Hidden gem right in the heart of Middletown. We ordered the Bada Bing Chicken sandwich, Bacon pizza, garlic knots and grabbed some octopus and cannolis. The sandwich was very good, crispy and flavorful. The bacon pizza was just crispy enough with flavorful sauce. The garlic knots were made fresh with a very nice aromatic herbal garlic infusion. The cannolis were chocolate dipped and share size **we did have to go back because the pizza was made without bacon and we were over charged for the garlic knots. Brought it to the owners attention but they corrected it right away. He also added the cannolis for the inconvenience. Mistake fixed right away and will definitely come back again for just that reason read more

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Massive, delicious sandwiches and great customer service. This is truly a hidden gem near Wesleyan. I've passed by here so many times but never noticed it, so I'm glad I stumbled upon it on Yelp! There is no parking lot, but street parking in this area isn't too bad. It is a take out place so the inside is set up like a deli. Everything in the case from brownies and cannolis to pasta salad and squid salad is homemade. They offer a large variety of sandwiches, pizza, and more, but I knew I had to get. Teflon Don because of how delicious it looked in the pictures on Yelp. The Teflon Don did NOT disappoint. I got a 12" grinder, and it was massive. It was stuffed with meat and satiated my sandwich craving. I also tried apricot nectar for the first time, and I'm hooked. The workers were also super sweet and even let my friend go into their kitchen and see the fresh sauce they had on the stove for his chicken parm! Great people. read more

Avella’s Italian Takeout - Apricot Nectar - Pizza Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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First time here and enjoyed the authentic Italian food. I ordered a small bacon pizza, garlic knots, bada bing sandwich , octopus and cannolis. Food was freshly prepared. Staff was friendly and accommodating. Prices were fair. Would definitely order here again. Sandwiches are huge too! This restaurant is take out only! If paying with cash you will get a small discount too! read more

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So many of the great food spots in cities are a little off the main drag. You'd only know about them by word of mouth, exploration or happy accident. When you're tuned into the world of CT Foodies, you're more likely to hear about these spots because people know you care and tell you. That's how my friend and I recently came to visit Avella's Italian Takeout. Avella's is an Italian style deli a few blocks west of the South End of Main Street in downtown Middletown. As the name suggests, it is takeout only. If you're visiting from out of the area, you'll find a few small parks with some tables in the surrounding blocks. We ate at a nearby shaded table. Avella's has specialty and build your own sandwiches. I ordered a 12 inch Teflon Don, with Mortadella, Salami and Capicola for meat, and toppings including provolone, lettuce, tomato, roasted peppers, onions, banana peppers, olives and oil and vinegar. I asked for less meat because I like to taste those toppings. This was a great sandwich. It was well constructed. The meat layers and toppings were well layered. The toppings provided the right amount of juiciness and acidity. The bread was fresh and up to the job. My friend loved his chicken cutlet. Avella's other offerings include pizza and a deli case full of things like olives and side salads. I asked owner Sal to recommend one of their best side salads, and of those I chose the macaroni salad. The pasta had good texture and a pleasant creamy base. I also tried a tart green olive salad with carrots. The carrots were obviously fresh. I don't live in the area, but If I wanted a takeout sandwich for the beach or whatever other reason, Sal's would definitely be my Middletown choice. If I lived or worked in the area, I'd go regularly. 4.5 Stars read more

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I have been to place several times, and in general it's good. It has a lot of inconsistencies on how the food is prepared. We have pizza there which is not our favorite. We had a single slice of pepperoni and it was great. Then we decided to order a clam pizza there. Tastes totally different, and I know totally different pizzas. The difference is was the pizza crust. It was much thicker on the clam vs the pepperoni, and the sauce on the clam pizza was not good, yes we added red sauce because that's how we like it. I might try another slice to make sure the crust and sauce did not change, but I don't know yet. Sandwiches, I have ordered the Bada Bing, a turkey and cheese and the Philly cheese steak. All the sandwiches were tasty, the problem, each time we get one there is plenty of meat and toppings on the whole sandwich, the other time, barely any. Also a lot of the time there is more meat on one side of the sandwich than the other. It makes it hard if you are splitting your sandwich with someone or wanting to save the other half for the next day. Also the Philly has been dry the last 2 times I tried it. I wish they would be more consistent on making their sandwiches, because they do have good food for the most part. The place is always super clean when you are there and the people that work there are very nice. I would say this place is more like a 3.5. read more

