This is my lunch time go to spot. This is a quick serve Italian restaurant/mini grocery store. The food is made fresh daily and service is friendly and consistent. They have cold/warm sandwiches, salads and daily special entrees at the main counter. When you have your delicious meal head to the front register area that's surrounded by a pastries case full of sweets and fresh gelato. Don't ask whether you should get a cookie or scoop of gelato, just get it. Seating is limited and gets packed quickly during the lunch rush. Also, feel free to stop in for breakfast. It's quicker and tastier than Starbucks. read more

One of the cities best sub and sandwich shops. Bari. In West town is the next best one that comes to mind. But in the Gold Coast, River North, Streeterville areas, this is the neighborhood gem. I've never had a bad sandwich and the Diavolo is by far the best in my opinion. read more

Yummy!! Great coffee. Great breakfast sandwiches. Definitely recommend! Need to come back for pastries!

I have been coming to L`Appetito for the better part of 30 years and I would say those first 20 years there is no doubt they would have deserved a 5 star rating. Not any longer. You can no longer associate the word deli with this place seeing that there is no deli anymore (can I get a pound of ham and half of cheese ... ah no). All that is in the back now is just pre-sliced meats and cheeses for sandwiches (Tony is turning in his grave), bad pizza (or fair tomato sauce bread), watery pasta, and breakfast croissants/panini's. Not one of these mentioned are worth their costs. I truly believe this place is destined to be a full time cafe', their coffee is above average but again ... pricey. I can get a great cup of coffee for half the price at the market down the street. read more

This is a solid lunch spot. They have reasonably priced panini and pizza, a wide variety of other sandwiches and beverages (not as reasonably priced), and those cute Italian cookies everyone loves so much. Although what I've had so far wasn't super special, it was good and handy to have near the office for a fast lunch. read more

"Chicago's finest cafe and deli" the sign says. Nope! Not at Midway. Chicken Salad with cherry tomatoes... Nope! My wife got the Caprese panini. Warm but not grilled. She asked for it to be grilled and was told "you got what you got" - she couldn't eat it because it was not qrilled. My wife went to EINSTEIN BROS Bagels. She got a sandwich made as expected. read more

Just when I thought there were no decent priced lunch spots within walking distance of my office I stumbled upon this spot. I had come here years ago when I was working at my first job out of college. It hasn't changed in the half decade absence that I took. The sandwiches are made fresh to order and they are HUGE. I went with the turkey and added hot peppers of course. It was extremely filling and cost only $5.50. This is a very solid lunch spot. read more

I entered the place at 12.10 pm and wanted to order 2 rice arancini. The server said " We do not have any. we are waiting to be ready" I asked, "When do you think they'll be ready? should I wait ? ". The server answered, " I don't know".I wanted to ask him to check with someone that knows but I just left. Service should improve. The arancini by the way are truly delicious ( Whenever they are available.) 1 star for the lake of interest of the server in dealing with a customer. read more

Their bread is a bit chewy, but the meats and cheese they use are great. Our hungry hero tried their Il Parma and Italiano sandwiches. These things are large and they left our hungry hungry hero satisfied. Basil and fresh cheese on the Il Parma? Yes, sir! The deli side of the business is pretty small and a bit overpriced. Also, two cashiers here seem a bit overkill, but who am I to argue? PROS: - Outdoor and indoor seating available. - It's better than Subway. - The sandwiches have solid Italian ingredients and the meats used are freshly sliced. CONS: - The hot sandwiches are all pre-made. - Lackluster bread. read more

I want to say that I have known about this place for awhile but never actually tried it. I had the Italian sub sandwich and the traditional arrancini. I absolutely loved them both! I definitely plan on stopping here more often to try some of their other sandwiches and salads. read more

Go here on my way home for lunch and coffee. This is in a great little spot. Great sandwiches. I recommend for a good lunch. Love the coffee card they give you read more

