Amazing food! The owner Charlie is the friendliest person there. Sandwich's are to die for. They are Amazing.

When you spend almost 30 minutes on a Sunday afternoon "being schmoozed" by Charlie, Benanti's prototypical 80-something owner, who is genuinely charismatic with that legendary "old Italian charm"... you would think your two takeout Italian subs would be above reproach. My large "Charlie's special" hero was freshly made and more than passable. However, even if my entire order had been served by Dean Martin & Frank Sinatra, I would still be smarting from "Benanti's sticker shock!" Perhaps I was hypnotized by Charlie's gregarious, old world charm? You see, unlike almost ever other deli in America, Benanti's has no visible menu or sign, anywhere to be seen! And after wrapping up the order, which also included one Arizona Iced Tea; and a box of supposedly "freshly baked" Italian cookies, I whipped out my trusty Chase Credit Card only to be told that it was "cash only!" Again, no signs, anywhere. Maybe it was a mistake to pluck three $20 bills from the small wad of cash in my pants pocket. When I asked Charlie how much for everything, he replied $58, without hesitation. I quickly re-tabulated my little lunch order. The number still sounded like an awful lot, all things considered. When I questioned whether the # was correct, Charlie quickly did a pencil calculation on a shopping bag, and reconfirmed the aforementioned total. Like an idiot, I quickly gave him three 20's, accepted my $2 change, and exited the premises, never again to return!!! The End! read more

Tell me is there anything more classic than an Italian deli tucked away in the suburbs of a New Jersey town? I didn't think so. Benantis has been at it for 50 years and there's one thing that has stayed true, everything is delicious and what they offer cannot be replaced by anything else (sorry Mike's). Grab a roll of your choosing by the window, hand it to the guys behind the counter and watch as they make magic. The smell that wafts through the store just goes to show how fresh and delicious everything is. While you wait for your sandwich, peruse the aisle of imported Italian pastas and other items, or treat yourself to house made sauce with or without meat. A true institution, it's not to be missed Bring cash, as they are cash only, but if you made the same mistake, I did, they luckily have an ATM tucked away in the corner. read more

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Very old school Italian delicatessen in Bayonne. I could imagine walking in here in the 70's and nothing would be different. Italian groceries and cold cuts, olives, olive oil, vinegar.....and very welcoming. The sandwich was great. Got chicken cutlet with mozzarella and roasted red peppers with oil and vinegar. Sandwich was huge and it was great. The bread was also very good. It's pretty deep into Bayonne it worth the trip if you're looking for authentic Italian hero's. Definitely worth the trip. read more

A Bayonne staple. They celebrated 50 years in 2025! Here's hoping they keep going - we need mom & pop shops like this. I love going in and picking my roll for my sandwich from the cardboard boxes. Freshest and softest rolls! Love the folk that work there. You can't beat Benanti's! read more

Benanti's Italian Delicatessen - 50 years! - Delis Near Me - Bayonne, New Jersey

Dropped a couple stars-a $12 container of meatballs and a small Italian sub was $35 today? The son with the glasses makes up the prices as he goes. Don't think I'll be back. read more

Benanti's Italian Delicatessen - Sweet Italian combo being made - Delis Near Me - Bayonne, New Jersey

Super high ratings so I was very disappointed. Italian sausage was good. Cold cut sandwiches are good and stacked- a lot of meat - but also pricy compared to other, better Italian sandwich spots in Bayonne, so you are paying for it). But two things that I was highly disappointed with - -) don't ever ever get "chicken cutlet" sandwich from here. It was literally two small frozen chicken pieces (like something from Walmart or Costco) - not fresh chicken cutlets. What a travesty. I should give 1 star for that but they are nice people. I told my wife don't look at it. It was inedible. 2) the bread is mediocre. Soft rolls/hero's not that nice Italian bread with a crunch. read more

This is the real deal. A true Italian deli that's as old school as old school gets. Let's just say, if an establishment is celebrating 50 years. It doesn't suck. Experience it, you won't regret it nor ever forget it. read more

Italian deli at its best. I got the classic Italian and it did not disappoint. I was greeted by 'what would you like?' And there is no menu listed, good thing I knew I wanted to have the Italian sub. Then he told me to pick out my bread - I didn't realize but there are brow boxes of bread, you just reach in and pick which one you want. I think the bread dictates the price. Not completely sure. mine turned out to be $12 They really know how to make a sandwich. Each thing of meat looked like nothing you can get at a regular deli, it just looked such good quality. And it was cut super thin. The meat was piled high and had fresh mozzarella on it. It was huge but it tasted so light and delicious. IDK what it is about Bayonne shops but I would say 90% of them, at least the old school ones, have year round Christmas decorations up. Including this place. I'm not complaining at all I'm just noticing a trend! The owner was there and he was a hoot. Everyone was so friendly, I can see how this has been a neighborhood spot for many years. I hope more to come. read more

