I ate there 2 to 3 times a week. Not only is the meatball sandwich the best in Memphis, there are chocolate chip cookies are homemade and delicious!! It's a big old fantastic place in Germantown!
(5)
Jenn S.
I'm always amazed by reviews of others. This is a family owned business, not a subway. They have better quality of meat, cheeses, bread, and make from scratch the majority of items on the menu. I would much rather put my dollars into a local buisness than with the stereotypical chain. If you want a deli that pops open a jar of mayo, can of chicken, store bought dressings - then this place is not for you. If you want a deli that hand rolls meatballs daily; makes their own italian sausage; makes the mayo (with several flavors)/italian dressing/honey mustard from scratch; bakes a whole chicken for the chicken salad with homemade mayo; the pimento cheese is from scratch as well; they also smoke their own pastrami- then this IS the place for you. The sauces/gravy for the pasta is their family recipe. Saturday special is their own smoked brisket. The meats and cheeses are not what you purchase at your local Kroger or Subway, in fact they are better quality. Great family atmosphere, great service, go here often!
(5)
Don C.
Grabbed lunch to go. Had a Muffuletta, salad and chips. The salad was fresh and good. The Muffuletta was cold and greasy. I think if it had been heated, it could have been decent but it was not as good as one made at home - just layer of mediocre cold cuts, cheese with olive spread. The restaurant seemed clean and I saw the sandwich maker washing his hands before making my sandwich. Note: the cashier was wearing gloves and was handling money (she said she was new) - I did not see her touching food but gloves on a person handling money is always scary for me.
(3)
Christan H.
I was in the area and found this place tucked into a small shopping center. Since there isn't a lot of local options around this location, going here was a no-brainer. As soon as I walked in, I could definitely tell this is a family business. Some of the workers were hugging and greeting guests like they've known them their whole lives. Awesome to see things like that. The only thing that disappointed me was that they ran out of brisket... :( they only serve it on Saturdays. I had the hot pastrami sandwich and it was very good. Definitely worth another try.. Maybe earlier for lunch next time. :)
(4)
Robin B.
Intimate little mom and pop meets sandwich shop, this Italian-ish little gem sits in the heart of Germantown's retail and service intersection of Exeter Road and Farmington. I have eaten here twice and been greeted with great big friendly service, sometimes a little joke or two. These guys give back what you bring in, and in spades. The meatball sub was generously meaty and sloppy, and smelled up the whole room (in an enticing way). I could tell everyone at my kid's karate class was hungry by the stares I got. The Italian salad with chicken was very flavor neutral and the house dressing is not too creamy, not too oily, not too tangy, not too salty. It just makes the lettuce go down easier, you know? The ice and drink machine touts "the best ice" in town for only $1.50 a bag, and truly- it is. Bring the Yeti and stock up on that soft, chewy pellet ice for your next party's cocktails. The next time you don't feel like cooking, let these guys do it, and grab a fresh-made sandwich with fresh-made bread, in-house dressings, and all of it made with love.
(4)
M F.
My husband and I went here based on all the good reviews. We had flown into Memphis and had a drive ahead of us. We stopped here to eat before heading out. Our food was not very good at all. Someone on here recommended the "Ultimate Ham" sandwich. It was lacking pickles and they used American cheese - ugh. Should have been cheddar or some other real cheese. The bread was good. My brisket sandwich had brisket that tasted like it was smothered in bar-b-q sauce from a bottle. I guess I'm just spoiled by the excellent brisket we have in Texas. No one here would ever used bar b q sauce. Simple salt and pepper and mesquite wood smoke. I would make sure to never return here.
(2)
Ayla H.
Sub was good and fresh ... A little over priced for me . service was good as well people were very friendly .
(3)
Tom G.
Interesting place is the best way to describe Vanelli's. Got a few things to go - pimento cheese, large hoagie. The hoagie was exceptional. Not so much on the pimento cheese which was actually bland. Eager to come back to get some of their pasta items to go.
(4)
Joy F.
