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Gioia's Deli
Categories: Restaurants Delis Restaurants Italian Delis, Italian [Edit]
1934 Macklind AveSaint Louis, MO 63110
Neighborhood: The Hill
(314) 776-9410
- Nearest Transit:
-
Macklind Ave @ Daggett Ave (14)
Macklind Ave @ Shaw Ave (14)
Macklind Ave @ Wilson Ave (14)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 4 pm
Sat 9 am - 3 pm
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
57 reviews for Gioia's Deli
Review Highlights
"They've got Billy Goat Chips, which are a perfect side to a..."
(in 3 reviews)
"So as for the best sandwich in St."
(in 4 reviews)
"...trio with melted provel on toasted garlic cheese bread."
(in 3 reviews)
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57 reviews in English
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Review from Liz G.
Saint Louis, MO
1/23/2012
Move over toasted ravioli, a Gioia's hot salami sandwich is St. Louis's true food superstar. The fresh Italian bread with the warm thick slices of salami is like nothing else. Of course you have to add in hot pepper cheese, onion, lettuce and mayo for the perfect sandwich. They have other sandwiches and I've been told the roast beef is good, but my lips have never known another sandwich at Gioia's other than the salami.
The ladies at the deli counter are always quick and friendly, even on a busy Saturday afternoon. It's small inside but there is some seating. They offer cookies, chips and bottles sodas to go along with your sandwich - the total package! If you've never been you're really missing out - give the salami a try.
I wish they were open later in the evenings or on Sunday's, but nothing's ever perfect. -
Review from William C.
Springfield, MO
11/15/2011
On this trip I had the Dagget, the special of the day. The peppers and onions were a wonderful compliment to the capicola and hot salami. The cheese was so gooey that it practically ran off of the sandwich. This was a real treat.
I visited on several occasions and tried several of the sandwiches on the menu. I have yet to find one I don't like. It is always a tough decision on what to order. -
Review from Ben O.
10/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
I got a hot roast beef here, and it was enormous. I was only able to put away maybe 2/3 of it, because it was absolutely piled high with roast beef. The bread was good and tasted even better the more beef juice it soaked up.
Next time I'm back here I'm definitely going to give the roast beef & salami a try.
Between the sandwiches and the big rack of Billy Goat chips, this is certainly not a place to go if you're looking to eat healthy. But if you're looking for a good treat every once in a while Gioia's is a solid choice. -
Review from Justin J.
Saint Louis, MO
2/8/2012
Great place to go for a hot salami sandwich. Personally I like the hot salami and hot roast beef. The sandwiches are huge, so bring your appetite
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Review from Ruby l.
Waxahachie, TX
12/12/2011
Talk about Italian comfort food - we had the famous hot salami italian sub and it was so good. It was like an italian meatloaf sandwich. The bread was light, the meat was piled high and the extras only added to the goodness.
My only wish is that the salami had a little more spicyness, but nothing was lost on goodness. True Italian "the hill" experience! -
Review from Kat V.
12/3/2011
Love this place! The roast beef sandwich was great! But, not with mayo. Dunno if it was the hormones, but mayo made the sandwich not taste good. The bread was fantastic! The roast beef itself was juicy & quite good. The Italian ice was a bit too tart for me. It was a huge helping of lemon ice. Yeah, not for me. Can't wait for the gelato.
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Review from Erika K.
8/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
My boyfriend and I were on our way out of town and wanted to pick up some sandwiches for the road. He suggested our usual, Blues City Deli, but I suggested we try somewhere new, Gioia's.
I ran into Gioia's at around 11:30 a.m. on a Friday and was immediately intimidated. They menu is big and you have about a million options (meat, bread, cheese, condiments, sauces....). You take a number and order at the counter. Everyone looked very busy and quite serious, I didn't think they would take too kindly to my unfamiliarity to the menu.
There was a group of maybe 5 people in front of me who said they were from Atlanta and always stop at Gioia's when they are in the area. That seemed like a pretty good sign to me.
After waiting a few minutes for my turn, I stepped up to counter and stated, "I have never been here before, what do you recommend?" I was completely surprised when the woman helping me offered me a sample and recommended her favorite sandwiches to me. All with a smile!
I ended up ordering almost exactly what she recommended, the hot salami with pepperjack, spicy mustard and pepperocinis on white and the NY Philly on wheat. The sandwiches were huge. I especially liked the hot salami, the salami was so juicy and the pepperjack got all melty. Yum. My boyfriend was not a big fan, but he liked the NY Philly.
