I went here for a quick spot and grab my lunch. I highly Recommend this place. Good Sub sandwiches. Great and friendly place. read more

Elena's serves wonderful fresh homemade food. Whether you go into the store on Lake street or have them cater your event!!! Quality ingredients, put together with expertise from traditional recipes or made to order!!! read more

Had a ten inch meatball sandwich with provolone...could only eat half and I have a big appetite....wow..Tastes like a sandwich my Italian grandmother would make..six large meatballs in the ten inch sandwich, cut in half in a tray with generous amounts of provolone on the bottom of the hearty Italian bread (which is obviously made in house..so fresh!)..the sauce reminds me of my grandmother's sauce...amazingly good Now on to Mario's Italian Sub..got the ten inch one...oh..my..god...tons of different meats, touch of olive oil, seasonings on their amazing Italian bread..simply the best Italian sub I have ever had..period. They have been open for 14 years and the great food reflects their huge loyal customer base...oh..you get a bag of Jay's chips with every sandwich too! The lady that took our order was very nice..I believe she is one of the owners..they obviously take an immense amount of pride in their food and it clearly shows..this is my. We favorite place..as my brother said, "I've lived two blocks away from this place since 1993 and I never knew it existed..This is my new favorite place..wow!"..I couldn't agree more! read more

Elena's Cucina - Meatball sandwich w/provolone...ate half and now full..so so good, like Nana used to make - Delis Near Me - Roselle, Illinois

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The best stuff! The subs are great (and filling) for lunch. Make sure to grab a foccaccia to go along with some dessert (the lemon cookies and pie are my faves). The whole family there is willing to answer questions, so chat away! read more

We catered the BAKED MOSTACCIOLI, GARDEN SALAD, both were really good. But i think my favorites were the appetizers and dessert, BRUSCHETTA and TIRAMISU. Highly recommend everything mentioned. read more

My all time favorite sandwiches! The Salvatore is the greatest thing I've ever had. Elena's is a must try

Delicious all homemade food. Family run with Friendly service. Hard to see off Lake St. but worth finding. Small indoor seating area, maybe 3 or 4 tables to seat 2 each. Had the chicken parm sandwich. Excellent. Lemon cookies soo good. Looks like they do a fantastic catering business. All staff wore masks. Will definitely try again. read more

Have wonderful flatbread pizzas. Out of this world. For a change of pace, try Elena's. A great hidden gem.

BEST sub sandwich on the planet!! The Mario sub is what a true Italian sub should be. The family that owns this business is the nicest family I know. This place deserves 10 stars!!! read more

Elena's Cucina - Delis Near Me - Roselle, Illinois

The Veggie Sandwich with bacon is to die for! So good ! Provolone cheese, Grilled eggplant, sun-dried tomatoes, lettuce and tomato, pesto, bacon, and the best bread!! YUMMO read more

Elena's Cucina - The best Sandwich - Delis Near Me - Roselle, Illinois

The best sandwiches ever. Fantastic bread. I dream about the caprese sub and delicious lemon cookies. Yum!

I love this place. Its very expensive but when we want a good quality Sandwich we stop here.

