Fresh,fresh,fresh !!!!Roasted red peppers, homemade cheese, Damatos bread is used for the sandwiches. The meat and cheese is sliced fresh as your order is made. They are all so good it's hard to pick just one. Italian specialties to make amazing meals they have it all. read more

I'm Norwegian and I love this store. The hot sausage, imported deli meats, and homemade sauce. I shop and get a sub for the ride home. Many years now, I don't remember any other italian deli. read more

Excellent, authentic and tasty. Very nice people to do business with. They have been around for years.

Excellent food, service is great and go outta their way for their customers!! I can't say enough good things about them!

The absolute BEST ITALIAN SUBS ANYWHERE!!!!!! They use all imported meets... yummy yummy in the tummy! read more

best imported cheese, sliced from a block not prepackaged like box stores hard to find parking but so what for what they sell its worth it only lazy people that dont want to walk a little always complain import products so much better than caputo read more

One has a raft of Italian delis and restaurants to choose from in this part of the city. I've regularly been going to a couple but always eager to try a different one. I'm glad I wandered in to Riviera. The help are courteous, helpful, and knowledgeable about their products. The prepared foods are a terrific value, with quality ingredients. A nice selection of imported grocery goods as well, including wide variety of canned tomato products. Grabbed a couple of subs, the "Classic Italian" and "Caprese," some fresh sausage to cook at home, cheese and olives. I'm delighted with Riviera, and it will be a regular stop from now on. read more

I can't love this place enough. Family owned for years by lovely, friendly, helpful people, a neighborhood staple. It's a great place to indulge yourself in all things you've grown up with if you are Sicilian or Italian, treats and everyday items, and it's THE perfect place to indulge your inner Italian. Their deli selections, from cheese to meats to olives and other homemade antipasti, are always top rate. It's a great place to stop in for a sub sandwich, too. Homemade cookies, bocconcini (fresh mozzarella!), and the occasional pizza bread - you cannot go wrong in this place. They have a great selection of housewares from espresso machines to pasta makers, dishes, etc. Prices are reasonable, and it always feels great to patronize local family-owned stores. Great gift ideas from imported goods to soccer jerseys and onesies. You can feel how much love and attention this family puts into their store and their customers. Excellent quality and variety. It's also awesome to hear the Italian language being spoken by the patrons and staff! read more

Riviera Foods Chicago - Sicilian panettone is exquisite! Makes the perfect host/hostess gift! - Specialty Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This hole in the wall long established Italian market and deli is a great ma and pop alternative to Caputos for your needs for Italian food, goods, and gear. You can find many Italian imports I'm sure would be hard to find elsewhere including soaps and home goods from il bel paese. The sandwiches at the deli counter are always fresh and the flavor is delicious. Seems to have a lean towards Barese and Calabrese. Remember to be a little patient as it's a family owned business. The family owning it and all the workers there are very friendly, helpful, and accommodating. Per parlanti italiani i proprietari del negozio ti può assistere nella tua lingua e puoi trovare media in italiano includendo giornali, riviste, dischi compatti di musica italiana e regali e abbigliamento per tifosi di calcio. read more

I am happy every time I visit this wonderful grocer. The sandwiches are all very good, the deli items such as Italian sausage are some of the best in Chicago, and the employees/owners are always pleasant. Off-street parking makes it convenient. Every aisle holds something worth trying. Take some time for yourself and explore this gem. read more

The best Italian sausage in Chicago and in Illinois! You can't go wrong with this place. They have amazing sandwiches as well! They also have a variety of Italian imported foods that you can't even find in big chain stores. The staff is helpful and the owners have a heart of gold. Prices are pretty fair. This is definitely a must stop shop! read more

I've always enjoyed walking into Italian delis. The owners are always smiling and very friendly. I ordered their Italian beef and I gotta say it was definitely different, yet still tasty. Not even close to top 5 beefs in Chicago but didn't leave disappointed. I took the beef to go, there weren't any tables. He used a loaf of bread that he had out on the aisle and prepared the beef with hot peppers. I decided not to order it dipped for the first time, which was ok because they're fresh bread added a different unique taste to it. I'd probably come back, but I wouldn't order the beef. Perhaps an Italian or meatball instead. read more

Riviera Foods Chicago - Italian Beef w/ hot peppers - Specialty Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Been coming here since I moved to the neighborhood 40 years ago - same owners, too! Great selection of Italian cheeses, salumi, canned goods and imported candies and cookies. I wouldn't think of making a nice wintertime polenta without stopping here for dried mushrooms, house-made Molise-style fennel sausage, San Marzano tomatoes, and coarse ground cornmeal. Of course a little salami and prosciutto to nibble on the way home. It's more than a deli and Italian food store; its a repository of beautiful food memories from long ago. Baci, Torrone, pizzele e tutte cose! Nonna would approve! read more

