Christoff.ai

Antonio Delicatessen

restaurants•
London
London

Antonio Delicatessen

23 Lewis Grove, Lewisham, London SE13 6BG, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away in Lewisham town centre, Antonio Delicatessen delivers the kind of authentic Italian experience that feels increasingly rare in London. This family-run alimentari, complete with hanging hams and floor-to-ceiling imports, proves that genuine Italian hospitality is alive and well just five minutes from the DLR station.

Antonio Delicatessen: Lewisham's Slice of Authentic Italy

Where hand-cut Parma ham meets proper neighbourhood charm

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step inside Antonio's compact space and you're immediately transported to a proper Italian neighbourhood deli. The rustic décor tells the story before you even speak to anyone - dangling panettone overhead, shelves groaning under the weight of authentic Italian products, and those iconic hanging hams that signal serious intent. The aromatic atmosphere hits you instantly, that intoxicating blend of aged cheeses, cured meats, and fresh herbs that defines a proper alimentari. Despite the limited space, there's a convivial energy here that scores a solid 6.5 on the liveliness scale. Regulars chat easily with Antonio while newcomers are welcomed with genuine warmth. The bustling counter service creates a sense of theatre - watching staff slice meats to order while dispensing pairing advice feels like being part of an Italian family tradition. Yes, the narrow aisles can feel cramped during peak hours, but that's part of the authentic neighbourhood charm.

Food & Drink

The menu reads like a love letter to Italian gastronomy, and the execution backs up the promise. The hand-sliced Parma ham and prosciutto crudo are clearly the stars here, with staff who understand the art of proper paper-thin slicing. The artisan cheese selection spans the classics - pecorino, gorgonzola, and scamorza - with knowledgeable staff offering tastings and pairing suggestions. Fresh pasta options include tagliatelle and ravioli, while the arancini provides a ready-to-eat option for immediate gratification. The fresh pesto receives particular praise in reviews, alongside that expertly thin-sliced mortadella. Beyond the counter offerings, shelves stock premium Italian imports from olive oils and balsamic vinegars to artisan biscuits, wines, and spirits. The focus on authentic Italian products is unwavering, with staff who clearly understand their inventory and can guide customers toward quality choices.

Service & Experience

This is where the family-run ethos truly shines. Antonio himself is often behind the counter, personally slicing meats and engaging with customers in a way that feels genuinely welcoming rather than performative. The staff demonstrate real knowledge about their products, offering tastings and pairing advice that goes beyond basic retail service. The counter service model works well here - there's a sense of anticipation as you watch your order being prepared fresh. Reviews consistently highlight the friendly, knowledgeable approach of the team. The conversation-friendly score of 7.0 reflects the social nature of the experience, where regulars clearly feel at home and newcomers are drawn into the community feel.

Value for Money

With a price level rating of 1 out of 4, Antonio's sits in accessible territory, though reviews acknowledge prices are higher than supermarket alternatives. This is the classic quality versus convenience equation - you're paying for premium Italian imports, expert preparation, and authentic sourcing that simply isn't available in mainstream retail. The good-value-for-quality tag suggests customers understand what they're getting for their money. When you factor in the hand-slicing service, expert advice, and the ability to taste before buying, the premium feels justified. The catering services add another value dimension for those planning larger gatherings. For those seeking authentic Italian ingredients, the pricing reflects the reality of importing quality products and maintaining traditional preparation methods.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Tuesday mornings around 9am offer the optimal experience - you'll find the freshest mortadella slices and Antonio's undivided attention before the day gets busy. Generally, weekday mornings provide a more relaxed shopping experience, while weekends can see those narrow aisles become uncomfortably cramped.

What to Focus On

Start with the hand-sliced Parma ham - it's their signature for good reason. Don't miss the fresh pesto, which receives consistent praise, and ask for a taste of the thin-sliced mortadella. For cheese lovers, let the staff guide you through tastings of their artisan selection.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The staff offer tastings and pairing advice - take advantage of this expertise rather than rushing your selectionsBoth eat-in and takeaway options are available, with many customers choosing to take premium ingredients home for their own cookingThere's a separate Antonio Café next door for coffee and light meals if you want to extend your Italian experience

The Final Verdict

Antonio Delicatessen succeeds because it doesn't try to be anything other than what it is - an authentic Italian deli run by people who genuinely care about quality. The uniqueness score of 7.5 reflects how rare this kind of operation has become in London. Yes, you'll pay more than Tesco, and yes, it gets cramped on busy days, but the combination of authentic products, expert preparation, and genuine hospitality creates something special. The family-run atmosphere isn't manufactured - it's the real thing, complete with the kind of product knowledge and customer relationships that define proper neighbourhood businesses.

Christoff's Rating:
7.2/10

Perfect For:

Italian food enthusiasts seeking authentic ingredientsNeighbourhood locals wanting quality deli serviceAnyone planning dinner parties who values expert advice and premium imports

Quick Details

1

Antonio Delicatessen

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family run
🇮🇹 Authentic italian
🏘️ Neighborhood gem
⭐️ Aromatic
🏛️ Traditional

Step into Antonio's and you're immediately transported to a Roman neighborhood alimentari. This compact Lewisham gem packs authentic Italian atmosphere into every square inch, with hanging hams, dangling panettone, and shelves stacked floor-to-ceiling with imported specialties. Antonio himself greets regulars by name while patiently educating newcomers about proper cheese pairings. The counter service feels like a masterclass in Italian deli culture,watch as staff slice paper-thin mortadella and provide expert pairing advice. The aromatic space buzzes with conversation as customers chat about recipes and seasonal ingredients. Every product tells a story of Italian tradition, from aged pecorino to hand-selected olive oils.

What's Great

✓ Award-winning Parma ham sliced to order

✓ Genuine alimentari atmosphere with expert guidance

Keep in Mind

× Narrow aisles make it cramped during peak weekend hours

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Visit Tuesday mornings around 9am for freshest mortadella and Antonio's undivided attention

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Sat: 8am-6pm\nSun: 9am-5pm"
📍23 Lewis Grove, Lewisham, London SE13 6BG, United Kingdom
💷££
📞+44 20 8852 0001
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Antonio Delicatessen has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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