First off, you need to realize that the Mad Italian is a place that is utterly without pretense -- in many ways, it's a working man's Italian restaurant (I agree with Richard's characterization of "country Italian") with comparatively cheap prices and relatively greasy fare. It's also housed in an old building; a renovated Dairy Queen that dates back considerably further than the Mad Italian itself, which was founded at this location back somewhere in the late 1970s. As such, the ventilation in the kitchen is lacking, so you should plan on smelling pretty strongly of the restaurant's signature cheese steaks for a couple hours after departing from its premises. In other words, don't come here expecting some high-brow, starched-shirt sort of dining experience. This is how the REAL people of Chambodia eat, and your expectations should be attuned to this fact. All of that being said, the Mad simply serves the best cheese steak in the Atlanta area. The only restaurant that comes close, in my opinion, is Galla's, but it honestly can't hold a candle to Chamblee's beloved "Mad I." And although the restaurant isn't the Mad Italian's original location, the Savoy location is easily one of the most storied establishments in North Atlanta; in fact, it's a local landmark. Take it from me -- most of my friends worked here in high school, and I've been a regular in this establishment for nigh 20-something years. So what do I suggest? If you're dining in during the evenings, begin by asking for Lamar, Shannon, Matt Smith or Jen White to be your server. I know them all personally, and they are consummate professionals. Battle-hardened veterans of the cheese steak trenches, so to speak. This isn't to say the other servers are bad or anything, but I guarantee any of these four servers will make you feel right at home, while providing you with fast and attentive service. I'd also note that Lamar is the restaurant's cheese steak chef during lunches most of the time, so he knows his way around the menu; in fact, a lot of people visit the Mad JUST to see him! As for the food -- I suggest the Chick-o-Philly. It's my personal favorite, and it comes served on a steamed New York hoagie roll (yes, they import their bread from NYC) with melted white American cheese, sauteed onions, lettuce, tomato and honey mustard. Try it with some mushrooms or green peppers if you want to add a little something extra to the meal. Other favorites: Spinach Calzone stuffed with sauteed mushrooms, the Cheese steak (of course), and the Lasagna Casalingo. The restaurant's homemade Italian dressing also tastes good on EVERYTHING, so don't be shy about slathering it onto anything that strikes your fancy. Oh yeah, and the Mad doesn't serve pizza. So stop asking! (Okay, they serve pizza, but everyone used to say that back when they didn't) read more

Neat pasta and sandwich place. HEARTY food, came across as Italian with southern flare for me. Lil pricey for lunch with a salad, but so damn filling. We did not leave feeling hungry at all. For two people with two salads and entrees, we spent 40 bucks (plus tip, which was well earned) Hardest part was finding a parking spot during lunch rush. Glad we stopped here. read more

This review is written purely on the perspective of the Philly Cheesesteaks so keep that in mind when evaluating this review. Seems strange that so many people go here for the cheesesteak considering you'd think "Italian" is their mainstay...but the cheesesteak is probably what they do best. I usually go for the Regular ($7.59) and then upgrade the chips to Onion Rings ($1.79). Now, if you're used to eating cheesesteaks outside of Philly, this is what you consider a "typical" cheesesteak, but it's definitely different from the originals in Philly. There they use "cheese wiz" up there, which is kind of disgusting in itself. However at the Mad Italian the sandwich is made up of thinly sliced steak grilled with onions and topped with melted white American cheese. They definitely put some sort of spices on the steak which gives it a little kick. How else can I describe it but to say you'll just need to go there and try one. Now, the onion rings are decent, but by no means are they great. They come with a jalapeno ranch like dipping sauce which is just so so. It's probably worth it however to upgrade and if nothing else get french fries ($0.79) as opposed to the plain ruffle-like potato chips that comes with the sandwich as the standard. The decor can be described as rustic (at best), but it has a sense of charm in that you know the business has been around for quite some time. There's a good reason for that! read more