It's amazing place to pick up fresh and delicious Italian food. I'm glad we stopped by today, signature subs get an A+ from us . If you are in the neighborhood make this your top place to visit and get delicious food. read more

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Diavolo sub is very spicy which I like. Bread is hard and dry. Def. Not fresh bread. I was hoping for fresh bread cause it makes the sub read more

Riviera Foods Chicago - Diavolo sub - Specialty Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great Italian products one cannot find in your average grocery store. Nicely nestled between one of the many neighborhood 'social clubs' and the burrito joint. If they know you you can stop in and 'play' its 'members only' if you know what I mean. Riviera has the table and chairs set in front so you can sit and talk with the owner while watching the cars pass by on ever busy Harlem Ave. A true neighborhood market and probably the best homemade Italian sausage in Chicago. Stop in and try the tripe, pre-made homemade in marinara by the quart, my personal favorite. If you don't know what it is ask first it's not for everyone. But I grew up on it and love it though it's getting harder to find. A true staple. read more

Always loved shopping here if I'm making pasta and sauce. Never tried a sub because we always just got nottoli. After hearing that Riviera was the best for subs from a few others around the neighborhood we had to give it a try. HANDS DOWN the best sub sandwich in the area. I have never had fresher deli meats and the fresh mozzarella was outstanding. The frozen meals are also amazing. read more

Riviera Foods has been around since I was little. My Noni (great grandmother) lived a few blocks down and we would walk to Riviera's for lunch. This is a wonderful little store with incredible lunchmeat, house made gardinera, house made Italian sausage (same recipe for as long as I can remember), cookies, cheese, etc. They have a deli and make sandwiches too. It's also a great place to get espresso makers and pasta makers. The owners and staff are kind and always willing to go the extra mile to help. There is a small private lot and street parking available. I highly recommend visiting Riviera's. They have regulars that have been regulars for decades - it's a loyal group for a reason. read more

Their sandwiches makes me feel Ashamed of all other sandwiches Ive ever had If this place was in my neighborhood there'd be a constant line put the door read more

Love this little Italian shop for all my Italian kitchen needs. Not to mention the sun shop in the back with the BEST, cheap subs in the northwest read more

Riveria has very much become my go to place for all foods Italian. I started going there for the subs, and then started adding deli items, grocery items, pasta, bread, and their frozen home made items. I love their marinara sauce, and always have a container on hand frozen. Their lentil soup is superb as is their pasta e fagioli soup. I like their home made italian sausages, and rotate on the ones I take home. I also have to point out how nice the whole staff is. I have been reluctant to even go into some of the ethnic food stores in the area because you are often treated poorly if you don't speak their language. Not the case at all here at Riviera. They go way out of their way to take care of you. read more

I love to support this family owned business in my community. I always order sub sandwiches from here and they are always so fresh and fast! I really enjoy stopping in because the staff is so friendly. So happy to have found this hidden gem in my neighborhood! read more

Been coming here since I was a kid with my parents, now I'm bringing my kids. Truly the best most consistent Italian sausage in the city. Great family run operation and a neighborhood/city staple. Homemade Italian lunch meat, imported cheese, homemade sausages fresh daily and a great hot sandwich selection. Can't go wrong with the combo, dipped hot. read more

The staff is super friendly and nice. The sandwiches or lack of are not. I got an American sub but it was lacking ingredients especially for $7.00. I came bc I wanted to support local small businesses however I don't think I'd return back. read more

Authentic and made with love. The diavolo sub was fantastic! Homemade sopressata, capicola, plus fresh mozzarella and giardiniera. Soft bread, spicy meats and peppers, creamy fresh cheese. Perfezione! They gave us samples of various things at the deli counter. There were some local regulars coming in, which was a good sign. Poking around the aisles there were San Marzano tomatoes, imported pasta, gelato, homemade meatballs, sauces, and more. Balsamic vinegar, blood orange juice, cherry bitters, olives, giardiniera, coffee, and more imported Italian goods. The place is humble and put together by hand. Soccer jerseys, pizzele presses, espresso makers, and even a kid's bocce set for sale behind the counter. The owner was present and talked sausage making with us. The lady at the counter was friendly and delightful. I love places like this, family owned and from the heart. read more

It isn't Bari, but you don't have to be Bari to be really really effing good. I love the sandwiches, the Diavola in particular. This is a spicy sandwich and enough of a bargain where the drive to Harlem isn't a silly proposition. While you are there pick up some pasta, some pomodori, and an extra sandwich for later. read more

Great Italian grocery store. We were in the neighborhood buying fresh pasta so stopped here to see what else we could buy. We ended up getting a great lunch spread (prosciutto, mozzarella, fresh bread, olives, peppers) - everything you would need. The guy behind the counter wasn't very friendly, but the lady at the cash register was sooo nice and made a bunch of recommendations. Everything tasted great! 293/365 read more

this Is the ONLY place I will buy sausage from so I go there regularly. They have great sandwiches, the best bocconcini, and friendly service! Definitely recommend it plus you'll be supporting a family owned small business. read more