Love this place! Straight forward Italian deli-type food. Both of our sandwiches were good, but the real star was the bread! I'm not sure if they use a bakery or make it in house, but my husband and I both got the wheat bread and was pleasantly surprised. Usually wheat bread can be tough, but this was so tender and delicious! I didn't even feel like I was missing out by not eating the traditional white bread. I wish there was more options for hot sandwiches though. That would really set this deli apart! Overall, good experience and great food.
(4)
Cris W.
The meatball sandwich was great. The Ami and the Canale-ham was just average. $36 for 3 people. Nice people tho. Very friendly and courteous. Family business if you're into keeping money local instead of giving it to national chains.
(3)
Ashley B.
Went to Vanelli's for the first time today. The cashier was very nice and immediately noticed it was our first time. She recommended the meat ball sub which my husband ordered. I went with the #2 sub under Italian subs. We found a seat and immediately noticed that it felt like we were sitting in someone's home. Every person that walked in appeared to be a regular and knew everyone around. We got our sandwiches and they were amazing!! The bread, meatballs, and Italian dressing were delicious. I will definitely be coming here again and will hopefully make "regular" status.
(5)
J C.
It's nice to go somewhere that is not a chain. You get more personal service and you know they care. The sandwiches are good but take a bit longer than a traditional sub shop Thanx! Just be prepared. I can highly recommend take out here.
(4)
Wayne R.
I would like to give this a 4 star, but the value is not there. I ordered the Saturday-Only beef-brisket sandwich. I was a little disappointed that it only came with cheese, but I guess I should've asked beforehand. For $10, I expected to have more than what I had. The workers are polite and friendly.
(3)
Heath G.
Good neighborhood sandwich shop in Germantown, TN...I go here probably once a month and have really never been disappointed. I would highly recommend the tuna salad salad....yes over a bed of romaine lettuce not on the bread. Also below are a few other things that make this family owned restaurant worth the visit. 1. The smoked brisket sandwich with homemade mayonnaise ( this is an absolute must and my favorite!) I believe only served on Saturdays 2. Spicy slaw is awesome 3. Pimento and cheese ...some of the best Try this place out it is great....do not expect fast service. This is a very mom and pop establishment and they like to talk to you while they make your food.
(3)
Gary D.
I've eaten there once. Food was good enough, but not memorable and it did not draw me back.
(3)
Sharon G.
This place is just awful. Please don't waste your time. I stopped to get a chef salad and almost walked out after I saw the unfriendly girl making my salad. She used her bare hands which she was opening microwave doors, refrigerator door. Yuck. Picking up the food with her bare hands. Gross. Salad was nasty. Never said anything to me only I owed 7.16. Had to ask for crackers. Bad place.
(1)
Wayne H.
This is the best deli in Memphis hands down. You simply cannot get a better Italian sandwich anywhere in the area, and i've had em all in Memphis and up and down the east coast. This place is on par with any good deli in the NYC area. They have high quality meats cut just right with fresh slices of high quality cheese. The freshly made Italian mayo and the Italian dressing are really what make the sandwiches taste great. I love Lenny's, but Vanelli's is definitely the better choice..
(5)
Dan S.
Great food, owners interact with you. You will feel at home and leave with a desire to come back.
(5)
Kerry C.
I had a hot sausage sandwich in a bowl instead of on bread. All of Vanelli's hot sandwiches can be served in a bowl, but be warned - you're pretty much ordering a big bowl of meat. Whatever - my big bowl of meat was awesome. The spicy sausage chunks came covered in marinara sauce. I had a few bites of John's Italian Spinach, which was superb - not too cheesy or mushy (so often, Italian spinach seems so far removed from being a vegetable, and I loved that that wasn't the case). Vanelli's is family owned, and chances are, if you've eaten there more than once, they probably know your family. But it's not often that you find a place where the people remember your name and what you like to eat. The familiarity wasn't limited to us - everyone in the restaurant seemed to know at least one other person there. The space is super casual (I'm pretty sure half of the tables are actually lawn furniture), and the food is fairly inexpensive, with huge half-sandwiches running about $8.
(4)
Reid R.
Good food, friendly owners, what more could you ask for?
(4)
Trey J.