So I have the Scoutmob app (my lunch bill was only about $3.50, so that's a win), and it had a special where that had food at 50% off, and I saved the business because I thought it sounded small-town and sort of artsy. I love supporting those types of places. They're sort of my thing (and a million others, these days.) However, this place is big on small-town charm, and verrrry low on the artsy side. Seemed to me like most of the business on a Friday afternoon was the good ole boy tried and true patron, and not the young clientele I was expecting. I think a way to put it is... Southern Italian? At least in atmosphere. I love Italian, but I'm NOT a fan of Southern things. Born and raised here, but it's just not me. Though I saw raves on the Cheesesteak, I'm just not a fan in getting sandwiches I could make at home at a restaurant. I mean, maybe once in a while but not today. I got the spaghetti and meatballs. Because if you mess that up, as an Italian restaurant, well... You shouldn't call yourself that at all. The lunch portion was smaller, which was to be expected, and pretty good. The garlic bread that came with the pasta was oh-so-tasty as well. My spaghetti's better, honestly. It's one of those grandmother recipes that has been tweaked to slow-cooked perfection over the years. That being said, this place just didn't stand out to me. The taste was fine, but not spectacular. The service was fine and attentive. Nothing to complain about. Water was filled up quickly. Wait time was only about 10 minutes. I got in and out in a little over a hour, including the drive there and back to work. I would try the Cheesesteak if I ever came back, but it just didn't seem like that kind of place I could ever love. To each his own. read more

I Placed A Order July 15th 2020 The Guy Steve who took my Order Over the Phone Was High or Drunk he never ask My name what car I was in I called back Steve answered I ask if my order was placed He said Ummm I told him again what I wanted I said my name and the Car I was in I was there for a hour for a small cheese pizza No Manager or no name the kitchen manager name Marco was kind and Gave me the Managers number I call right then his voicemail doesn't except Messages The Worst Ever. They don't Deserve a Star a Minus PERIOD read more

Based on the reviews, pictures, and location to 285, I chose this place for a group of three to talk and eat. It was far more casual than I expected but no big deal. The staff was pleasant and attentive. It appeared that the booth seats were higher than the chairs which made one of my guests look weird. I had the chicken penne... It was cold and bland. Because I was with this group I didn't complain about it being cold. I just sprinkled on some parmesan and red pepper flakes and ate it. I'd go again for a more casual dinner and try the pizza or calzone. read more

Placed a lunch togo order here. Spaghetti sauce was pretty good. It was a lunch portion which drastically differs from the awesome meaty pics i saw. Alfredo sauce was pretty good too, but the shrimp was overcooked. Bread was as tasty as it looks. Also, the atmosphere is really cool. I'd probably dine in just to read all the signs. Eager to grab dinner here to give this place another shot. Most of the reviews are awesome, and it would be nice to have an authentic Italian spot i dont have to get "dressed" for lol. read more

Amazing food! Chicken penne was delicious and I wanted to try their sandwiches. Bread was delicious and I'd highly recommend it read more

The Mad Italian - Chicken penne was delicious - Italian Near Me - Chamblee, Georgia

This place is an excellent bang for your buck place to eat! Even when its full you usually don't have to wait to long but its definitely worth it. The only draw back is parking which can be scarce at peak times. Think homey/well used for the interior and for wait staff think local high school student caliber but with fun attitudes. read more

I have been eating at this Mad Italian since I was in high school ! Never have been disappointed ever ! I enjoy eating here every chance I get I moved away along time ago and still have a craving for this place ! LOVE IT !!!!!! read more

A friend of mine and I have been hitting up all the restaurants along Savoy, since it is right between where both of us work and they are all a little shady looking from the outside. But I must say, we tried Mad Italian yesterday for lunch and we were very happy with what we found. They have great lunch specials - subs, salads, and soups for around $5. I had the veggie sub with a side of spaghetti - which the side was big enough for my entire lunch so I had dinner too! The food was great and the staff was super friendly. We will definitely be back for more. read more

