The Bronx Experience in Shelton If you want the soul of Arthur Avenue without the trip to New York, Gaetano's Deli in Shelton is the undisputed heavyweight champion. Founders Guy and Milanno actually got their start on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx back in 1990, and they've successfully transplanted that high-energy, authentic Italian spirit right into Fairfield County. The Foundation: Arthur Avenue Bread The bread at Gaetano's is legendary. They source it directly from the Bronx, ensuring that every sandwich starts with a foundation of beautiful, crusty sesame seed bread. * The Texture: It has that signature "snap" on the outside while remaining airy and soft on the inside. * The Flavor: The toasted sesame seeds add a nutty depth that complements the salty Italian meats and tangy vinegars perfectly. The Gold Standard Chicken Cutlets Many places claim to have good cutlets, but Gaetano's cooks theirs to absolute perfection. * The "Kovac's Special": Often cited as their flagship sandwich, it features a chicken cutlet so tender and well-seasoned it stands out even when paired with heavy hitters like prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, and broccoli rabe. * Crispy & Light: The breading is never greasy; it's thin, golden, and provides the perfect crunch in every bite. Unbeatable Value and Atmosphere Despite the premium quality and the "Bronx-to-CT" logistics, the value here is incredible. You can find several of their least expensive--yet still massive--sandwiches (like the John Wayne or various parmigiana rolls) starting around $11.50 to $14.00, with many hearty heroes hovering right at that $15.00 mark. The service team is a well-oiled machine. They are fast, friendly, and carry that classic deli "swagger" that makes the atmosphere feel alive. It's loud, it's bustling, and it's unapologetically Italian. read more

I imagine this place is absolutely slammed on weekday lunch. We went in mid afternoon on a Saturday so the wait wasn't too bad. I went for the kovac special...a hero loaded with chicken cutlet, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, prosciutto, and sautéed broccoli rabe. I added balsamic and it really set it off. All of their food is fresh and the bread is unreal. I believe they get it daily from Arthur Ave. My wife got the Stratford & main which was just chicken cutlet, fresh mozzarella, balsamic and roasted peppers. Only nitpick was that we felt a little rushed to order, and maybe we would have gotten something different but you really can't go wrong with anything at this place. The shop is loaded with various Italian imported foods, but didn't see any tables to sit and eat inside, so be sure to grab & go. Highly recommend. read more

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I've been looking for a reason to visit Gaetano's for over two years. I live far north, but have studied their website and social media posts. Today was the day. Simply Amazing! I'm a North Jersey transplant, my experience brought me right back to when Italian Delis ruled the food world. From the hanging cheeses and salamis, to the fantastic service, this is the real deal. It feels exactly like you would script a real deli in a movie - only it's real. I ordered a small Bravo Milano and Bronx Bomber to try. I also tried their house made coleslaw. Amazingly good. And I am a slaw addict. Spectacular. Food: Amazing Atmosphere: Perfect Service: Makes the wait on their well-earned line worth it. A must go. And a must go out of your way to go. Only notes: This was my first time ordering, so I kept all exactly as on their menu. I will add some vinegar or balsamic glaze to my sandwiches next time for the acidity to accentuate the ample meat. read more

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Once you step into Gaetano's, you'll be enveloped in the authentic charm of Arthur Avenue. This deli is a treasure of authentic Italian delights, offering a wide array of delectable treats. Addeo's Bakery in Little Italy, New York, supplies their bread and rolls, and let me tell you, they are simply divine. I ordered a Chicken Parmesan sub. It was huge, and packed with thin cut, tender chicken cutlets.The sub roll was toasted to perfection and was the best I've ever had. My wife opted for the hot dish eggplant with vodka sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and fresh pesto. It was absolutely delicious. During lunchtime, the line might be long, but the staff is incredibly efficient and ensures that the line moves swiftly. They are also incredibly friendly and helpful. While there's no indoor seating, there are a few tables outside where you can enjoy your meal. I highly recommend Gaetano's and will definitely be returning for more of their amazing delights. read more

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This place is the bomb. I'm a snob with deli sandwiches being from NY and this place passes the test. High quality Italian American sandwiches and service with a smile. Gaetano's really needs no praise because there's usually a line out the door but here I am giving my 10 cents. read more