"I need, I need, I need some little dream come true please tell me where they're keeping ya Somebody tell me where are the Italian girls" (Rod Stewart) I love these neighborhood Italian delis and Avella's, practically on the Wesleyan campus in Middletown, is one of the very best I've ever seen. If you can't find something to eat here, you'd better put a mirror to your mouth and check your pulse to see if you're still alive, They have so much fantastic foods -white pizzas, red pizzas, seven soups including a Dr. Melfi Salad (they have a blast naming things here), four soups, twenty-seven sandwiches combinations (including epic names Goodfellas, Godfather, and Sopranos related names like Bada Bing, Gabagool, Ferragimo Special, Two Times Sally, Sal Bonpensiero, Don Corleone and a Vito Special). They also have a ton of calzones. strombolis, and a deli counter full of prepared foods and salads - including two octopus dishes. We ordered two "small" sandwiches and I have to mention that "small" is a relative word because half a small was plenty for lunch. I ordered a Ferraimo Special ($10.95) with hot ( yoou have a choose to go hot or not) Soppressata salami, sharp provolone, lettuce, tomato, hot peppers, oil and vinegar. It was fraking fantastic. My wife went with a Ham and Cheese ($8.95) with lettuce and tomato, and it was loaded. The portion size was also super generous. We rounded off our order with huge slices of pizza ($3.50 each), two meatballs ($3.90) and a bottle of Foxon Park Diet Orange soda ($2.50). We customized their pizza slices for dinner and added slices of their meatballs, and our own sliced mushrooms and onions. Their pizza was as great as their sandwiches, the slices were huge, but man oh man were their meatballs fantastic. The servers in the store were excellent, friendly, and helpful. Ours asked if we wanted a little sauce with the meatballs, and when we said "yes", she weighed the meatballs first and then ladled in a lot od red sauce. Thatwas awesome. When we walked into the store there was one customer ahead of us. When we walked out there were four behind us. Most of them appeared to be college kids strolling over from Wesleyan. We loved everything about Avella's. read more

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I've only visited one time but I'm sold! I have been spoiled by great chicken cutlet in NYC and when I saw this restaurant pop up on my feed, I had to try. I was not disappointed. The Bada Bing sandwich was amazing. Huge portions of high quality chicken cutlet, prosciutto, black olives, great tang from pickles and hot sauce. This is a stellar combination. The service was so friendly. I also got a brownie with cannoli cream that literally made me take a step back when I took a bite, it was so good. I will definitely be back! read more

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Ok we drive 25 min. Trying somewhere new. Italian was amazing. My daughter loved her son corleone. My son who is obsessed w a local sub shop said this was the BEST grinder he's ever had. ( tall praise from a picky 16 yo) we tried both pizzas. Thin one was the best I've had in CT. Garlic knots were top notch. Family run. Smells heavenly and very clean. Everyone was so nice. Will definitely return read more

Avella’s Italian Takeout - Classic Italian - Pizza Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

A very welcome addition to Middletown! For all the Italians we have here, we don't have too many places to get a good Italian sandwich or side dish. I'm sure they'll all say "that's because a true Italian cooks it themselves at home!" But let's face it, this true italian, like so many others, has a hectic schedule, and can use a break from cooking now and then! We got a variety on our first visit to sample, and talked to Sal the owner. I was in my Italian glory, while my husband stuck to his standard chicken parm. I really enjoyed speaking with Sal about his food and some of his planned future offerings. I'm dying to try his pasta fagioli!! I had the Bada bing on a Portuguese roll, which was a hefty sandwich! I ate half for dinner and the other half for lunch the next day. It was fantastic! Perfectly made with just enough toppings and fresh chicken cutlets. The meatballs are homemade and very tasty. I can't wait to try the sausage (he makes that himself too) as well as the homemade porketta. My next sandwich will be the 2x Sally with porketta, broccoli rabe, sharp provolone and pesto. My Italian heart just skipped a beat!! They also have pizza, calzone, and Stromboli - which of course we will need to try as well. It's a cute small place - take out only - check it out and you won't be disappointed! read more

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Fresh Italian bread they have a lot of authentic food many imported sauces service was spot on knowledgeable the ambiance is very bright and clean read more