The Odd Couple. That's the kind of relationship I'm in. He's the Felix Unger and I'm Oscar Madison all the way. He's neat, orderly, disciplined, reasonable, practical, genius-level smarts and for the most part, incredibly kind (though he doesn't seem to fancy cats much). I'm a mess. I leave crap everywhere. I rarely clean up after myself. I'm terrible with money, even worse with math, and there's actually been times (multiple) where I've been so lazy that I've actually lied about brushing my teeth. I know, I know. But at least I admit it. Sure, I should probably be more ashamed and I'm sure there's some deeper psychological stuff there, but for now we'll all just have to settle for my own admission of these facts and I'll just go on pretending that my level of sloppy is still cute and okay. How does this this bit of information take me to Elena's Cucina? Well, I'll tell you... just like I always do, whether you want to hear it or not. People are always telling me how lucky I am to have my SO. No one EVER says the reverse to him. And I know they're right and that I should be thanking my lucky stars day in and day out, but sometimes... sometimes I think, 'This is it. This is the day I throw him from a moving vehicle if he doesn't pull that stick out of his ass right-quick.' Luckily, it only took one life-changing visit to a little storefront in a business park off Lake Street to find the perfect way to curb his (and my impending) crankiness: Order anything from Elena's Magical Cucina. Priced for even a pauper like myself, you can get a heaping sandwich on fresh, homemade bread with the highest quality artisan ingredients. Fresh made pizza with homemade dough, fresh homemade focaccia bread, fresh and homemade pasta and more -- all fresh and all homemade right there on the spot! The shop is almost completely hidden from street view and while there are two tiny two-seater tables inside, it's main hub of business seems to be from catering/carry-out orders. It's counter service or call ahead, and while normally I'm monstrously impatient and hate waiting, I actually had a really fun time just sitting and listening to my SO tell the play-by-play of our sandwiches being made in the back kitchen. Everything from pulling the fresh bread loaves, to slicing cheese straight from the block. This is as from-scratch as it gets, folks. You should expect your order, no matter if it's a salad or sandwich or pizza to take around 15-20 minutes, because like I said - EVERYTHING is done from scratch. They don't pre-make, slice, set anything so your food is fondled by as few people as possible before it hits your lips. On our virgin visit, Mario was manning the counter and put together both our veggie pesto sandwich and our Caprese sandwich. Mario, that dude... I owe my life as a free man to him for saving my boo and I from what could have been a very disastrous (possibly murderous) day of exploring the suburbs on an empty stomach together. Mario made us up these heaping sandwiches, though only 6-inches each according to the menu, we eye-balled them at closer to 7" and spent the first minute and half of the sandwiches being placed in front of us in awe of how absolutely picturesque and perfect they were. Loaded with more-than-generous ingredient portions, this is the kind of food that'll make your Italian Nonna rethink her decades-old family recipes. Elena's... they do Italian deli right and unlike any other. I've honestly never had anything quite like it and I've never seen my SO's empty stomach+crabby patty mood dissipate so quickly. It was like we transitioned out of being The Odd Couple and moved into a more Darrin & Samantha of Bewitched-type scenario where I just wiggled my nose (or in this case, ordered a sandwich) and all of a sudden Darrin's sourpuss turns to sparkles and smiles and we all have a happy ending. We ended up shaking Mario's hand before we left because we were so thankful to him for what he'd done for us... made us the best damn sandwiches we've ever had, and for $10 total for the both of us, no less. I know where I'll be getting all future parties catered from and I know where I'll be headed the next time I have a hankering for the best Italian sandwich on the planet... which as it turns out, is fairly often. read more

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The Mario's sub is life-changing. Crusty bread, excellent meat-to-bread ratio, and a full-size w/a bag of chips is only $7, tax included!!!!! I'm very picky with bread, especially if I'm to indulge in white bread, and I love Elena's. I've also tried the eggplant parm sub and lemon cookies. The sub was molto buono, but the lemon cookies.. heaven save me, those were sinfully, melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Tart lemon glaze that didn't taste artificial either. This place is f-ing awesome. Elena smiles like an angel, and her food is foodporn at its best. Combine the two and you have a 5 star establishment, huzzah! read more

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This place deserves more than a 5 star. HUGE portions, QUALITY sandwiches, and CHEAP. These sandwiches can last two meals and the ingredients are top notch. And they're only around 7 dollars with a bag of lays chips. More than anything anyone can ask for. So, I called in to place an order for take out and I recommend doing that since it takes them around 15-20 minutes to make sandwiches. Parking is a bit tricky, you need to turn in on the side street and go in to the parking lot but maneuver around the mall. However, well worth the sacrifices. I ordered a large eggplant Parmesan sandwich and a large Mario sandwich and both were phenomenal. I had half of each and my taste buds are well treated. The various meats in the Mario sandwich were high quality and thinly sliced. There were some onions, tomato, and I really like the sauce they used although I can't tell what it is. The eggplant is perfectly cooked, silky and smooth, and it's paired with the best crust, sauce, and cheese. The bread they use is to die for. It's chewy and a bit tougher but all to the perfect amounts. I'm going to have to try their catering sometime. Definitely give this place a try! read more

Elena's Cucina - Mario sub! - Delis Near Me - Roselle, Illinois

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This place is undercover in a business park. It's primarily a catering operation, however if you knock on the door three times in the correct sequence, they just might let you in for lunch. That's what happened to me. Elena's is a family operation and they have fun with it No one is in a hurry here...so be patient and follow my lead. My advise to you, whatever you order, get the biggest portion possible. I order for carryout only because seating is limited, but I'm sure your sandwich will taste just as good standing up as opposed to sitting down. This is a professional Deli that operates with confidence. No bullshit, they just make it happen. Order extra because everything tastes better the second day! read more

Elena's Cucina - Italian Sub...as good as it gets! - Delis Near Me - Roselle, Illinois

