Another place I really wanted to try during winter break is What'Sub. This authentic New York style, Italian deli has been heavily featured on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube because they are that good! The food is top notch but so is the friendly service given by owner Antonio Spadaro and staff. What'Sub is located in plaza next to Baja Cafe. It still says Moe's Deli and Grill outside.
I stopped by near closing time to pick up something for dinner and I couldn't have been made to feel more welcome. I was even given some cheese to try while I waited. The majority of the meat, and cheese and other sandwich toppings are imported from Italy. They also have a market that sells Italian oil, pasta, jams, balsamic vinegar, meat, and cheese. The inside is not frills but there are a few tables inside and a couple more out front.
After consulting the menu I felt like a hot sandwich and I decided on the chicken parm sub. The thin cutlets were cooked perfectly. No chewy, rubber chicken here. With the sauce and thick mozzarella, it was perfection. I was even given extra red sauce to dip my sandwich in. You can also get the sandwich made with meatballs or eggplant. My meal came with a drink and I saw they had Sanpellegrino, an Italian sparkling soda.
What'Sub has the tag line seeds or no seeds. I got one of the last rolls of the day so it was seeds for me which was fine. You can't go wrong either way because all of the bread is baked in house. If you do have a preference come earlier in the day because they can sell out of popular items. Antonio recommended I come back to try the focaccia and I will along with the social media popular Arthur Ave sandwich made with prosciutto di parma, arugula, stracciatella, and sundried peppers. They also offer Italian specialties that include arancine alla carne and al burro, meat lasagna, meatballs, pasta, and eggplant tower, salads, and other hot and cold sandwiches. Whatever you pick, you are...
Read moreAbsolutely run to WhatSub Deli at 1330 S. Federal Highway—you won't regret it. Owned by Antonio Spadaro, this place takes Italian deli to a whole new level, importing top-notch ingredients (virtually everything is imported; he only uses Boar’s Head for the basics like turkey and ham). The real game-changers are the bread baked in-house, including delicious focaccia and crusty seeded rolls. Just note that they close at 5 PM, and the menu is curated and short, but what they do is superb.
The backstory of WhatSub is as rich as its food. It’s related to Casa Della Mozzarella in the Bronx and Spadaro Roman Kitchen in New Rochelle.
Initially opened as Spadaro, taking over the old Moe’s Deli space on Federal (it still has the original signage), the deli switched to the name "WhatSub" because the former name set customer expectations for a full-service Italian restaurant, which wasn't what Antonio was going for.
Try the Sicilian-style lasagne with besamella (a creamy bechamel) and a sweet Sicilian-style sauce—it's exceptional. The meatballs are another must-try: all-beef, breaded, deep-fried Roman style, served with a rich pink sauce that’s phenomenal. The “Arthur Ave” sandwich on focaccia with aged prosciutto, arugula, stracciatella, and sundried peppers? A masterpiece. We also tried chicken cutlets and a sopressata made with fennel which were fantastic. Could we have ordered more, yeah, but then I wouldn’t have been able to move afterwards. I did have a complimentary shot of espresso, which helped give me the extra energy to get up out of my seat. He’s working on some new desserts including cannolis which he is making next week.
Antonio’s place often runs out of popular items like arancini, so you better get there early. WhatSub Deli is a cut above your typical sub shop and a true gem in...
Read moreWhatsub is a breath of fresh air in the fast-casual food scene. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels welcoming, clean, and modern. It’s clear they take pride in maintaining a high standard, and it reflects in everything from the spotless counters to the crisp uniforms of the staff.
What sets Whatsub apart is its focus on authenticity and quality. Every ingredient feels thoughtfully chosen—fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and perfectly baked bread that isn’t overloaded with sugar or fillers. It’s rare to find a spot where you can indulge in something as comforting as a sandwich while still feeling like you’re making a healthy choice.
The menu strikes a balance between classic subs and innovative options for those who like to experiment. I tried the Mediterranean-inspired sub with grilled chicken, roasted veggies, and tzatziki—every bite tasted fresh and vibrant. They also cater to a variety of dietary needs, with plenty of low-carb, gluten-free, and vegan options available.
Customer service here is stellar. The staff greets you with genuine smiles and seems eager to make sure your experience is just right. They’re happy to accommodate customizations and even make recommendations based on your preferences.
Finally, the price point is incredibly reasonable for the quality you’re getting. You’re not paying a premium for clean, wholesome food—which makes it easy to come back again and again.
In a world full of processed fast food, Whatsub feels like the right choice for anyone looking for convenience without compromising on health or taste....
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