My mom and I stopped in here to grab lunch - she couldn't stop raving about how much better it is now that it's under new ownership. They have a variety of hot sandwiches, cold sandwiches and paninis as well as a selection of prepared sides, desserts, baked goods and coffee. You come in, order what you want and then pay at the end. My mom and I grabbed one of the 4-5 tables they have to sit and eat inside. I had the Black Forest Ham and Brie with Honeycup Mustard on Pumpernickel and my mom had the Hot Breaded Eggplant and Mozzarella with Roasted Red Peppers and Balsamic on 7 Grain. My mom's sandwich was excellent but mine was pretty soggy and had way too much ham for the thin slices of bread it was served on... I'd definitely try something else if I returned. Other than that the ingredients are high quality. I especially liked the taste of the breads. read more

Monterey Fine Foods - Black Forest Ham and Brie with Honeycup Mustard on Pumpernickel - Delis Near Me - Bernardsville, New Jersey

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Monterey Gourmet was once a staple of the Bernardsville and Basking Ridge communities. Fifteen years ago, my wife and I would happily drive from neighboring towns just to enjoy their outstanding sandwiches, homemade desserts, extensive catering menu, and the warm hospitality of the two women who made the place feel so welcoming. When we moved to the area over a decade ago, Monterey still had that same charm for a while. Unfortunately, after it was sold, nearly everything that made it special began to disappear. The redesign of the interior was the first warning sign. The refrigerated display cases along the back wall and the bakery counter were removed, along with the shelves showcasing quality wines, spirits, and local craft beers. In their place came an awkward circular display island that forces customers to walk around it just to see what's available or even read the menu. The new layout simply didn't and still doesn't work. The food quality also declined. Hot sandwiches were prepared on the same small plug-in flat top grill used for bacon, leaving nearly everything with a bacon flavor whether you wanted it or not. Over time, higher quality meats were replaced with cheaper alternatives, and the thoughtfully selected wines and spirits gave way to lower quality bottles carrying surprisingly high markups. The business changed hands several more times, but each owner seemed to leave the store in worse condition than the last. The space gradually began to feel neglected; dusty shelves, tired fixtures, and the lingering smell of a freshly bleached floor mopped with what felt like a decades-old mop...an all too typical way businesses try to mask an odor with another. At one point, the shelves were so empty and the catering operation so diminished that many locals genuinely wondered whether Monterey was still open. Recently, the newest ownership has been promoting the business on Facebook as having "the same great food," great coffee, and now functioning primarily as a liquor store. While advertising the business isn't a bad idea, it's difficult to see how a small neighborhood market can compete with established retailers like Gary's or Adelphia in either selection or pricing. Of course we decided to give it a try, despite high expectations, the dishes felt flat and disappointing. Even more concerning is the marketing approach. Large "Under New Management" banners now cover the storefront windows, while bright advertising flags promoting cheap alcohol line the front lawn along Route 202, obscuring neighboring business signage. Rather than conveying quality, the presentation feels out of place for the community and comes across as more desperate than inviting. It suggests a lack of understanding of the local market and the customers they hope to attract. It's disappointing to watch what was once one of the area's premier lunch destinations become little more than a bodega style market. Monterey Gourmet used to draw customers from all over Somerset and Morris counties for exceptional food and catering. Today, little remains of that reputation. I genuinely do not believe the business will succeed and with the route it has taken, I hope it doesn't. If it does want to succeed, it will require more than new signage. It needs a clear vision. The space deserves a complete renovation: remove the impractical center island, thoroughly deep clean and refresh the interior, redesign the layout to improve customer flow, and create a menu that honors a handful of Monterey's classic favorites while introducing new, high quality offerings. Most importantly, the catering business should once again become the heart of the operation. Monterey was once known for catering lavish weddings, The Hunt, corporate lunches, parties, and community gatherings. Rebuilding that reputation could once again make it a destination rather than a stop of convenience. This will take time and money though, something most of the owners have refused to accept. The store should also return to offering a carefully curated selection of quality wines, spirits, and local craft beers displayed on classic shelving instead of relying on tacky outdoor banners and discount-style advertising. Finally, ownership should take the time to understand the community they're serving. Bernardsville and Basking Ridge value quality, consistency, and authenticity. Since the original owners left, each successive ownership group has seemed to overlook those values, and the decline has reflected that. Sadly, the Monterey Gourmet name itself has accumulated years of disappointment. Rebuilding trust may even require starting fresh with a new identity...a name change and riddance of the carbon copy logo from a neighboring pizzeria. Whatever the future holds, I hope someone eventually restores this location to the destination it once was, because this community deserves a neighborhood gourmet market worthy of its history. read more