I've been going to Mad Italian since I was a kid! Sadly, most of them have closed, but this location remains close enough to home that I make the drive. In all my years, I've never found a better handmade tuna hoagie. It's what keeps me coming back! They also have a great fettucine alfredo, and their creamy italian dressing is wonderful. (Get a side of it to dip your chips in!!) Never had a problem with the food being less than yummy. Good food, good pricing, can't go wrong. While the building is an older one, they keep it clean and it has a great patio out front. The staff is friendly, as well. You can count on The Mad Italian to be a solid meal for not a lot of dough. read more

While the service can be up or down, the food has never been a miss. My step mom is a vegetarian and was concerned about the reputation of the meat options, but the veggie lasagna was one of the best she has tasted. I have tried the beef and chicken philly, and prefer the chicken, cheese without onions. Fries, onion rings or chips as sides/add-ons,. The onion rings are usually burned, so I try to stay away from them. One can also call ahead. read more

Second visit here after a not so great first one. We had the same server both times and both times, she was not very friendly. The first time we went, the noodles in the Alfredo were undercooked and clumped together- but we decided to give it a second chance. The second time, there was a curly black hair in our fries. They replaced the fries and the philly (we hope) with new ones. As an apology, they gave us a dessert on the house: cheesecake. The next day, I took the cheesecake out of our fridge and opened it, not thinking to check it at the restaurant, and it looks like it had been dropped. There are fuzzies all over the top from a cloth and fingerprints all around the top of the cheesecake as well. I work at a restaurant. I know things happen and am usually very lenient. But apologizing for a hair in the food by giving a dessert that had been messed with is not acceptable. Hopefully with the change of buildings, there will be a change in staff as well to uphold the standard of what Mad Italian strives to be. Good luck. read more

The Mad Italian - Italian Near Me - Chamblee, Georgia

I grew up in Dunwoody, but never ate anything at the Mad Italian except the pasta e faggiole soup because I was scared away by its hole-in-the-wall appearance. When my husband and I moved to a home off of North Peachtree Road, we decided to give the place a try. If you are looking for cheap yet tasty sandwiches, Mad Italian is the place for you. My favorites are the meatball sub and the Italian sub. The chicken wings and calzones are also very good. I haven't tried any of the pasta, but the inexpensive food and quick service alone make this place worth it, especially if you are already in the area. read more

Best cheesesteak in ATL. It was super greasy and hit the spot. Loved the fries and pickle on the side. read more

The Mad Italian - Italian Near Me - Chamblee, Georgia

SO and I stopped by for dinner the other night since he was craving pasta. I had ordered from here years before when I worked in the area and remembered their sandwiches to be pretty good. We were seated quickly and decided on the ultimate spaghetti with both Italian sausage and meatballs for him and the cheese steak sub for me as well as a large bowl of soup. The soup is touted as home made on the menu, but honestly, these taste buds will swear that I was having Campbell's tomato soup with some beans thrown in there for texture. Not only did it taste like canned soup, but it was heavily salted as well. Our entree's came out and the portions were very, very generous. My sandwich was adequate, neither mind-blowingly awesome nor was it bad either. I asked SO later about his dish and he just shrugged so I guess the same could be said about his meal. It was only later that night that I saw there was a Scoutmob offer for the place, at least then we could have gotten a discount for a rather forgetable meal. read more

"Trending toward a 3.5 star review, but there are a few issues..." This is definitely the place for Cheese Steak sandwiches on the north side of metro Atlanta. I do remember the Mad Italian's humble beginnings in the Buck-Haid and I'm glad they continue to serve and survive in this (former KFC?) location. I've tried their pasta soup and a few different sandwiches and all are very good. The brand of french fries they serve is very good. Sometimes the ratio of meat in the Cheese Steak seems to vary from one visit to the next, but maybe it's just me and my LunchBud™ thinking that (or have you thought so as well?)... There is table service, but I wonder if Mad Italian would be better suited to an order-at-the-counter-and-deliver-the-food-to-the-table type of service because most of the time the actual wait staff here seems to be easily distracted by things like "hanging out in the kitchen and chatting." They have long term staff, which is good, but maybe a little too good veering toward 'Slack'? I dunno, still considering it.... One of the weirdest things I find about this Mad Italian is the type of clientele it attracts... I don't know if its just my bad luck but every time I am in there, it seems like there are one or two tables that are just ridiculously loud for no real reason. There's no tv in the dining room but honest to god, there is always some broad or dude that just has to TALK LOUDER THAN ANYONE ELSE in the room, which causes everyone to raise their voice and then their are the ignored offspring melting down or playing video games without headphones and despite carpeting, Mad Italian can be noisy affair for lunch. Its kinda like eating in a food court... read more