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10/10, totally a hidden gem! Even though this spot just opened last year, this hole-in-the-wall deli has such authentic Sicilian comfort food that it feels like it's been here much longer! They had a great variety of sandwiches to choose from, and we loved the Teflon Don and Bada Bing! I visited with my mom, and we were basically eating with our eyes from the moment we walked in the door. We couldn't resist grabbing a piece of their lasagna and a few garlic knots! Many of the recipes have been passed down through the owner's family. Even though Avella's is take-out only, there are a few good picnic spots nearby on the Connecticut River. The staff was friendly and had everything prepared quickly for us. We will absolutely be back and definitely will be keeping them in mind for catering! read more

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I've been hearing about the food at Avella's for a while but hadn't had a chance to stop by. After having a disappointing experience at Lino's since they are under new management, we decided to give Avella's a try. When you walk in, you are greeted by the friendly staff! The variety of food options is awesome. Just like an old school Italian market. We got the Bada Bing and a 8" Chicken Parm sandwich. Both were very good. We will definitely make this our new spot! read more

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Avella's has been open for a year now and I have no idea how I slept on it for so long. Middletown has a rich Italian heritage, and in a town with many great Italian restaurants, delis and pizzerias, this place is a true hidden gem. It's a small building on William St. and you can easily go right past if you're not looking for it. It's take out only (in case you didn't catch that from the name), so the ambiance it that of a deli. I believe there's a small table outside if you just can't wait eat that grinder ;-) The counter help is very helpful and always polite. Sal the owner is an awesome dude and will go out of his way to make sure you're happy. There are a couple quality pizza places in downtown Middletown that I frequent, but a friend had recommended Avella's so I decided to try something new. I'm really glad I did. Since then I have returned several times for pizzas and specialty sandwiches. Each one has been been amazing. Their pizzas fall somewhere between New Haven and New York style. Thin crust which is fairly soft on the bottom, but just stiff enough to hold up to the toppings. The outer crust is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Toppings are fresh and sauce and cheese ratios are perfect. The sandwiches are epic. They're packed full and sooo tasty. Like flavor explosions with each bite. Even the medium (Portuguese roll) can give you two meals if you get it with chips or a side. I make it a point to visit weekly now and I highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for a quick bite for lunch or for quality Italian foods to bring home to the family. read more

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Gosh this place had a fire summer of 2024. I just "discovered" it and this happened. They had such a great deli selection including polpo, lasagna, meatballs, different cold salads plus they make fabulous sandwiches. The people were always friendly. I hope everyone is ok and that they have reopened. I would stop any time I pass on route 9. read more

Avella’s Italian Takeout - Sandwich to go! - Pizza Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Delicious sandwiches. Perhaps a bit more sauce? Can't wait to try more lunch items. Nice cheese selection too! read more

This market is incredible. When you step inside it's like you've walked into a deli in Italy. The garlic hanging from the ceiling just reinforces that ambience. They had a prime rib fresh out of the oven. And their display cases had all the classic Italian dishes, but the real ones, the ones my nonna used to make. My friends and I ordered grinders to go. I of course, had prosciutto, salami and mortadella. The bread it was served on was crisp and delicious. The meat was perfectly sliced. Needless to say, I will be back. And I'm bringing an even bigger appetite next time! read more

Always great tasting sandwiches from here everything tastes very fresh and great quality. customer service is excellent. The Italian Combo is the best Italian Combo I have had so far in Ct. This is a hidden gem in middletown. read more

GREAT Italian place. Sal and the team are always welcoming as you barely get through the door. I grew up in the Southend of Hartford with great Italian spots as a kid to get some fresh Italian food Avella's always brings me back in time. You name it it's good from the sandwiches to the salads Sal makes to his pizza and Sopressatta. Thank you Sal and Team!! Great job and looking forward to the new place!! They're moving soon so keep an eye out on Newfield St. read more

Fabulous food, amazing staff... This is the stop that elevates the day from basic to glorious. read more

Avella’s Italian Takeout - Bada Bing - Pizza Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

The food is excellent but be prepared to pay for it . The market is fantastic and the service from the ladies ai dealt with was fantastic .

Lunch was awesome, chicken cutlet parm. Great bread , fine sauce, excellent provolone. Store is a real Italian market, including cooked meals to go, butcher shop, fresh pasta, all kinds of imported Italian delights. Only 1.5 miles from home, will become a regular! read more

Avella's is consistently stellar with great portions and friendly staff. I'm particularly fond of the broccoli rabe salad and the meatball sandwich. Make sure to get a ricotta cake when it's offered seasonally. I haven't been to the new location, but absolutely loved the original Avella's by Wesleyan. I'm looking forward to trying the new location merged with Melilli's. read more

Great gluten free options! The octopus is always cooked perfectly. Love the scungilli salad as well! I'll be back!

