Chiaramonte's Deli & Sausages

Old world charm. Great sandwiches at great prices!!

Food: 4

Service: 5

I am the 5th generation of my family living in San Jose, and this was my first visit. Upon talking to the gentleman at the register, I found out that they are the oldest family deli to open in San Jose. Founded over 100 years ago! So cool. I was hoping for a prosciutto sandwich for my boyfriend, because that is his favorite in the world, but unfortunately they were sold out. I got him a roast beef sandwich and I ordered turkey avocado. The man that who was helping me ended up being 5th generation family of the owners. He came out and told me that the turkey they had was the last of what they had, and didn't look very fresh, so he asked me if I wanted something else. (I REALLY appreciated his integrity and honesty.) I told him ham was fine, and that ended up being the same situation as the turkey. So I ended up getting Genoa Salami and swiss. (Glad I did. Best salami sandwich I've ever had.) I was there for about 30 minutes waiting because they had to switch the meat twice, and since they slice it fresh , it's understandable that it took a while. The only bad thing I can say is it was very hot and stuffy in the shop and I was very uncomfortable sitting there waiting because there were no fans on, but let me tell you, it was worth it. The sandwiches were absolutely delicious. They were so big my boyfriend and I barely finished half of our sandwiches and we were full. The sourdough rolls were super soft and really delicious. On top of that, he gave me one of my sandwiches free due to the inconvenience of the first three sandwiches I wanted not being available. I highly recommend this place in terms of customer service and quality. We definitely will be back when the prosciutto is back in stock, which he said would be sometime next week. I definitely want to go back to try the homemade sausages and meatballs, and raviolis as well! I also got the creamy strawberry Italian soda and it was so good ! I love the decor inside with all the black and white photos of the different generations of the store being open, and all of the newspaper articles about the deli on display. Definitely gives you an old world family feel. Highly recommend. The ONLY reason I voted four stars for atmosphere was because of the temperature inside. For most people it would probably be fine, but I have a health condition that makes me extremely sensitive to heat and it was uncomfortable for me. Definitely not something to prevent me from going back, though.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

best sanwhiches in the NSSJ

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Capocollo

Fantastic sandwiches, cold cuts and meats. Service is friendly.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This deli is truly old school, filled with character and rich in history. Stepping inside feels like stepping back in time, and you can sense the stories behind every corner. It’s the kind of place that, once it’s gone, can never be replaced, there simply won’t be anything else like it. That’s why it’s worth a visit while it’s still here. On top of all that, their sandwiches are genuinely delicious and remain my personal favorite.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I got to speak to Lou Sr and Jr yesterday and got to learn a great deal of history from Lou, Sr. Apparently, this deli was recognized by Michelin only a few years back and is one of the first Sicilian owned food services in the Bay as they opened up by Lou's grandfather in 1908. Once you come in, you will feel all the history behind it with original pictures from over the decades. All the sausage is made by hand and with none of the garbage you find in our foods today.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

No frills, soft and gooey vs crunchy and layered, an enjoyable meatball sub that is pillowy. Highly enjoyable for a kid, with a park and a playground steps away.

Meatball Sub - it is not a thing of beauty, as it shouldn’t be.

Place is full of history and a step back in time. Love that it is still around.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Old school Italian deli. Good Italian sausage sandwich.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Legit Italian deli with 117 year family history. We shared a meatball sandwich. Very tasty. Just popped by on our roadtrip down the coast.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Stopped by because it was the first thing to come up on Google, and I’m blown away at how amazing the sandwich tasted! I’m not a huge sandwich person but this was top tier. Must visit!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Authentic Italian sausage and ingredients.

Parking: There are only two spots out in front of the store. The rest of the spots are all street parking. It's worth the walk, for parking. 💯

Kid-friendliness: Not recommended for small children. Do to all of the amazing selection of cooking ingredients. Though there are treats for the little to grab and go.

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes, this is wheelchair accessible.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nice place, friendly staff, but this is a pathetic excuse for a sandwich. They nickel and dime to make your sandwich whole, and then this is what they give you for it.

Definitely old school. You should visit because once this place is gone there will never be anything like it.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Our Own Italian Sausage Sandwich, Our Own Sicilian Meatball Sandwich

First time here. The store has history. It the oldest family owned eatery in the area. Been here since 1908. They have indoor and outdoor seating, but it limited The Navel Pastrami sandwich was good. The bread was very soft and fresh made. Could’ve had a little more meat on it. They also sell Italian food products inside the store.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Classic Hot Pastrami

Great authentic italian sandwiches and deli!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Dry-Cured Italian Salami Sandwich