While the sandwiches were great, the service is what is going to keep me coming back. Angel, the woman helping me was so kind and patient and really very funny.
They also have Billy Goat Chips, Dad's Cookies, and a wide variety of sodas and teas, which I am a big fan of. -
Review from Matt S.
Saint Louis, MO
9/9/2011
STOP THE PRESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have been on such a huge Mama Toscano kick lately that I have abandoned one of my favorite places. I came to Gioia's today to pick up a Hot Salami - consistently one of the best sandwiches in the city. As I walk up to the counter I see the special.
The Spicy Daggett - Gioia's Salami, Volpi Hot Coppa, Cappicola, Pepper Jack Cheese, Giardinara served on garlic cheese bread - $7.50
Oh my god. This thing was fantastic. There is a reason this place has been around for years - adding this sando puts it over-the-top. Awesome - just make sure you have something cold to drink, because it packs some heat. -
Review from Iffat B.
7/9/2011
Unfortunately, I don't eat pork and couldn't try the Salami sandwich they are famous for, but I did try their turkey sandwich. The turkey sandwich was ok, but dipped in the au jus sauce it actually pretty damn good.
With that being said, it still wasn't something I'd drive all the way to the HIll to eat and this place probably is not the greatest place for people who don't eat pork..... -
Review from Stephanie S.
Maplewood, MO
4/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
The day: April 1st. I was on vacation AND it was my first day back to eating meat (after a month of veganism!). I knew I wanted something big, juicy, and filled with TONS of meat (keep the dirty jokes to yourself!)
Then I remembered that I had a Groupon for Gioia's! Everyone I talked to about this cute little deli on the hill had nothing but AMAZING things to say about it. And just about everyone that raved about it told me I had to try the hot salami.
Let's get one thing out in the open: I HATE salami. I think the idea of it is absolutely disgusting. I hate those little white pockets of fat that pepper the stuff. Blech.
But to be fair, the only experience I had ever had with salami was with the oscar mayer packaged stuff from when I was a kid.
So I decided to go for the gusto and try Gioia's hot salami.
I walked into the cute little shop and was immediately greeted. I ordered the hot salami on wheat with pepperjack cheese (if you're crazy, you could also go with provel), hot mustard, and pepperocinis.
It was wrapped up in a jiffy and I was on my way. I got in the car and put the sandwich in my lap and realized it was warm! I took a huge bite and immediately fell in love. This is not oscar mayer salami, folks. This was like no other salami I've ever tasted -- it practically melted in my mouth! And the bread -- THE BREAD!! It was so freaking soft I could cry. All of the flavors; the cheese, the peppers, the mustard, the salami -- they all came together in the most brilliant way. It was like magic.
I could go on and on about how good this sandwich was, but I'll stop. Just go to Gioia's and order their hot salami. This is something you must experience for yourself! -
Review from Colin F.
8/1/2011
Mark this one under something else I dont understand. My roommate and it looks like everyone else loves this place. I found it kind of flavorless. My girlfriend went on friday and picked up a hot salami sandwich and a NY philly. The philly was the best. It was decently flavorful but possibly a little dry. I would get it again but maybe sans creme cheese. The hot salami is another story. I understand it is not like hard salami. It is not dried and cured. The texture and color of it kind of freaked me out. I didn't find it had a lot of flavor like its dried and cured cousin. It just tasted like the mustard, pepperocini, and onions the lady recommended we get on it.
My girlfriend raved about how nice everyone was there, especially a girl named Angel. She really liked everything, so maybe its just me... -
Review from Joshua C.
3/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went to the Hill to try the famous Hot Salami sandwich! And... I'm guessing that it is an acquired taste. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the sandwich to a degree, and they loaded this thing with a ton of meat. BUT, overall, it didn't "wow" me, which I was expecting from all the previous reviews I had read (and from the near $8 price of the sandwich).
I would definitely like to go back and try one of their beef sandwiches, maybe I'm just not a salami fan? Gioia's Deli, I will be back, and hopefully I can give better than a 3-star rating on an update.
If you like salami and you like it hot, go to Gioai's Deli. If not, hold off until I get a chance to taste some of their other sandwiches!Listed in: A Taste of Italy
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Review from lauren s.
Saint Louis, MO
8/11/2011
Best rich boy around. They use volpi salami, provel cheese and the bread is always fresh. Huge amount of meat every time!!!!
I love this place -
Review from amy c.