My sandwich was awesome! There was quite the line at 12:00 on a Saturday, but it moved quickly with 5-6 sandwich makers doing their thing. Nice selection of Italian Specialties in a clean, bright space. Next time I'm getting the Kovac Special. People in front of me and behind me ordered them and it sounds like a real winner! read more

This place is probably the best hoagie in lower Fairfield county. If I lived closer I would visit this place far more often. Try it out, you won't regret it! Service is great as well, the little shop is cute on the inside. read more

Great great sandwiches, super easy and quick service. Everyone working was super attentive and asks multiple times if we needed anything. The sandwiches are huge, highly recommend!!! read more

Gaetano’s Deli - Kovacs Special Hero - Delis Near Me - Shelton, Connecticut

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my go to are the the vodka bomb or the baadda bing chicken on a sub with cheese, great environment and polite employees will keep going

Haven't had a sandwich here in years, stopped in on Xmas Eve and it's still superior! The Kovacs is amazing! Fresh chicken cutlet and mozzarella! The customer service is also top notch! They were doing TONS of catering/take out orders for the holidays too. Loads of staff working to make sure everything ran smoothly! Highly recommend!! read more

We ordered a 1/2 tray of buffalo chicken and 1 order of broccoli rabe bread yesterday. The bread was burnt. The Buffalo chicken very disappointed. It was breaded chicken pieces with some buffalo sauce no bleu cheese sauce. We tasted this tray at a party earlier this summer and loved it. What we got Saturday was not the same. Would like a refund. Does not look appetizing. read more

Gaetano’s Deli - Delis Near Me - Shelton, Connecticut

Ordered a tray of chicken piccata....very disappointing!! I could have made a better tray. Chicken piccata is floured chicken with lemon sauce and capers. The chicken was on a bright yellow sauce that tasted nothing like a lemon sauce. Their sandwiches might be good, but don't waste your money on trays of food. The chicken piccata, if that is what they want to call it, was nasty! Don't waste your money! read more

Everything is always good! The sandwiches were works of art! Also my guy is handing me the deli meat to sample as he's slicing, god bless his heart. Anyone I know from out of state makes sure they get their authentic deli fix at gaetanos when they visit. read more

Gaetano’s Deli - This is the big guys combo hero size and added broccoli rabe and roasted red peppers. - Delis Near Me - Shelton, Connecticut

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On August 1 I called to place an order for 4 grinders. The women who answered the call told me they were too busy doing catering orders to take orders over the phone. She told me to come in and place the order. she said they were not busy right now. The place is too small to handle the orders. Wait times are too long. They also charge a lot. The sandwiches are good but I will be ordering from the Pickle Barrel or Dell Sole. Their sandwiches cost less and are very good. They also have enough staff to handle Catering. read more

I'm now hooked at Gaetano's Deli. They got it all between your typical hot and cold sandwiches to their famous named master pieces like their Kovac Special. The place has plenty of parking in the strip mall . It's been 2 months since my first visit and we stop by weekly for their HERO (grinder). I like to watch as my meal is being prepared. From the fresh slices of prosciutto to the fresh mozzarella cheeses to the wonderful tender broccoli rabe. The HERO is stacked and packed. read more

Even if the sandwiches were not so fantastic - the service here gets five stars. The people behind the counter are friendly and welcoming and the service is quick. The bread is delicious and fresh as are all ingredients. My one wish is this- avocado is a great sandwich topping that they don't offer. If they did they would be perfect. It does get busy so leave yourself plenty of time! read more

First time here! Wanted something quick and heard good things about here. I ordered a turkey wrap with hot peppers and lettuce. Nothing crazy but it was delicious! I love that they have pre-made foods. Will definitely be back to try other things! read more

Gaetano’s Deli - Turkey wrap - Delis Near Me - Shelton, Connecticut

I love Gaetanos, but the one in Shelton, unfortunately doesn't hit the same mark as the one in Westport. I've ordered there a couple times, and the last time I did I got the eggplant parmesan dish. The one in Westport is absolute perfection. I've never had eggplant Parmesan that good. Unfortunately the one in Shelton is sliced so thin it tastes like you're eating fried bread crumbs in gravy. You barely get any eggplant. read more

