The Original Nottoli & Son — Restaurant in Jefferson Township

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...

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...

This place is unreal. Only been here twice and I don't know why it took so long to revisit. Everyone's already told how great the food is so I don't need to (they're all correct). This is about the service, the only reason I've seen poor reviews...

Old school good customer service is certainly hard to find nowadays, I'm the first to echo that. Yet, I also feel for the folks who work food service, especially when a place has listed a closing time and someone comes in a half hour before, expecting the world. Here's what happened today:

Place closes at 4 now, I get there at 3:30 (humble, not expecting much will be left - there's one difference people), they were still full open, one couple ahead of me. I wanted a beef, not knowing if they'd still have any left (they did). The couple ahead of me wasn't from the area and ordered a bunch of food to eat in. To eat in! I would think they'd say no way but Nottoli set a place for them! As in, no rush! That's above and beyond in my book. I got my sandwich to go (best beef I've ever had, and will be back weekly to try everything, if the paycheck allows) and these folks were just sitting down.

This place is one of the best I've ever been to (in the country!)! Every employee I've ever encountered has been nothing but polite and professional; again, way above and beyond!

*Added to review, as I forgot to mention - the owners/operators respond to the reviews, all of them, INCLUDING the bad. Absolute professionalism, hands down, one of, if not the BEST businesses (food related or not) left in the country! Above and beyond! They actually CARE! All businesses could learn a thing or...