"Under new management" - really ? What was the old management like ? Walked in on a Wednesday during lunch hour - anyone behind the counter ? Hello ? Young Latin male appears to take order - he seems to be the only one in the store. Here we go :/ He plays cashier and rings up a nice lady who seems to have been waiting for a while judging by her sighs, huffs and puffs, he finished and takes the order of another couple waiting at deli counter (I'm still milling about mind you, observing the half empty shelves and loads of wine and booze for sale), and eventually takes my order. He was trying - we'll give him that - but no training at all, no demeanor, no banter, nothing. Since this deli was recommended, I'll order compare it with the NJ deli industry standard setter; Millburn Deli. I order a chicken cutlet sandwich. I asked him to press it - no press. He had no other recommendations. How could he - he is probably not "in country" long enough. At this point (the owner?) shows up - elderly gentleman who takes over the order and makes the sandwich. I asked this one if he had a press, he says no, but he has an oven. Okay - heat it up. I pay just $13 and change and walk out to eat elsewhere. Now the test - maybe it will be worth the trip? You readers be the judge - if the chicken looks dry, it's worse it's no better than cardboard. Wilty lettuce and super thin onions. Uff what. Waste of time. It's Millburn deli again hands down. Any positives ? It looks like they had some couple day old salads - standard stuff and some Italian stuff - but nothing impressive. And that's it. The chicken must of been. Day or three old. Which is basically it - the place is so NOT impressive for billing itself as a gourmet or "fine foods" establishment. Fine food has nothing to do with this place. I think I would have had better shot of a food deli sandwhich at Gary's Wines across the street and down a bit. At least they have fresh product all served with a smiling "hello - thank you for supporting us." Bernardsville is the wrong town for Monterey Fine Foods - much higher standards expected. read more

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My sandwich was premade sitting in a fridge for I don't know how long and saw it just get thrown into a toaster. Also out of almost everything we asked for. Women in here waited to pay for 10 minutes at least. New management...... read more

As soon as this place changed hands it went down hill very fast. I had ordered something and was told to pick it up at 5:00. When I got there they were closed. Never again! read more

Sorry to say this place has really gone downhill. I used to love their sandwiches/ paninis but the one I ordered yesterday was half the size and it was mediocre at best for the same whopping $13 price point. When you walk in the place looks bare. Clearly they're not doing well but if it's that bad it's time to say goodbye. Will not be returning again. read more

I've heard amazing things about this place and decided to go! I was very underwhelmed and upset when my P17 was not good. It was fine, but the meat is too thick. To a point where it's just nasty. My sister and her daughter got other sandwhiches and same thing. Too thick. Cut them finer and I'll come back. read more

I ordered a few holiday dishes to help me out in that area. When I called and placed my order, I asked if they could make creamed spinach, they said yes. My husband went to pick up the dishes and they were not ready. I went at the end of day on Christmas Eve and picked them up. Well, I should have looked at the dishes at the store, but I didn't. Got home and was disapointed at what I saw and smelled. Creamed spinach was NOT creamed spinach, it was a cheese roux w/ a few spinach leaves in it. It was not edible. I never smelled anything like it. I had my husband take a taste and the expression was not a good one. I ended up making my own creamed spinach that night and had to throw out theirs. I did call after Christmas to let them know I was not pleased and again disappointed. I was suppose to get a call back by the part owner. Spoke w/ the one, but he passed it off to the other. We also ordered the brussle sprouts w/ pancetta. It was not pancetta, but bacon. Again, disappointed. I spent a lot of money for dishes that I had to redo. Will I recommend them to others, NO. New owners and it's a shame that they are not willing to make a wrong, right. Keep making the sandwiches for the kids, because the high end dishes are NOT worth it. read more