L'Appetito - great idea - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Yum. I love L'Appetito. I go here for lunch frequently, and I adore their hearty, fresh sandwiches that are freshly assembled in the deli. I love their tomato-basil-mozzarella on ciabitta. All of the ingredients, salt, textures, and seasoning are so spot on--definitely the best TBM sandwich I've had! Their sanwiches are really an excellent deal for the size of sandwich, quality of ingredients, and freshness that you receive in return! Tables are more plentiful then they seem to have been about a year ago--There are about eight tables inside with a nice outdoor section outside, as well. The shop also is stocked full of authentic Italian foods, which is always fun to peruse, although prices can be a bit high. Oh, and the gelato. Oooh the gelato. It's simply amazing, and very well priced ($1.35 for a good sized scoop?). I love the marscapone with caramel and what seems to be raisins and pistachios, as well as the hazelnut biscotti. Worth a trip over here for the gelato alone! read more

I was craving arancini...and sweets! This place had both. The massive arancini was stuffed with beef and peas. Just how I like it. It is essentially a big rice ball stuffed with awesomeness. I asked for sauce on the side and I'm glad I did. This was a good portion if you want a bite that won't overfill your stomach. It was absolutely flavorful and the sauce was amazing! I want to try their pastas. This deli is really cute and has many chairs/tables inside. I also had the pistachio sandwich which was good but not amazing. They have many other desserts that I would surely try... read more

Went to L'appetito for lunch today and ended up being really pleased to have found a lunch place that is tasty & inexpensive with cafe seating indoor and out. I had an Italian sub that was gigantic, so I had one half of it for lunch and the other half can be dinner. My friends also had sandwiches and pasta that they thought equally yummy. The cafe is full of great Italian salamis, cheese, coffee, pastries and specialty European sodas and juices. We happily ended our lunch by splitting Spumoni gelato which was really delicious. We all agreed that the Pistachio gelato was exceptionally great. The cathedral district was a nice change of pace from lunch in the loop and made a nice stop for a peaceful Friday retreat from the office. read more

This cozy spot behind Michigan street located in Huron has been wonderful for my quick lunch. If work gets out of control come in and grab a mini treat - Super delicious! read more

L'Appetito - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Yay new lunch spot! The Roma tostino was unimpressive, I should have gone with something containing prosciutto or salami. The grocery part is intriguing so I'll stop in again for that. The butter cookie with a fudge dollop, divine. I'll come back to this review after I've tried the all important gelato. + there's a patio + read more

A true gem. Ive been told that they have been in this location for over 20 years. From the outside this place looks slightly better than your run of the mill c-store in the basement of a nameless 1980's skyscraper. Once inside you'll see a deli in back with hot items as well. Everything from hot grilled pannin's to fresh caprese salad to hot ravioli. Let me tell you, this is the best deal in the area for a sub-style sandwich, hands down. Meat quality knocks potbelly and JJ off the list, plus L'Appetito's sandwhiches are as big as both of the aforementioned combined. The C-store itself holds it's own, giving you a variety of risotto options (something like 5 different brands)- Trader Joes does not carry risotto. Lots of Italian waters, juices, and soda, etc. 1 star deduction- They DO NOT carry Magnum ice cream bars. I guess nestle mustn't distribute them to the states, but they are bomb and every hole in the wall in the boot of Italy has Magnums. read more

Since I work off of Michigan Avenue I'm always looking for a lunch place to go that is affordable, not fast food and has the least amount of tourists. Well folks, L'Appetito is your answer. Since it is just a few blocks west of Mich Ave it keeps most of the tourists away, but yet is close enough for me to walk to and even eat my meal while sitting outside and enjoying the weather. My favorite is the Roma tostano. It has mushrooms, tomatoes, cheese and spices on toasted bread. Yummy! I also like to pair it up with the antipasto salad. For about $8 you can get enough food to eat for 2 days. read more

