Joe's Italian Deli

- 685 E 187th St, Bronx, NY 10458

Welcome to the heart of authentic Italian flavor in the Bronx: Joe's Italian Deli. For over forty years, this establishment has been a culinary cornerstone in the city, carrying on the rich traditions of Southern Italian cooking right here in New York. Founded by Giuseppe (Joe) and Maria Ruscigno and now run alongside their son, Anthony, Joe's Italian Deli is far more than just a sandwich shop—it is a full-service Italian market, an iconic deli, and a cherished piece of Bronx Little Italy history.

This is the place New Yorkers turn to for ingredients that transport them straight to Italy. From the moment you step inside, the intoxicating scents of cured meats, aged cheeses, and fresh-baked bread affirm its status as a "real deal" Italian market. Customers rave about the authenticity and the genuine warmth of the service, describing the experience as feeling like family. Whether you are stocking up your pantry with imported goods or simply grabbing one of their famous, generously sized, and "life changing" sandwiches for a quick visit, Joe’s delivers a piece of Italy with every order.

Beyond the daily offerings, Joe’s Italian Deli operates as a true gastronomic hub, serving multiple capacities for the New York community: a classic sandwich shop, an Italian grocery, a catering and food/drink supplier, and a dedicated gift basket store. This multifunctionality makes it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to bring the highest quality Italian experience to their table, whether it’s for a family dinner or a large event. The commitment to quality, particularly their celebrated homemade mozzarella, has cemented their reputation as one of New York City’s most authentic Italian destinations.

Location and Accessibility

Joe's Italian Deli is strategically situated at the center of Italian-American heritage in the Bronx. The full address is:

685 E 187th St, Bronx, NY 10458, USA

The deli’s prime location on E 187th Street places it right in the heart of the Belmont neighborhood, often referred to as the "real" Little Italy of New York, near the famed Arthur Avenue. This makes it a popular destination for locals and food lovers from all boroughs and beyond.

For visitors traveling by car, the deli offers both free street parking and paid street parking options, a considerable amenity in the busy New York City area.

For those relying on public transit, the location is generally accessible. While specific direct subway connections to the exact address may vary, the area is served by several MTA bus routes, including major lines that connect throughout the Bronx and beyond. Nearby subway stations like the ones around E 180 St are served by the 2, 5, and 6 lines, and are a short additional bus ride or walk away, making it manageable for Manhattan and Queens residents to make the pilgrimage for a genuine taste of Italy. In terms of physical accessibility, the deli is accommodating to all patrons, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance.

Services Offered

Joe's Italian Deli provides a comprehensive range of food and retail services, establishing itself as a one-stop-shop for authentic Italian cuisine and products.

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LI Deli and Sandwich Shop Services: Offers a vast menu of hot and cold sandwiches, heroes, and subs made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, including famous named sandwiches like the “Bella Donna,” “The Coned,” “The Bronx Zoo,” and the highly-praised “Last Meal” combo. Hot items from their steam table are also available, such as meatballs, chicken parm, and pasta specialties. LI

LI Takeout and Delivery: Convenient options for both in-store pickup and takeout, as well as delivery services through various online platforms, ensuring you can enjoy Joe’s famous food wherever you are in the service area. LI

LI Italian Grocery/Market: A fully stocked market featuring a selection of imported Italian goods, including fine cheeses, cured meats like mortadella and sopressata, specialty oils, vinegars, dried pastas, sauces, and Italian sweets and pastries. LI

LI Professional Catering: Full catering services are available, with options ranging from sandwich platters (like the assorted sandwich platter) and family-style dinners (such as Baked Ziti, Chicken Parmesano, or Penne Vodka), to a selection of 40 different dishes including lasagna, chicken cacciatore, and pasta platters. They can accommodate events of various sizes, with minimum orders for lunchbox combos. LI

LI Gourmet Gift Baskets: They craft and sell Italian gift baskets, perfect for holidays or special occasions. These baskets feature a variety of imported Italian delicacies like cheeses, dried sausage, and sweets, and can even be shipped nationally. LI

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Features / Highlights

Joe's Italian Deli stands out in the competitive New York food scene due to several unique and highly-rated features that draw customers back time and again.

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LI Homemade Fresh Mozzarella: A major highlight and a source of intense customer loyalty. Joe Ruscigno has been making his signature fresh, hand-pulled mozzarella since he was nineteen, and customers often describe receiving a fresh piece to sample while they wait—a true sign of their commitment to fresh, quality ingredients. LI

LI The Bella Donna Sandwich: A customer favorite, this sandwich is a magnificent combination of a breaded chicken cutlet, prosciutto, the distinct flavor of Prima Donna cheese, arugula, sun-dried peppers, and a drizzle of vinaigrette. Reviewers have called it "the best sandwich I've ever had." LI

LI Authentic Family History: The deli's strong Southern Italian roots, dating back over 40 years, ensure the use of traditional culinary techniques in all their offerings, providing an unparalleled authentic Italian experience. LI

LI Expansive Menu of Specialty Sandwiches: The menu features a wide array of creatively named and generously filled sandwiches, such as “The Coned” (prosciutto, fried eggplant, fresh mozzarella, arugula, sun-dried peppers), “The Last Meal” (prosciutto, mortadella, capicola, soppressata, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers), and “DSNY” (chicken cutlet, fried eggplant, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers). LI

LI High-Quality Imported Goods: The market section offers exceptional imported Italian cheeses, specialty meats (like mortadella with pistachio, dry sopressata, and Genoa salami), oils, and vinegars, allowing New York home cooks to elevate their own creations. LI

LI Excellent Customer Service: Patrons consistently highlight the superb customer service, noting that the staff is "excellent, everyone is so kind and accommodating," which contributes significantly to the welcoming, family-like atmosphere. LI

LI Payment Flexibility: They accommodate modern payment methods, accepting Credit Cards, Debit Cards, NFC mobile payments, and SNAP/EBT, making transactions quick and easy. LI

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Contact Information

For immediate inquiries, placing an order, or discussing catering needs, you can easily reach Joe's Italian Deli using the following information:

Address: 685 E 187th St, Bronx, NY 10458, USA

Phone: (718) 367-7979

What Is Worth Choosing

In a city saturated with delis, Joe's Italian Deli stands out as an essential New York food pilgrimage, particularly for anyone in the Tri-State area seeking genuine Italian heritage. The main draw is the palpable link to Southern Italian culinary tradition, maintained for over four decades by the Ruscigno family. This is not just fast food; this is tradition on a roll.

What is truly worth choosing here is the opportunity to taste authenticity. The experience of walking into the shop, being greeted with excellent customer service, and taking in the "intoxicating" aromas of high-quality ingredients is unparalleled. For sandwich enthusiasts, the specific recommendation is to dive into one of their legendary, specialty-named heroes, with the Bella Donna or the highly-rated Last Meal being fan favorites that epitomize the deli's commitment to flavor and premium fillings. The fact that a customer, even after vacationing in Rome, could "honestly say, this shop is the real deal," speaks volumes about the quality.

Beyond the iconic sandwiches, choosing Joe's for your pantry or your next large gathering is an investment in quality. Their full-service catering, offering everything from massive five-foot sandwiches for parties to comprehensive pasta and entrée platters like Baked Ziti and Chicken Cacciatore, ensures that your event will be served with the finest Italian fare. Finally, the availability of Joe's homemade mozzarella, made fresh daily, is a reason in itself to make the trip. This deli is an institution in the Bronx—a must-visit destination that proves the authentic taste of Italy is alive and thriving right here in New York.

Joe's Italian Deli

685 E 187th St, Bronx, NY 10458, USA