Monterey Fine Foods - Delis Near Me - Bernardsville, New Jersey

Very poor delivery. Relatives in Canada gave us a gift from Monterey Fine Foods for Christmas which was not delivered. They called and a few days later Monterey brought over some items (cookies & salad) packaged ok but in a brown paper bag which they were trying to stuff into our mailbox when we answered the door. Pretty crummy and they know we aren't going to tell our relatives we were not satisfied. We have had similar problems with them in the past. read more

Awesome specialty sandwiches. Lots of prepared takeout staples. P17 sandwich has always been a huge hit with students but I feel like the quality of the sandwiches has gone down... lately the chicken has been super dry and ciabatta bread thin and soggy. read more

Monterey Fine Foods - P17 at their outdoor seating - Delis Near Me - Bernardsville, New Jersey

Linda is the new owner and let me just tell you how much she rocks it. I am new at my company and it was suggested that I reach out to her, as she had done a large scale event for our company before. In 10 minutes, I had an email reply and the enthusiasm leaked through the response. Linda takes SO much pride in customizing, and was proactive in asking about dietary and special needs that may need to be kept in mind. She crafted a menu specific to our goals and had that to me within a blink of an eye for approval. Cost is reasonable and when you factor in the attention, detail, and quality that you get, the cost is an absolute DEAL for the whole package. I only wish we doubled the order for the vegan lasagna - that was a crowd favorite, even with our non-vegans! I plan to use Linda and her team with confidence any chance we get. read more

I can't say enough about the service, quality, and attention from Andres at MFF. Despite what felt like 100 calls to qualm my anxiety over the planning, Andres was always kind, patient, professional and helpful. The food was wonderful - complimented by all who were there! Some especially good items - crab cakes, shrimp tostados, summer salad, and the onion dip w/homemade potato chips. The servers were also wonderful - professional, hard-working, and efficient. They set up, took down, and made the event go without a wrinkle! HIGHLY recommend Monterey Fine Foods for any catering event. read more

22 - TURKEY VEGGIEWICH ON PUMPERNICKEL6.95 with Cucumbers, Peppers, Zucchini, Spinach, Summer Squash, Red Onion, Low Fat Havarti and Lite Dill Mayo, with Low Fat/Low Salt Turkey was DELICIOUS as was #P11 which is chicken with honey ham and melted Swiss cheese. Years ago this place was the lunch spot for local AT&T employees and Steve, the new owner, has brought it back. Sandwiches contained fresh ingredients, bread was yummy, and there are so many choices. I needed a change from the same go to lunch spots and I'm happy to see that the Monterey Gourmet is BACK! Check it out! read more

2019 Update: UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP AGAIN LET'S HOPE THEY CAN RESUSCITATE THIS PLACE 2018 The decline of this place continues, stopped in for some of what used to be their amazing cheese spreads for a dinner party tonight. Low & behold, NO horseradish cheddar, NO champagne cheddar, in fact NO variety at all, one choice: jalepeño ale. This place continues its identity crisis, part Italian & part Mexican deli, with fewer & fewer healthy alternatives. The only thing worth coming for anymore is the soup & even this questionable as the special soup of the day sometimes lingers for the week. read more

Went there last month after work, full of hungry regret for skipping lunch, and found an adorable deli / shoppe that also sells whiskey. Easy parking. Tons of sandwich options... then walked to the other side and saw even MORE options. Wow. Overwhelming but eventually settled on P15 - ham & brie on pecan raisin bread. And yes, it tasted as fancy as it sounded. It was delicious. nicely toasted, made with careful love, a perfect square. Brie and raisins have strong flavors, but it was used in fantastic combination in this sandwich. Also bought some tomato sauce & crispy raisin bread crackers to go. Both amazing in its own right (although both expensive). Lots of cute finds! read more