What a great restaurant. Stopped there on my way home with my daughter. Service was fast and food was fantastic. Highly recommended

Living only a few minutes away from this joint, we've been meaning to drop by this place forever! I had visited Mad Italian many, many years ago. Well, I guess it should speak for itself, no? years ago (circa 2002), Mad Italian parking lot was always packed. and still today, the parking lot is typically packed. Known for their philly cheesesteaks and sandwiches, I have recently visited Mad Italian several times! and I ordered the Philly Cheesesteak and chicken cheesesteak. The cheesesteaks are pretty large. An average female will be full or at least satisfied by 1/2 a cheesesteak. read more

Everyone seems to agree: Mad Italian, thy face is sketchy, but thy heart be yummy. That came out sounding creep-a-licious, and I totally didn't mean for it too, but it still stands. The outside looks like some run-down creeper hang out... after all... the name suggests crazy Italian people, and the logo doesn't do much to change your mind. But oh -- if you'll just give it a chance! The food is wonderful. Perfect portions. Perfect price. Delicious, fresh, hot, made to order... I've never left hungry and I've never left too full. It's not the most authentic Italian food I've ever had, but they never claim to be. For what it is -- it's wonderful. The only reason I don't visit more regularly is because it's not exactly close to (my) home. But if you're in the area... you should 100% stop in. You won't regret it. I promise. read more

Thanks to Taste of Chamblee, I discovered this little gem. It definitely helps how a buddy of mine told me he used to frequent this place often when he lived right around the corner. The beau and I came after a VQ meet and after I saw there was a Scoutmob offered. We tried their cheesesteak at the event, and that's what we were in the mood for. He ordered the regular cheesesteak and I ordered the chicken cheesesteak. Contradictory name, yeah I know, I thought about it, too. Their sandwiches come in three sizes - 10" SUPER - 8" REGULAR - 6" JOLLY. If you look at the center of their menu, they have a handy ruler guide to illustrate the length of each to help you decide how big of a sandwich you want to order. These come with a side of chips and a pickle spear - substitutions can be made for an additional charge. The food was good, but I thought the amount of cheese made the sandwich too salty. Then again, the beau didn't mind, and I do admit to having a sensitive palette. We both ordered the 10" and I had enough to bring to lunch the next day. I never thought much of this place whenever I drove by and saw their sign from the interstate, but it's worth a trip, especially if you're getting your meal at half the price. The employees are quite colorful (in the good kind of way), as he put it. The girl who seated us was a little spacey but our waiter was fantastic. He informed us that an Atlanta publication (I think it was CL?) named them one of the best sandwich places in Atlanta. Kudos, guys! read more

I have never liked the food at the Mad Italian. I have come here and given this place chance after chance and after the 5th time I just gave up. They are known for their cheesesteaks sk that's the first item I had. Let's say I've had better. The meat lacked taste and the hoagie roll was old. The second time I had the chicken parm sandwich. That too was disappointing. The aromas from the sandwich was misleading. I knew I was going to bite into a piece if heaven but instead I tasted cardboard. For dining in, expect your clothes and hair to smell like old grease. The service though is good but as pleasant as they were it still didn't make up for boring food. read more

This is my favorite Local Italian place near my house. I took my wife here after I had been there with a couple of my friends just to show her the place. She was a little nervous about the front decor, looked a little run down, but as soon as she walked in she was in love. The food is Awesome, the staff is great and the place is very kid friendly. Its a perfect local family Italian restaurant. They even have a little side area if you want to watch a game, sit at a bar and have some good food. You cant go wrong with the Mad Italian - we will be back! read more