Another local business found via Yelp! Was looking for some lunch today and decided to search yelp for lunch near my house. Came across Elena's and couldn't tell off hand if it was a deli or just catering or both. Gave them a quick call where Salvatore answered and said yes, they did serve lunch. Dropped off my son at preschool and away we went. Walked into a small unassuming storefront and saw a nice glass case filled with lemon cookies and other pastries on one side and premade dishes on the other. Decided on a few things for lunch including a meatball sandwich, proscuitto/fresh mozzarella sub, pasta salad and lemon cookies. The owners were very nice, smiling and talking about their grand-daughter and giving suggestions. Placed our order and waited. Prices were fine - about 20 bucks for all that food which was within reason. Got the food home and tore in. Meatballs were excellent. Not too dense, not too loose. Sauce was good with them and the sandwich was stuffed. Proscuitto/fresh mozzarella could have used a touch more meat, but they used an excellent balsamic vinegar on both sides of the sandwich that soaked into the bread and gave a great flavor. The pasta salad was very good BUT the lemon cookies were to die for. I'm going back for more. Seriously, like after I finish this review, I need more. You can find their products at farmer's markets including Daley Plaza so if you see them, get them. Will go back for the pizza and foccaccia. read more

Oh THAT'S why they have 5 stars on Yelp! Seriously amazing. The Mario sub has the best meats with a crusty bread but what really makes it is the balsamic dressing. The BLT with turkey uses a wonderful smoked turkey with freshly fried bacon. Lasagna was HUGE with creamy cheese, no grit. The lemon cookies are almost a little piece of cake. Phenomenal. We also tried the coconut cupcake, eggplant, ham cheese and zucchini quiche and each was excellent. They may not have everything every day, but if you can't make a lunch at this place you are waaaaay too picky. read more

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Amazing experience. Intend to delve deeper into catering and holiday specials. Lemon cookies yummy. Focaccia...award worthy. Family owned and operated. read more

Super big sandwiches for sandwich lovers! Pretty tasty but nothing phenomenal. Not much else I know of so I really don' t know what all the 5 star ratings are for read more

This Deli is amazing ! Not only is the staff friendly but the food is delicious. I've been to a ton of delis around the Chicagoland area and this one definitely takes the cake! I had the Mario sandwich and I was even lucky enough to get one of the fresh lemon cookies. RECOMMEND. If you're in the area or craving fresh Italian cuisine or a deli sandwich, this is the place. I WILL DEFINITELY BE COMING BACK HERE...MORE THAN ONCE. read more

Family style low key eats at its finest. Whatever came out of the kitchen, you can be sure it's made with skill and love. Meatball sub for lunch? Yes please. Homemade focaccia for dinner? Mmm. I like to just go with whatever random selection they have in the food tray. Mangia! read more

Elena's Cucina - Meatball sub :) - Delis Near Me - Roselle, Illinois

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Elena's is fantastic. Truly family owned and operated and you can feel the love, and that carries over to their food. Awesome food. Awesome people. Hard to find off of Lake Street where the S...heads in Roselle won't allow for signage. Elena's should put up a big sign across the street, pointing to their shop. In unincorporated Keeneyville, where everything seems to be legal and anything goes. I mean, if the car dealership across the street can park all those cars along Lake Street that block the view of oncoming traffic causing all those accidents in front of their business, than certainly a sign pointing to Elena's couldn't hurt! read more

Homemade Italian food by an entire Italian family that cares about what they are doing and what you are thinking after enjoying their many offerings. Don't miss this. read more

Although Elena's is right in my neighborhood, I stumbled across this amazing entrepreneur at a local craft fair (pre-COVID). The aromas from their awesome handmade pizzas were impossible to resist. That was many years ago and I still cannot say enough good things about Elena's. I have been vegan for many years now, and Elena and her staff are always happy to accommodate with a cheese-less pizza that is to die for! I have tried "vegan pizza" at many of the well-known local chains but nothing comes even close to what Elena and her family have to share. Super fresh ingredients put together perfectly. Elena's is always a treat! read more

Yum! I got the eggplant parmesan & meatball sandwiches. Let me tell you, these sandwiches are not for the faint of heart. They are large - like half a baguette large. And they are so delicious! Fresh bread, large meatballs, amazing red sauce, perfectly done eggplant... It comes with a bag of chips. I didn't stop there. I also got the pasta salad - al dente bowties with celery, red onions, red peppers, parmesan cheese. I thought I could cook pasta because it's pasta; but somehow Elena's pasta was cooked so much better. I couldn't stop myself so I also got lemon cookies & a bunch of triple chocolate cookies. Omg... So good! My belly is so happy & full right now. The storefront is small & in a little strip of businesses. It can be a little difficult to get to but you can see Elena's Deli sign from the street. You can eat in but there are just two small tables. The place is geared more towards carry-out & catering. Now I just have to find reasons to eat at Elena's for lunch & have events for catered food... read more