Benanti's Italian Delicatessen - Italian sub - Delis Near Me - Bayonne, New Jersey

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Ive been going to Bennati s for over 30 years Charlie is one stand up great guy he loves what he does. I wouldn't go no where else my favorite sub prosciutto sweet cappacola fresh mozzarella roasted red pepper and balsamic This is my place to go. He has so many imported products from Italy great pasta too i get my coffee too Italian soda too This place is little Italy and everyone loves Charlie. I see some bs comments trying to give this place a bad name. I dont like it when people to try to give a business or a person a bad name or accuse a owner of being racist when its not true Im a retired chef with over 30years under my belt as-well im Puerto rican and cuban and never once did anyone ever treat me wrong. And the owner knows me he never said a racist thing to me. I was always treated like family whenever i went to get my food. read more

If you like to gamble this is the place for you. The only thing that is not a gamble is the taste, one of the best sandwiches I ever had. If you want an adventure stop reading and don't read anyone else's review and just go in to the deli. The adventure begins with entering the store and either there is someone behind the counter or not, but if not the clues are there. There is a counter space and a bunch of bread on the floor. You have to figure out that you grab a bread and put it on the counter or hold it in your hand until someone comes out. This part of the adventure is rng, its either the son or the father. Hope its the father, if it is jackpot. Now he will say "sandwich?". Your choices are "yes" or "no". After you say "yes", hopefully you know all the different types of Italian deli meats or you go with the roulette by saying "whatever you recommend". I did this 3 times already, and all 3 times were different sandwiches. There is no menu. This time around it was gonna be expensive because I might not know the names of the meats but I recognize them when I see them. Once I saw the giant leg I knew it was gonna be more the other times I was there. As I watch him pull out 5 different expensive meats and home made mozzarella infused with meat, I was starting to get nervous with the price. He was done and all saw was 5 stars on top of the sandwiches (video game reference) and he says that will be "20 dollars flat". Was it expensive? Yes, Was it worth it? Yes. Will i go back to experice this again? Yes read more

Benanti's Italian Delicatessen - Delis Near Me - Bayonne, New Jersey

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I came here to try their Italian sub, and they did not disappoint! It's one of the best Italian subs I've ever had. The service was excellent, too. Just a heads up, it's a cash-only place. I will definitely be back! read more

Benanti's Italian Delicatessen - Italian sub - Delis Near Me - Bayonne, New Jersey

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If you're a local, you know the allure of Charlie's. The sandwiches are unparalleled in all of northern New Jersey. If you're not a local, and you're not expecting a family of Italian immigrants to make your sandwich and be some of the nicest people you've ever met, well then you're in for a treat. Highly recommend trying the Sicilian salami. read more

best. cold cuts. delicious meatb alls in. sauce store products are great. very authentic great atmosphere. with the italian music. read more

Very welcoming old fashion Italian deli all things imported from Italy. Service was great very nice and homey

Both of my parents are from Bayonne and I've heard the Benanti's name thrown around throughout the years, but I'd never been there myself. Recently I had the choice, Benanti's or Jersey Mike's... first of all I'm not really sure what Jersey Mike's is doing in NJ, so you already know my answer was Benanti's. First impression: as someone who identifies closer with introverted tendencies, this place was intimidating. No menus or anything announcing what exactly is available to you. Luckily my mom gave me the basics "ask for an Italian sub, and some meatballs". I still felt awkward and out of place. That is to say, this place is OLD SCHOOL AF. Not a bad thing, but definitely intimidating. So I stood there pretending I knew the drill. Grabbed a few snack and beverages. Once my turn came, the guy asked what I wanted, I told him and he asked nicely for me to select my bread from the boxes by the window. Now I don't know about you, but I was not expecting bread that is in boxes by a window the day after Christmas to be anywhere near fresh. I was dead wrong, the bread was delicious. Next, he asks me what I wanted on it, I start to sweat a bit because I thought "Italian sub" was enough of and answer so I said "everything?" And he proceeded to put what might have been every meat, cheese and condiment onto my bread... well, this sub was amazing. I am a sub snob (naturally, being from Jersey) and I was impressed. When I saw the amount of vinegar he put on I thought eh, this sandwich won't be great just alright, but because it's old school there I didn't ask for more... I'm glad I didn't because somehow this sub was absolutely perfect!! I did get to try one of the meatballs I ordered too, my uncle claims they are the best in Bayonne and I haven't had a ton of meatballs in Bayonne but these meatballs were pretty dang good! read more

