weird. Staff is not friendly at all Owner seems miserable- also has pictures all over the wall of him as a wrestler .... Ordered the online "special of the day" on THEIR website for $12.99. Well- I TRIED ordering two but they said they only had enough meat for one.. After that. they charged me $15.69 for the one they could scrape up- and said prices changed. No sorry, nothing. Just "it is what it is" .. I explained that's the price on their website- she said "I know but it changed." The women working behind the counter look like they would get yelled at if they ever approached the owner about an issue. Food was ok. Garlic spread on the bread was great. I would never go back here. I recently went to the "unaffiliated" Nottoli on Harlem- phenomenal food and service. Truly. I expected similar here. Not even close. I will never go back to the Nottoli on Belmont. Disappointed in myself for not walking out and giving them my business at all.

Mr George Nottoli called me personally and clarified my misunderstanding regarding two stores with the same name. The Original Nattoli on Belmont is our favorite store!

I went out of my way to try a sub from here and I'm glad I did as it was one of the best I've had, and the long line that developed in this tiny store shortly after I arrived was the proof. Of course since I did go out of my way I had to 'load up'. I tried a pasta and a sausage and a meatball from the hot entree table. Everything but the meatball was excellent. It was very small and flavorless. Loved the sauce on the pasta and the fennel spiced sausage and the Italian sub. I should have brought home some sausage too, as so many others were no doubt ordering for a weekend cookout. Next time for sure.

Arancini's: I appreciate how they have equal portions throughout. Meat and Peas- the texture was different because I think they cook the gravy, meat, and peas together, and scoop a good amount of the concoction into the middle. Spinach ad Ricotta- my fav! Super creamy and mixed well. Tiramisu- was not a fan. Had a very different flavor, not sure if it was hazelnut or what but it was very strong. Meatball sub- AmazeBALLS! American and Turkey subs were good. The fresh baked bread really makes a difference

Always great food, the staff alone is worth the trip. Always make a point to stop when I'm in the area. The sausage is my go to staple and the eggplant is fantastic!

This is a great neighborhood Italian Deli. Everything here is good from the sandwiches, pasta, and sausage as you can't go wrong. The staff here rocks even when things get hectic. Shout out to George for being professional and friendly. I only wish they have extended hours.

A local Italian deli that serves some great sandwiches and a very cheap price. The deli not only sells sandwiches but like any other Italian deli serves fresh, bread, Italian cheeses and pastas. We took home a nine inch Italian sandwich and a nine inch meatball sandwich. On the Italian, the bread was fresh and soft packed with cheese, tomato, lettuce, salami, prosciutto and capicola. Everything tasted fresh and would order it again. The meatball sandwich was also good. I ordered it with mozzarella and tasted great. A nine inch was very filling and could only eat half of it. They offer other sandwiches both cold and hot that I would mind trying. Will definitely be returning.

Great subs and fabulous rigatoni in vodka sauce. Gets crowded at lunch so if you can get them to pick up the phone ordering ahead is the way to go!

You can't get more authentic than this. Tiny little store with outdoor tables. Prior to COVID they had a counter you could sit down. I was impressed by how genuine they are. There's a sign that very politely suggests that being short staffed will not take away from their desire to provide great food and service. Another listing tells you the additional percentage if you use a credit card versus a debit card. Honest and forthright. When they say "homemade" or "finest Ingredients" you believe it. They have been recognized by numerous outlets as the best for great reason. We went a little overboard. 9 inch vegetable sub 9 inch Italian sub Focaccia bread Meatballs Vodka sauce Marinara sauce Italian sausage stuffed spicy peppers We ate the subs immediately and we really enjoyed them. Too big! No dinner for us tonight. We are looking forward to the rest on another few days. Genuine and delicious!!

Best Little family owned Italian store and prepared foods. Best subs. Service is fast. People there are wonderful. Seating outdoors too.

