Anthony's Italian Deli Sets the Muffuletta Bar in Baton Rouge

The case for Anthony’s

Anthony’s Italian Deli earns a 4.8 Google rating from 836 reviews, and the supplied public feedback gives a clear reason for that enthusiasm: the muffuletta. Diners repeatedly describe it as one of Baton Rouge’s strongest versions, including praise from a New Orleans transplant who had struggled to find a satisfying local option. Another reviewer who normally dislikes olives singled out the deli’s olive salad as the element that changed their mind.

This is not presented as a sprawling Italian market or a polished full-service restaurant. Reviews instead frame Anthony’s as a compact, no-frills, counter-service deli with a small indoor dining area and an outdoor patio. The mood appears casual and established, with a steady lunch crowd and a staff that keeps orders moving.

What stands out

The regular muffuletta is the safest first order. Public comments consistently emphasize the balance of Italian meats, bread and olive salad, while one diner also praised a meatball version. The house-made olive salad receives especially strong attention, along with marinated peppers and dressings sold by the deli.

Other food mentioned in the reviews includes spaghetti with house-made sausage, a roast beef po’boy and The Godfather, a sandwich described in part as containing American prosciutto and Genoa salami. Those items broaden the picture, but they do not recur as often as the muffuletta. Based on the available feedback, this is primarily a sandwich destination rather than a place to explore an extensive Italian menu.

Freshness is another positive thread. One review mentions fresh food and desserts prepared daily, while several others praise the bread, sandwich fillings and olive salad. The overall price level is mid range, fitting the straightforward deli format.

Service and setting

Friendly counter service comes up repeatedly. Reviewers describe the staff as welcoming, accommodating and efficient, even when the dining room draws a crowd. One account specifically notes that a counter employee made customers feel comfortable, while another praises the speed of service relative to the number of people eating there.

Practical details also work in the deli’s favor. Reviews mention parking plus both indoor and outdoor seating. The dining area is small, however, so busy lunch periods may feel tight despite the quick turnover. The patio offers an alternative when conditions allow.

Editorial verdict

Synthesizing the rating and review patterns, Anthony’s looks best suited to a casual lunch centered on a classic muffuletta. Its appeal rests on consistency, a distinctive house-made olive salad and personable service rather than breadth or formality.

There are minor cautions. One reviewer found the selection narrower than Italian delis in larger cities, and another thought the vegetables on a roast beef po’boy were too soggy. Neither concern outweighs the much stronger consensus around the signature sandwich. For Baton Rouge diners seeking a traditional, filling Italian deli lunch, Anthony’s is one of the clearest candidates to try next.