First time to be here in Riveria Foods Chicago and was amazed by how wonderful this store is. It is a small store, clean and well organized. It is an Italian grocery store but they have few Italian shirts and magazines the moment I came inside. They have a nice selection of groceries with specialty foods. there is a wide selection of Italian pasta, cheese, canned goods including tomato sauces and sausages that I really love the most. I also like their variety of deli meats and shelves full of Italian cookies and coffee. The staff inside is friendly, helpful and knowledgeable on their products. They have prepared foods inside but I didn't miss the chance to try their signature subs and I choose their classic Italian. I eat it on my way home and it is just so delicious, has a really nice flavor and has a really fresh deli. The store is a real authentic Italian grocery store. I wish I lived around the area because I instantly love being in here. It was indeed an awesome experience. Will surely be back if I am around the area. read more

I'm really, really glad to have found this place on Yelp. My parents and I used to go here many a moon ago for our pre-Christmas (or year round) authentic Italian pantry raid. They have homemade sausages, pasta, and other Italian deil goodies, as well as a fresh and varied selection of imported items such as cookies, beverage syrups, soft drinks, and other goodies. Very nice, very friendly, and oftentimes, very busy! I haven't been for ages and I'm due a visit! read more

GREAT sausage here. we get the mild no fennel and always fresh. owners are super friendly and humble. fresh cold cuts, olives, some salads. frozen sauces, and raviolis. all your standard pasta and canned selections. read more

Street parking on Harlem can be a little inconsistent but they have a small parking lot in back. Hours are limited but it is a small, local grocery store so I try to make it on the weekend. If you're there for a sandwich, you choose your bread from the bin and then let them know which sandwich you want. I've been there a couple of times and the bread is sort of stale because it is quite crusty. It's beyond chewy; more like tearing apart with your incisors. The quality of the meat and cheese is quite good and you should let them know what you want (or don't want) on it. Prices are fair. The arancini at the register (if they aren't already gone) are definitely good. Because it's a smaller, local grocery store, the turnover in their frozen and dried goods isn't always there so you need to check expiration dates. I had decent expectations considering other Italian delis and grocery stores and reviews on other sites, but I was still disappointed. read more

This place never disappoints. Was there again yesterday to get my authentic Italian fix. As usual everything I got was fantastic. Cold cuts, cheeses, and deli case specialties all top notch. read more

I wanted fresh mozzarella so I went in here to order a small container. When I got home and tried the mozzarella it was amazing so so fresh can't wait to go back again and get some more read more

I have been a patron of this place for 30+ years. Never been disappointed! The food & the people are simply amazing!!!

Best homemade Italian sausage! Small Mom & Pop store specializing in Italian foods. Awesome sandwiches and the staff is super friendly and helpful! read more

This place is by far the greatest deli. They make me feel loved and in their family. It is really great how they are all family too. It makes you feel welcomed. Their subs? wow they make great subs. They are only $5 and they stuff it with so much meat. Typical price for Italian lunch meat is like $10 half a pound, and they give you 4 different meats for $5. They also have the best sausages in Chicago. I will go here forever. Local is best read more

After hearing through the grapevine that they make a good Barese style sausage so I decided to try it for myself. The lady tells me that its made first thing Monday morning. Even on a Tuesday they run out. Finally, not wanting to take anymore chances, I show up there Monday morning where they actually had a good amount. There it was, presented on a kitchen plate in a coil. I decided to get 1 pound @ $3.49 & got the mild with fennel @ $3.69. Both weren't bad at all but, I didn't see the hype with the Barese. I was also expecting a lot more from this place but, in the end, felt underwhelmed. I also couldn't find any San Marzano canned tomatoes, which disappointed me very dearly. Pretty much, their canned tomatoes/olive oil section was slightly better than Jewel & at par with Caputo's. With that said, most of their stuff was priced well. During the 5-6 visits I made here, I never encountered 1 customer, which amazed me, especially when you consider the area that its in. read more

Riviera Foods Chicago - Specialty Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I had seen this little Italian store driving down Harlem Ave. while I drove home every night. Finally decided to stop in. It's a quaint little family owned store with pastas and a deli. My first stop in I had the Italian Sub and it was stacked with meat. All freshly sliced salamis, meats, and cheese on fresh Italian bread. Today I went with the beef. You can tell the beef was fresh and topped with cheese and giardinera all for $5.50. I definitely recommend stopping in for a sandwich if you're in the area. read more

Riviera Foods Chicago - cars parked in front of a restaurant - Specialty Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great sandwiches, made fresh from meats sliced to order, great bread, quick service. Bring your own napkins! This place beats Bari any day!