Every time I come here, it's been such a positive experience! They literally prepare ur food with love Would give 10 stars if I could

I don't recall how I discovered this place, and I'm both sad and happy that I did. Happy: best subs in the entire world Sad: I don't live in Chicago anymore :-( When I lived in Chicago, I'd head to Elmwood cemetery on Cumberland where my dad is buried on a regular basis. Nottoli's isn't far from there. The first time I got a sub from here, I was hooked. I made special trips. I brought them to my mom, who also appreciates an excellent sub. I tried arancini for the first time ever, and those too were delicious. Now that I live in Oregon, I don't even bother trying to find anything worthy. But I'm planning a trip back to Chicago this summer, and I'll definitely stop here. PLEASE don't go anywhere! A crappy Walgreen's replaced the best pizza place in the world, Tonelli's (in Northbrook), and I now live in fear that all the best places will be gone when I get back there and I'll wander the streets of a dystopian landscape, weeping in despair. I am totally not joking.

What a happy find this adorable Italian deli is! Yelp brought us here and it is becoming our regular lunch stop on the way home from Costco now that we've found it. Their Italian Sub is perfection. The bread is fantastic and the quality ingredients they use make this sandwich quite special. I had my eye on the chicken parmigiana sandwich on focaccia on our last visit and it was a WOW! It was big enough that I shared about 1/3 of it with my husband. He loved it as much as I did - even after he'd powered through his Italian Sub! Service is great here, too. The folks behind the counter are smiling and really take great care of their customers. Definitely destined to be regulars here!

I'm a sucker for a good Italian deli. This place really meets my criteria. It's got a great selection of fresh sliced deli meats and cheeses, delightful prepared foods that will make your mouth water just by looking at them, very helpful and personable staff, and some of the best fresh made deli sandwiches I've seen in a long time. Their Italian sub is one of my favorites. Stuffed full of choice meats on some of the absolute best bread!! They know how to get you to come back. And the 9" sub is so cheap and makes for 2 good meals! One of the most interesting menu items is the pickle sub where those large pickles are cut in half and used instead of the bread! I'm determined to try one of those soon. Where else can you find that??? If you're in the area and craving a good lunch, you owe it to yourself to stop by.

Great food great service. The waiting time for service is fine and tolerable. The store hours are a little short.

After hearing a lot about this spot I was excited to try it. My first experience didn't blow me away and if they didn't have such a good menu I'm not sure I'd have gone back regularly. I got the Italian sub the first time, it came with volpi salami, prosciutto cotto, capicollo, mortadella, provolone, lettuce, tomato and onion. I had them add a little mayo and got the pepper spread on the side. The pepper spread basically eats like giardiniera relish. The bread was on the softer side but had that nice tug and slight chew to it in a good way. Not tough at all. Overall I didn't love the Italian sub but it was still good. However, the show stopper is the pot roast sandwich. Although I'm satisfied with much of what I eat I'm not often wow'd. This sandwich wow'd me after the first bite. Imagine if the steroid era of MLB met an Italian Beef. That's this sandwich! It has some similarities in flavor but the texture is different. I got it with the garlic spread. Not sure what it's like without it and don't want to know what it's like without it bc it was that good. The big chunks of meat melted like butter. The only negative is with the rising cost of meat this isn't exactly a cheap eat. A 12 inch sandwich is 14.95 and 15.95 with the garlic spread. With that being said its worth every penny. Enjoy!

Best sub sandwiches on the northwest side. The tuna they use in the subs tastes like the tuna my Mom made when I was a kid. I'm 68 years young. Service is always good, with smile's on all faces and always friendly attitudes. Owner is usually there and is a wrestler from the old days. What more can you ask for. Highly recommend. Great sausage!

Takes a bit of time to get through the line but boy was it worth it! My meatball sub was amazing and others I was with loved their pasta and other goodies as well. Have yet to try the chicken parm but will be next on the list. Looked delicious.