Gaetano’s Deli - Delis Near Me - Shelton, Connecticut

For 2022, I have a Mental List of CT places that I love that I've never reviewed on Yelp. There are quite a few because of the Pandemic and when I started actively reviewing on Yelp. I crossed off Number 2 of 2022 today -- Gaetano's Deli. Gaetano's is a Bronx Arthur Avenue Style Deli with three locations in CT last I checked. I live closer to the Stratford location and prior to today, that is the only Gaetano's I had visited. Since I was in the Derby area, I visited the Shelton location. Same great selection, atmosphere and service. And on the plus side, it was a little roomier. Gaetano's is my favorite deli in CT, and if you looked, you would find some Best Of Lists to posit that as well. They have amazing grinders. And since they are a full service Italian deli, you can actually buy all of the component parts of your fav grinders. That worked well for me today, because I live an hour away and I didn't want the bread to become saturated before I could eat a grinder. My purchases included capicola, soppressata, salami, turkey, roasted tomatoes, broccoli rabe, roasted mushrooms, provolone and three sesame grinder rolls. I combined some of these ingredients to create an Italian Grinder, and I sprinkled my grinder with some Tapas Greek Salad dressing to approximate the oil, vinegar and seasoning that Gaetano's would have used. It was great! My other purchases included cannoli, Arborio rice, Buffalo chicken salad, tomato mozzarella salad and Chicken Francaise. For an Italian deli rather than a sit down restaurant or Italian Bakery, these items were all well executed. Chicken Parm lovers, I've seen Gaetano's up there on Best CT Chicken Parm Grinder lists. I've had it on prior visits and it's very good. If you've ever wanted to be on Arthur Avenue, but didn't want to travel there, Gaetano's is really pretty close in my experience. While I've never actually been to Arthur Avenue, I've been to numerous family dinners with antipasto and bread from Arthur Ave, and I wouldn't be able to blindfold taste-test the difference. I'm very happy that I had the chance to re-connect with Gaetano's. Five Stars read more

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Sandwhiches are amazing. Love their bread & voldka sauce. Service is fabulous. Absolutely love this place!

I have been here many times. They have great sandwiches and hot food every day. Everything is sliced fresh or prepared that day and made or assembled in front of you by there large staff of deli experts. It is as Italian as you can get and everything is delicious. My favorite go to is the Kovac's Special. I chicken cutlet sandwich with fresh mozzarella, prosciutto , roasted red peppers, sautéed broccoli rabe and some balsamic vinegar. My only wish is if they had indoor seating. I highly recommend you try this one if you are in the area looking for a sandwich or I nice hot Italian meal. read more

You can't find an Italian deli like this in Colorado Springs! Hands down THE best sandwiches I've had. Everytime we visit CT, my family brings us to get some to bring home. Awesome staff, great service, and great quality fresh food. The Buffalo chicken is bomb, the smoked mozz is to die for, the sopressata is delicious. My favorite Sammie is the Kovacs but you can't go wrong with any of the other ones as well. read more

Gaetano’s Deli - Delis Near Me - Shelton, Connecticut

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Incredible service, skill, and food. If you're spending money elsewhere, it's your choice. Literally one of the best cold Italian hoagie /sub / grinder I have had in my life, 10/10. I wish we had a place like it in Indiana. read more

I just about always get the Kovacs. And it's almost always a honking giant sandwich! I don't always make it through the whole thing and I find it holds up just fine to eat later. This is one of my favorite Deli's around, which is easy as there really aren't that many good ones around. The rice ball is also another favorite. I look forward to planning an event just so I can cater a sandwich platter. read more

Gaetano’s Deli - Kovacs - Delis Near Me - Shelton, Connecticut

One of the best around! This is a deli that shames other delis! No garbage fake subs here! You can tell it's a different caliper once you walk in and see cured meats hanging from the ceiling. Gives off the great vibes of the other location in Stratford and delivers the goods! Lines may form during the busy lunch hour but they are able to quickly get through the queue. Try them all! My favorite has been the Kovac and I add hot peppers to it. read more

Very disappointed lately. One of my favorite places and usually their prepared food is awesome. Lately the food from has been ice cold. My last order my meat balls tasted horrible. Under the sauce they were burnt. I would have given them zero stars except of they are usually the best. The store is large and clean and the staff is friendly. I hope to hear its better but I wont be back for a while. read more