Monterey Fine Foods just catered an event, and it was amazing. The food was delicious, and every last detail was handled perfectly. I look forward to using them again. We had many dietary restrictions to contend with, and everyone attending commented how they had plenty of options to choose from! read more

Bring your own bottle opener lol, you can buy single bottles of beer or wine to enjoy outside with a sandwich but the Monterey Gourmet staff can't open them for you. Or just pick a twist-off :). Quite a few tables on the patio out front for good weather days; in bad weather this place is takeout only. The sandwich menu is enormous: 40 speciality sammiches, 20 more grilled paninis, plus another 25 simple deli choices like chicken salad, turkey club etc. Many ready-to-eat salads if you're in a hurry. Also a large selection of dinner entrees for taking along; the halibut looked rather yummy. Crazy busy when we visited at lunch time with 4 people making sandwiches plus 2 cashiers trying to handle all the people, the line to pay was 6 deep! We waited about 10 minutes for the food to be prepared, didn't seem unreasonable considering all the orders ahead of ours. I tried the #25, a no-mayo tuna-on-pita for $6. The size was modest yet about exactly right for a lunch portion. All I'm saying is, if you're accustomed to places serving what looks like full can of tuna on a basic sandwich, that doesn't seem to happen here. Vegetarian rating: 3 stars, the options include a mozzarella & red pepper sandwich, a veggiewich of cucumbers peppers zucchini & cheese, eggplant parmigiana (plain or grilled panini), grilled veg panini, egg salad or prepackaged salads like mediterranean, Caesar and spinach. I'm new here, didn't know previous incarnations nor owners. On my most recent visit the guys behind the counter were too busy to say much of anything, and the checkout ladies were efficient, not chatty but certainly not grumpy. I also found the sandwich, chip and drink prices very much in line with other delis in the area (e.g., *opper *ettle). Delivers in the area for a "nominal" (not stated) fee, min $50, max 5 miles, called in by 10am (whew - lots of conditions). read more

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This name makes no sense. This is the quintessential NJ Italian deli. I love these places but living so far away, no longer get this in my everyday diet. The food was excellent. The sandwiches, classic and homemade. I had a different pannini each day, my husband had the regular classic cold sandwiches. The desserts look great and the one I had was very good. The selection is huge, so indulge your every east coast sandwich fantasy. The staff was friendly and efficient. The middle aged couple who appear to run (or own) the place were wonderful and on the day that we hit this place at noon, managed a staff making dozens and dozens of orders. Many people call in big orders for lunch pick up for business places, so know it will be a substantial wait if you have not placed an order by phone first. We did not know. The first day, we had stopped in mid-afternoon and orders were quick. But we did not have a tight schedule so we visited with friends we had not seen for decades, while waiting for our order. Most people took their orders to go, but there are a few small tables outside by the parking which worked for us on a nice day. There is no indoor seating. There is also a full shop of import and specialty food stuffs of all sorts. I would absolutely find myself as a regular customer if I lived here. read more

Definitely a staple for many years of sandwich eating. Awesome deli, albeit a bit on the expensive side, its completely worth it. Everything is fresh - so if you get say.. a breaded chicken cutlet sammich (the #13!!) its hand-breaded chicken. And oh so good. They make a good sloppy joe and italian sub as well - and really shine with the fancier sandwiches. How often do you find a deli that puts Honeycup mustard on the sammich? That'd be the turkey with brie on pumpernickle, btw. Oustanding. The store itself is amazingly packed with goodies - all kinds of gourmet items from crackers to mustards to coffees to even wines and beers. They have some awesome homemade cookies, too. read more

Monterey Fine Foods - sloppy joe - Delis Near Me - Bernardsville, New Jersey

Recently under new management. Hands down best Taylor Ham Egg and Cheese sandwich in NJ. read more

Monterey Fine Foods - Taylor Ham Egg and Cheese, SPK - Delis Near Me - Bernardsville, New Jersey

Lovely gourmet shop that has delicious sandwiches, pasta, sweets, and knick knacks. It was very busy when I went there so we were in and out within a few minutes. The ladies and gentlemen who work there are friendly and helpful. They even let me use the bathroom! Call ahead if you're placing an order during lunch time and your food will be waiting for you! read more