If you frequented the old Avella's, the food is just as incredibly good. However, when in the past 3 customers just barely fit inside, this space is HUGE. The bad part is A&M is much closer to my home and has a parking lot. So, I'm going to be eating a lot of delicious grinders, pizza, & pasta this winter. 10/10. The food is fantastic, and you'll probably end up coming home with a jar of some Italian goodness that's difficult to find. Oh! The butcher's counter had some fantastic steaks that looked incredible. read more

I have heard wonderful things about Avella's and I have to agree, this place rocks! Stopped in today when I realized I was so close by and starving. It was 94 degrees outside. I did not want to cook... everything in the case looked tempting. Prices are reasonable. Grabbed a cucumber and chick pea salad which was seriously outstanding!! A cold shrimp salad with peppers and lemon... excellent! And of course mozzarella and tomato salad... all tasted great!! Super friendly guy greeted me and others. What a great place! read more

First time customer and I love this place! I got a sandwich- super tasty and fresh. I also got some lasagna and it was homemade like my grandmother made. Happy that my sister found this hidden gem. read more

Out of this world it's about time if you're looking for your chicken cutlet fix I suggest you stop by everything I've had has been great The olive salad was amazing. The service was on point. And the ambience was amazing. read more

Avella's is a most welcome restaurant in a new well designed location in Middletown. A wonderful assortment of Sicilian/Italian food. The sandwiches are fantastic as well as the pizza & salads. The staff there is very friendly. It's always hard to choose what to eat at Avella's because everything is so delicious! read more

FOOD is definitely fresh and generous with the potion size. . However, , consistently over Salty . I would suggest under - seasoning the food somewhat. Because you can always cook it more, but , not less. The same holds true for Salt on food. I have over 40 years in food related business; 34 years of management, so,I think I know what im saying. Great business overall However. Really like the " hometown " feel of it ! read more

This place is amazing. All the food is great and the staff is polite and helpful. I will go out of my way to grab a sandwich or any of their prepared foods. read more

The best little secret in Middletown! If you're like me, this place may have just not even crossed your mind if you've driven past it. We stopped by for some takeout for dinner and the sandwiches were delicious and the family run vibe is felt through their food. Service was exceptional, everyone was kind and friendly and fast. We ordered the Buffalo chicken and the meatball marinara. Highly recommend! read more

Avella’s Italian Takeout - Pizza Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Great take out. So many great choices. While it's sometimes a pain to find parking to pick up food worth it.

We just ordered 2 Strombolis, 1 Turkey Club, and 8 Wings. We were told the food would be ready for pickup in 30 minutes. We actually waited 1 hour and 2 minutes. The Strombolis were underdone with raw dough on the inside. The food and the service were both disappointments. read more

What a fabulous deli!! My first thought was how clean it was.. second their service was very structured and third: the items offered were so many I couldn't decide.. beautiful salad case and the pizza by the slice had so many options!! We decided on grinders and what a great decision.. they were delicious.. made fresh and wait time was minimal.. great frozen pasta selection... can't wait to return.. I suggest looking at the menu and selections before entering the door!! BRAVO read more

The food is amazing!! The service is top notch! I'm happy they're moving into a bigger place! They deserve the success

Sandwich was above average but not worth the 40 minute wait and $30 price tag. I could see if it was busy busy but it really wasn't. Will try again for sure if I'm in the area but I wouldn't make a trip for it. read more

Found or regular spot! A quaint place with An endless menu of Absolute deliciousness. Make sure to say hi to our new friend Sal when you stop in. He brings to Middletown what generations of his family has done in Italy. And good luck picking out just one item. read more

I'd give them x10 Stars! Fantastic food and staff! Portions are incredible too! Lucky they're close to my home to order often ahead!

Why do you wrap your subs in seran wrap, wax paper and paper? Makes a soggy mess with the wrapping job, & hard to eat. Why is a chicken parm sub 18$ one would ask? Guessing it's to make up for the cost of the 3 step wrap job. read more

Happy to have another really good pizza place in Middletown. Sal and his staff over at Avella's are super nice. Pizza toppings are nice and fresh. Pizza dough very good and comparable to what you get down in New Haven. I really like when the pizzas dough has "char" spots. My autistic son who doesn't talk a whole lot after having three slices said "delicious" so I know this is a winner. Will definitely be back again. read more

Avella’s Italian Takeout - Large cheese.... - Pizza Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut