This Detroit Michigan Deli Piles 18 Layers Of Meat Into Its Legendary Italian Subs

Eighteen layers of meat. Three layers of cheese. One sub roll trying its very best to hold it all together.

That’s the top-tier Italian sub at a Michigan deli that has been slicing cold cuts since 1946. Hard salami, salami cotto, capicola, mortadella, and smoked ham all take a turn. Then comes provolone, crisp veggies, and a homemade dressing.

The menu lets you pick your own level of courage. You can go with 6, 8, 12, or 14 layers instead. I can’t imagine a friendlier way to admit you’re not ready for the full tower.

The shop around those subs feels just as old-school. Shelves hold Italian groceries, olive oil, and stuffed olives. There’s an olive bar too. So which layer count would you choose on your first try?

Pick Your Layer Count Like You’re Choosing A Difficulty Level

Not everyone wakes up ready for 18 layers. Thankfully, the folks behind the counter understand that completely.

Italian subs here also come with 6, 8, 12, or 14 layers of meat. That turns ordering into a fun little game. Are you feeling casual, curious, hungry, or downright heroic?

The 6-layer option makes a great starting point for first-timers. It lets you taste the classic mix without needing a nap afterward. The 8-layer sits in that comfortable middle zone.

Moving up to 12 or 14 layers means you’re getting serious. These are the stacks for big appetites or for anyone planning to save half for later. Leftover Italian sub for dinner sounds like a solid plan to me.

I like how this setup keeps the focus on the meat and cheese, not just the bread. You choose how loaded your sandwich gets. Nobody has to guess what’s inside.

My advice is simple. Start smaller on your first visit, then climb the ladder on future trips. It gives you a reason to come back, and honestly, who needs another reason?

Oakwood Boulevard Hides A Sandwich Institution

The Original Gonella’s sits at 295 Oakwood Boulevard in southwest Detroit, Michigan. Head toward the Oakwood Boulevard corridor south of central Detroit and follow it to the deli’s longtime neighborhood location.

Look for Gonella’s original market storefront on Oakwood Boulevard, rather than its separate Redford location on Telegraph Road. The deli and Italian grocery share the same address.

Use legal parking near the Oakwood Boulevard storefront and enter the shop to order at the sandwich counter. The Detroit location is closed on Sundays, so plan your visit on another day.

Soft Roll Or Hard Roll? Prepare For A Friendly Debate

Bread matters more than people admit. At this Detroit deli, you get to pick between a soft roll and a hard roll for your sub.

The soft roll is the gentle choice. It squishes around the fillings and makes each bite easy to manage. That helps a lot when you’ve ordered a tall stack.

The hard roll brings more chew and a sturdier crust. It holds its shape and adds a little crunch to every bite. Some sandwich fans think that crust is the whole point.

So which one wins? That depends on your mood and your jaw strength. Neither choice is wrong, and both carry the same lineup of meats, provolone, veggies, and homemade dressing.

Here’s a fun idea for a group lunch. Order one of each and compare them side by side. You’ll settle the argument fast, or start a brand-new one.

I think the roll choice shows how much thought goes into a simple sub. Small decisions like this make a sandwich feel personal. Plus, it gives you yet another excuse to visit again and try the other side.

Build Your Own Sub When You Want To Call The Shots

Maybe the Italian classic isn’t calling your name today. Good news, because The Original Gonella’s also offers Special Subs that you build yourself.

The meat choices cover a lot of ground. You can pick from corned beef, ham, mortadella, pastrami, roast beef, salami, turkey, and chicken.

Cheese gets its own lineup too. American, Hot Pepper, Provolone, and Swiss are all on the list. That opens the door to plenty of fun combinations.

Picture pastrami with Hot Pepper cheese for a little kick. Or keep it calm with turkey and Swiss. You’re basically the head chef, minus the dishes.

The menu also includes Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad, and Vegetarian Subs. That’s handy if your lunch group has different tastes or someone skips meat. Everyone can leave happy.

I like that a deli famous for one sandwich still gives you room to explore. It shows confidence in the basics. Good meats and cheeses work in many ways.

Try mixing a classic Italian sub with a custom creation for a shared lunch. You’ll get the legend and something new in the same bag.

Salads And Sides That Deserve Their Own Spot In The Bag

A great sub needs a sidekick. The deli case here has plenty of options ready for the job.

The salad list is long and very tempting. There’s Homemade Pasta Salad, Macaroni Salad, Mustard Potato Salad, and Coleslaw. You’ll also find Chicken Salad and Homemade Tuna Salad.