GREAT food! We go here at least once a week for lunch as it is right down the street from our office. The panini's are perfectly done & They have so many options - there is something for everyone! In addition to sandwiches, they have various pre-made dinners, sides, dressings, cakes etc. in addition to a bunch of item that are frozen. They also have a bunch of different wines as well as other various gourmet items for sale. The service is pretty quick but If it's during lunch time you're better off calling ahead, as it gets very busy and the panini's can take a while to make. read more

Monterey Fine Foods - Delis Near Me - Bernardsville, New Jersey

Nice renovation and clean. Staff helpful. Sandwich by far is not overstuffed in fact on the thin side n pricy. Too many other places to get sandwich's at fair price . read more

Cool deli style place with made to order sandwiches and paninis with desserts and salads seating is only outdoor tables. Sounded great and was excited to eat my roast beef sandwich, but after biting into several pieces of grisly bits- yuck! Opened my bread to find what looked like a pile of roast beef scraps. I have attached a photo of the amount of non edible beef I removed... read more

Monterey Fine Foods - Delis Near Me - Bernardsville, New Jersey

Sandwiches were fine but not memorable. Their deli case was pretty bare and and the food in the deli case didn't look very appetizing. Lots of selections on the shelves including coffee, pastas, and a small selection of wine and spirits. If their deli selections looked more appealing and plentiful I'd recommend this place. There weren't many people in the place and I saw two employees doing absolutely nothing instead of preparing food or fixing the frozen food display. I feel like they can do so much better read more

This place has some of the best sandwiches ever, I must admit. They have a massive selection for you and you can add your own additions to them, and it's made on the spot. On the other hand, it's made on the spot. It took a good twenty five, thirty minutes for the people to finally give us the sandwiches - by the way, 17 is a good one. The order that they make the sandwiches also isn't seemingly in order, as people got their sandwiches and left well before we did even though they came in after us. The good thing is that the cashier lets you pay before your sandwich is done, because you're waiting there for forever. Parking is convenient with the spots right in front, and it's certainly better to go to Monterey instead of the grill next door - 3 bucks more but makes you feel so much better afterwards with no grease aftertaste in your mouth. read more

Monterey Gourmet catered our family Christmas party. Food was excellent, everyone liked it and they have a good selection to pick from. Food was ready and warm at the agreed upon pickup time. Ordering was easy. read more

Great place! Having been an employee and having to make MOST of the dishes they served I highly recommend anything from their deli department. My favorites included any kind of their sandwiches, their sweet carrots and basil and their tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese. The place is very eclectic. Full of little knick knacks you wouldn't find in the local food store. They have specialty high end spices and wines from all over the world. They make fresh cookies and biscotti from scratch EVERYDAY. You can do a really cute gift basket where they add anything you want to it, wrap it in commercial cellophane and put a huge ribboned bow in your choice of color on the top. But I have to say my most FAVORITE thing about this place is their fresh whipped cheeses and their fresh made Monterey toasts!!! OH MY GODDDD!!!! Thank god they only serve the cheeses in a quarter pound because you will seriously eat the whole thing!!! My FAVORITE cheese spread is the cheddar ale cheese!! Please oh please if you go there for lunch or whatever just get the cheese spread and their signature little toasts!! They have all different kinds of cheese flavors and they are all good. Get the cookies and biscotti too! You won't be sorry this place does it up right!! They also cater any event. Go to the deli side for information. They usually cater the local events one including the "Hunt." If you live in NJ you know what the Hunt is so that should say something about them right there! read more

Just had my daughters engagement celebration catered by Monterey and everyone absolutely enjoyed every part of the food. The wedge salad was served in a wooden square bowl that was a bonus. Covid has destroyed so many great businesses and Monterey somehow came through it!!! Will definitely be ordering again. And have to thank Andreas for keeping this a big secret and only using email as a form of communication! My daughter had no idea what was coming! Thank you again for helping make it a great day with delicious food! read more