Benanti's Italian Delicatessen - Italian sub (everything on it) - Delis Near Me - Bayonne, New Jersey

I loved this place, they serve very well and the food is exquisite!!! To take away, they have cheeses that they cut right there to deliver grated if you prefer, the spinach ravioli are very good and also the natural tomato sauce with meatballs is very delicious. read more

Benanti's Italian Delicatessen - Delis Near Me - Bayonne, New Jersey

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Pandemic review: sandwich edition. I popped in here about a month ago, fresh off a very overplayed kick of homemade tuna and cold cuts from TJs. After many weeks of quarantine, these lunches just wasn't cutting it anymore. I wanted an italian-type sandwich from a place that was both open on a Sunday during COVID and, most importantly, super delicious. Thank you, Benanti's, for being both of those things. BREAD. In a bucket, by the window. Pick your own. I didn't know this, but it did not take away from my experience, they just got it for me. MEATS. Whatever you want. As much as thought I was craving an italian, I ended up getting roast beef and salami, which ended up being just what I wanted. STUFF. Veggies on veggies, little bit of mayo to tie it all together. PRICE. Cheap. I think mine was $7, if that. We drove to the very end of Bayonne and sat on a bench, looked at Staten Island, and I enjoyed the most delicious sandwich in recent memory. Pandemic or no pandemic, I suggest you do the same. read more

Benanti's Italian Deli is a classic location in Bayonne. Anyone who grew up here, knows about this spot and how great their sandwiches are. The Italian classic combo with everything is the best sandwich to get. You can't go wrong with this choice, as it contains all of their best meats. The bread used is always fresh and the meats are top quality. Price for a full sandwich may be expensive for some, but you pay for quality and its so worth it over a cheaper sandwich at a lower level deli. Plus, they load the sandwich with lots of meat and definitely do not gyp you at all. Overall, this is the place you want to go to, when your in the mood for a nice classic Italian sub. read more

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Service and authentic Italian cuisine and so much fun when you see Charlie! I only buy my grated cheese from Benanti's, so fresh and delicious! read more

It's very simple Imported Italian meats and cheeses ,lettuce ,and tomato sliced per sandwich 5+ types of breads/rolls Fresh ground fennel sausage Fresh made meatballs Homemade sauces Brings Pastosa Ravioli to the ice box Ample selection dried pastas + Italian tomatoes Authentic accent ! read more

Benanti's Italian Delicatessen - Charlie Benanti and a monster combo!! - Delis Near Me - Bayonne, New Jersey

A friend of mine grew up in Bayonne and when I mentioned loving Italian Subs, he said, "I got you" and within a week I had a rather large Italian sub delivered to my house by said friend. It was fresh and delicious. I will be back and I will get another variation of their italian meats and cheeses inside freshly baked bread. read more

OMG so bad!!! Bread was stale! Salads were meh at best! Total disappointment! We threw it all away. Complete waste of money.

Amazing sandwiches & great, down to earth service. Absolutely enjoyed a fresh prosciutto with mozzarella sandwich that was one of the best I've ever had. Local place that is worth a drive for lunch or dinner. Check it out! read more

Not many great old Italian deli like this around anymore. Benantis still doing things right. Walk in, pick your bread, hand it to Charlie, tell em what ya want, talk about things and off ya go. Charlie makes sandwich right in front of you. Locals and former locals of Bayonne know Charlie like family. He knows them too. The bread is fresh and laid out by the window. If you like old Italian deli, good sandwiches and a great owner, stop in and see Charlie for a sandwich. read more

Benanti's Italian Delicatessen - Hot supasad, fresh mutz, roasted red peppers on fresh Italian bread. Excellent. - Delis Near Me - Bayonne, New Jersey

Regular sandwich with very little meat for way too much money which apparently as other reviewers have mentioned they apparently price depending on whether they know you or not or for more nefarious reasons. read more

What a wonderful place. Visited for a incredibly delicious sub and was treated to amazing ambiance and delicious deli. It's a must visit!!! read more

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Charged 50$ for two Italian sandwiches. And it was cash only. I don't think he charges those prices to everyone either, never coming back.

I've only ever eaten here 3 times and got 3 different subs... wasn't super impressed by any of them. they were good but I feel like nothing stood out at all. One time I got pesto and I actually reallyyyy disliked it, had to take off the top of the sub because it was soaked in it and scraped it off the cold cuts. Sandwiches are definitely huge but like I said, I don't get the hype at all! read more

Absolutely perfect! Hidden gem. The service and sandwiches were outstanding, will definitely be back!

