Lou Umberto's Italian Kitchen

We’ve enjoyed the food at Lou Umberto’s for years but the last few experiences there have made us decide today was the last time they will get our patronage. 4 arancini - no price listed in the store and was charged $24… $6 each?!?! 4 chicken wing pieces, 1 drumette and 3 flats, $6!!! Called this morning to ask specifically if it was possible to order a hot square pizza with cheese to be ready for 12:30pm. The gentleman that took the order checked with the folks in charge to make sure my request can be accommodated and was told it would be no problem. When I arrived I was given a cold pizza. I let them know they gave me the wrong order and I was told it was a simple miscommunication - the pizza is made the moment they take the order and besides that they can not cut the pizza when it is hot????!!!!!!! Ridiculous!!!!! Every other pizza maker on earth can cut a pizza when it is hot PLUS we have ordered hot pizzas in the past and received it hot and it was cut. Never going there again!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 1

We used Lou Umberto’s for catering a yard baby shower for about 30 people and ordered a wonderful variety of delicious food. It was delivered on time and everyone LOVED the food!

Food: 5

Service: 5

I bought an Italian and it was amazing 10/10 my husband had the meatball which was also phenomenal.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I recently tried this place at St. Mary's Feast and honestly it was really good pizza and I enjoyed it. However, tonight I decided to try it again since I enjoyed it a lot the last time. This time wasn't that great at all, the pizza this time tasted completely different and not that good at all. The pizza was dry and a bit rubbery, along with the sauce having a little bitter taste as well. I honestly won't be coming back here again for the pizza, maybe the other food but won't be for the pizza.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 2

I would give this place a zero star if I could. On Saturday July 5th I went to pick up a catering order which was supposed to be ready for 2 pm. Got there and they told me it wouldn’t be ready until 3pm. They ended up delivering it to me. The pizza was burnt. The bread was burnt we couldn’t even cut it. The meatballs were overcooked and dry. What catering place doesn’t supply butter, napkins, utensils etc. We will never ever order from them again.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

I used to ride the bus with Lou! My co workers were asking about Italian food and I pointed them here. 3 days in a row, they all love it. Keep up the great work!

Hidden gem

Online ordering has separate checkout for fast service. Food is fresh. It does get busy but that's how you know it's good!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had Lou Umberto’s cater my mom’s 60th and it was such a hit! Ordering from them was easy, the customer service is wonderful, and the food is to die for. All day everyone was asking me where I got the food and raving about this or that. I will definitely order from them again for future events and I have a feeling my family will be looking into them as well!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Really fantastic Italian specialties in a neighborhood loaded with options. Super casual atmosphere. Must visit if in Cranston/Providence.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Ordered in and twice they forgot to bring my food!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 2

BEST CATERING OPTION! They put together an amazing lunch for our employees, and everything was perfect. The meatballs are the best around, you won’t be disappointed. the staff is friendly and energetic, and the whole experience was flawless from start to finish.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is what italy is about. Its like stepping into little Italy

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Italian Grinder, Spicy Italian Pizza

Walking into Lou Umberto’s Italian Kitchen on a drizzly Saturday morning felt like being hugged by a giant red-checkered tablecloth 🇮🇹—in the best way possible. Before we could even order, Chef Roberto greeted us with a twinkle in his eye and a warm bowl of Pesto Risotto with Chicken and Red Pepper 🥣. Every Saturday from 11 to 1, he hosts a mini magic show of sorts, grabbing pantry staples off the shelves and transforming them into something that could make your Nonna weep with joy.

On this particular Saturday, it wasn’t just about the food—it was about family and community. My neighbor’s son just started working there 🧑‍🍳—his first job! 👏 We popped in not just for a bite but to show some love and support ❤️. And honestly, what a deliciously wholesome excuse to carb-load.

The risotto was creamy, rich, and packed with basil-y brilliance 🌿. Watching it come together felt like front-row seats to a cooking show you wish you could smell through the screen. Plus, Chef Roberto even printed out the recipe 📄 (with a minor but adorable typo—“pest” instead of “pesto”) for anyone brave enough to try recreating the dish at home.

We ordered the Italian Grander 🥖—a toasted sandwich stacked with prosciutto, tomato, and fresh basil, all swirled in a tangy balsamic drizzle. A work of art with a crunch! The Chicken Parm was classic comfort food perfection—crispy, saucy, cheesy, and soul-hugging 🍗🧀. My neighbor’s mystery order looked so tempting I nearly staged a fork heist (photo evidence attached 📸).

Between the warm vibes, community spirit, and risotto revelations, Lou Umberto’s is more than a deli—it’s a weekly Italian love story in three acts: food, family, and flavor 💫.

Final verdict: Come for the risotto, stay for the famiglia 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🍽️!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Italian Grinder

Best pizza in RI. Super thin slices, and great sauce. It takes them a little time to make your pizza but it’s worth the wait.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I’ve been there 3 times and the place is amazing. Great food and great atmosphere. Grinders are my favorite.

BUT, please, please, for the love of God, get rid of that “All Gender” bathroom sign. There are only 2 genders, MALE and FEMALE. Almost 80 percent of Italians in Italy identify as Catholic and I believe most would agree. I don’t have anything against people that think they are another gender, but there is no need for this sign as it is abnormal. The bathroom has one toilet and one sink, so it is for all of humanity.

Had to say this.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I enjoyed the BEST Italian Grinder that I've ever had in my life... and I've had plenty. All the veggies(the lettuce, onions, tomatoes, banana peppers) followed suit in th freshness. The oil & vinegar dressing was noticeably delicious with its own unique flavor. The meats and cheese literally went from the slicer to the sandwich. I had a "small" which is equivalent to a large elsewhere. VERY reasonable prices! This was the first time here of MANY more times to come in the future. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!