Elena’s Cucina

Hard working with a lot of hustle and a subtle friendliness that only enhances the great deli sandwiches. Tucked away and not very easy to get to but well worth your effort. An easy decision when you are in the area. No need for a coin flip between places because this is the one!

Very good sandwich. Hard to find restaurant. Hidden in a industrial strip. They have a 10 minimum purchase to use plastic. Very annoying. Friendly people

I live in the city and work out in Glendale Heights, and I have to say I haven’t found anywhere in the city that makes nearly as good of a sandwich as these guys. Everything I have is great, especially live the Salvatore. Only thing that has ever come close in my opinion is Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor, and they’re totally different places, just a similar level of quality and deliciousness.

Elena’s Cucina is thee hidden gem. And by hidden I mean it! I legit drove passed this place three times and turned into two parking lots before I pulled into the right one. Whoops! Anyhoo, we came here all the way from Elgin to grab some lunchy poo and although pasta and more pasta sounded like my kinda lunch I played it safe with a turkey sandwich and my friend tried their Italian beef because some other Unilocalers claimed it was better than Johnnie’s Beef.
When I say «played it safe» I really did not expect this glorious sandwich placed in front of me. It was huge and came on this great foccacia bread with olive oil, GOOD balsamic vinegar and a little mayo with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and turkey. All the ingredients in between are important but let me tell you my fellow Unilocalers the foccacia bread they served this sandwich on is THE TRUTH. My friend said their beef was next level but he liked mine way better, which I agreed because previously stated that sandwich is THE TRUTH. I mean this sandwich was so good we drove an hour and thirty minutes the next day from the city to come back to roselle to get this unforgettable sandwich.
On our trip back we spoke to a gentleman who happened to be Mario (yes, the sandwich is named after him) he told us they go to three different farmers markets every week to get fresh food. He took the time to make small talk and you know what I appreciate that. I enjoyed talking with him and of course I had to give him feedback on how awesome that sandwich is and how we drove back all that way for this sandwich. We ordered their pasta salad, pepperoni pizza, vegetable pizza, and lemon cookies and they were all phenomenal. Before we left, Mario threw in some free peanut butter brownies which probably went straight to the butt but hey real men should like that anyways right !? ;)
Elena’s is a hidden gem but I don’t want it to be hidden. I want their business to do well, which telling by their postcards on their wall they looking like they are doing just fine. I hope people see this review and come to try out their food and enjoy it as much as I did.

Best sub in town! Thick creamy fresh mozzarella and mounds of salty delicious prosciutto. I highly recommend this great family owned business! This hidden gem is what I needed, see you soon!

Simply amazing, Nice family friendly Italian deli! First time there and we will be returning! The Mario sandwich is to die for, and also great lemon cookies to top the meal off

Probably the best Italian sub on the planet!
When you find this little hidden gem, you’ll be thankful.

So came here for lunch had the Mario sub and it was very good. The lemon cookies are so yummy. I bought to take home but they didn’t make it lol. Will come again.

Stopped here on the request of my husband because he wanted an antipasto salad. Went in not knowing what to expect because it’s kind of tucked away in a little strip mall off Lake St and there is a pretty big hill in front of the building so it’s hard to see. I would say I have easily driven past this place hundreds of times and always wondered what it was. Boy was I glad my husband asked me to go here! First of all the gentleman behind the counter, Mario, was super friendly and professional from the minute I walked in the door. There weren’t any other customers there at the time I walked in and he greeted me within seconds. I told him I had never been there before so I wasn’t sure what to order. He said they have daily specials and explained each one to me for that day. I order what my husband wanted which was so fresh and honestly the best Italian sub I have ever tasted! Crunchy bread, fresh lunch meat, tomato, lettuce, spices, and the dressing on the sandwich was so good. I didn’t taste the antipasto salad but it looked amazing. I order eggplant parmesan with some meatballs and sauce. Again, was very pleasantly surprised by the nice egg coating on the eggplant and the meatballs were soft and the sauce tasted homemade. I also took a trip to their dessert case which had the best Italian lemon cookies I’ve ever had!!! So soft and moist with that delicious lemon glaze. My mouth is watering just thinking about them again, a perfect cookie to have with your coffee. I def recommend this place and we are planning to use them to cater our next family party now that we know the food is so fresh and amazing! :)

Great food. Really great find. If you like Italian deli style, you will be very happy here. Only seats 4 people so be ready to carry out. You probably won’t wait to get home and just eat in your car when you see how good the food looks. And it tastes even better.