My wife and I had Monterey Fine Foods cater our 1 year olds birthday party for 50 people. Linda and her team couldn't have done a better job. She created a great menu for the event. Her team showed up perfectly on time. Linda went above and beyond to ensure the food was beautifully presented. People throughout the event said how great the food was. We would definitely cater with them again. read more

It was Cinco de Mayo, so I thought the panini special - Carnitas - would be appropriate. The meat was not "carnitas" (living in CA may make a difference- was this Jersey style? It more like sliced, then long diced pork roast. Sauce was way too much in quantity... too messy for a sandwich. Flavors were fine, nothing to write home about. read more

Have gone here multiple times and always get the sandwiches. The sandwiches are good but not worth the price. They are kinda small for the price and sometimes they skimp on some of the ingredients inside. read more

P13 Go. Order a P13. Eat it. Do it now. P13 from Monterey is the best sandwich on the planet. Thinly sliced, perfectly rare roast beef accompanied by roasted red peppers, melted provolone, and just the right amount of horseradish spice. I implore you to find a better sandwich. Did you hear me? I used the word implore. Now you know this sandwich is legit. read more

We ordered their #9 specialty sandwich, full of Italian meats and cheeses. Delicious and packed! Later today, will try the crumb cake that we also picked up. read more

Three and a half stars. Despite the name, the Monterey Gourmet is basically just a deli with a slightly more creative menu than most. That said, the quality is much better than your average deli, but the portions are smaller and the prices are higher. They also have a huge catering business. We've always gotten good food here. Everything is very clean, neat, and always very nicely displayed and prepared. Be warned that you will often have to wait quite a while - your best bet is to call in your order for pickup. There isn't a specialty or item that I'd recommend you go out of your way for, but if you're in the area and want a nice lunch give it a try. They do have a nice, but small, outdoor seating area. read more

So UNPROFESSIONNAL! I ordered a gift basket worth $150 for one of my customer back in December (mid December) When ordering i did specifically ask to get a proof of delivery and of course a receipt of my purchase. I received my payment receipt finally on Monday 02/02 after few reminders, and now i am told i cannot get a proof of delivery, i should check with my customer it was delivered??? I have no idea of what what delivered, if it was ever delivered and when... No customer service, NONE what so ever, you pay for fine food supposedly but remain blind on what you pay for, when and how! I would NOT recommend this company to anyone. read more

I went to Monterey Gourmet from work for lunch after hearing rave reviews from colleagues... I must say that I was amazed by their sandwich selection. The meat was so so good, Boar's Head, the sandwich preparation was excellent, and all the ingredients used were fresh. I had an awesome smokey Joe sandwich (full disclosure: I substituted the black forest ham with roast beef) and it was truly one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. Aside from the amazing sandwiches the Monterey also has an excellent gourmet shop with a great selection of cheese and other gourmet food products. I would definitely put this place down as a place worthy to drive to for a sandwich if you don't happen to live or work in the area. read more

We're not from the area and were only going to be in town long enough to grab a quick bite. I turned to Yelp for suggestions and found this place. Turns out it was right down the road from our destination, so it worked perfect! Hubby and I both ordered sandwiches. I had chicken salad on a croissant. I have to try chicken salad wherever I go. I found this to be good, not the best ever, but still very good. It was nice to have large chunks of chicken that were easily identifiable as chicken! Hubby has the #11, Smokey Joe on pumpernickle and he was blown away at how good it was! I did have to laugh at the ordering process. It reminded me of the Soup Nazi on Seinfeld. Place your order, move to the right. Thanks Yelp for steering us to the right place for a good lunch! read more

I have frequented this place for the most part of a decade now. The sandwiches are great. They are NOT skimpy on any of the portions and the price is in line with the quality. The change in ownership did not change anything except the new layout. The new layout is much more conducive to picking up/ordering a sandwich than in the past. Fortunate for me, this place is less than a mile from work. Also, their daily website posted specials are a nice alternative. read more

Very good food with a very wide variety of options. My only gripes, minor that they are, would be: -the lack of parking because they get busy -when they are busy, you can have a long wait to get your food (so you should call ahead) -it's alittle expensive read more