Whoa, the cheesesteaks here are soooo good. They just melt in my mouth. Subtly, perfectly seasoned... awesome steak. Thin and easy to chew. The cheese is so good melted and interwoven with the meat. I don't even want to swallow it too quick. I savor every bite. I think you will too. The bread is not too hard. Neither is it mushy. The sterling reviews brought me to this place. I expected it to be good, but it exceeded my expectations. It's fabulous!!!!! I've sampled a couple of cheesesteaks in Philly once and this place exceeds them both. I hope to find the more authentic, yummy places like this next time I go to Philadelphia. You can also get a chicken one. It's delish too. My husband and I often get two real big sandwiches. One chicken and one steak. His favorite is the chicken. Mine the steak. But, we like both so we split it! read more

I have lived in the area for 3 years now and always drove by this restaurant but was always scared off by the sketchy appearance. However, I decided to try it out. I ordered a calzone with tomatoes, green bell peppers and onions. I have to say - I was impressed. Most places I go to put huge pieces of the stuffing in there, along with an abundance of cheese which makes it difficult to eat after 4 bites, but not the case here. The only (couple) things I was not happy about was that the basket of onion rings was $5 and some change and the coke that we got was $2. Ok, no doubt that the rings were good, but had we gotten a sandwich for $5 and paid an additional $2, we would have gotten the same amount of rings. I don't think I will be ordering the rings until they either lower the price or up the number of rings. Now, for the drink - $2, yes, I am saying this because of the fact that the drink is $2 but the glass is small in comparisont to other restaurants that charge $1.50 and we were not offered a refill at any point. If you are going to charge the money, please make sure we are getting what we pay for. Other than that - great place - definitely going back. read more

Philly cheese steak, Philly cheesesteak, Philly cheesesteak. And they come in three different sizes. I love this place!! The staff was friendly, courteous. The prices are good and the beer is cold. This should be an Atlanta landmark! Highly recommend. read more

We first had Mad Italian at the Doraville Pride pool party. We don't usually eat a lot of Italian food but my husband fell in love with their Philly cheesesteak. So much so, in fact, that we went to a festival the next week and he sought out a Philly cheesesteak food truck and was incredibly disappointed. He joked that he was hoping it would have tasted as good as the one he had had at the Mad Italian. Since then we've visited the Mad Italian a few times. It's really easy for our toddler and the patio is great. We will definitely be back. read more

It was date night so we randomly decided to try this place. My fiancé and I both enjoyed the scent they use in the bathrooms it's great. The service was great and so was the food. Took us a while to decide on what to order they have a lot of options. I decided to try the chicken parmesan and my fiancé chose the chicken penne pasta. We both enjoyed our meal and had plenty to take home to eat the next day. Will definitely be back! read more

I've had their cheesesteak on two occasions. Their version is not bad. The call the roll proper but it's definitely not from Amoroso's bakery in Philadelphia. read more

Came here on a lunch date with the boyfriend. Mad mozza bread - This bread is literally half cheese, half bread. They were not kidding around when they decided to load this appetizer up with cheese. Seriously half cheese half bread. Which is great if you love cheese (who doesn't?). Regular cheesesteak - Pretty good but the hoagie was kind of soggy. The meat was good but I felt like having a firmer bun would do wonders for the construction of the sandwich, which kinda fell apart after a while. Service - Was fine. Feels like a diner inside but we didn't have a problem getting a table. Sidenote - The dough on the boyfriend's calzone wasn't cooked fully on top. When we first brought this to the attention of the waitress, she dismissed it as being cheese...last time I checked, cheese wasn't exactly an integral ingredient in dough. However, she ended up taking it off our bill so it wasn't too big of a deal. Verdict - Most likely pass. I didn't believe other Yelpers when they said you'd end up smelling like a greasy spoon after you left. But as I was sitting in my car, driving along back to work, that distinctive grease smell oozed from my hair. I think this could be avoided if their kitchen didn't open directly into the dining area, but eh, what can you do? read more