The area around Harlem Avenue, just south of Interstate 90, about twenty miles NW of downtown Chicago, has truly become the area's new "Little Italy." There are literally dozens of Italian-centric delis, markets, bakeries and restaurants. I've looked at a couple of them before, including another deli named "Nottoli" (no relation I am told), a restaurant/pizza called "Dino's," (superb pizza), and a market and take out operation, "Rex." This particular Nottoli I became aware of due to shouting on the internet saying it was absolutely the best, and also being featured on a local tv program called "Chicago's Best." (Irony). My goodies from Nottoli? An Italian Beef Combo sandwich (combo means with a sausage nestled in the beef), an entree of sausage and peppers, some repacked Cerignola olives, several pounds of fresh Italian sausage for the freezer) a loaf of bread and a pound of meatballs. The Italian beef was one of the best I have had anywhere, ever. It came "baptized" (completely dipped in au jus) so it was quite messy, but isn't messy food the most bigly funniest? The olives were a real disappointment, as the giant Cerignola red olives should be very firm and bursting with woodsy flavor (I cure olives at home, so like the insurance company ad says "I know a thing or two.") These were lifeless and mushy. I suspect this happens when a quantity is taken from a vat of intense brine and they are repacked in smaller containers in a water bath. Just no. Meatballs were fine, good flavor, good texture, but I prefer the ones at Rex, they have a much more intense flavor of fennel and garlic. Bread? Superb. Sausage and peppers? Same great sausage as in the Italian beef, so no complaints there. If you love Italian food, take an afternoon and plot a course for this neighborhood, have a pizza, buy some treats at the Sicilia Bakery (which I will write about in a bit), and then hit one or more markets. The markets also stock dry and canned goods imported from Italy. The other Nottoli has the largest selection in that realm.

It's very rare I'm in this area and when I am, there's no intent to eat or check out any new places but here I was in the area, was hungry, and didn't want to be stuck in traffic so I decided to check out the Original Nottoli & Son and boy I'm glad I did. Since I'm not in the area often I decided to splurge a bit and got 3 sandwiches. I went with the Italian beef & Sausage Combo, the 2 Fingers Braciole Sandwich, and the Prosciutto Sub. Let's talk about the Italian Beef & Sausage Combo. It was really good. I think I'm boldly going to say it's one of the best I've had in the city. I'm not a big Italian beef guy. I think it's pretty overrated when it comes to food (quality etc) but this one wasn't as bad. If I want an Italian Beef and sausage sandwich, I'm pretty sure I would want to go to Notolli's first before I go to Portillos. The 2 Fingers Braciole sandwich was absolutely delicious! I was so surprised by how much flavors are exploding in this sandwich. I have no idea what I was eating to be honest with you, but whatever I was eating was so fulfilling. The bread was great, the meat was good, the cheese, sauce and everything else that was in the sandwich was a perfect compliment to each other. Finally the last sandwich I got was the Prosciutto. The baguette or bread sandwich that it came with was phenomenal. Felt like I was in Paris again eating the bread. It was crunchy, but it was the perfect crunch. Not to hard, not to soft, just absolutely perfect. The prosciutto was solid as well with the mozarella and it was exploding with flavor for every bite. Man I just finished the leftovers of this sandwich and I absolutely devoured it. This place is awesome. I'm very impressed. I don't like giving out 5 stars frequently but because of the decently priced sandwiches and the deliciousness of them, I can't help but give this place 5 stars.

I heard by word of mouth that this place had one of, if not, the best giardiniera in the city so off I went. Holy smokes was I surprised when I walked in the door. First off, they fit A LOT into a small place. Second, every single thing looks amazing and I wanted to buy it all. I cannot wait to go back time and time again now that we live in the neighborhood. This is what your dream of when you think about an Italian deli! Wow

Old style italian deli. They were pretty friendly to me unlike one of the previous reviews. You stand in line and they take care of you. Not complicated. I go mainly for the best italian sausage ever. And I was married to an italian family for 20 years. It is just right, not too fatty, not too lean and the spices are fresh and with a little kick. Of course all the sauces and meatballs are delicious but I make them mostly from scratch myself. If I don't have time, I buy them here.

THE SPOT!!! Best sandwich I've ever had!! Best Italian sausage I've ever had!! I refuse to go anywhere else. You will not find anything better in the chicago or suburbs.

