Great food...had Pasta Thomas, seemed to be a lot of regulars are walking through the door.. Reasonably priced plates....drinks a little pricey. Great atmosphere. read more

Just had lunch here for the first time and I think I'll be returning....several times. Located off of Cullen not far from UH, there is ample parking and the restaurant is a good size. There is even an outdoor patio area for when the weather is nice out. The interior is very old fashioned, but has a nice family restaurant feel. They have a great menu with not so much items that it's difficult to choose something. For starters we ordered the meatballs with garlic bread. The sauce was so good and the meatballs were so soft and juicy and full of flavor. For my meal I ordered the Italian Beef w/Cheese. This is served with something similar to a french dip and the inside also contains Mandola's special Italian spread. Simply amazing! I'll definitely have to revisit to try the other menu items, especially the Fried Lasagna Bites and Mandola's Italian Sausage & Faccia Di Vecchia. I'm already ready for round two! read more

See all

If you are a U of H student this is the best place to have a good cheap lunch break. Just minuets away from campus, and great Italian food. During the summer when I worked for the U of H Costume shop, we would have an hour break, so we always wanted to get away from the campus. So when we found Mandola's we fell in love. It a great family owned Italian deli, the Sandwiches are great, but their star Item is the Spaghetti! It truly is Houston's best! The counter staff is very friendly, and well let's just say the owners son is HOT! HOT HOT HOT! Any-who this place is great, its a Houston landmark everyone should try. read more

Like whoa!! Stopped in just now to pick up a to go order, and the lovely woman who took my order over the phone helped to check me out, so fast! Great service. I was however SUPER disappointed when the owner came up while she was ringing me up and berated her for over charging me .01. WHO CARES??!!?!? Not me, the customer. The poor lady apologized profusely and handed me a quarter out of her pocket. It was extremely awkward. Wtf owner dude? You took a lovely lunch interaction and made me feel extremely uncomfortable and very SAD for your employee. Treat your employees right and we notice! :/ read more

I had been craving a good deli style sandwich, and I had tried some other places and none of the really caught my attention. I work in the second ward and I searched for a deli around the area ad Mandola's popped up. I tried it and I was really glad I did. It's like a mom and pop place, it just feels so welcoming. I was going to get a regular turkey sandwich, the gentleman attending me recommended that I get the po-boy which came with an Italian spread and toasted which was very good. It was really good and I would definitely recommend this place if you're looking for a great lunch at a fair price with fast and friendly service. Will be returning soon ! read more

Great little deli. Good lunch spot with poboys and italian fare. Recommend the meatball (homemade) poboy.

Upgrading my review because Mandola's was the shining star of my NYE party! Everyone was FREAKING OUT over the fried lasagna sticks. In hindsight, I would have scrapped all my other dishes and catered exclusively from Mandola's. There's always next time! read more

Had employee training down the road and someone suggested we try this Italian place. I didn't want to be overly-stuffed going back for the afternoon lug of classwork so I just had a meatball sub. I have to say that it did have some great flavor and the bread was about as fresh-tasting as I've had in the past. From the looks of it, this place has been a Houston staple for more than a couple decades....I'd definitely make an effort to come try a couple more things on a free weekend since I don't live in the area. read more

The spaghetti & sandwiches are excellent. I have been disappointed with their chicken dishes because their chicken is very rubbery & tasted off. It's happened 3 times & this last time I threw it away out of caution because it just didn't taste fresh. I think I'll stick with the meat dishes from now on & the spaghetti never disappoints. Try their deviled eggs because they are delicious! read more

The BREAD, wow. You can smell it as soon as you exit your vehicle or round the corner if walking there. I am truly addicted to it. They have a great variety of Italian dishes and sandwiches to choose from. A great neighborhood joint with family at the counter and in the back serving you some awesome italian fare. read more

This place is great for dine-in or take out. It's a family owned business that gives a personal touch each time I walk through the door. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about everything on the menu. I find this extremely helpful since I have a tendency to be indecisive when it comes to picking what to eat. I have tried a number of their dishes and never been disappointed. The portion sizes are large. So much so that I could make two meals out of them, but it's just so tasty that I usually eat it all. I typically call ahead to order takeout. It's always ready when I arrive and still hot when I got it home to eat. read more

A GREAT MEATBALL SANDWICH. Been twice and that is the only thing I have tried. I need to try something different but it is hard to resist a flavor-full juicy homemade meatball topped with a provolone cheese all tucked in a perfectly soft center and crusty outside french bread. read more

Best hidden gem. Spaghetti was delicious!!! Owner, Frank, made us feel like family :). Well worth the drive from Sugar Land.

