Fratelli's Delicatessen — Restaurant in Apex

My girl and I searched for a deli spot around Apex in an attempt to replicate the unforgettable authentic Italian-style deli experience we had in New York City back in August 2023, and found Fratelli's. When we got there, we were a bit surprised to see that its area looks quite new, somewhat desolated, and surrounded by various condo-like buildings and empty offices. This deli looked the brightest in that area as if it was "the spot" waiting to be discovered.

When we got inside, we were delighted to see the pleasant interior of the dining area. There were gift baskets and other gift items on the shelves on one wall but despite the amount of decors that put a spark to the place, there's a minimalist feel to Fratelli's that I haven't seen in a deli place - a wonderful impression.

We wanted to get some kind of parmesan sandwich (what we usually order in Wegmans) and I was craving for a Reuben (what we usually order in Jason's Deli). As expected, both items are listed in the long menu just right of the wall where the cashier is. It would have been convenient to see some photos of what the sandwiches looked but I figured they might have ruined the overall look of Fratelli's ambience.

The sandwiches looked fairly price. There are 2 size options for the sandwiches ($8 and $14) We each both got a $14 sandwich: I ordered the Reuben and my girl got a Meatball Parmesan, and our plan was to split each so we can taste each other's sandwiches. We tried to see our options for sides like chips or soup like how we usually get them in other deli spots, but seems unclear since they don't come with the sandwich order. There's a small cup of coleslaw for $3 and considered it but decided not to. There appears to be no way to "combo" your sandwich like how Jason's Deli and other deli spots do it. We just got water for our drinks and the plastic water cups were too small. I know it's just for free water but for a classy-looking place like this, it made our eating experience feel somewhat cheap.

The cashier simply took our orders. I was hoping she'd recommend some sides that will go well with our sandwiches but there was no upselling or anything. As new customers, we felt something was lacking with our orders. There are also baked goods and potato salad and other items visible behind the glass case but we did not bother to take a closer look. There are also breakfast items in the menu, as well as various meats and cheeses on display behind the glass, but we haven't tried those.

Both the Meatball Parmesan and Reuben tasted delicious and fairly portioned for their price. The Reuben was quite a change from what we were used to. We liked the way the corned beef was cooked but it seems to lack saurkraut. We wanted to taste more saurkraut; it's there but just not enough.

The Meatball Parm tasted as we expected - not as good as what we tried in New York, but not bad. I'd put it on the same level as Wegmans' meatball parm with Wegmans having a slight edge because of its customizable options.

The bread of both sandwiches tasted fresh and toasted well. Better than the other deli spot (not the first one I mentioned here) that we've been to in New York. We'd say that Fratelli's bread quality is better than most deli spots.

Overall, our experience in Fratelli's is average. While we enjoyed its well-lit ambience and the quality of their sandwiches' bread and meat, I can't itch the feeling that this deli can do more to deliver a wholesome deli experience. The sub-par cashier customer service and cheap plastic cups for water downgraded our dining experience. We might return for their sandwiches - probably for take out one day, if we drive around that area, but probably not anytime soon.

This deli location is new despite the long list of Fratelli's founders on its wall, so I hope the owners and management will be able to improve on the points I stated in this review. It could be that deli "spot" waiting to be discovered but right now, it's clearly not.

And please add more kraut to...

We’ve been about four times now- a mix of our family attending each time. We love the concept, the design, and the friendly staff. The food is delicious. I can relate to a few of the negative comments, but those seem to be more about personal preference. What Fratelli’s offers in total was very worthy of recommending it widely to family, friends, and neighbors.

My husband had the beef sandwich and LOVED it, especially with the recommended peppers, and is still raving about it. I had the Chicken Parm and really wanted to loved it- especially because I can’t eat it in most places due to frying cross contact with shellfish and an allergy. The flavors were amazing, the chicken texture wasn’t my favorite- I have heard alot of positive feedback on it, so likely just my own hang up. This same day, so excited to share the experience, we took a meatball sub to our daughter and she LOVED it. She is very critical of meatballs, so I give that a high mark and can’t wait to try it myself.

We had to go back, literally the next day for breakfast!! I was so excited for a bagel breakfast sandwich- they were out of bagels for the day, so I was a little sad, but to be fair, it was late morning on a VERY busy and bustling weekend day. Many happy folks chatting and dining all around. My husband had a breakfast sandwich with the pork roll and pronounced it a winner.

Now after all the talk, our other two daughters wanted to go for lunch, so I joined them. This time I had the Rueben and I love them- but typically struggle with the thickness or texture of the meat used. On this sandwich- it was absolutely perfect for me- shredded??!! I have never had it this way, but I am an instant huge fan. I see in the reviews that others didn’t care for this, and I hope it is only a few folks, because I would be sad to see this change. I would agree with other reviews that it could use a little more sauerkraut, but again based on personal preference, I planned to ask for a bit extra next time I order. Which actually may be tonight, because I have been thinking and talking about it for over a week. One daughter had the Power Bowl and was super happy! The other had the BLT and really enjoyed it- I was happy to see a nice portion of (most important) crunchy, well done bacon, a tall serving of crispy lettuce with the tomato and bread.

The sides, we’ve tried the pasta salad which was fantastic! I’d love to see a build your own pasta salad to add fun toppings and have it as meal.

The tater tots were good, and nostalgic too, my grandma used to make these in her fryer as a treat when I was a kid and they always take me back when done just right.

The CANNOLIS!!!!! Stop right there. We cannot get enough. They are so good! Very pure and what they should be! I would love a little sprinkle of extra chocolate chips on the end, but they don’t need it. I will always and forever eat one there AND take some home.

Lastly, I would recommend larger cups for water, saving the need to leave your meal and walk through the big crowds repeatedly to refill.

We will most definitely look forward to eating our way through...

Excellent in every way! Yes, it is new but you can tell how much they care about cleanliness, organization, customer service and serving high quality delicious fresh food. Everything is sparkling clean. It is a nice open space, indoor and outdoor seating, plenty of parking.

We were blown away by the Italian beef on the Da' Beef sandwich. My husband, a huge foodie and beef lover exclaimed "this is the best beef sandwich I have ever eaten", high praise and I must agree as well. The ju was a masterpiece.

Meatballs were tender and flavorful on the meatball parm. We called to see if we could order a tray and Shannon was so friendly and helpful thanking us for the feedback. Thank YOU Shannon for being so nice!!

The chicken cutlet, MY FAVORITE! thin, tasty, crunchy, everything I miss from New York! What a delight. We tried a little bit of everything. I even ordered extra marinara on the side. I'm thinking about it on a panini for next time.

Cannolis are so fresh, not overly sweet, perfect crunch on the shell, smoooooth filling, finally, great REAL cannolis in NC!! The rainbow cookies are better than mine and I am an Italian American who loves to bake.

What a delight!!! Can't wait to go back again and bring family and friends. They even have a wine section, a cold cut counter where you can order sliced cold cuts, so many different desserts and salads like potato, macaroni and many others.

Brereakfast menu looks awesome too!

The only comment I want to make as a suggestion would be to figure out where the line should wrap around. Right now it goes around and on top of people seated trying to enjoy their meal with hungry customers waiting on line standing on top of them and staring down at them. One lady ahead of me stood with her hands on her hips staring down right next to a family trying to eat the whole time. It was so rude. Make the line wrap on the other side by the grab-n-go, away from the seating area across from the salad station to avoid this if you can. Will help alleviate front door traffic and blocking the trash can and soda machine area too. It will also make people want to grab some stuff to go.

We love this new gem. Give them a try! Don't worry if the line seems long, it is so worth the wait and...