The food had an amazing taste and I enjoyed the side dishes that came with it. But my food had a slight problem, my chicken was overcooked. But the overall quality was spot on. I love Italian food it's probably my all time favorite. I will give 3 stars out of 5 simply because my chicken was overcooked. The staff was amazing and helpful and I bid them all the success in the world. Be safe and happy fooding.... read more

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After living so close to it for a couple years now, my wife and I tried out this place out for the first time and suffice to say I don't think we'll be coming back For starters, we're not sure how the prices are so high for what you get. A half pizza is a little over 9 dollars but when you open the pizza it's comically small and you're in disbelief for a little. Secondly the quality is far far lacking. I don't want to appear to be a nit picker as I rarely post reviews of below average food, but everything we ordered seemed not authentic. The pizza was reminiscent of something we'd buy at HEB and heating it up in our oven except the quantity is much smaller. The spaghetti and meatballs felt like they just bought pasta and meatballs from a store and called it a day. Last of all, the desserts we ordered were both 2-3 days old (today is 2/23, just in case). Of one of the two, we picked it up at the restaurant while getting our phone order so the expired desserts are just sitting there in front. I certainly didn't want to write a less than stellar review of an beloved mom and pop place; I really wanted to like it, but there wasn't anything about the food that will make me come back. I understand that times are tough due to Covid, but my wife and I don't get to splurge 40+ dollars on take out very often. We wanted to treat ourselves today but we were just left with not very good Italian food. I doubt the owners will reply as I'm looking at the other reviews and they haven't been active on here for two years, I just wanted to get my two cents out there. The food may have have been good in the past but I would stay away from it now UPDATE 2/24: Their response to my review is severely lacking professionalism and I definitely won't be recommending this place to anyone I know. "My mom always told me if you don't have anything nice to say don't say it at all."???? I gave this place an honest detailed review and this is how they respond? It'd be funny if it I knew this didn't come from a middle aged man/woman that has actually talked to people before. Better yet, they actually take the time to criticize how long my review is; did they want a one sentence review like the other ones that I've definitely browsed through on this page or do they think they're infallible and can do no wrong? This is a mindset of a teenager and the rest of the response isn't any better. Also they replied saying that the date on the desserts is the date they were packaged. That's not how that works at all. I don't want a stale cannoli that's been sitting out for 3 days. I paid 5 dollars for a fresh cannoli that was promised on your website. It should say "3 day old cannoli that's been sitting out in front for $4.99" if that's the case. In any case, here's the shortened down version of my review; if I wanted mushy, burned, and a miniscule pizza the size of my hand, I would've gone to little ceasars and paid a quarter of the amount than what I spent at this place. Here's the even more shortened down version of my review: I wouldn't feed your food to my cats. P.s this is a copy and paste of my review and their response to me on Google maps. read more

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Love the place , very nice an home owners the family business make you feel at home , the whole place is special.

The most delicious ever. I love the bean soup and the fried eggplant sandwich. A little pricey but well worth it!

I have been wanting to try this place for years and I finally ordered take out and got the fried lasagna because I had to eat it in the car. It is SOOO good! Crunchy on the outside and soft ooey gooey on the inside. The marinara dipping sauce is so good that I wish I could buy it in bulk. I will be back to try more for sure. read more

We went there today for first time. It was wonderful. I wouldn't change a thing. We had chicken parm sandwich, sausage and facahia, deluxe poor boy and eggplant parm. Everything was great. The eggplant was the best I've ever had. It's the meal I order anytime it's on the menu so I've had a lot. So so good. Worth the trip. We live about 30 miles away. treat yourself and go soon. read more

Food was delicious and the service is so friendly! Definitely a Houston classic. They are Covid friendly and have spots taped on where you should stand have a barrier to create space between you and them when ordering. Tables are spaced as well if you want to eat at the restaurant. read more

Mandola's Deli - Pasta Mandola no mushrooms. - Delis Near Me - Houston, Texas

Ive been hooked on the Italian beef sandwich since the 80's. Franks homemade fig cookies are the bomb.