Service was very unorganized. You order at the counter and they bring it to you. There are no numbers for your table so they don't know who had what during a very busy lunch hour. Ordered a roast beef sandwich with fries and it was extremely bland even with the au jus sauce. Fries were good but it's not worth waiting 30-45 minutes for less than average food. Go to Firehouse Subs instead. read more

We're from Boston, moved to Houston 9 years ago and since then have been trying to find some "real" Italian food in Houston and The Woodlands areas, especially traditional eggplant parm, to no avail. Tried Mandola's on a recommendation. Saturday, late afternoon after Astros game, not crowded, very casual, very friendly and most importantly the eggplant parm was the real deal. Finally an Italian restaurant (actually a deli with sit down tables) that offers up real Italian dishes. Actually we only tried the eggplant parm and pizza so not sure about other dishes, but I'm betting they're equally superb. We'll be back to try all the other dishes offered. None of the dozens of so called Italian restaurants we've tried (both fine dining and casual in and around Houston and The Woodlands) come even close to the quality and style offered at Mandola's. We took home a couple pizzas (uncooked - cooked them at home) and found them to also be the real deal typical of what you find in the good pizza places in NY, Philly and Boston. We can't wait to get back and try some more dishes and would highly recommend this place to anyone interested in real Italian food. Unfortunately, most people in Houston haven't had the opportunity to experience the real thing (there are simply no real good Italian restaurants in Houston, at least that I can find - except Mandola's). read more

The Reuben sandwich is a life changer! The spaghetti is the dish that this place is known for but I feel like the deli aspect is what you should visit this place for. The deli meats are yum. The service is wonderful and the lunch crowd is always great. Its an East End staple. read more

Best meatballs in the city and the marinara sauce is delicious. Love the fact the business is family owned and operated. Wish they were open later (till 8pm Thurs/Fri/Sat). read more

A hidden gem next to University of Houston! Delicious Italian Food...one of the best in the city.

What a wonderful place! The food was great! I had the lasagna and the sauce was amazing! So many things on the menu looked good that we can't wait to go back! As if this wasn't good enough, I must say that the people working there have got to be the warmest, most inviting and most fun restaurant staff I have ever encountered. They told us Mandola's has been around for 40 years. I'm only disappointed that it took me this long to find it. read more

I've only gone once and I'm planning on going back many times -- their sandwiches are fabulous and it makes sense -- it's next to a bread store, which happens to be close to a bread factory also. Just driving by the area filled with fresh bread aroma has always made me wonder whether I should try the place or not and I'm totally thankful that I did. I recommend the chicken sandwich with mushrooms and cheese -- but I've also heard that the meatball sandwich is also one of the best in Houston (says a friend of mine who adores them). The atmosphere looks like a bbq joint, which it is not. It's more of a small italian deli in the East End. Their walls shows their pride in the nearby University of Houston and it's been active in the Italian Festival. I recommend this place to anyone in the area -- it's a treat that cannot be bypassed. The prices are similar to S*ubway's but the sandwiches are a whole lot better -- there's also pasta, dessert, stuffed artichokes, and few other italian specialities. read more

Everything was delicious, and stuffed artichokes are a must-try. Very friendly hidden gem!

Mandola's Deli, the gem of a deli in the eastend for outstanding Italian food at lunch for over 30 years, reached a milestone event. On June 9, 2010, Mandola's received their new liquor license to serve wine and beer. Their goal is to extend their hours and provide a dinner serving soon. We celebrated the lunch with a round of imported Italian beer and the best spaghetti and meatballs served in Houston. The C+A staff usually eats lunch there several times a month and have enjoyed almost all of the menu items. The deviled eggs and stuffed artichokes are hard to stop eating, but you must try the eggplant parmesan with the tasty side of spaghetti and a meatball if you ask. My favorite, Chicken Mandola starts with large pieces of chicken covered with a creamy chesse melted in a toasted fresh po' boy bun - umm. read more

I walked in around 11 looking for lunch, I'm new to the neighborhood and wanted to check this place out. The parking lot was being worked on, so I had to park weird to avoid the construction taking up the entire lot. When I walked in there was absolutely no one there (this is essential). I walked up to the stand where two older women were talking. I got a scolding look from one of the women as soon as I opened my mouth to order.. I got maybe two words out before I held back because I then I began second guessing if I still wanted to order due to the unwelcome feeling I was getting.. so I continued to look at the menu and see if maybe it was worth me ordering anyways.. after a few moments that same woman asked rudely 'have you decided what you wanted yet?' with her hands suggesting to hurry up. Like I said there was nobody there so what was the rush? Idk. As I kindly told her 'I'll go somewhere else' she began acting dumbfounded why I made that decision to her coworkers as I was walking out the door saying "I don't know why we have good food" and other things as if I could not hear her. Thats when I let her know the reason behind my decision to leave. And yet she still was looking around the room as if she wasn't the one who was treating me like that. that's great maybe your food is good, but treat people like you want them to continue to come back to your establishment for said food. Not returning and will let others know to beware of that older white woman. read more

Tried this deli for lunch today and ordered the Chicken Mandola. It was a decent sized po'boy with good flavor from their specialty sauce. The negatives: over $8 for a sandwich with no sides, plus the owner was chewing out his employees for working too slow. Didn't exactly leave feeling warm and fuzzy, but the food was good. read more