Great sandwich just I had to heat it up at home. I got a grilled chicken sandwich and it was delightful just cold

A relative bought a half of your Easter pie to share a piece with me. It was the worst one I ever had! There were no eggs in it at all and the cheese just melted in hunks! Absolutely disgusting! I don't know who actually made it but I know I would never buy that from you again! Stick with the sandwiches. read more

A big truck of a sandwich for a decent price and I was able to even save half for a late night snack. Great service too.

not sure what's going on with this "deli" if you can even call it that. they don't have hard rolls/portuguese rolls? no sliced chicken breast (deli meat)? I asked for my sandwiches on a Portuguese roll. the guy didn't tell me he didn't have hard rolls until he was already done making the first sandwich in which he made in what appears to be a large dinner roll! why not tell me you don't have Portuguese rolls before hand and tell me what kind of bread you have. now im eating an overstuffed sandwich on a tiny ass roll. read more

Gaetano’s Deli - Delis Near Me - Shelton, Connecticut

Not only is every item in this place absolutely incredible every staff member was so nice, they let us try the buffalo chicken and Thai chili chicken, they made us fresh mozzarella and sun dried tomatoes with a balsamic glaze on fresh bread. Their mozzarella is absolutely insane. 10/10 mustard come here if you're in the area. I'm from port jeff but would get on a ferry just to come back read more

A huge selection of great sandwiches on amazing bread. We often get their hero sandwiches to serve for lunch when we have guests. Never disappoints. read more

Best Italian deli and sandwiches in fairfield county. The fellas are awesome to chat with and make great food. Love this spot! read more

Frankie Soprano says "fuggetabout" Gaetanos- they prepare his sandwich with old stale chicken. Take a look at this photo of old, thin, almost translucent grilled chicken edges. Now imagine biting into a rock strapped to leather smothered in pesto. There is no way that the chef assembling this sandwich didn't notice the meat was old and stale. Or if they choose to argue my assessment of freshness, it was undeniably inedible whatever the cause and had to be discarded. Unfortunately I had little recourse as this was a takeout lunch, and I am at work. (You know what Joe Pesci says happens at the drive through...). Gaetanos used to be one of the few quality Italian delis around. Now they have lost my business AND that of all my Shelton officemates. My health and my $12 are worth more than continuing to support an establishment that serves obvious stale food. Employees are unapproachable at the store, so hopefully this post is valued by them as constructive criticism and by fellow patrons as a warning. read more

This is go to whenever I want a fantastic sandwich/sub. It's busy so be prepared to wait if you are going at a core time. (Trust me - it's worth it) Options are plentiful and the bread is the best you can get in the area. If you like spicy ask to add hot peppers to your sandwich. They are delicious and put the sandwich to the next level of delicious. read more

Fantastic! Love their roast beef, grinders and all selections that are homemade! A must to try!

This is a terrible place to get a sandwich They boast bread from Arthur ave in the Bronx. They don't tell you it could be a week old. The sandwiches also have very little meat and just a lot of filler. Also extremely overpriced. Very disappointing read more

I had a bad experience today with picking up sandwiches for an office lunch. Apparently I ordered my cutlet sandwiches improperly and out of order. An employee threw his hands up and yelled when I asked for a second chicken cutlet sandwich after ordering a different sandwich. Now we will be looking for another lunch spot. Too bad because the food is incredible. read more

This is a review for the Stratford location. Truly one of the best grinders around. Their Michael Angelo grinder is unforgettable. Your first bite in makes everything around you go away and all you can think of is how amazing this sandwich is. Gorgeous bread. The perfect ratio of ingredients. Super generous amounts of prosciutto and fresh mozzarella. The roasted red peppers are the perfect element to add moisture and a slightly sweet tangy finish. Made to order, the guys behind the counter are efficient. I can only speak for this sandwich as I never order anything else because the Michael Angelo is perfection and why mess with anything else. However the glass cases are filled with amazing looking food like arancini, roasted artichokes, pastas, stuffed, rolled roasted items and more. I really should try more but I am always single minded fixated on my Michael Angelo mission. read more

Ordered a half tray of meat lasagna and boy was I disappointed. So small it only fed three people. Not worth $60.