Pretty good deli sandwiches here. Saw it a few months ago when we first moved into the area & been meaning to try it. Finally got a chance to last week. Got an Italian. Awesome flavors. Perfect combination of condiments. Everything was nice and fresh. The large was big enough to comfortably split over 2 days. The only drawback is that the bread was a little to stiff for me, which in my opinion pushes out the contents when I bite into the sandwich. I like my bread soft but still a little firm. However, I can definitely see myself returning here. Maybe next time, I'll request my bread a little softer. read more

Elena's Cucina - Italian sandwich - Delis Near Me - Roselle, Illinois

I constantly search Yelp for delicious EATS and found this this 5 star authentic Italian deli. Everyone raved about Mario's Italian sandwich; I must say it was very tasty! The bread, cheese and meats were fresh and made me feel like it was straight from Italy . Looking forward to trying the meatball sub next visit. read more

Elena's Cucina - Mario's Italian Sub! Very authentic. Bread was right on! - Delis Near Me - Roselle, Illinois

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My favorite new place. Hole in the wall with amazing italian food. Everything is so fresh. I devoured the meatball sub and the Italian, done right with balsamic vinegar:) on warm fresh bread. I love their marinara!! Hope the dnt mind seeing me more often because I am hooked!! read more

I went here and although yelp says it was open it wasn't nothing on website either. Disappointing.

Great service and even better food! This is my go to spot for lunch!! Everything from their sandwiches to salads are great! Give them a try, I promise you won't be disappointed! read more

Delicious, delicious, delicious. Everything is made fresh, with quality ingredients and pride in their food. Worth making the effort to find it. read more

Checking out a new sandwich spot for lunch. Very clean place with a friendly staff. I had the Italian and it was really good. Worth the trip but seating area is tiny (3 tables) best to take with you read more

Staff is amazing and food is delicious ! You can't go wrong with anything you order from their menu . Owners are great and very reasonably priced . I would def recommend for either a lunch stop or to cater a party . read more

So I actually saw this place on some sort of "best sandwich in your state" list. I was surprised it being in the burbs and not the city. I had to try this epic sandwich right? Anyway I came in here for lunch yesterday. It's a small room with maybe one or two bistro tables but more a to go setup. I got the 6 inch Italian sub and a tiramisu. I was going to go home to eat it but said screw it and ate in my car. The sandwich was really probably the best Italian sub I have ever eaten. It came on this this rustic like old world bread. Was doused in more like a balsamic vinaigrette as opposed to the usual Italian dressing and the meats and provolone just melted together in your mouth. It was huge for like $5-$6. The tiramisu I could have left. It was like a cup cake serving. Flavor was good but execution was strange. Needed more ladyfingers in my opinion as it was mostly the cheese. Either way I'm happy to have found this place right around the corner from my work. I can't wait to come back. read more

Best Italian sub. Love this place! My very Italian husband calls it a hidden gem. If you're in the mood for a fantastic sub, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. read more

Elena, I used to go by your Dads store at Cumberland and Irving, great family business! I worked in Norridge and stopped at Joe's every Saturday to stock up for the week, loved the Mortadella!!!! read more

Authentic Italian food that tastes so good your "off the boat" mother doesn't complain and compliments when we order catering

This little Cucina has the most freshest, mouth watering subs! I love the Italian sub....and the American one! Small place with limited hours, so google it before going to be sure they are open! I believe it is a family run business. Very pleasant and friendly staff to help you. read more

There's only four seats in the joint, but don't worry; I'm sure the food tastes just as good standing up. It's almost a unfair to review Elena's Deli as a lunch spot when 1.) it's clearly focused on being good at the catering side of the business, which means what you're served tends to come out of what they've made to cater, and 2.) if you do stop by for lunch, you're probably going to have to take it up. But we had a place to sit. And the food was awesome. My wife had a prosciutto and bocconcini sandwich, which is topped with balsamic vinegar, some parmesan and fresh tomatoes. Bocconcini, it turns out, is not broccolini: it's actually a very soft, moist, tangy mozzarella cheese. On top of perfectly cured, savory prosciutto. With a deep, richly flavored balsamic permeating the sandwich bread. I liked this sandwich better, and it wasn't even my sandwich--which is a rare feat. Not to say my meatball sub wasn't good. On the contrary; it's the best meatball sub I've ever had. The meatballs were perfectly made; tender, with clearly identifiable parmesan notes. The tomato sauce was chunky, fresh and excellent, and there was a layer of parmesan underneath. Both sandwiches were served with a bag of Jay's chips, which I appreciated. Elena's Deli may very well be the best deli on Lake Street in the whole state. read more