This branch of THE Chicago Italian deli is a much better spot to grab lunch than the John Handcock spot -- same great food (and imported goodies), but smaller lines, and an enclosed place to sit. (If the al-fresco seating is taken, walk a block east and grab a spot at the gorgeos Mies Van Der Rohe-esque Episcopal Diocese of Chicago plaza. They recently streamlined their menu, but all the good stuff is there still except the double-decker sub. I'd recommend the classic Cabrese (Motza, Basil, Tomato, Olive Oil, Ciabatta), or if you feeling less veggie-ish, the Il Parma is the same thing plus a generous helping of salty procuitto. Also, the Diavolo is piled high with peppery deli meat but not so spicy that you won't want to swallow the whole thing in one awesome bite. read more

Arrived at Midway airport and thought I'd grab some pizza before heading out. Decided to try L'Appetito and boy was I disappointed. I don't have much expectation for 'airport' food but this was by far the worst pizza I've ever had. Apart from it being cold, it had no flavor. I would stay away from the pizza. Maybe have better luck with their sandwiches. read more

I wanted to wait a little bit to review as I bought a whole bunch of stuff. I was in the area and had to stop in. L'Appetito isn't really all that big. Not a big deal at all as great things can come in smaller packages, and this was the case here. They have a deli counter in the back and a variety of italian products to buy in between. I had to get myself a sub from here. The price wasn't that bad as it was around $7, so I wasn't expecting a full sub. But, to my surprise they did hook me up with a full sub (a deal in the near north side, I are a shocked keith). It was packed with a ton of meat and veggies. I also had to get myself a medium chicken pasta salad and a arancini ball. The arancini was great and a big bruiser itself. The pasta salad was really good too, but maybe a bit too much cream for what I was wanting at the time. I also made sure to buy myself some pasta and gnocchi. The dried pasta was one that I haven't had before and was very good. It wasn't cheap, and neither was the gnocchi. Both were very good, but I can get those in other places for a bit less money. L'Appetito is great for sandwiches and deli stuff. They were nice and got my food fast. The prices aren't cheap for the grocery stuff, but it is the near north side so paying a bit more just comes with the territory read more

Walking in here is like stepping into a European time machine. It seems like a set up you would find at a small quaint European village. L'Appetito features fresh sandwiches, meats, cheeses and a baker's delight full of pastries. The service is relatively quick and they understand the lunch needs of the urban slave. This is a definite quick bite spot for those people along the mile not trying to pay mile prices. And when i step outside I always expect to see the Ricola man blowing his horn in front of the French Alps... read more

The best cafe in the city - I visit many times during my work week. Try the Turkey Panini!

Decent downtown deli. The service is fast and friendly. The food options all look great. The prices are all reasonable for the location. I do have to say that I was disappointed in the bread. If you're a delicious sandwich joint you need amazing bread. This stuff seemed like it was grocery store quality. read more

I am so happy I found this place on one of my random walks through downtown Chicago, looking for a place to eat dinner. Too bad they're not open past 6:30 pm because this would be a great place to just hang out. L'Appetito is an Italian deli where you can buy delicious entrees, sandwiches, cookies, eclairs, frozen pasta, coffee, etc. They also serve gelato, which I have yet to try. For a little over $7 (with tax) I tend to buy the eggplant tostino: roasted eggplant, cheese and pesto toasted panini sandwich, which is especially good if it's freshly made. Otherwise, don't be surprised if at 6 pm, you get a tostino from the deli that is cold yet somehow still crunchy (in a good way). This is also a great place to buy gifts. For my friend who misses Italy, I bought her some Bacci candy and tiramisu wafers for $15. Not bad. You should definitely check this place out! read more