I read the reviews when my lady said she saw this parking lot is always packed. We drove by one day and decided to check it out. If you want heaps of cheesy heartattack garlicy goodness then THIS IS IT! I got the cheesesteak and the reviewers do not lie. Possibly THE best or one of the best cheesesteaks to be had in Atlanta. You want fancy pants cheesesteaks with fancy toppings then go to Woody's. You want down and durty cheesesteak piled high with meaty, cheesy, saucy goodness then THIS IS MADNESS!!! NO! This... is... THE MAD ITALIAN!!! Also, the service was very good. Friendly, funny and tasty food. This place does food right. read more

Make life simple on yourself and order the cheese steak sandwich with house salad with creamy Italian dressing. Also, Lamar is an outstanding person who has worked there over 20 years. He makes your stay a delight. Ask for him to wait on you. read more

2 parts to this review. The Cheesesteaks are bomb - and the best in ATL. I give the cheesesteaks 5 stars, but minus 1 star because they come with potato chip...from a bag...teribad! I also subtracted a star for mediocre customer service, and no Dr. Pepper/Mr. Pib option. I just order ice water The Calzones here are good. 4 stars for those. This place is SOOOOO close to being awesome, they just need to fix a few things. read more

Best cheese steaks in town. They are cooked to order and have 4 convenient sizes : small, medium, large, and big daddy. I highly recommend the fries with the creamy Italian dressing. Side salad is decent and ice tea is made fresh. I gave 4 stars not for the food, but for restaurant. I believe that they should be in a better more conveniently accessible part of town OR (I prefer this one) they open up more locations!! I believe they would wildly successful. If you are on the fence about this one, get the Scout mob app. There is a $10 max (up to 50% off) per table. You can't bet that!! read more

This place serves some simple but real good food. My favorites are Veggie Delight Hogie, Penne Diavolo and their Veggie Thin Crust Pizza. I once ordered the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich and required fork and knife to eat it. The first time I ever used fork and knife to eat a sandwich, awkward but really with it. read more

We arrived on a Sunday night and were made to wait despite open tables being available. The wait was about 15 mins. Our waitress was not bad. We ordered the lasagnas and I added a house salad and my dining companion added the pizza rolls as An appetizer. the pizza rolls were very good. The side salad was a good size and very fresh. I loved the purple onion and olives. The little cup of ranch provided with the salad was not adequate for the size of the salad. The Lasagna is baked individually in small casserole dishes. This is where the meal was truly lacking. The Lasagna was hard and crispy and dry and lacked a lot of flavor and the sauce was not meaty. I ordered an Itialian sausage link on the side which was just blah and had no flavor but cost 3 dollars! Next time, I will try the cheesesteaks as this seems to be the restaurant's forte. read more

First time visiting the new location. Love the atmosphere! Still great service and amazing food!

Let me just say ... This was my last meal before I started my "diet" ... thats how serious it is. My bf picked up a cheesesteak from this place about 2 weeks ago and I was pleasantly surpirsed! What is this?? A yummy cheesey cheesesteak outside of the Tri-Sate area?? No way! ... As a bi-coastal girl I am very familiar with how a cheesesteak is 'supposta taste and this comes pretty damn close! All with "saltpepperketchupmayofriedonions" ... (yes thats one word.) It was served with wavy potato chips. You gotta eat those quick before they get soft. I finally stopped in to check this place out for myself, but I just did a pick up order. When I walked in theres a window to the kitchen specifically for take out orders - coo! I placed my order and waited in the small bar area. Wine and beer only (Oh GA you really do test me!!). There were three small TVs with sports on. My kinda place ('cept for the lack of hard liquor). The food was done within 7minutes and I was on my way! But I'll be back as soon as I am done with the diet nonsense.... read more

The cheesesteak is OK - a bit tough both in bread and steak. Portion size is small for the price. The flavor is OK - I felt the meat was a tad over seasoned. We went with a group and it seems that the pasta is microwaved. I was a bit thrown off by that. Apparently the sauce is good. Overall I would probably not return here. Which is a bit surprising considering its current yelp reviews. I was really hoping for a hoagie mainstay. read more