I’m speechless!!! I always drive pass Elenas and one day I decided to read the reviews on Unilocal.To my surprised I knew that this place held a hidden gem. I don’t know what it was but I just knew it. After reading the reviews on Unilocal I decided to try it out! My first visit I had the Mario, antipasto and the eggplant (which I usually don’t eat) I can honestly say their is no better place for deli/​cater food in the west burbs.
The customer service rocks as much as the food!
Try the lemon cookies and the chocolate cheesecake squares. They are to die for!!!
To management: if you guys can send me some coupons I would love you guys even more :-)

This place is absolutely awesome and super delicious. The staff is super friendly and kind. I always get Mario’s Italian sub which is always on point. All food here is awesome they can also cater for your party. I will always come back here for more. Definition of 5 out of 5 with low prices !!!

Pretty good deli sandwiches here. Saw it a few months ago when we first moved into the area & been meaning to try it. Finally got a chance to last week. Got an Italian.
Awesome flavors. Perfect combination of condiments. Everything was nice and fresh. The large was big enough to comfortably split over 2 days. The only drawback is that the bread was a little to stiff for me, which in my opinion pushes out the contents when I bite into the sandwich. I like my bread soft but still a little firm.
However, I can definitely see myself returning here. Maybe next time, I’ll request my bread a little softer.

Yum! I got the eggplant parmesan & meatball sandwiches. Let me tell you, these sandwiches are not for the faint of heart. They are large — like half a baguette large. And they are so delicious! Fresh bread, large meatballs, amazing red sauce, perfectly done eggplant… It comes with a bag of chips. I didn’t stop there. I also got the pasta salad — al dente bowties with celery, red onions, red peppers, parmesan cheese. I thought I could cook pasta because it’s pasta; but somehow Elena’s pasta was cooked so much better. I couldn’t stop myself so I also got lemon cookies & a bunch of triple chocolate cookies. Omg… So good! My belly is so happy & full right now.
The storefront is small & in a little strip of businesses. It can be a little difficult to get to but you can see Elena’s Deli sign from the street. You can eat in but there are just two small tables. The place is geared more towards carry-​out & catering. Now I just have to find reasons to eat at Elena’s for lunch & have events for catered food…

Ok it’s been 4 years since my first review for Elenas. Again my wife said she was going to the craft fair at Conant HS I immediately said bring home that giardiniera focaccia bread and lemon cookies., from Elanas well I’m sitting here stuffed and happy as can be. These selections are as good as the first time I had them, I even stop by their shop now when I’m in the area. I love his place.

This place is the best. Always fresh and delicious. Good prices, even better food. Nothing more to say except go here! This place is gold!

I have had this place bookmarked for quite awhile and I finally made it over. It is a little difficult to find. I drove by it about three times before I finally spotted it.
It is in sort of a strange complex that you have to drive around the back of it to get to it.
Small place inside. I was the only one there at the time. I ordered an Italian Sub sandwich to go. Waited just a few minutes before it was ready.
Now this review is for the sandwich only, I did not try anything else. The sandwich did come on some excellent crusty bread. I really like excellent crusty bread so that is a plus. It had all of the standard Italian meats along with a bit of shredded lettuce and dressing. No tomato. I like tomatoes on my sub so thar was a little disappointing. Not sure if it was omitted or if that is the way they serve them. I thought the sub was pretty good. Was it the best I’ve ever had? Nope, but it was a solid version that I would order again.
I will return to try other items like the Italian Beef.
Cheers to All
PS: I need to point out that there was a tomato slice on my sandwich as pointed out by a sharp eyed Unilocaler.
I did not notice it when I looked at one half. Oops on my part.

