Lunch Box Deli — Restaurant in Raleigh

I'm from up north (Chicago) and have spent a lot of time in other cities with great deli traditions like NYC, Boston, Philly, DC, Milwaukee (where I lived for 9 years), Baltimore, Cleveland, SF, LA, NOLA, you get the idea....I mean, I love the south and its many culinary traditions, but there are just some things that I miss and rarely can find down here, EYEtalian Biff (Italian Beef the way they say it in CHI laugh) and Deep Dish Pizza being a couple - but I digress.

Having lived in Charlotte, Pittsboro, Durham and now Wendell I just haven't found that "Sweet Spot" type neighborhood deli that you will find in some neighborhoods of the cities mentioned above down here...not really a fair comparison, I know, - you can't get real whole hog BBQ in Chicago, no matter what they say - but hey, I still miss THE REAL THING, and I don't mean Boar's Head.

Well, that is, until now. Discovering Lunchbox was like striking Gold. This IS the Real Thing - no frills, nothing fancy in the decor dept, but that's not what matters. THE FOOD DOES. As does the wonderful staff - Mike, Ria, Geo (or Gio - that should cover it!) and Kara (or Cara) - this was the first time I've a had REAL Italian Sub in NC that I can remember. And this past Friday I showed up with a hankering for a Cuban and was overjoyed to find they had a TAMPA Cuban on special, with extra Garlic....Oh My God....it was to die for. I kid you not.

I have not been to Tampa, but I have been to Miami and a lot other of FLA locations and this was the best Cuban I've ever had. They had 2 other mouth--watering offerings on special and frankly, I wanted them all.

THIS IS REAL FOOD MADE BY PEOPLE WHO REALLY CARE ABOUT WHAT THEY DO AND LOVE DOING IT, AND IT SHOWS. You can't fake it.

I even met a fellow customer who I overheard talking about seafood and got a fantastic tip about where to buy the best fresh seafood from the coast in Raleigh. I mean, HOW can you beat THAT?

I feel like I've found the Oasis in the desert. I know there must be others out there, but for now, for me, THIS IS THE PLACE.

SUPPORT THESE GUYS. BELIEVE ME, you WILL thank me later....

BRAVO!!!

P.S. One more thing, just to make me feel more at home - Ria is a Cub fan. Having lived 5 blocks from Wrigley and walking to games there, needless to say we...

I really like little local mom and pop delis but I love "really good" little local mom and pop delis. I found the LunchBox while having my car serviced nearby. Only a few old but good reviews on google so I was hopeful. I was greeted immediately as I walked in with a smile from Shahab who operates the deli with his mother Manijeh who still wonderfully prepares all the food. I asked if there was a house special everyone loves when Shahab and another couple eating there promptly suggested the chicken salad sandwich. Homemade chicken salad with just a touch of curry stuffed into a lightly toasted pita with fresh shredded lettuce and tomato. Delicious! Very friendly atmosphere, they knew many people that came in by name which isn't surprising since the LunchBox has been open and in the same location for 22 years. Definitely worth a special trip if you're not...

Found this place after seeing it on the Too Good To Go app (which is a always a good sign because they are reducing waste!). The food was DELICIOUS. Pretty standard deli options but just so fresh and well put together. The sandwiches are heaven, the soup is so well seasoned, and the salads are generously portioned. Really, all the portions are hefty and filling. Couldn't resist getting more items after getting the TGTG bag-- I would go back here for the brownies alone--it's all so good. And the staff was INCREDIBLY nice-- so helpful, patient, and kind. The ONLY downside is that we aren't often in that area which is truly a shame because this would definitely get added to our regular rotation! If you haven't been, you're really missing out on a...