Some of the best places to eat are the ones that have been made popular, not by fancy marketing or splashy signs, but by word of mouth. They serve food so tasty, it gets people talking. In fact, someone I know through Facebook recommended I write about Frantonio’s Italian Deli and Cafe here at 365Barrington.com. So I stopped by and introduced myself to the owner, Franco Bruno, a guy who takes great pride in his menu and makes most of his gourmet Italian offerings from scratch.
Franco opened Frantonio’s Italian Deli and Cafe at 421 N. Northwest Highway back in 1993 and it has become one of Barrington’s best kept secrets.
The deli is tucked away on the east side of Route 14, just south of the Barrington Area Library and north of Lake Cook Road. Frantonio’s is quite a find if you’re into quality deli meats, Italian Subs, New York Style pizzas, imported Italian delicacies, homemade pastas, sausage, cheeses and sauces.
Franco started in the restaurant business in his home town in Southern Italy when he was only 12 years old. A relative was a chef in a local banquet hall and Franco helped in the kitchen, washing veggies and peeling potatoes. He says a lot of what he knows about cooking, he learned from his mom and from many years working in kitchens.
But my Facebook connection said I HAD to try one of Frantonio’s “Magnifico” subs. Here’s how it’s described on their menu, “Prosciutto with our homemade Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil and Olive Oil. Sprinkled with Italian Spices.” Let me tell you, it’s like nothing you’ll find in your typical corner sandwich shop. It’s more like something you’d order while vacationing in Italy and it’s absolutely delicious!
Frantonio’s menu is full of authentic Italian options and has 36 sandwiches to choose from. The “Buon Appetito” Sub, for example, is “Cappiciollo, Genoa Salami, Mortadella, Provolone Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion and our Seasoned Dressing”. The “A La Delecto” Sub is “Roast Beef with Cheddar Cheese, Pepperoncini, Lettuce, Tomato and our Seasoned Dressing”. The “Fromaggio Abondanza” Panini is “Two Delicious Italian Cheeses: Asiago & Auricchio Provolone with Roasted Red Peppers and Italian Spices”. And they have a colorful selection of homemade sides and salads, like Antipasto, Tortellini, Artichoke, Italian Potato and Eggplant salads. I recommend the Caprese. It’s made with Bruno’s homemade mozzarella cheese, which he makes fresh daily.
Are you hungry yet?
Frantonio’s also has coolers packed with fresh homemade pastas and Italian sauces which you can pick up to prepare at home. They’re open Mondays from 9-5, Tuesdays through Fridays from 9-7 and they’re closed on Sundays, except for their catering service.
They also deliver, so be sure to keep their phone number handy. It’s 847-382-2997. If you want to take a closer look at Frantonio’s lunch menu, you’ll find it by clicking HERE. You’ll find their dinner menu by clicking HERE. You’ll find their catering menu by clicking HERE. And you’ll probably find Franco hard at work if you stop by so be sure to say “grazie”. Buon Appetito!