Long time customer and was a big fan. Not anymore, see photo, this shit leaked out after frying it in pan. I showed old guy picture at the store and told me i should of put it on grill. Lol. Like a dummy, i bought it fresh at there store and same pink crap oozed out. Must be that pink slime McDonald's used and got caught with.

Excellent Italian sandwiches, hot entrees, and Italian grocery goodies. The sausage and meatballs are among the best available in Chicagoland.

If you want a great classic Italian sandwich at a literally unbeatable price, you have found it. The bread is really fresh and has a nice crusty crunch. Or crunchy crust if that makes you feel better. The meats were also a standout. I could actually taste the individual cuts. It is crowded..and cramped, and a little confusing when you come in for the first time. Grab a number and wait. They'll get to you and you'll be happy for it. There is a long table inside with seating for about a dozen people, as well as some tables outside if the weather is good. Look, your not going to taste any new flavors here, but your going to experience something done right. If you need to scratch that classic sub itch, you wont find anyone doing it better.

Great old-school Italian deli. Their hot Italian sausage is the best this Chicago native ever had, and I have had a large sampling to compare with in the past several decades. The pot roast submarine is a treasure, and the side dishes are just like they were made by your favorite Aunt. Call ahead and the line won't be too bad, but in any event worth the wait.

Just had the foot long classic, absolutely top notch as always.

This place is one of my favorite restaurants. If you're craving any Italian food this is the place to check out. The vodka pasta, the sandwiches and sausages with peppers are to die for. Can't go wrong with anything you get from here Love that it's an in and out place. Better go right when they open.. they sell out pretty quick

Everything here is DELICIOUS!!! It's old-school Italian, but still modern enough that they have chicken sausage in their freezers. I don't eat red meat or pork, so this made me so happy! They are a huge hit at every BBQ, and my family loves their regular sausages, too. I have never had a pasta, pizza, chicken sausage, pastry, or deli-salad I did not LOVE. OMG their subs? To die for. My family also loves the pot roast and sausage and peppers. Be sure to get there early on a weekend though; when it's busy, it's BUSY. Worth the line, though. This place seriously reminds me of my grandparents, and they sell so many authentic Italian products they kept in their cupboards. It's a great staple in the neighborhood.

While having lunch here I decided to take home some of there take home items and after having them I can now review them. I took home a pound of there fresh house made Italian sausage and a sausage pizza. The mild Italian sausage was lean with an easy to chew casing with nice flavor that I put in the spicy mostaccioli and sausage dish that I made. The sausage pizza with garlic spread was something I have never seen and I'm stealing the idea for my kitchen. The pizza was very tasty and didn't taste like a conventional pizza because it was like a sausage pizza on thin garlic bread minus the red sauce flavor from a conventional pizza, everything is better on garlic bread. When I find my self close to Chicago again I'm heading over and I'm going to take home a couple bags of their house made items since I live so far away. I would definitely recommend stopping by if you are anywhere with in a 100 miles of the place and grab some good stuff.

Best sub sandwiches, great deli!! We just moved into the neighborhood and I'm thrilled to have a real Italian sandwich joint and grocery around the corner. The pasta selection to go and the sauces are amazing. They have a great selection of home made sausage.....enough said....get over there.

I like the Italian sub! I get it with extra Italian sauce and add mayo. People are nice too.

Love their sandwiches! The summer means walking to Nottoli for subs during lunch and they are all good. My husbands favorite is the American and I prefer their chicken cutlet sandwich warmed or the Classico. Both are fantastic and I love that the fresh tastes fresh without it being too crumbly like other sub places.

What can you say about this place that hasn't been said. Best subs and Italian meats ever. Got to stop in if you've never been

The sandwiches, sausage and hot food are all great! Food is reasonably priced and staff is nice! Their Italian sausage is the best the only place I buy it from

The subs here have always been on point. But it wasn't until I recently had Nattoli cater a full pan Chicken Marsala ($68), Mostaccioli ($46) & House Tossed Salad ($28) that I realized how authentic they really are. I couldn't be happier with the service an quality of the food here. Will definitely continue to come back.