Whenever I go to an Italian restaurant, I like to try their marinara sauce. I always end up getting disappointed. Because for the most part, I feel like I can make better sauce then the restaurant, and that's sad. For a while I had even given up trying. For some reason, when I walked in at Mandola's, I couldn't think of what to try from all their choices, and so the only words that came out of my mouth were spaghetti and meatballs. Add soon as I said that, I thought to myself, too late... I'm gonna regret this! It didn't take too long. The order, the doubt in my mind to the kitchen, the plate on my table and a fork full of delicious spaghetti goodness in my mouth. Need I say it?... Best sauce ever. I bow down to these guys. I don't know what they put in that sauce, and personally, I don't care. I just love it. The only down side is I live and work far from there, but whenever I'm close, I'll make sure I visit again. I also bought a quart of their Alfredo sauce to try at home. read more

Mandola's Deli - Spaghetti and meatball heaven - Delis Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

Went here with a friend to try it out after moving to the neighborhood. I am not usually big on Italian food but it's so close to my house I thought I'd give it a shot. Once we got there the sister (hate that I can't remember her name) greeted us. When we told her we'd never been there before she invited us closer to the counter to help us through the menu. Once we ordered Frank, the brother, suggested I try one of their Italian specialty beers (which I loved). After we sat down and got our food, which was delicious, the sister came over to check on us. They were so sweet and to top it off they had UH Cougars memorabilia everywhere! Just more reason to love that place! read more

Recently moved to the area. I pass by this deli almost everyday. I'm a sucker for a good Italian sandwich, but most I've had are mediocre at best. I walked in to a warm welcome. I was told by the woman that the deluxe is hands down their most popular sandwich. I ordered it and a deviled egg to go. I got home and was amazed when I opened the foil to my sandwich. I knew right away it would be perfect. It was. I will go back here again and again. Thank you for knowing how to make an excellent Italian sandwich and having great customer service! read more

Welcoming and attentive staff! And food - just like I like it! So much more than just a deli too! Outstanding italian dishes, so wonderful!

I've lived in the neighborhood all my life (34 years) and I've never tried mandolas until today. I ordered the meat lasagna and shared it with my 2 year old son who loves loves pasta. It was delicious. The service was excellent! I will be returning! read more

Mandola's Deli is a Houston staple... great service fresh delicious food, this place is a must for classic Italian food along with the salads, sandwiches and yummy deli sides. The parking area is small so if you go during the week for lunch you'll need to make time for a short walk and the restaurant design is awkward but once your in and make your way to place your order they are always ready to serve and helpful with the menu if you can't decide what to get. read more

Love this place! You just have to understand that five stars aren't only for fancy restaurants. This is great for what it is. The Chicken Parmesan is great! The sauce is delicious. I love the deviled eggs! Hard to find this good. I've used them to feed my company at lunch and they were spot on. The owner and his son are very personable. I've been coming here about 30 years. A fun place. Because it's off 45 at Cullen, near U of H. the traffic can be a little challenging, but worth it. Try it...they'll make you feel like your part of a big Italian family! read more

Great food and super friendly staff. Super long wait to place an order then another wait to get the order.

When I travel I always ask the locals... For homemade Italian it's Mandola's. They sure lived up to the hype tonight; delicious!

Great food. The staff is polite and very helpful and the atmosphere is great. Defs one of my favorite places.

Omg stumbled upon this great place! Amazing food, sweet and friendly staff! Definitely be back!!!

One of my favorite places to eat, I live in the neighborhood and eat here at least once a week. Friendly and down to earth staff.

First time visit yesterday. This place was very good. Very friendly staff. Pasta Mandola was great. Canoli was super.

I thought this place had superb food and superior customer service. Being a vegetarian, I just wanted spaghetti with marinara. They asked if I wanted anything added and my response was, "sure, if you'd like to throw some mushrooms in, that would be nice!" They put a ton of sautéed mushrooms atop the sauce and it was phenomenal. I'm pretty picky about my marinara and this was not the best I've ever had, but the mushrooms really did the trick. My friend's eggplant parmesan was the best I've ever had though and I will be getting that next time. The time after that, I will be trying the veggie sandwich and working my way through all things vegetarian. Leftovers last night of mushroom marinara spaghetti and a bit of eggplant Parmesan were fantastic. They give you a ton of food and a giant basket of garlic bread. I will finitely be back but don't live close by, but I can't wait for my next meal here!! read more

LOVE the new patio and parking!!!!! Great job guys!!!! This is my neighborhood Italian food stop - and boy am I happy!!! Spaghetti refills YES YES!!! Meatball po-boys yummm and deviled eggs yummmm !!!! OH forgot to add THANKS for the extended hours !!!! read more

Finding this restaurant is a perfect illustration of why I love yelp. We were in the area (from out of town) and just wanted to find a quick bite to eat after a long day. The excellent reviews were spot-on. The building is pretty unassuming, not sure we would have ventured in without the advice of yelpers. We walked in and were instantly greeted by the owner. Joseph was ridiculously nice, as was Mary. We ordered drinks, sat outside and decided on a muffaleta and eggplant Parmesan. To die for!! I can't say I enjoy Houston too much, but at least I have returning to this restaurant to look forward to next time we have to travel here. read more