Vanellis Deli is hands down the best place to eat in Memphis. Everything I've tried on the menu has been outstanding. The staff is friendly and the price is right. I introduce friends to this place all the time and they all have become regulars on Saturday. If you come on a Saturday get the brisket sandwich!
(5)
Drew A.
Vanelli's is hands down my favorite deli in town. Their Ami sandwich is my favorite with their homemade garlic mayo. On Saturdays, I will drive however far away I am in to have their Beef Brisket Sandwich. Yes, its that good!!
(5)
Shu J.
This afternoon I was out in Germantown and had to urgently find a place with wifi. I stopped in to Vanelli's for about 20 minutes. The wifi was fast. The deli itself was very bare-bones, though. It seems like a basic family operation, with a big kitchen, and several cafe style tables & chairs. No decor or fancy anything. But that's okay. For $8 I was able to get a bowl of tuna salad and pimento cheese respectively, on beds of lettuce + tomato. Tuna salad was the winner. Also, the owner is an adorable goofball who came up to me, looked at my computer, asked me what I was doing, and said that I better not be looking at any nasty sites. LOL.
(4)
Daniel M.
A salted cured meat lovers dream.
(4)
Jolene B.
My family and I have been patrons of this delightful family -owned deli since it's opening. The food is honest, southern US Italian that is homey, comforting, and satisfying. Charles makes a point of welcoming everyone and soon learns the names of his regulars. Try their Italian sausage, it's the best!
(5)
Gary P.
Close to the office for lunch but a very small place. There is not much seating and the line to place your order winds through the restaurant.. My sandwich was good but not great. If you go here for lunch go early or late.
(3)
Misty R.
I stopped in here for lunch last week and had the Italian's chef salad which was filled with smoked turkey, salami,tomatos and cheese. The dressing was great- homemade Italian. The salad would have been a little better with homemade croutons but the salami in the salad was great. Next time I want to try the Italian Bologna with Chow-Chow and some of the take home ravioli. This is a nice neighborhood, family owned deli in the heart of Germantown. It was busy at lunch time and you could tell that the people who were there must frequent it often as the owners seemed to know them.
(3)
Ashley M.
Vanelli's Deli is definitely a place to go, and often. They treat you like family and the food is ALWAYS good. We have NEVER ever had a bad meal there and around the holidays, place an order for homemade ravioli, it is the best. If you are in Germantown and need some lunch, Vanelli's Deli it is.
(5)
Will S.
Great, authentic deli. Friendly staff. The portion size and quality do not disappoint. Highly recommended and wish it were better known!
(5)
Chris M.
I would really give then 3.5 stars. Super nice folks working the counter and they have really good sammys and sides. You will get good food if you stop in. Brisket on Saturdays is great.
(3)
Daniel S.
Very good authentic Italian cold cut sandwichs. Always friendly when in there. Family run, super nice people. Can not talk on the pasta dishes but honestly why try them when you know the cold cuts are that good.
(5)
Will M.
Great neighborhood deli. Love the beef brisket, the pasta and the cold cut sandwiches.
(5)
Brian K.
I love this place. Great tasting sandwiches and very friendly people. I stopped in once for lunch last week and had to go back the next day too. The roast beef is the best tasting, most tender roast beef I have ever had in my life. Definitely worth a visit!
(5)
C S.
The few times I've been to Vanelli's Deli I've never come away thinking that I should come back. It's not that it's bad, it's just that it so-so. I usually get a hot pasta dish and have never been over joyed with my choice. I understand that much of their food is hand made but that doesn't help me like it any better. I've never tried anything out of their deli case and maybe that's the key. I'll give that a try next time I'm there. Vanelli's Deli is a nice neighborhood eatery where it seems everyone inside knows one another. It would be interesting to see what they could do if they opened a full service restaurant. I'll keep trying Vanelli's Deli to see if it's me or them that's missing something. I'm interested in reading what others have to say about this restaurant.
(2)
Mark S.
Try the chicken salad. Maybe the best in town. The same is true about their spinach. Hard to beat. The guys there are always super nice too.
(4)
Sheryl B.
We had a meatball sandwich and a sausage sandwich. Both were very good....would go back and order each again.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Jennifer C.