Why have I not been here earlier?!?!?!?! I guess after walking by this place EVERY time I go home, it seemed like a good idea to finally stop and in and see what it was all about. It's about delicious Italian goods from cheeses, meats, olives to bakery items. I ordered the Italiano sub and I was almost drooling eating it. It was so fresh with the perfect compliment of meats, cheeses, olive oil, vinegar and giardiniera. What's more awesome...it was $6. WHAT?!?!? So freaking cheap and it could easily feed 2 people. This is a great place to come and get a sandwich, order homemade salads, and even pick up great apps for a party. I am soooo happy I came here. Viva Italia! read more

I stopped by this cute place for a quick bite to eat. Well, I really wanted to sit out and enjoy the weather and my food. Unfortunately, at the time their outdoor seating was closed off due to construction. [Insert sad face.] Oh well. I always forget how big their sandwiches are...at least, the chicken salad sandwiches. The chicken salad was plentiful. It got a tad bit messy with the wheat bread I chose, but it was delicious. I keep telling myself to get gelato on every visit but never do. Maybe next time...? read more

Not a decent place for fresh food and hours are unpredictable. Perhaps some packaged groceries are okay, but food is not fresh and service is worse. A box of pasta is your safest bet. read more

What a great little place this is. You can grab a cup of Illy coffee in the morning. My only gripe is that I wished that they opened before 7:30am. Very friendly staff! Great sandwiches at pretty reasonable prices. I just had the Spicy Diavolo and it was Delicioso! I only ate half and am looking forward to the other half this evening. Tab soda in a can to boot! This fantastic little gem of a place is located about 25 paces from the front door of my building. Too cool! Treat yourself to this great little place. read more

Great little deli. Stopped in here for lunch when I was in town and had the Italian sub. It came with the usual Italian meats, Provolone, lettuce, tomato (hold for me), olive oil and your choice of hot or mild peppers. The hot peppers are no joke - tread lightly if you order them. The bread was pretty good, not too soft and not too chewy, either. Everything was fresh and tasty. Overall, a great sandwich. The small store also has a decent selection of Italian groceries. I even noticed some frozen pastas, raviolis, etc. If I lived in Chicago, I would definitely try those out. They also had a pretty good selection of cookies and pastries at the checkout counter. The service was fast and the staff was very friendly. If you live or work near the place, I don't think you can go wrong. read more

Here's how much I love this place...I couldn't eat yeast or wheat products for 3 months, my first meal back on the prowl was here. If I were a sandwich looking for love, I'd skip match.com and head right over to L'Appetito. First of all, they have a comma in their name...fancy. Second of all, they make the most amazing sandwiches. These aren't gourmet eats, these are good, old-fashioned Italian deli sandwiches. They even sort of remind me of Italian delis back home in NY. Fresh bread, quality meats, good cheeses, excellent dressings. They have good macaroni salad and a great selection of drinks. They even have fresh baked Italian cookies. Are you kidding? Tri-colored cookies are my Mom's favorite so I'm partial to those but they have probably 20 varieties. If you're thinking about going to Subway or Quisnos for lunch, thing again. Pay around the same amount, maybe less, and get yourself a delicious, quality sandwich. Breakfast is damn good too. Also make fresh coffee drinks all day. I don't know what they don't have. You know what...if you're gonna go...mind picking me up an Italiano? Thanks. read more

This is going to be a very brief review. A very good place to get lunch. Sandwiches are, overall, very good. Coffee and coffee related drinks are good, and sold at a reasonable price. My only complaint is that not every bottled drink has a price on it. As a result, it is very easy to grab something cold which can cost almost as much as your sandwich. read more

Nice Italian grocery and deli. You must try the Muffaletta! A Muffaletta is salami, cappicola, mortadella, and provolone cheese with an olive spread on a Sun-dried Italian loaf bread. The one on Mich. Ave. uses a sesame Italian loaf. It is a huge sandwich for $6.50! I think I tried one of the Tostino's, but regretted it because nothing can compare to the Muffaletta. It's just not fair to the other sandwich's. One day I will stray and try something else there. They have some great cheeses and pastas for home cooking. read more

