My Community More Than a Meal: How Teresa's Lunchbox Is Redefining the Deli Experience

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  • Posted By : kims kims
  • Posted On : Feb 17, 2026
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  • Category : NFL
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Overview




  • In an age of fast-casual chains and impersonal online ordering, there is something profoundly comforting about walking into a place where the food tastes like it was made just for you. Where the aromas wafting from the kitchen are reminiscent of Sunday dinners at a relative's house, and where every sandwich tells a story. This is the magic of Teresa's Lunchbox, a Huntington-based gem that has quickly become a beloved institution for locals who refuse to compromise on quality. For those who have yet to discover it, Teresa's Lunch Box is not merely a place to grab a quick bite; it is a destination where fresh ingredients, family recipes, and genuine hospitality converge to create something truly special in the Long Island dining scene.

    A Philosophy Rooted in Heritage

    To understand the essence of Teresa's Lunchbox, one must first understand the woman behind the name. Owner Teresa Kefalogiannis brings over 26 years of restaurant experience to this cozy Huntington eatery, having previously operated successful locations in Manhattan, including a shop in Rockefeller Center -7. After the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a reevaluation of priorities, Kefalogiannis made the decision to return to her hometown, bringing with her decades of culinary wisdom and a desire to create something deeply personal -7.

    What sets Teresa's Lunch Box apart from the countless other delis across Long Island is the palpable sense of heritage infused into every dish. The ingredients tell a story of Greek and Italian lineage, sourced from purveyors who share Kefalogiannis' commitment to quality -7. The meatballs, a customer favorite, are not just another item on the menu—they are made from Kefalogiannis' own mother's recipe, a culinary heirloom passed down through generations -7. As she explained to the Long Island Press, "I don't think ever growing up, my mother would ever let me get meatballs at a deli, it's just not what you would get. But if you come here, you're getting my mom's meatball recipe" -7.

    This personal touch extends throughout the entire operation. Unlike many restaurant owners who remain behind the scenes, Kefalogiannis and her business partner, Singh Benipal, are often found on the premises, personally ensuring that each customer's experience meets their exacting standards -7. This hands-on approach is rare in the industry and speaks to a deeper philosophy: that food is an act of care, and every meal deserves attention.

    A Menu Crafted for Discovery

    Walking into Teresa's Lunchbox, one is immediately struck by the sheer variety of options. The menu spans breakfast, lunch, and everything in between, but it is the thoughtful curation that elevates it beyond the typical deli fare -1-4.

    Breakfast Done Right

    Morning at Teresa's Lunch Box is a bustling affair, and for good reason. The breakfast menu offers everything from classic egg sandwiches to hearty platters and creative breakfast burritos -1. The "Nana's breakfast burrito" has earned particular praise from regulars, offering a satisfying start to the day -2. For those seeking something lighter, fresh fruit salads and morning starters provide balanced options -6. The coffee of the day, available both hot and iced, has become a morning ritual for many locals -5-6.

    Signature Sandwiches That Steal the Show

    When lunchtime arrives, Teresa's Lunch Box truly shines. The sandwich menu is extensive, featuring hot focaccia sandwiches, pressed paninis, and hearty heroes -1-4. Kefalogiannis herself recommends starting with the focaccia sandwich lineup, which offers five distinct variations: Parma, Veggie, Roman, Normandy, and Mediterranean -7. Each is built on house-made focaccia, creating a foundation of texture and flavor that sets these sandwiches apart.

    The "Create a Sandwich" option has proven immensely popular, allowing customers to build their ideal meal from a selection of Boar's Head cold cuts and cheeses, fresh vegetables, and house-made condiments -1-5. For those seeking something with a kick, the Mexican Bar offers south-of-the-border flair, complete with options for adding fresh guacamole -6.

    Salads and Beyond

    Recognizing that not every diner craves bread, Teresa's Lunch Box offers an impressive array of salads. The "Create a Salad" option empowers health-conscious customers to customize their greens with a variety of fresh toppings -4. For those seeking inspiration, Teresa's Specialty Salads—including the fan-favorite Mexican Salad—offer inventive combinations that have garnered loyal followings -6. One DoorDash customer raved, "This is my favorite Mexican Salad! All perfect fresh ingredients... chicken is just right and the dressing tastes great" -6.

    The Secret Ingredient: Freshness

    Ask any regular what keeps them coming back to Teresa's Lunchbox, and the answer will invariably center on freshness. Unlike chains where ingredients arrive pre-packaged and meals are assembled rather than cooked, everything at Teresa's Lunch Box is made to order -7. Vegetables are chopped daily, soups are simmered in small batches, and proteins are cooked with care.

    This commitment to freshness extends to the sourcing of ingredients. The deli proudly carries Boar's Head products, a trusted name in premium meats and cheeses -1-4. Breads and bagels are delivered fresh daily, ensuring that every sandwich has the perfect foundation -7. Even the focaccia is made in-house, a labor of love that few delis are willing to undertake -7.

    The result is food that tastes vibrant and alive. A chicken cutlet sandwich arrives with meat that is "well seasoned, juicy and crispy on the outside," as one delighted customer noted -6. Salads burst with color and crunch. Soups offer deep, developed flavors that can only come from careful preparation.

    Recognition and Community Love

    The quality of Teresa's Lunch Box has not gone unnoticed. In 2025, voters for Best of Long Island awarded the deli the title of "Best Delicatessen on Long Island" for the second consecutive year -7. This recognition is particularly meaningful in a region renowned for its delis, where competition is fierce and standards are high.

    For Kefalogiannis, the award represented more than just a plaque on the wall. "There are a lot of frustrating days, and this kind of business is really hard work, very hands-on," she reflected. "I feel like when my partner and I found out that we won, it sort of is just the recognition, sometimes you need that positive feedback because you can doubt yourself" -7.

    The deli's popularity is also reflected in its strong ratings across delivery platforms. On Uber Eats, Teresa's Lunch Box maintains a 4.6-4.7 star rating with hundreds of reviews -4-8. DoorDash customers have rated it 4.6 stars from over 500 reviews, with many praising the consistency and quality of the food -6.

    A Destination for Every Occasion

    While Teresa's Lunchbox excels at serving individuals, it has also become a go-to source for catering across Long Island. Whether it's a corporate meeting requiring boxed lunches, a backyard party needing a spread, or a baby shower demanding something special, the deli's catering services bring the same commitment to quality to events of all sizes -7. Kefalogiannis views catering as "a great opportunity for a lot of people in one setting to be able to try our food," a chance to introduce new customers to the experience -7.

    Conclusion: The Taste of Home

    In a world where food is increasingly commodified, Teresa's Lunch Box stands as a testament to the power of cooking with care. It is a place where recipes are inherited, ingredients are respected, and customers are treated like family. For those seeking an authentic deli experience in Huntington, Teresa's Lunchbox offers something increasingly rare: meals that nourish both body and soul, one sandwich at a time.