I ate there 2 to 3 times a week. Not only is the meatball sandwich the best in Memphis, there are chocolate chip cookies are homemade and delicious!! It's a big old fantastic place in Germantown!
(5)Jenn S.
I'm always amazed by reviews of others. This is a family owned business, not a subway. They have better quality of meat, cheeses, bread, and make from scratch the majority of items on the menu. I would much rather put my dollars into a local buisness than with the stereotypical chain. If you want a deli that pops open a jar of mayo, can of chicken, store bought dressings - then this place is not for you. If you want a deli that hand rolls meatballs daily; makes their own italian sausage; makes the mayo (with several flavors)/italian dressing/honey mustard from scratch; bakes a whole chicken for the chicken salad with homemade mayo; the pimento cheese is from scratch as well; they also smoke their own pastrami- then this IS the place for you. The sauces/gravy for the pasta is their family recipe. Saturday special is their own smoked brisket. The meats and cheeses are not what you purchase at your local Kroger or Subway, in fact they are better quality. Great family atmosphere, great service, go here often!
(5)Don C.
Grabbed lunch to go. Had a Muffuletta, salad and chips. The salad was fresh and good. The Muffuletta was cold and greasy. I think if it had been heated, it could have been decent but it was not as good as one made at home - just layer of mediocre cold cuts, cheese with olive spread. The restaurant seemed clean and I saw the sandwich maker washing his hands before making my sandwich. Note: the cashier was wearing gloves and was handling money (she said she was new) - I did not see her touching food but gloves on a person handling money is always scary for me.
(3)Christan H.
I was in the area and found this place tucked into a small shopping center. Since there isn't a lot of local options around this location, going here was a no-brainer. As soon as I walked in, I could definitely tell this is a family business. Some of the workers were hugging and greeting guests like they've known them their whole lives. Awesome to see things like that. The only thing that disappointed me was that they ran out of brisket... :( they only serve it on Saturdays. I had the hot pastrami sandwich and it was very good. Definitely worth another try.. Maybe earlier for lunch next time. :)
(4)Robin B.
Intimate little mom and pop meets sandwich shop, this Italian-ish little gem sits in the heart of Germantown's retail and service intersection of Exeter Road and Farmington. I have eaten here twice and been greeted with great big friendly service, sometimes a little joke or two. These guys give back what you bring in, and in spades. The meatball sub was generously meaty and sloppy, and smelled up the whole room (in an enticing way). I could tell everyone at my kid's karate class was hungry by the stares I got. The Italian salad with chicken was very flavor neutral and the house dressing is not too creamy, not too oily, not too tangy, not too salty. It just makes the lettuce go down easier, you know? The ice and drink machine touts "the best ice" in town for only $1.50 a bag, and truly- it is. Bring the Yeti and stock up on that soft, chewy pellet ice for your next party's cocktails. The next time you don't feel like cooking, let these guys do it, and grab a fresh-made sandwich with fresh-made bread, in-house dressings, and all of it made with love.
(4)M F.
My husband and I went here based on all the good reviews. We had flown into Memphis and had a drive ahead of us. We stopped here to eat before heading out. Our food was not very good at all. Someone on here recommended the "Ultimate Ham" sandwich. It was lacking pickles and they used American cheese - ugh. Should have been cheddar or some other real cheese. The bread was good. My brisket sandwich had brisket that tasted like it was smothered in bar-b-q sauce from a bottle. I guess I'm just spoiled by the excellent brisket we have in Texas. No one here would ever used bar b q sauce. Simple salt and pepper and mesquite wood smoke. I would make sure to never return here.
(2)Ayla H.
Sub was good and fresh ... A little over priced for me . service was good as well people were very friendly .
(3)Tom G.
Interesting place is the best way to describe Vanelli's. Got a few things to go - pimento cheese, large hoagie. The hoagie was exceptional. Not so much on the pimento cheese which was actually bland. Eager to come back to get some of their pasta items to go.
(4)Joy F.