St Louis, MO
This is another place that doesn't live up to the hype. I read all these great reviews so I went expecting sandwich greatness. In reality it was little better than say jimmy johns or any other generic sandwich place. For the prices they charge, I expected better.
The hot salami was just okay. I though it was pretty bland. They were very stingy with the toppings so only certain bites had any mustard or peppers on it.
Same with the meatball sub. Only enough meatballs for a 3 inch sandwiches so when its a 6 inch roll it makes for for a lot of bites with nothing but bread and sauce. Not cool Mrs. Gioia. -
Review from Meghan M.
Leawood, KS
3/26/2011
Hot salami and Roast beef with Provel on Wheat. WOWZA!
You get up to the counter, order and find a seat. Pretty good outdoor seating for when it's nice out. There are also parks pretty close that would be a good spot to chow down on one of these unbelievable sandwiches.
For about $10 you can get a sandwich chips and a drink, which is a little high compared to others but it is worth it to me. They also have other side options I will eventually stake out like potato salad, tortellini salad and chili.
I have had intense cravings for this sandwich before it is so good and I can't get my self to have anything else but the hot salami and with or without roast beef-either way is still damn tasty. -
Review from Joseph P.
Saint Louis, MO
12/6/2010 6 Check-ins Here
It's 8:30 on a Monday morning and yet all I can think about is a Gioia's Hot Salami. Unfortunately, I won't be able to have one today since they will be closed by the time I'm off work and they are too far to get for lunch today.
But I will tell you this, there isn't a day I'm off work, or a Saturday where Gioa's and their delicious Hot Salami isn't on the menu or strongly being considered. The fact that they are only open weekdays and Saturdays in the afternoon is a major bummer to me...but I get it. It's an old school deli and that's the way it is.
It just means that every visit to Gioia's is one to be savored. The uber-friendly staff, the old time regulars milling about, and this picturesque corner of Macklind and Daggett on the Hill all make for the perfect sandwich experience. -
Review from Steven B.
12/6/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Good old fashion Italian deli. We went today for lunch, it was my partners first time. We loved it. We had a Hot Salami and Italian Trio.
The line was long when we entered, we took our number and were amazed at how fast the line moved. The ladies of Gioia's know how to give good customer service and make a quality sandwich fast.
They've got Billy Goat Chips, which are a perfect side to a huge deli sandwich. -
Review from Krystal L.
Saint Louis, MO
8/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I am currently on a quest to find the best sandwich in STL, this might be it. Fantastic
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Review from Joe B.
2/15/2011
The taste, nay, the mere smell of the divine deli products finely crafted here encapsulates the finest of what The Hill has to offer and the neighborhood character of Gioia's keeps the flavor of a historic, urban, Italian neighborhood alive and thriving.
t's a little hidden and easy to miss, but I want to emphasize that Gioia's is NOT to be missed. I went there on a lazy Saturday afternoon and the line was nearly out the door. No matter, the line moved quickly through such a small space. Before long, the prize will be yours. Every city has "fancy" Italian restaurants, many of them raise questions of authenticity. No such questions are raised by Gioia's. -
Review from Matt M.
8/20/2010
There's so many great authentic Italian deli's on the Hill, and I feel kinda bad for reviewing them all so highly!
If you like spicy salami, come to Giolia's (you can even order some of their meats, like their chorizo, to go). Hell, if you're not a fan, stop by anyway. Unlike some of the smaller deli's around St. Louis, they accept credit/debit cards, which is a huge plus in my book.
I ordered the Italian Trio sandwich, which was three types of italian meat, lettuce, peppers, tomato, pickle, vinegar and oil, all toasted on italian bread with pepper jack cheese. Are you salivating yet?
Granted, you won't end up paying $5 for a footlong sub. As much as I love my Subway (which is A LOT), Gioia's is the real deal. -
Review from Andrew D.
Saint Louis, MO
4/29/2010 ROTD 12/24/2010
This place brings back memories as well as makes new ones everyday. Not to duplicate others reviews but if you're looking for classic Italian Deli's, you can't go wrong here. So many varieties capped by a great list of specials really makes this place perfect.
Its more of a take out location as there really isn't much seating, but Forest Park is just a couple of minutes away so you can take a picnic and not be disappointed.
SALAMI, SALAMI, SALAMI, that is all I have to say. They bring in all the best baked bread and ingredients from the area. Honestly, it should be a stop on the tour of south city sandwiches, which is something we should think about starting. Followed shortly by Southwest Deli, Mom's, and finishing at Blues City.Listed in: Best Sandwiches in St. Louis
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Review from Sara B.