I’m going to make this one a quick one. Just know, I hate sandwiches. And I hate vegetables. I really do. That said, I LOVE ELENA’S SANDWICHES. Even the veggie one. Really.
I don’t know what kind of voodoo magic Elena uses to make everything in that place so delicious, but the bread there is freshly made and is TO DIE FOR, the sandwich meats and veggies are so fresh and seasoned/​cooked perfectly that I will actually eat them, and the sauces/​oils/​etc that end up on there make the whole sandwich just perfect. Heavenly even, if you will.
Point is, you have to check this place out. NOW. I promise you’ll love it.

This place is undercover in a business park. It’s primarily a catering operation, however if you knock on the door three times in the correct sequence, they just might let you in for lunch. That’s what happened to me.
Elena’s is a family operation and they have fun with it No one is in a hurry here… so be patient and follow my lead.
My advise to you, whatever you order, get the biggest portion possible. I order for carryout only because seating is limited, but I’m sure your sandwich will taste just as good standing up as opposed to sitting down.
This is a professional Deli that operates with confidence. No bullshit, they just make it happen.
Order extra because everything tastes better the second day!

I have tried so many Italian sandwiches, subs, hoagies on Italian bread, French loaves, sourdough bread, Gonnella, Turano yet I keep returning here to eat that and more. Located in a small industrial area with some one-​way traffic, the parking is pretty easy but making left turns in and out of Lake Street can be a little rough. There are a couple of glass cases inside with 2 small tables with 4 total chairs.
But in the back is where the magic happens. Fresh baked made in-​house bread. Balsamic vinegar on sandwiches to add more flavor. Pesto to elevate the caprese sandwich. I am not a vegetarian but decided to run through the gauntlet of sandwiches and tried the eggplant parmesan. Their son Mario mentioned their top 3 selling sandwiches being the Mario’s Italian, Salvatore’s prosciutto and bocconcini, and Elena’s caprese, but the eggplant parm is one very underrated star on their menu. Thinly sliced and lightly breaded but full of flavor. We also took home some arancini which are smaller than others so you get more crunch for the bite. The large focaccia have a crispy bottom but soft interior that is so enjoyable on its own. They gave us a sample of tomato and garlic knots which were also phenomenal. Anytime we are within 15 minutes of the area, we stop in for a meal or to re-​supply our kitchen.

Dear Elena’s — you’re still amazing.
Just picked up a lunch order for my office. I didn’t cry while eating this sandwich, but that’s because my co-​workers would think I’m even more of a loon. But I digress…
My zucchini parm was on point. Bread wasn’t mushy, still warm a half hour later. My mouth is watering and I just ate the thing.
My friend that had the Mario looked at me wide eyed and said that the sandwich made it into his top three best sandwich’s of all time. Another co-​worker explained that there was just something so special about the bread. While another co-​worker just made audible happy noises as he stuffed his face with the sausage focaccia.
In summary: yay.

We purchased 6″ sandwiches. Turns out these were extra wide sandwiches. Enough food to take some home. Very good tasting bread. Tasty meatball sandwiches. Just a tad too much meat filler on the meatballs. I asked for browned cheese but didn’t get it. Perhaps they don’t have a broiler? Anyway. Glad I came here. Next time I would like to try their subs.
IBB

You can’t go wrong here. It is very small, only two tables to sit and eat-​and you wait a few minutes because these folks are busy getting getting large orders together. Still-​they manage to get you out pretty quickly. Food is top quality and made Nana Style in the kitchen. Excellent subs, salads, and homemade hot meals of the day. (Fish salad, meatballs, Parmesans, etc). In a small strip mall but worth the visit!

Found this place by Unilocal… Was in the mood for a good sub and as we all know it’s the bead that makes for a good, tasty sandwich. This place didn’t disappoint! Even with them giving us Veggie Subs instead of the Fried Chicken we ordered it was still amazing! Don’t believe me… Well there’s a reason I finished mine and didn’t change it and when my nephew told them they corrected it in seconds and you can see the look on his face right before he tore into it!
Great lil café with awesome FRESH FLAVORS! Give’em a try… I know we’ll be back!
UPDATE! They wouldn’t let me pay?!? We finished their delicious works of art but since it wasn’t what we ordered they were adamant not to accept payment… WHO DOES THAT!?! A family owned restaurant who’s been in business for over a decade! Love these guys & gals! :)

