Benateri's Italian Gourmet Deli — Restaurant in New York

I discovered this spot from a fellow foodie. I was told the rice pudding was to die for. These were strange words for a deli but I had to see for myself. I do love me some good rice pudding.

Let's start off with the look/feel of the place.

It's a nice corner spot. There's parking! Yes parking! It's not plenty but they have a 3-4 car parking spot. Can't miss it since it's a one way & it's literally next to the deli on the end. The atmosphere inside is busy. There's always a line & it's always moving. There's plenty of regulars here. The guys behind the counter knows them all & knows their taste. My fiancée & I walked in & were greeted like we were regulars. They spoke to us, and asked us what we wanted to try & gave us recommendations. There's so much to choose from sandwich wise! They also have a daily menu with their weekly specials. TRY THE LASAGNA! & the Italian Heart Attack! everything here is fresh & tasty! *

We've been here literally once to two times a week since trying here.

The rice pudding... I was shocked. It's all that, and a bag of chips. My fiancée can't get enough of it! She literally wants to come here everyday to get some! Also... they sell out fast. I mean if you don't order or come once the shop is open for business.. you may not get any. Demand is high for the rice pudding! Call ahead and get you some! Same goes for their food. I'd say by 2/3pm it's almost all gone. It's not surprising - it's that good.

They have giant stuffed meat balls! Yummy ravioli in vodka sauce. We had one of the best Rasta Pasta outside of a Caribbean / Jamaican spot. It's literally in my top 5 spot for Rasta Pasta! That's insane considering this is an ITALIAN DELI! These guys & gals know how to throw it down. We've enjoyed everything here we've tried so far.

The entire staff is super friendly & welcoming. They got to know us & know that we need 4 orders of rice pudding! Haha. I think, didn't ask, even gave us free banana pudding to try on our second visit here because he said "I see you love our rice pudding."

This is now a favorite & regular...

I’ve been coming here for years and generally enjoyed the food, but after several disappointing experiences, I’ve decided I won’t be returning.

A few years ago, I had an issue with a Pepsi bottle that had ants crawling out from under the cap. The business personally contacted me, explained they were a family-run establishment, and asked me to revise my review. Out of goodwill, I updated it. That same day, they asked me to come back to “fix a drink,” which, in hindsight, seemed more about identifying me.

On another visit, I was charged about $14 for a plate that had just a few bites of pasta salad—mostly leftover vegetables and bell peppers. It felt like a poor value and a lazy attempt at a meal.

Most recently, I asked for the price of a pasta salad, hoping to get a smaller portion for less. Instead of providing a clear answer, the younger Italian owner looked at me with a disgusted, irritated expression—like he was completely fed up just because I asked a simple question. Then he snapped, “What do you want? Just get this, it’s better,” with zero patience or professionalism.

Even worse, I’ve noticed he acts very differently when no one else is around—as if the fake politeness disappears when there’s no audience. That kind of behavior makes customers feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. I spent $33 on a hero and a salad, and I was treated like an inconvenience.

I enjoy Italian food and have been to plenty of other spots nearby. One town over, places like Tony’s Beechhurst Deli in Whitestone and Sergimmo Salumeria offer great food with real respect and consistent, friendly service. Compared to them, what I experienced here was genuinely disappointing.

Take care of your customers or...

We recently had a retirement party with food catered by Benateri’s. I dealt with Benny the owner who is a true professional. We walked in with no idea how much food to order. He gave us an estimate on how much food we needed to feed the entire party, and he was spot on with how much we needed. The party turned out to be a big success, there was more than enough food for everyone. I was constantly being asked where the food was from as it was the best they have ever at a catered party. All their food was amazing but the standout was their penne with vodka sauce, is probably the best I’ve ever had, it’s amazing. We also ordered had some Spanish style Pernil which is super tender and a surprising real hit, yellow rice, the classics chicken parm, eggplant parm, ziti, Jack Daniel’s Pepper Steak(amazing!), a couple of chicken cutlet hero’s and much more. All in all 22 trays of food packed very well, on time, and neatly for pick up. We will definitely be back. Prices are very reasonable and food quality and customer service is excellent. Highly recommended, one of the best spots...