10/23/2010
Went in, asked what I should get and the lady behind the counter made me a Hot salami sandwich with provel and the works.
For someone who doesn't like that much meat, it was tasty. Got the smaller sandwich and it was still too big.
The tortilinni salad is amazing and the cookies the perfect size! A little peice of true Italian, go figure it is on "the hill" -
Review from Emaline E.
Saint Louis, MO
2/7/2011
Absolutely tasty! The staff here is amazing, the sandwiches are great, and there is a nice park to eat at right across the street. Whats not to love?
Once we showed up, literally 3 minutes before close. The staff not only served us with smiles, but actually talked to us and held conversations with us. They are friendly beyond belief. -
Review from andrew w.
8/19/2010
Hot salami! Hot anything to give you some hot heartburn later!
:) -
Review from Andrew M.
3/25/2010
You want to treat yourself to an authentic Italian Deli experience? Look up. Does the sign say Gioia's Deli? No? It says Amighetti 's? LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! Go here instead. NOW!
I, despite being a resident of the Hill for more than a decade, had not been to Gioia's that often. It had always been an excellent place to go for a poor boy sandwich in my mind- the fresh bread, meat and cheese made certain of that. But there really had been nothing to distinguish it from other Hill eateries. I had always heard of their 'hot salami' but had never tried it.
Until now.
Imagine salami you'd buy at the grocery store- sliced thinly, but still having a very chewy, dense texture. Now imagine this being heated up in an oven and put on bread.
You have just imagined MY MISCONCEPTION OF 'HOT SALAMI' that I had UNFORTUNATELY HELD for these many, many WASTED years.
Gioia's is SO very confident in their Hot Salami sandwiches that they offer patrons a sample. Practically an end of a whole sandwich. The salami was thick. REALLY thick, but it was so warm, juicy and tender I could scarcely believe it was salami. It MELTED in my mouth. I almost didn't have to chew. But I did. Because I WANTED to.
It was a revelation.
It was almost by divine imperative that I had to order my own hot salami sandwich- for which I was able to choose from a wide spectrum of cheeses, toppings and sauces to personalize it. The attendants, being extremely friendly and ever helpful, suggested hot mustard- which I went with and was EXTREMELY thankful to yield to their suggestion.
The bread is fresh and soft. The meat, as mentioned earlier, is so fresh and delicious it's practically criminal to call it 'lunch meat,' as were the rest of their toppings.
I will say the service is a little slow, but I imagine that's because of the low server-to-customer ratio and the fact that the ingredients on each sandwich must be custom assembled independently... nothing is prepackaged into baggies of mystery meat.
My hot salami sandwich was only $7 dollars- basically the standard rate for a typical poorboy sandwich.
I didn't know you could buy manna so cheaply. -
Review from Stephen S.
Saint Louis, MO
4/29/2010
Had one of their amazing sandwiches and the lasagna.
Service was also very friendly. I appreciate it when people are patient with my inability to make up my mind. Even if Jacki isn't.
Was a really great mid-point to a spectacular day. -
Review from Chris Z.
Gioia's specializes in hot salami sandwiches, but there are plenty of others to choose from. Today I had the Italian Trio. It was good, plenty of meats, but a tad light on the veggies. I do like how the salami is sliced thick and is a bit spicy.
The place can get a hectic as you are served with the 'take-a-number' system and everyone seems to congregate at the counter. There are a few tables in the place, but not enough to count on getting one. Berra park is across the street so on a nice day you could enjoy your meal there.
Overall, I like Gioia's but to me, it's not as good as Adriana's. -
Review from Andy H.
Saint Louis, MO
1/14/2010 ROTD 2/2/2010
As for the best sandwich in St. Louis, I can not say anymore, I have made claims that the Mom's Special, the Benton Park Po' boy, and even an Adriana's sammy are the best around.... But there is something to be said for a sandwich that is ordered on GARLIC CHEESE BREAD.
Annoying caps aside, I love garlic and cheese, and bread as well, so why wouldn't I go for all three together, and THEN throw some meaty hot salami in there.
Come before or after the rush (or on a snow day) get some salt and sour chips and a regular Dr. Pepper, and enjoy the ride. I get mine with provel cheese (if you have to ask) some mustard and mayo, and pickles lettuce and tomato. You could do it plain, (plain being hot salami, garlic, cheese, bread, cheese) or whatever your style is, but get it hot.
So as for the best sandwich in St. Louis, I can't really say... what do you think Emerico? -
Review from Nikki L.