My review is based on my limited shopping/ordering from this establishment. I usually go here for one of two things (or both, depending on what I need at the moment): Mexican Hot Chocholate from the coffee bar and getting their superb mint candies. I never tried their deli counter in the back so I can't fully rate everything here. But despite my limited experience I really like this place because it's the only place with a coffee bar that serves MEXICAN hot chocholate. And for that it deserves 5 stars! read more

Not quite as large as the one in the Hancock. Same menu. Great pizza and sandwiches. http://www.yelp.com/biz/l-appetito-imported-italian-foods-chicago#hrid:4jys5Wn_GMBOLyOOXhIqMg They made my nephew a pb&j. He's sold. He's only three, but picky. read more

If you are near Michigan Ave around lunchtime...go here! Might be packed, but the service is fairly quick. I went in for lunch, not really knowing what to order. I was told by a fellow patron, to take a number. The guys at the deli call out numbers, and you bark out what you want. I got the tuna salad sandwich - HUGE, DELISH, and about $6. Totally worth it. It's more than one person can eat. But...that didn't stop me from also getting the arancini (it's a big ball of fried risotto with filling in the middle). And, at the counter..I had to buy a cookie. Prices were very reasonable and for the amount of food you get...good luck finishing it all. A perfect place to pair up. I'll definitely go back and try a diff sandwich and maybe some gelato! read more

I love this place. I've probably been to L'Appetito over 20 times now, and I plan to keep going back. Atmosphere: It's a small place, but I think the space is maximized. Sometimes they get packed, but it's usually not a long wait for a table since it seems that most people go there for their lunch breaks. Tip - If there's a long line, make sure to ask the people in line if they took numbers so you don't get passed up. The line moves fast, because the guys in the deli are QUICK. FOOD: My favorites are the MUFFULETTA and IL PARMA. The muffuletta sandwich is huge, easily big enough for two people to share Get it pressed! You'll be pleased. Not only does getting it pressed toast the bread and partially melt the cheese, but it also smooshes the sandwich, so it's easier to eat (which was the original reason I wanted to get it pressed =P) The IL PARMA is pretty amazing, too. I forget what kind of bread their sandwich bread is, but the combination of the bread, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, tomatoes, and other ingredients tastes so damn good. Another favorite of mine is the ARANCINI. Both the original and the spinach are awesome. It's a nice filling lunch when you're not too hungry. Price: I think the price is a value, especially if you're smart and buy a drink somewhere else or split a big sandwich with someone. If you ask me, the two best values on the menu are the MUFFULETTA and the ARANCINI. Go to L'Appetito and try the MUFFULETTA, IL PARMA, or ARANCINI, or all of the above if you have someone to split lunch with. You'll leave quite satisfied. read more

Being raised by hobos has had a great influence on my choice of foods. When I can't find the ingredients for a good Mulligan Stew or if Block Scrapings aren't coming my way, I resort to a sandwich from L'Appeitito. The L'Italiano is my standby, as it's big, meaty and filling, just like a good portion of Bossy in a Bowl. The tostinos, pre-made salads and pizza are perfect for a light lunch, if you're into that. But when your tapeworm is working over time, the real gut buster is La Bomba--which translates to "The Bomba". This beast is a hulking portion of sandwich that could feed a small family--or me alone when I'm hung over and am plum sick of scrapple. Come on down; you'll L'ove L'Appetito! read more

Love This Spot! Perhaps one of the best sandwich shops in the City.... possible the US. Its really that good! Grab a coffee as well... totally underrated and delicious. read more

Compared to the other location, this one loses a star because it has no restroom for customers. Seriously? The location by the John Hancock building has one and they have much more people/vagrants to worry about. It really sucked to find this out after drinking two espressos, a water, and a medium coffee. Wah wah. Everything else is pretty similar. Pizza = drool. Also. Check out the Italian cookies, specifically the bacio ones. Out of this world fantastic. read more