Mikes Deli

- Retail Market, 2344 Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY 10458

For New Yorkers seeking the authentic, time-honored taste of Italy without leaving the five boroughs, a trip to the Belmont neighborhood in the Bronx is an absolute must. Deep within the heart of what many locals affectionately call "the Real Little Italy," you will find a culinary institution that has been perfecting its craft for generations: Mike’s Deli.

More than just a deli, Mike’s is an experience—a vibrant testament to the enduring Italian-American culture of Arthur Avenue. Located inside the historic Arthur Avenue Retail Market, this establishment has earned its place as a cornerstone of the community and a nationally recognized destination for authentic Italian provisions, prepared foods, and the legendary warmth of old-world hospitality.

The story of Mike’s Deli is intricately woven into the fabric of the Bronx's Little Italy. Its roots trace back to the early 20th century, with the arrival of the Greco family’s maternal grandparents from Naples. The family established themselves in the community, with the maternal grandfather opening one of the first butcher shops in the newly constructed Arthur Avenue indoor market, a project championed by Mayor Fiorello La Guardia in 1940 to house the area's many pushcart vendors.

The namesake, Mike Greco, arrived in New York from Calabria in 1947 with a powerful work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. After marrying the butcher's daughter, Antoinetta, Mike eventually ventured into the market with his own vision, establishing Mike's Deli. Mike quickly became known as the "Salami King of Arthur Avenue," his passion for quality, combined with his charismatic habit of serenading customers with opera arias, cemented the deli’s status as a beloved neighborhood staple. Today, the legacy lives on through his son, David Greco, who continues to blend authentic Italian cuisine and culinary secrets passed down through generations with a modern culinary flair, further transforming the deli into an extraordinary marketplace and unique restaurant.

For over 80 years, Mike's Deli has stood as a beacon of high-quality, authentic Italian food. The passion of the Greco family ensures that whether you're grabbing a quick sandwich for lunch, stocking up on provisions for a holiday meal, or planning a large-scale catered event, you are receiving the best of Italian tradition, prepared with a dedication that can only come from decades of family practice.

One satisfied customer noted, "Was working in town and definitely had to stop by for lunch. Service was great and quick. Sandwiches were delicious. I will definitely be back," perfectly capturing the combination of efficiency and quality the establishment provides. Another testament to its prepared food and hospitality is, "We come here every time we are in New York. Authentic pastas too. Our favorites are the clam linguini and meatball pasta," highlighting the consistently excellent dining experience.

The enduring success of Mike's Deli is a point of pride for the entire Bronx community, embodying the rich, living history of Italian-American tradition in New York City.

Location and Accessibility

Mike's Deli is strategically located within the historic Arthur Avenue Retail Market, a centralized hub for Belmont's "Little Italy." This prime location makes it an easy and essential stop for New Yorkers visiting the area for a truly authentic Italian shopping and dining experience.

The address is: Retail Market, 2344 Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY 10458, USA. This placement inside the market offers a vibrant, communal atmosphere where you can find other specialty shops and food vendors. Accessibility is a key feature of the deli, making it welcoming to all patrons:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

For drivers, the area offers both free street parking and paid street parking options. Visitors using public transportation will find the Arthur Avenue location conveniently situated within the transit network of the Bronx.

Services Offered

Mike's Deli serves as a multi-faceted food destination, functioning as both a world-class deli and a full-service caterer. The range of options ensures that whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or planning a major celebration, your authentic Italian food needs are met with excellence.

• Full-Service Delicatessen: Offering an extensive array of high-quality cured meats, fine imported and domestic cheeses, freshly prepared antipasti, olives, and homemade pasta dishes. The deli is especially famous for its award-winning, fresh, homemade mozzarella and burrata.
• Prepared Foods and Sandwiches: A vast menu of specialty sandwiches, including celebrity favorites like the 'King David' (Sopressata with Parmigiano-Reggiano), 'Bobby D. Special' (Figs with prosciutto and truffle oil), and the 'Il Montone Ram Special' (Fried eggplant, chicken cutlet, and prosciutto).
• Full-Service Catering (Arthur Avenue Caterers): Providing world-class catering for all events, with expansive platters like the Italian Submariner Platter, assorted sandwich platters, and a variety of salads and appetizers in medium, large, and family sizes.
• Dine-In and Takeout: Guests can enjoy their meals in the market's lively setting or choose to take out their selections.
• Delivery and In-Store Pickup: Convenient service options available for those in the local area who prefer to order ahead or have their food brought to them.
• Retail Provisions: Selling imported Italian goods such as olive oil, specialty sauces, dried pasta, desserts, and unique culinary gifts.
• Mozzarella Making Classes: Offers educational classes on the art of making fresh mozzarella for those looking to learn the craft from the masters.

Features / Highlights

The enduring popularity of Mike's Deli is built on several distinctive features that set it apart as a premier Italian deli in the New York metropolitan area:

• Multi-Generational Family Ownership: The deli is a two-generation family-owned business, with the Greco family maintaining the high standards and old-world reverence for food established by founder Mike Greco, a tradition now carried on by his son, David Greco.
• Award-Winning Homemade Mozzarella: Mike’s Deli is nationally celebrated for its incredible, fresh homemade mozzarella and burrata. This specialty has been featured in numerous culinary programs and praised by top chefs like Bobby Flay, who noted the mozzarella was the secret ingredient in a Throwdown championship win.
• Celebrity Endorsements: The deli has been featured on major television networks and in print, and is a favorite among culinary icons, with menu items named after celebrities like Lidia Bastianich and Emeril Lagasse, who have all attested to the exceptional quality.
• Historic Location: Situated within the iconic Arthur Avenue Retail Market, the atmosphere provides an "old-world" ambiance, giving customers a truly immersive Italian-American experience that is rare to find.
• Community and Inclusivity: The establishment proudly maintains a welcoming environment, highlighted by its designation as LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace, ensuring that all New Yorkers feel comfortable and respected.
• Ample Amenities: The location provides modern conveniences including Wi-Fi, a gender-neutral restroom, and accepts all major payment types (Credit Cards and Debit Cards), facilitating a smooth and quick visit.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, place an order, or inquire about catering services for your next event, please use the following contact information:

Address: Retail Market, 2344 Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY 10458, USA

Phone: (718) 295-5033

What is Worth Choosing

For New Yorkers who value authenticity, history, and unparalleled quality, Mike's Deli is the quintessential choice for a truly genuine Italian culinary experience. It is not merely a place to buy food; it is a vital part of the city's living history, preserving the traditions of the Belmont neighborhood. What makes Mike's Deli truly worth choosing is the seamless fusion of a bustling, old-school Italian market with a modern, high-quality restaurant and catering service.

A visit offers the chance to sample products like sopressata, capicolo, and imported cheeses, often guided by the friendly expertise of the Greco family themselves, who continue to put their "heart and soul into everything that leaves the kitchen." The sheer variety of their sandwich menu, from the complex flavors of the 'Forza Italia' with prosciutto and homemade mozzarella to the rich Italian comfort of the 'Follow the Leader' (Grilled chicken topped with eggplant parmigiana), guarantees a satisfying experience for any palate. Moreover, the dedication to homemade staples, especially the mozzarella, sets a bar for freshness and taste that few other delis in the nation can match.

Choosing Mike’s Deli means supporting an institution that has sustained the spirit of New York's Little Italy for generations. As a quick, friendly, and deeply flavorful destination, it promises a culinary journey that is as rich in culture and heritage as it is in taste—a true Bronx original that every New Yorker should experience.

Mikes Deli

Retail Market, 2344 Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY 10458, USA