5/15/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is a no-frills, small little deli place on the Hill. I got the Gioia's Famous Hot Salami, husband got the Italian Trio with three different salamis on toasted garlic bread. Holy crap. The sandwiches were so huge, but I couldn't stop eating. So I ate the entire thing for lunch and was too full for dinner. I've never seen salami so thick as the hot salamis there. Definitely going back for more!
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Review from Raul G.
Kirkwood, MO
3/9/2010
I recently moved here from Washington DC and consider myself a sandwich connoisseur. Having said that, I've never quite had anything like the hot salami sandwich that I first tried at Gioia's Deli a few months ago.
In fact the hot salami on freshly baked bread with spicy deli mustard and hot peppers is so good that I've been back many times since and I've never ordered a different sandwich!
I don't think that I can ever face another cold-cut, everyday, run-of-the-mill salami sandwich ever again thanks to Gioia's!
In all seriousness, the Hill and the local restaurants are a true St. Louis landmark. I hope to branch out and try a different sandwich at Gioia's... eventually. -
Review from Matt K.
Springfield, MO
6/23/2011
One of my favorite delis on the Hill. Try the hot salami. Never had anything bad here. Even when it's packed the line moves quickly. There is limited indoor seating and some outside. I've always gotten it to go.
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Review from Lynn S.
Saint Louis, MO
1/15/2010
I went here today to grab some lunch, I'd heard such good things about their salami special, and it was wonderful. Nicely warmed and cheesy, I had it with pepper cheese. VERY GOOD!!!
When I went to pay I was charged 50 cents because I used a debit card, which kind of sucks, but otherwise the place is great. I don't think you can even compare it to Moms or La Grands, it really is in a class of it's own. -
Review from dean d.
Dallas, TX
12/23/2009
Kick-ass sandwiches. The combo comes with quite a variety of meats (ham, turkey, mortadella, genovo salami and beef), on wheat or white homemade bread (and I prefer to add only lettuce/tomato/onions with mustard). The hot Trio sandwich (Mortadella, Salami and Genovo) is equally delicious. These are hearty sandwiches, very filling and easily sharable. Leave room for store-made gelato for dessert (pistacchio for me of course).
They do have Lasagna, meatball sandwiches, salads and more, but really, why drift away from their specialties. -
Review from Jana A.
Saint Louis, MO
5/9/2011
Out of curiousness, I went here in Gioai's Deli and try eating my lunch here. So as I entered the place, my stomach grumbled because I can smell how good the food was and it's filling the whole place. Then I ordered whatever looks so delicious to me (I had hard time choosing ecause everything looks delicious!) So I got the famous hot salami and wow! Every bite I took felt so heavenly. It's really delicious that I am out of words to describe it! My god. If only I can eat that everyday, I would. I'm recommending GIOA'S DELI if you really want something cheap but still can make you full and satisfied!
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Review from Gina M.
Saint Louis, MO
1/12/2011
There is nothing that can warn you up like Gioia's Hot Salami on fresh baked bread......
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Review from Erin C.
Saint Louis, MO
1/3/2011
Hot salami sandwich is amazing!! This is my second favorite sandwich place in town (next to Blues City Deli) but for sure the best place on The Hill. I was also with some folks that had the salsiccia sandwich and said it was awesome as well.
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Review from Eric W.
Waterloo, IL
4/14/2011
It's not the most inviting place in the world, but I am always willing to try something once. I went in around noonish and the place was packed...not a place to sit. So I figured its got to be good if all these people are here. The girl at the counter asked if I have ever been in before and I told her no. She proceeds to cut off a slice of their homemade hot salami and asks me what I think. AMAZING... I ended up getting the hot salami and a cup of chili. I will definitely be making another trip.
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Review from Ame D.
Saint Louis, MO
11/2/2010
I am not a fan of hot sandwiches at all, so I get the cold "hard salami". Been amazing every time.
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Review from Jeff K.
Saint Louis, MO
2/9/2011
This is the best deli ever. It's completely old school they make your sandwich to order and it alway fantastic. Try the Vess Cream soda with a hot salami. The Italian Trio is just as good. The philly beef is great. The crowd is a great mix of local people.
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Review from Emily W.
11/14/2010
I can sum up why you should go to Gioia's Deli in two words: Hot Salami. Mama Campisis patrons might have stumbled upon this place with it being next door, making it probably the best smelling block in St. Louis. Cute wall murals grace this little brick building and give it a charm that definitely won me over. Earning the title "Famous" the Hot Salami will warm your heart, soul, and belly.