Love this place! Straight forward Italian deli-type food. Both of our sandwiches were good, but the real star was the bread! I'm not sure if they use a bakery or make it in house, but my husband and I both got the wheat bread and was pleasantly surprised. Usually wheat bread can be tough, but this was so tender and delicious! I didn't even feel like I was missing out by not eating the traditional white bread. I wish there was more options for hot sandwiches though. That would really set this deli apart! Overall, good experience and great food.
(4)Cris W.
The meatball sandwich was great. The Ami and the Canale-ham was just average. $36 for 3 people. Nice people tho. Very friendly and courteous. Family business if you're into keeping money local instead of giving it to national chains.
(3)Ashley B.
Went to Vanelli's for the first time today. The cashier was very nice and immediately noticed it was our first time. She recommended the meat ball sub which my husband ordered. I went with the #2 sub under Italian subs. We found a seat and immediately noticed that it felt like we were sitting in someone's home. Every person that walked in appeared to be a regular and knew everyone around. We got our sandwiches and they were amazing!! The bread, meatballs, and Italian dressing were delicious. I will definitely be coming here again and will hopefully make "regular" status.
(5)J C.
It's nice to go somewhere that is not a chain. You get more personal service and you know they care. The sandwiches are good but take a bit longer than a traditional sub shop Thanx! Just be prepared. I can highly recommend take out here.
(4)Wayne R.
I would like to give this a 4 star, but the value is not there. I ordered the Saturday-Only beef-brisket sandwich. I was a little disappointed that it only came with cheese, but I guess I should've asked beforehand. For $10, I expected to have more than what I had. The workers are polite and friendly.
(3)Heath G.
Good neighborhood sandwich shop in Germantown, TN...I go here probably once a month and have really never been disappointed. I would highly recommend the tuna salad salad....yes over a bed of romaine lettuce not on the bread. Also below are a few other things that make this family owned restaurant worth the visit. 1. The smoked brisket sandwich with homemade mayonnaise ( this is an absolute must and my favorite!) I believe only served on Saturdays 2. Spicy slaw is awesome 3. Pimento and cheese ...some of the best Try this place out it is great....do not expect fast service. This is a very mom and pop establishment and they like to talk to you while they make your food.
(3)Gary D.
I've eaten there once. Food was good enough, but not memorable and it did not draw me back.
(3)Sharon G.
This place is just awful. Please don't waste your time. I stopped to get a chef salad and almost walked out after I saw the unfriendly girl making my salad. She used her bare hands which she was opening microwave doors, refrigerator door. Yuck. Picking up the food with her bare hands. Gross. Salad was nasty. Never said anything to me only I owed 7.16. Had to ask for crackers. Bad place.
(1)Wayne H.
This is the best deli in Memphis hands down. You simply cannot get a better Italian sandwich anywhere in the area, and i've had em all in Memphis and up and down the east coast. This place is on par with any good deli in the NYC area. They have high quality meats cut just right with fresh slices of high quality cheese. The freshly made Italian mayo and the Italian dressing are really what make the sandwiches taste great. I love Lenny's, but Vanelli's is definitely the better choice..
(5)Dan S.
Great food, owners interact with you. You will feel at home and leave with a desire to come back.
(5)Kerry C.
I had a hot sausage sandwich in a bowl instead of on bread. All of Vanelli's hot sandwiches can be served in a bowl, but be warned - you're pretty much ordering a big bowl of meat. Whatever - my big bowl of meat was awesome. The spicy sausage chunks came covered in marinara sauce. I had a few bites of John's Italian Spinach, which was superb - not too cheesy or mushy (so often, Italian spinach seems so far removed from being a vegetable, and I loved that that wasn't the case). Vanelli's is family owned, and chances are, if you've eaten there more than once, they probably know your family. But it's not often that you find a place where the people remember your name and what you like to eat. The familiarity wasn't limited to us - everyone in the restaurant seemed to know at least one other person there. The space is super casual (I'm pretty sure half of the tables are actually lawn furniture), and the food is fairly inexpensive, with huge half-sandwiches running about $8.
(4)Reid R.
Good food, friendly owners, what more could you ask for?
(4)Trey J.
