Zanti’s Deli offers Italian food in South County from the team behind Roberto's Trattoria & Chophouse

The newly opened Zanti’s Deli at 181 Concord Plaza Shopping Center is bringing an authentic Italian experience to South County, as reported by St. Louis Magazine.

For Roberto Zanti, working in restaurants is everything. The former chef-owner of Roberto’s Trattoria & Chophouse opened his newest venture, Zanti’s Deli, earlier this summer in the same shopping center that houses the trattoria. After transferring ownership of Roberto’s Trattoria, which opened in 1990, to fellow restaurateur Matt Hines, Zanti had plans of retirement. However, according to his son and co-owner Rob Zanti, Roberto just couldn’t stay away from the industry. “He still has a passion for restaurants, and opening the deli allows him to continue to do what he loves,” said Rob Zanti. “At Roberto’s, we were there from noon to midnight every night, so this was a way to shorten the day and make it a little more relaxed.”

The menu offers a variety of to-go style sandwiches, all using French bread from Pete’s Italian Baking Co. Whether it’s the meatball sub or Zanti’s Italiano, all the sandwiches use meats and cheeses imported directly from Italy. The menu also includes a few specials from Roberto Zanti’s hometown of Taranto, Italy. The Panzerotto, Zanti’s favorite, is a fried ball of dough classically filled with mortadella, tomatoes and mozzarella. The deli is also pushing out prepared foods to go. This “heat-and-eat” style of dining is something Rob Zanti is excited about as they offer everything from lasagna to meatballs and chicken Parmesan. 

According to Rob Zanti, there are already a few standout dishes in terms of popularity. “So far, Zanti’s Italiano is easily the most popular item,” Zanti said. “However, the take-and-bake lasagna is not far behind.” 

Side dishes include french fries, pasta salad, chips and a soup of the day. Additionally, they carry housemade gelato in rotating flavors such as spumoni, amaretto, pistachio and hazelnut. As for beverages, the deli offers a wide range of bottled sodas, teas and lemonades.

With counter service and a small and unassuming space at 1,500 square feet, Zanti’s Deli is well-designed for carryout food, although there is seating for about 10 guests between a high-top table inside and a few picnic tables outside. Upon entry, there are many fridges full of drink options on the left and premade dinners on the right. In front of the counter, there are numerous shelves stocked with groceries: everything from fresh pastas and tomato sauces to olive oils and balsamic glazes all imported from Italy.

“The deli is an extension of Roberto’s Trattoria with more daytime hours,” Rob Zanti said. “It has the same family recipes, same ingredients and the same people that makes both places great.” 

Zanti’s Deli is currently open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Placing an order ahead of time either online or by phone at 314.270.3175 is encouraged but not necessary.