I was shopping at TJMaxx nearby at lunchtime when I searched on my Yelp app "lunch." Now, we were near Wendy's and Popeye's but an Italian sandwich felt like the ticket. It was a quick drive. Benanti's is an old school, no frills, Italian joint. The guys behind the counter were friendly and hilarious. As we waited for our chicken parm and mortadella and mozzarella hero's (after Charlie helped us pick out the bread), we picked out some Sal & Jerry cookies, then some dinner: their meatballs and sauce and fresh J&B ravioli. The store quickly got crowded with the lunch crowd. Took our haul back to Staten Island. Quality hero's (bread wasn't my fav but next time I'll pick out the crusty Italian bread). Dinner though, delicious! The container of sauce with & meatballs and the container of 16 cheese raviolis was plenty for 3 people with a little leftover! Not sure how often I'll be over there but it is a quick drive from Staten Island! read more

Really great customer service. Didn't see a menu inside but I'm sure they'll make anything you ask for or try to accommodate as best they can! Their cookies were soooo good, couldn't put it down! read more

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They're not good for business. I moved to the area, literally 2 blocks away 2 years ago. As a chef of 10 years, I was excited about an Italian deli where I can pick up some good stuff to cook with. I'm always skeptical about cash only places but fine. I see the slicer and bread nearby and ask if they make sandwiches. The short POS with the glasses lied to me and said no. I thought it was weird so I pay for what I got and left. Then after some research, I see they do in fact make sandwiches but I'm sure for only white people. After reading the reviews, I'm right about that one. I've never stepped foot in it since and they'll never get my business. Maybe a call to the health department would tighten them up while I'm at it. Also, I'm forced to give 1 star but it's definitely a zero. What I way to treat someone and ruin the experience I was looking forward to. Never in my career have I dealt with this. read more

If you dont know, then you are just missing out! I cant explain the experience and greatness of the sandwich, quality of meats, fresh breads and cheeses plus the no corners cut of making a great sandwiches. Dont forget to ask for hot peppers! read more

Y'all are kooks. First off, there is no menu and there never will be a darn menu. It ain't that type of place, get used to it. You either grew up here and know what the deal is or you didn't and should do a little research before you stroll up. If you're worried about prices take ya broke self to Subway and get a sad looking sandwich and go about your day. Prosciutto is not cheap and they don't make fresh Mozzarella at subway, so you get what you pay for. Also, do you have eyeballs? You ever see how much meat they put on these sandwiches, it's absurd. To be completely honest. This ain't a chain sandwich shop, it's not perfect, there prices change slightly when ordering sandwiches cause they eyeball it, you gotta put up with the local banter between patron and shop owner, and the prices are higher then a crappy deli or chain sandwich shop. However! This place is the truth. It's not a gimmick, it's been there, it's got reputation and if you are in the mood for a good sandwich this is the place to be. read more

Classic Italian deli, with a brilliantly charming owner, Charlie The food is authentic and most are homemade, from sausages to fresh mozzarella to various salumi Classic Italian sub - amazing Meatballs- arguably even better than the amazing sub Fresh mozzarella with instructions on how to keep it fresh...and a few great stories while you wait Go. Go. read more

Old style deli. Good meat, good cheese, good bread, sliced tomato and lettuce. Good sandwich. Nice people. Too light on the Mayo. I should have asked for more Mayo. My fault. $16 though. Too expensive. Not worth the price. read more

Go back in time to that old school Italian Neighborhood deli of your youth. Run by the owner Charlie Benanti, who is there everyday, the food is amazing and the service is fabulous as well. They make everyone who comes in feel like family. The home made fresh mozzarella is some of the best I have had. Worth taking a trip into Bayonne to visit this true relic, I highly recommend it. read more

Did I just step into an old Italian village? The best Italian deli in Bayonne. Very friendly staff who loves to chat up a storm (part of the warm welcoming experience) but if you are in a hurry you might want to come back another time. Everything is great quality and fresh. They let you pick out the bread you want and what you would like on your sandwich and make it fresh for you. The only downfalls is that they don't have any prices up so I have been charged different prices for the same sandwich and they do take a few minutes to make. read more

Benanti's Italian Delicatessen - Prosciutto, Spicy Sopressata, fresh mozzarella and roasted red pepper sandwich. - Delis Near Me - Bayonne, New Jersey

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If you are looking for the best sandwiches and imported Italian pastas, cookies, cheeses, etc this is the place for you. Had a monster sandwich with fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, cappacola, roasted peppers, oil & basalmic vinegar. It was so large I could only finish half. This is old school with the meats and cheeses hanging from the ceiling. Local deli about 40 years old. read more

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