Great sandwich, great atmosphere. Friendly and full of Houston history. Enjoyed deviled eggs and marinara pasta. Have had good tuna salad there, too. read more

awesome italian deli that has been around for years. they have standard italian fare and deli items. they even have take home items to cook at home don't miss out on the faccia bread! it's like nothing i've ever had read more

Mandola's Deli - lasagna - Delis Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Food and service is amazing. Everyone there is super friendly. They have an indoor and outdoor seating that I wish to try but I take it to go for work. I've tried the cannoli's, they are creamy and delicious! read more

Absolutely! This spot has fed many UH students over the years. They've catered various gatherings from groups of 30+ student advisors & faculty during Freshman Orientation to fabulous sit down meals served to student & community leaders for career development. I am never disappointed enjoying a freshly toasted turkey po'boy with a side of simply perfect deviled eggs or a plate of their rich, hearty Pasta Mandola with tasty parm+panko(?) dusted green beans. Delicious homemade Italian food (with love) is always win for me! read more

So I'm from Jersey. We are pizza and sub snobs because nobody makes them better than we do. I've lived in Houston for 12 years and have yet to find a sub with a good bread. Well I have found it. Best bread yet on their po'boys. That's the good. I tried the Deluxe. I was a little skeptical of pickles on a ham and salami but it was actually really good. Not a typical sub like I'm used to back home but I really did like it. There was some kind of tangy mayo type dressing. It was good. Id come back. The bad? Don't get the pasta salad. Not only was it tasteless, it tasted old and on the verge of going bad. I like the old school feel and the employees that look like they've been there forever. They probably have. And that's always a good sign. One more note: prices are on the high side for a deli. But then again so is everything these days. read more

The marinara sauce, eggplant parm, and sausage was aussume!!! I am Italian and I am from New Jersey. I feel like this is a great place to get homemade Italian deli food in Houston. read more

Mandola's Deli - Memorabilia - Delis Near Me - Houston, Texas

Randomly found this place as I was heading to an event at Univ of Houston and what a gem! Eggplant parm po'boy was the best I've ever had. Cannoli also really hit the spot and I appreciated them bringing it out to us as we were winding down on our sandwiches. read more

I picked up sandwiches and dessert yesterday. I was reminded why I love this place. Love the staff! Love the food! read more

Mandola's Deli - a woman wearing a face mask - Delis Near Me - Houston, Texas

the good: - no-nonsense old school deli - frank mandola kibitzing with the customers at the register - sausage po'boy with a side of meatballs and marinara sauce - CLASSIC! - offered me a bib to go along with my sandwich (see below) - meatball and spaghetti with garlic bread combo - very accomodating selling me some take-home salami slices (not on the menu!) the not so good: - zilch or as my buddy, carmine, would say, "ugatz!" read more

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Food was good. The fried lasagna was different very tasty. The chicken parm was excellent

Delicious food, my daughter and i had the roast beef and THE best sweet ice tea we've had in a while

A little pricey but what isn't t nowadays, overall good. Staff was a little distant and not very welcoming. read more

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I served as a guest speaker at the University of Houston so I ended up grabbing a late lunch in the area afterward. While Mandola's Deli isn't part of UH's campus, it's close to it and it's definitely influenced by the school. There's a good amount of UH memorabilia adorning the walls. They have a parking lot so that wasn't an issue. As you walk in, they have a long counter at the back which is where you place your order. They bring your food to you when it's ready. Checking out Yelp prior to showing up, I saw that they're known for their fried lasagna appetizer. I had never had anything like it and couldn't pass it up. Even though at $18, it was quite expensive for an app. Especially when you compare the price point to the vast majority of their other dishes which are a lot more affordable. The appetizer was as good as advertised though it was served a little lukewarm. You also get a side of warm marinara sauce as a dipping sauce. They're not open for dinner so I'm happy I got to check them out for lunch. read more

Their deluxe turkey club poboy deserves all the stars! I normally can't finish a poboy or sub, but that just isn't an option at Mandola's. I have no idea what they put in the sauce, or how the pickle juice is perfectly fused into every bite -- but trust me when I say that this simple sandwich will have you craving it every week. And yes, I go in once a week for my fix. (I was even chatting about it with a friend at Voodoo Queen, and the bartender jumped into the convo to chime in). read more