Want something with more Italian flair? The Homemade Antipasto Salad fits right in with the theme. The Homemade Greek Salad offers a fresh change of pace as well.

Mustard Potato Salad deserves a special shoutout just for its name. It’s a tangy twist on a picnic favorite. Pair it with a big Italian sub and you’ve got a meal that means business.

Chips and pickles round out the side options. A crunchy pickle next to a loaded sub is a classic combo for good reason. It cuts through all that rich meat and cheese.

My tip? Grab a container or two to take home. These salads make easy lunches later in the week. You might even plan your next family cookout around them, and nobody has to know you didn’t make them yourself.

An Olive Bar And Italian Groceries Turn Lunch Into A Shopping Trip

Half sub shop, half old-school Italian market. That combo makes this place a lot more than a quick lunch stop.

Shelves carry Italian groceries, stuffed olives, and olive oil. There’s also an olive bar, which feels like a treasure chest for olive lovers. You can grab a few to snack on or stock up for a party.

Shopping here works great for home cooks. Need a nice olive oil for dinner? Want something special for a snack board? You’ll find ideas everywhere you look.

I believe a market like this brings back the charm of neighborhood food shops. Everything feels close at hand and easy to explore. It’s the kind of place where a five-minute stop easily stretches into twenty.

Here’s a smart move. Plan your sub order, then save a little time to browse the aisles. You’ll probably leave with more than you planned.

Build an Italian snack plate from the olive bar and shelves for movie night. Add some deli meat and cheese, and you’ve got a spread that looks fancy. Your guests don’t need to know how simple it was.

The Meat Counter Quietly Handles Dinner Too

Sandwiches get the spotlight, but dinner is waiting right behind the glass. The full deli counter at The Original Gonella’s carries fresh meats for home cooking.

You’ll find fresh ground sirloin, veal cutlets, seasonal steaks, and tenderloin. That’s a serious lineup for a shop many people know for subs. It means one stop can cover lunch and dinner.

Fresh ground sirloin works for burgers, meatballs, or a hearty pasta sauce. Veal cutlets are perfect for a classic Italian-style dinner. Tenderloin makes any weeknight feel like a celebration.

Seasonal steaks keep things interesting throughout the year. The selection may change, so it’s worth checking what’s available when you stop by. Asking at the counter is always a good idea.

I like how this counter connects to the shop’s long history as a family market. It feels like a throwback to when neighborhoods relied on one trusted spot for good food.

Here’s a fun weekend plan. Pick up a sub for lunch, grab some veal cutlets, and add olive oil from the shelves. Dinner is basically planned before you even get back to your car.

A Southwest Detroit Classic That Has Been Slicing Since 1946

Back in 1946, this deli started serving its neighborhood. More than 75 years later, it’s still known as Detroit’s original Italian deli.

That kind of staying power doesn’t happen by accident. Recipes, routines, and a homemade dressing have carried the shop through decades of change in Michigan’s biggest city.

The Original Gonella’s sits at 295 Oakwood Boulevard, Detroit, Michigan 48217. It’s in Southwest Detroit, where it has become a true neighborhood landmark. A second location opened in Redford in 2017, but this Oakwood spot is the original.

Inside, the vibe is casual and old-fashioned. Some sources mention a retro feel with formica countertops and vintage signage. It feels like a visit to the past, with fresh sandwiches as your reward.

I can’t help but admire places that stick around this long. Food trends come and go, yet a well-made Italian sub keeps its fan club.

When you visit, take a moment to enjoy the history around you. You’re ordering from a shop that has fed Detroit families for generations. That makes every bite taste a little more meaningful.

Smart Moves Before You Head Over For Your Sub

Timing is everything with a great sandwich. This deli is open Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays, so plan your craving accordingly.

Hours may shift a bit, so check before you go. Saturdays usually wrap up earlier than weekdays. Nobody wants to arrive hungry to a locked door.

Service happens at the counter, and there’s no dine-in seating. That makes it a takeout spot through and through. A nearby park bench or your car’s front seat can become a fine dining room.

Free parking is available in a lot and on the street. The entrance and parking are wheelchair accessible. There’s no restroom on site, so plan ahead.

Paying is easy too. The shop accepts credit cards, debit cards, mobile payments, and SNAP. Delivery and catering are also offered, which is great news for office lunches.

Catering an event in Michigan? A tray of Italian subs from a 1946 deli would make you the hero of any party. Just be ready to answer one question all day long. Where did you get these?