There’s only four seats in the joint, but don’t worry; I’m sure the food tastes just as good standing up.
It’s almost a unfair to review Elena’s Deli as a lunch spot when 1.) it’s clearly focused on being good at the catering side of the business, which means what you’re served tends to come out of what they’ve made to cater, and 2.) if you do stop by for lunch, you’re probably going to have to take it up.
But we had a place to sit. And the food was awesome.
My wife had a prosciutto and bocconcini sandwich, which is topped with balsamic vinegar, some parmesan and fresh tomatoes. Bocconcini, it turns out, is not broccolini: it’s actually a very soft, moist, tangy mozzarella cheese. On top of perfectly cured, savory prosciutto. With a deep, richly flavored balsamic permeating the sandwich bread. I liked this sandwich better, and it wasn’t even my sandwich – which is a rare feat.
Not to say my meatball sub wasn’t good. On the contrary; it’s the best meatball sub I’ve ever had. The meatballs were perfectly made; tender, with clearly identifiable parmesan notes. The tomato sauce was chunky, fresh and excellent, and there was a layer of parmesan underneath.
Both sandwiches were served with a bag of Jay’s chips, which I appreciated.
Elena’s Deli may very well be the best deli on Lake Street in the whole state.

Elena’s cranks out the lemon cookies to end all lemon cookies. I don’t care if you don’t like lemon or have an aversion to citrus — her lemon cookies are beyond. Beyond delicious. Fragrant. Perfectly dressed with just the right amount of sweet frosted topping. Soft in the middle, but substantial elsewhere. If I haven’t convinced you to score a lemon cookie, I might as well retired my Macbook right now. Get yourself a lemon cookie.
And yes, Elena’s has all sorts of tasty morsels beyond the aforementioned glorious lemon cookies. She has foccacia, soups, salads, fried zucchini, stuffed peppers, soups, and plenty more. My fam and I stopped in to this teeny Italian deli to grab a few pre-​made items for an easy Sunday dinner and here’s how it went down…
Foccacia: ⁵⁄₅: Flavorful hunk of delicious bread roasted and toasted with delightful toppings like hunks of cheese, roasted tomato, basil and more.
Pasta fagioli: ⁴⁄₅: A classic Italian soup made with tons of starch (lots of noodles, beans, bits of ham). Elena’s is good but a little too starchy for me — we had to thin it out quite a bit and add plenty of red pepper to liven it up.
Stuffed peppers: 4.5÷5: Nicely put together and a bit spicy!
Spaghetti squash: ⁵⁄₅: These squash bakes were a huge hit with me and my 2 year old. Tons of flavor and the right amount of crisp!
Cannolis: 4.5÷5: Even at the end of the day you can still get a delicious cannoli, albeit frozen. Cannolis should be either freshly piped or frozen to ensure a fresh experience! No one wants a sad, soggy cannoli shell. And they’re bookended with pistachios. The. Way. It. Should. Be.
I’m a big fan of Elena’s and surely I’ll be back soon… at least to procure a dozen lemon cookies.

Family style low key eats at its finest. Whatever came out of the kitchen, you can be sure it’s made with skill and love. Meatball sub for lunch? Yes please. Homemade focaccia for dinner? Mmm.
I like to just go with whatever random selection they have in the food tray. Mangia!

This place deserves more than a 5 star. HUGE portions, QUALITY sandwiches, and CHEAP. These sandwiches can last two meals and the ingredients are top notch. And they’re only around 7 dollars with a bag of lays chips. More than anything anyone can ask for. So, I called in to place an order for take out and I recommend doing that since it takes them around 15 – 20 minutes to make sandwiches. Parking is a bit tricky, you need to turn in on the side street and go in to the parking lot but maneuver around the mall. However, well worth the sacrifices.
I ordered a large eggplant Parmesan sandwich and a large Mario sandwich and both were phenomenal. I had half of each and my taste buds are well treated. The various meats in the Mario sandwich were high quality and thinly sliced. There were some onions, tomato, and I really like the sauce they used although I can’t tell what it is. The eggplant is perfectly cooked, silky and smooth, and it’s paired with the best crust, sauce, and cheese. The bread they use is to die for. It’s chewy and a bit tougher but all to the perfect amounts.
I’m going to have to try their catering sometime. Definitely give this place a try!