Papa's is in the Stepney Neighborhood

Papa's Cafe prepares breakfast, sandwiches made with Boar's Head cold cuts and fresh baked desserts including cookies, breads, cheese cakes and apple pies — and its own mozzarella cheese.

Owner, Aristide "Arty" Farinella, says the Monroe Panini is his best seller. It's made with grilled chicken, roasted peppers and pesto mayonnaise.

Farinella has been in the restaurant business for nearly 20 years, and Papa's Cafe is his first deli. It first opened in September of 2010.

"A lot of people like it," Farinella said of the Italian-style deli. "You can sit down or you can take it away."

Papa's has three tables inside.

At Papa's Cafe, Farinella strives to create a friendly atmosphere, a place where "customers become like family."

Customers who drop in in the morning can start their day at the coffee station, which has T.M. Ward coffee in different flavors, Bigelow tea and hot cocoa mix. A newspaper stand is beside it and the menu displayed on a large chalkboard by the counter has a selection of egg sandwiches.

"I'm looking to widen that out and have french toast and pancakes," Farinella said, "something other than eggs."

Bagels are on top of a glass case filled with cold cuts and plates of sweets Farinella baked are also on display. On Monday, he had breads, including banana nut, cinnamon swirl and chocolate chip swirl.

The lunch menu has standbys like Philly cheesesteak and chicken and eggplant parm, but also combinations like the Casanova panini with grilled chicken, ranch dressing, bacon and mozzarella.

Papa's has burgers like the Western Barbeque with bacon, onions and swiss, and there is also a pulled pork sandwich.

Papa's Cafe is open Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. One thing many of its customers don't know, according to Farinella, is that it also serves dinners.

"We have pastas with chicken, veal and fish. I have basic specials," he said. "It's a deli, so everyone thinks we close at 3 o'clock and it slows down."

Papa's also offers free delivery of orders over $5 and within a 10 minute drive of the eatery.

Farinella has worked at and operated restaurants in Norwalk, Westport, Wilton and Redding, where he was part owner of Lombardi's.

Aside from Papa's being right on Main Street, which is a busy thoroughfare, it's home. Farinella and his two sons live in Monroe.

"I don't have to drive too far," he said. "It's nice, because I know the kids from school and their parents. It's nice to be around people you live around, to interact with the locals, instead of someone else's locals."