If it is true that “to eat good food is to be close to God,” then you can’t get much closer than Scudiero’s Italian Bakery & Deli at 2113 W Lake St in Melrose Park, Illinois. From freshly baked bread, biscotti, and out-of-this-world cannoli to bakery-style pizza, classic subs, deli sandwiches, and fresh-made salads, this family-owned gem has been welcoming diners for generations. Whether grabbing a sub and a made-to-order cannoli to go, or sitting down to enjoy a meal in their bright, friendly dining room, you always feel like you’re eating at the Scudiero family’s kitchen table.
The food is so good, in fact, that we’re convinced Tony Soprano himself would be a regular here—probably swinging by a lot. And we’ve got a hunch on what his favorites might be. Let’s take a look!
But before we get into Tony’s order, let’s take a look at the man behind it all.
Umbaldo Datoli was a third-generation baker in Serino, Italy, in the 1930s, using his grandfather's recipe before he moved his family to America, where he opened Melrose Park Italian Bakery, a small Italian bakery and grocery store on Lake Street in Melrose Park, just outside the city of Chicago.
Although his customers, many also recent immigrants, could find the Italian products they sought, the real draw was Umbaldo’s divine homemade Italian bread. When he passed away in 1969, his daughter Lena Scudiero took over the bakery, running it on her own for several years before her husband Joe left his job and joined the business, which they renamed Scudiero’s Italian Bakery. The bread bag — and the legendary loaf it contained — became famous.
Joe used to say, “You don’t judge a man by his wealth. You judge the man by the family he’s raised.” remembered for his compassion and generosity, Joe passed away in 2007, and his wife, strong, funny Lena, known by everyone who entered the deli as Mama Lena, followed in 2021. Today, their six sons run Scudiero’s Italian Bakery & Deli, baking with the same recipes crafted by Umbaldo Datoli’s grandfather over 150 years ago. You can taste the tradition in every glorious loaf.
This all-in-the-family Italian deli serves up hearty sandwiches, Sicilian-style pizza, fresh salads, and classic Italian sides—all made with authentic Italian flavors—that make you feel like you’re dining with the Scudieros for Sunday dinner. The subs, sandwiches, wraps, and grilled paninis are made fresh to order with nothing but the best meats, cheeses, and fresh, crisp lettuce and tomatoes, served on fresh homemade French bread or Joe’s famous sandwich bread.
With a menu this good, there’s no way Tony Soprano could resist. So, here’s what we think he’d order if he strolled into Scudiero’s.
This combination of Genova salami, sliced ham, Italian mortadella, and domestic provolone is all piled on fresh homemade bread. Add vinegar, oil, and spices, and it's perfetto.
We think Tony Soprano would gravitate toward this classic. After all, nothing says “old-school Italian” like a sub packed with high-quality meats and cheeses. Tony’s love for the finer things in life, combined with his deep-rooted pride in his heritage, would make this sandwich irresistible for him. Picture him grabbing one of these on the way to a meeting—no nonsense, just great flavors.
Nothing says love like a homemade meatball sub. Dive into this sub, packed with homemade meatballs, sauce, and Romano cheese. Add some melted mozzarella cheese for a chef’s kiss.
If there’s one thing Tony wouldn’t pass up, it’s a homemade meatball sub that reminds him of family dinners back in the day. This sandwich screams comfort, nostalgia, and that simple-but-perfect Italian home cooking he grew up on. We can easily imagine him ordering this after a stressful day, seeking that “made with love” feeling that only a meatball sub can provide.
If you’ve got a taste for the finer things in life, take a look at the Primo Panini, a mix of imported prosciutto, Volpi Genoa salami, and mortadella with Fontanella cheese and mild giardiniera peppers on a hot-pressed panini.
Let’s face it, Tony Soprano had a taste for the high life—and this Primo Panini, packed with premium meats and Fontanella cheese, would hit the spot. Tony was never shy about indulging in quality, and this panini with its imported prosciutto and hot-pressed perfection feels like the kind of upscale sandwich he’d savor while discussing business at the Bing.
Savory and indulgent, the sausage panzarotti is stuffed with homemade Italian sausage, shredded mozzarella, and sauce—fried to golden perfection.
Tony was all about indulgence, and this sausage-stuffed panzarotti would be no exception. Fried to perfection and packed with Italian sausage and gooey mozzarella, this is the kind of handheld treat he could enjoy while on the go or sneaking in a snack between meetings.
Plus, with his penchant for fried foods, this one’s a no-brainer.
Meat lovers swoon over the wood-fired pizza with fresh homemade Italian sausage. Baked in just minutes in Scudiero’s custom brick oven, it’s loaded with mozzarella, olive oil, and red sauce, delivering a rustic, authentic flavor.
A pizza with fresh Italian sausage, baked in a custom brick oven? That’s right up Tony Soprano’s alley. We know how much Tony loved a good slice, and this rustic, wood-fired creation would take him straight back to the pizzerias of Newark. He’d probably order it to share with his crew during a late-night poker game—but let’s be honest, he’d keep a few slices for himself.
Lena’s meatballs level up this salad made with Fontanella cheese, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and house dressing, topped with red sauce and grated cheese.
Tony wasn’t exactly known for his salad orders, but throw a few meatballs on top, and you’ve got his attention. This isn’t just any salad—it’s hearty, flavorful, and topped with Lena’s famous meatballs. Tony would see this as a “healthier” option, but with enough meat and cheese to keep him satisfied, making it a sneaky favorite.
Pick up a pound of Italian mixed olives or pasta salad—we love the Greek feta ($5.99/lb) and the fresh rotini or bow tie salads—for a perfect snack or side to enjoy with your pizza or sub.
Tony wasn’t just about the heavy meals—he appreciated the finer details, too. A pound of Italian mixed olives or pasta salad is the perfect complement to his meat-loaded sub or pizza. You can picture him picking up a side of these for Carmela, adding that extra touch to a Soprano family meal.
Portions are hearty, so you can expect some leftovers, but don’t skip dessert! All the classic Italian cookies are made here in one of the last authentic Italian bakeries in Chicagoland, and cannolis with a crisp, delicately fried pastry shell with a sweet, creamy filling made fresh to order.
Meet us at Scudiero’s Italian Bakery & Deli or visit their website at scudieros.com.
Only 12 miles west of downtown Chicago, the village of Melrose Park sits just north of Maywood, west of River Forest and Oak Park, and south of Franklin Park. Plan a trip to Scudiero’s Italian Bakery & Deli on the main stretch of Lake Street when you are in town celebrating at one of the many fun events and festivals held here every year, including the annual Hispano Fest and Taste of Melrose Park Festival, an event that is second only to the legendary Taste of Chicago in size and variety, or enjoying nature in Silver Creek Trail Park.
Find out more about Melrose Park.