Vanellis Deli is hands down the best place to eat in Memphis. Everything I've tried on the menu has been outstanding. The staff is friendly and the price is right. I introduce friends to this place all the time and they all have become regulars on Saturday. If you come on a Saturday get the brisket sandwich!
(5)Drew A.
Vanelli's is hands down my favorite deli in town. Their Ami sandwich is my favorite with their homemade garlic mayo. On Saturdays, I will drive however far away I am in to have their Beef Brisket Sandwich. Yes, its that good!!
(5)Shu J.
This afternoon I was out in Germantown and had to urgently find a place with wifi. I stopped in to Vanelli's for about 20 minutes. The wifi was fast. The deli itself was very bare-bones, though. It seems like a basic family operation, with a big kitchen, and several cafe style tables & chairs. No decor or fancy anything. But that's okay. For $8 I was able to get a bowl of tuna salad and pimento cheese respectively, on beds of lettuce + tomato. Tuna salad was the winner. Also, the owner is an adorable goofball who came up to me, looked at my computer, asked me what I was doing, and said that I better not be looking at any nasty sites. LOL.
(4)Daniel M.
A salted cured meat lovers dream.
(4)Jolene B.
My family and I have been patrons of this delightful family -owned deli since it's opening. The food is honest, southern US Italian that is homey, comforting, and satisfying. Charles makes a point of welcoming everyone and soon learns the names of his regulars. Try their Italian sausage, it's the best!
(5)Gary P.
Close to the office for lunch but a very small place. There is not much seating and the line to place your order winds through the restaurant.. My sandwich was good but not great. If you go here for lunch go early or late.
(3)Misty R.
I stopped in here for lunch last week and had the Italian's chef salad which was filled with smoked turkey, salami,tomatos and cheese. The dressing was great- homemade Italian. The salad would have been a little better with homemade croutons but the salami in the salad was great. Next time I want to try the Italian Bologna with Chow-Chow and some of the take home ravioli. This is a nice neighborhood, family owned deli in the heart of Germantown. It was busy at lunch time and you could tell that the people who were there must frequent it often as the owners seemed to know them.
(3)Ashley M.
Vanelli's Deli is definitely a place to go, and often. They treat you like family and the food is ALWAYS good. We have NEVER ever had a bad meal there and around the holidays, place an order for homemade ravioli, it is the best. If you are in Germantown and need some lunch, Vanelli's Deli it is.
(5)Will S.
Great, authentic deli. Friendly staff. The portion size and quality do not disappoint. Highly recommended and wish it were better known!
(5)Chris M.
I would really give then 3.5 stars. Super nice folks working the counter and they have really good sammys and sides. You will get good food if you stop in. Brisket on Saturdays is great.
(3)Daniel S.
Very good authentic Italian cold cut sandwichs. Always friendly when in there. Family run, super nice people. Can not talk on the pasta dishes but honestly why try them when you know the cold cuts are that good.
(5)Will M.
Great neighborhood deli. Love the beef brisket, the pasta and the cold cut sandwiches.
(5)Brian K.
I love this place. Great tasting sandwiches and very friendly people. I stopped in once for lunch last week and had to go back the next day too. The roast beef is the best tasting, most tender roast beef I have ever had in my life. Definitely worth a visit!
(5)C S.
The few times I've been to Vanelli's Deli I've never come away thinking that I should come back. It's not that it's bad, it's just that it so-so. I usually get a hot pasta dish and have never been over joyed with my choice. I understand that much of their food is hand made but that doesn't help me like it any better. I've never tried anything out of their deli case and maybe that's the key. I'll give that a try next time I'm there. Vanelli's Deli is a nice neighborhood eatery where it seems everyone inside knows one another. It would be interesting to see what they could do if they opened a full service restaurant. I'll keep trying Vanelli's Deli to see if it's me or them that's missing something. I'm interested in reading what others have to say about this restaurant.
(2)Mark S.
Try the chicken salad. Maybe the best in town. The same is true about their spinach. Hard to beat. The guys there are always super nice too.
(4)Sheryl B.
We had a meatball sandwich and a sausage sandwich. Both were very good....would go back and order each again.
(4)