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Best Sandwiches in the city. It has taken me years to find somewhere this amazing. When I walked in I knew it was going to be great - its got that vibe. So far everything I have had has been perfect. Sandwiches are large and fresh and delish! The only problem is it closes at 8pm....

bottom line........the flavors penetrating my palate from the roast beef r amazing......the meat is extremely rare and the fresh mozz and eggplant blend into the sandwich perfectly...........I REPEAT........If you want the clean and classy version of John's Deli in Bk than defonte's is most certainly your spot......

Omg, just had my first Defonte sandwich and I must say it was all everyone raved about and more. Service was super quick, delivery within 15 minutes, sandwich, bread, meat and all was perfectly cooked, VERY fresh and simply delicious. Sub and small coleslaw was easily enough for 2 and $13.00 but beyond the value, it was outstandingly good!!

I've eaten at both Defonte's locations and can say that the food is consistent, despite the drastic difference in atmosphere. The bread is truly fresh and delicious and provides a solid foundation for the tasty (and large) sandwiches. It also sets a high bar that, in my experience, their other ingredients meet. I've had the Valentino Special (fried eggplant, provolone, roasted peppers) and the potatoes and eggs (with mozzarella) sandwiches. The latter is very, very good but doesn't necessitate much description. The Valentino Special, however, is absolutely remarkable. Theirs is the best fried eggplant I've ever tasted, and I've tasted many (and pride myself on my own). It's flavorful, with a clean and crispy exterior. And the quality bread, eggplant, cheese and peppers are well balanced for a simple, salty sandwich. The Red Hook location has the old-school Italian deli vibe and is free of pretension, but the Manhattan location is (unsurprisingly) more cramped and has a cold, stainless steel aesthetic. There is some seating but it primarily seems to serve takeout lunches for discriminating office workers (such as myself). I feel like the items could be just a dollar or two cheaper, but given the quality and portion size, the price is definitely fair.

I'm totally addicted to the italian tuna cold hero. It's divine. I'd like to see more cold heros sans fried eggplant, but otherwise love the place. The chicken parm sandwich was pretty good too.

I would not normally go for a sandwich with fried eggplant, but their sandwich was a welcome surprise. It obviously makes a difference that they make thing fresh and are moving volume. Let's hope they can maintain their standards. I would rate them higher if they had more choice in the non-pork, non-parm, non-eggplant varieties.

With Defonte's arrival, I don't have to go to Little Italy or Arthur Avenue for the "real deal!" I have been there twice to pick up a hefty, fresh, delicious hero on my way to the Tribeca Film Fetival, and plan to go again today. I have had the roast beef/mozzarella/ egglant hero and the roast pork/gravy/ hot salad/cheese/eggplant hero. Both are huge and fabulous and tasty! Today I am going to order the eggs and pepper hero...can't wait! Friendly, helpful, quick service. What a welcome addition to the neighborhood! I hope they open their next place in Chelsea!