Great Italian restaurant. Delicious food, best customer service. Everything is freshly made. Frank, the owner, and wife are amazing people. If you like tea and lemonade this place is where its at. Families are welcome. Note for Frank: count on me if you want to start doing something outside on the weekends I will gladly start spreading out the word. Lasagna, eggplant, spaghetti w/ meatballs! This is the place! Definitely! Mi piace moltissimo! Buon Appetito!!!! read more

Mandola's Deli - Delis Near Me - Houston, Texas

Just a great place to eat. The food tastes homemade. Zero frills just great down home cooking. The staff is so friendly and patient. We love to order food togo and everything is fresh and delicious. read more

Best place to get spaghetti w/ meatballs and deviled eggs! Very family oriented. We have 3 generations coming here now

The absolute FRIENDLIEST people and the food was so good! We tried four different sandwiches and the spaghetti and all of it was delicious! If you're in the area- this place is a MUST! read more

Great food, great people, great service .Food is made after ordered.Always fresh & DELICIOUS.

I love love looooove this place. I either get the classic spaghetti & meat balls or pasta Thomas. Both are good and affordable. Spaghetti & meatballs (5/5) The spaghetti is great but I'm not a fan of the meatballs. The meatballs are (2/5) for me. I would order it again without the meatballs. Pasta Thomas (5/5) Everything in this is so delicious. A combination of marinara and alfredo sauce. The perfect in between for the indecisive. In addition, the bell peppers and sausage are freaking bomb. Customer service (5/5) Everyone from the cashier man and server woman were friendly af. The way they interact with each other shows how kind they are. This is a family friendly establishment. read more

Mandola's Deli - Pasta Thomas - Delis Near Me - Houston, Texas

The food is delicious you can taste the home cooked meal. Definitely a hole in the wall in 2nd ward.

I am a native Houstonian and have been coming here for decades. Straight up Italian deli. Family owned. Passed on from father to son. Service personalized just like you would expect from a family business like this. My favorites are the white bean/sausage soup and the deluxe poboy. Hubby always gets spaghetti with meatballs and olive salad. Food fresh and tasty. Atmosphere cozy and lets you know you are with family. Highly recommend. read more

If you haven't tried them it's a must! My fav is the meatball po boy but you can't go wrong with anything you order there. The bread you can sink your teeth into. The best! read more

I ordered the turkey deluxe poboy toasted and it was absolutely amazing! The Mandola's Italian spread was delicious! First time visiting, will definitely be back soon! read more

Can you stay open one night of the week later?? Especially during UH football/basketball season.We've recently moved to EADO, finding great places to eat is a challenge. Limited options unless you want to eat from a food truck or bar. The customer demographics in the area are changing. read more

Large seating area clean, friendly staff, big menu. Order at counter. Daily specials. I got meatball sub and side of pasta Alfredo. Alfredo was perfect. Sub was flavorful I would have like more sauce but it was still very good. Over all a very good meal read more

This place is amazing! The owner was working, and he was so bubbly, and super nice! We ordered the meatballs, several sandwiches and the Italian sausage pizza! The food was fabulous! We loved it! read more

This is one of the best mom and pop Italian places in east end, everything that I have tried has been delicious and rather large portions. My suggestion is the veggie po' boy, add some provolone cheese and you have the best sammie! read more

It been a long time since I had a delicious po boys. I had the chicken mandola. Words can express how delicious it was. I'm coming back for sure. read more

I love everything about Mandola's from the food to the low prices .I'm going to try the pizza next

Local neighborhood restaurant. It's across the street from where I live. Great comfort food and a nice staff! I love that this place is in walking distance so I can dine more often! read more

Great place. I'm glad that I found a great neighborhood spot I can walk to in a safe location and eat well for a good price here in Houston. Staff is friendly and feels like a family atmosphere. One of the pleasantries of my recent relocation to Houston. I'll be back soon. read more

Mandola's Deli - Wine is already downed and the espresso was strong.. the cake goes down smoothly! - Delis Near Me - Houston, Texas