From open-air markets with over 30 vendors to small-town pasta shops to blow-your-mind delis and luxury dining halls, the United States is infused with the influence of Italian immigration and culinary traditions. Here, we go state by state to showcase the best Italian markets, places to shop or stop for a bite and often even a meal. This includes multi-generational provisions shops and new-school alimentari, and even with this list of the best in the U.S., there are many more to cover. We intend to keep growing this guide, so please send your favorite Italian markets and suggestions to richard@appetitomagazine.com or comment on our social media channels.
Updated with new additions on April 22, 2024
Eataly (Multiple Locations)
Eataly is perhaps the most notable Italian marketplace in the world, and the word “marketplace” doesn’t really begin to describe it. Eataly is more of a mega-mall for all Italian products. The first U.S. location to open, in the Flatiron district of New York City, is now 13 years old, and still is a popular shopping spot for premier specialty goods imported from Italy, tastings and classes on ingredients like caviar and truffles, high-end restaurants, and food stands with Italian classics like gelato and drinks. Eataly didn’t stop there, opening another NYC location downtown (then another in 2023, in Soho) and six more stores that span the U.S., with two in Toronto.
Eataly Downtown: 4 World Trade Center, 101 Liberty Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10007, (212) 897-2895
Eataly Flatiron: 200 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010, (212) 229-2560
Eataly Soho, 200 Lafayette St., New York, NY, (212) 937-4018
Chicago: 43 East Ohio Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, (312) 521-8700
Boston: Prudential Center, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199, (617) 807-7300
Los Angeles: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, California, (213) 310-8000
Las Vegas: Park MGM, 3770 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, (702) 730-7777
Dallas: North Park Center, 8687 N. Central Expy, Suite 2172, Dallas, Texas, (469) 759-2800
Silicon Valley: 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose, California at Westfield Valley Fair, (650) 456-9200
Toronto: Manulife Centre, 55 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M4W 1A6, Canada, (437)374-0250
Toronto: Sherway Gardens, 25 The West Mall, Etobicoke, ON M9C 1B8, Canada, (437)783-0300
CALIFORNIA
Bay Cities Italian Deli and Bakery (Los Angeles)
Located in Santa Monica, this staple deli specializes in sandwiches that will bring your beach day to the next level. Their claim to fame is the “Godmother,” a hefty creation that includes prosciutto, ham, capicola, mortadella, and genoa salami. And, even more importantly, there is a strict order of “no substitutions” on their menu when it comes to this monster sandwich. Bay Cities also provides a variety of products that range into other cuisines, such as Argentinian and Spanish, and boasts an exciting display of over 60 different salads as well as a bakery with fresh cannolis and Sfogliatelle.
1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica CA 90401, (310)395-8279, baycitiesitaliandeli.com/
Giovanni Italian Specialties (San Francisco)
This market and sandwich shop in San Francisco’s North Beach, a longtime hub of Italian-American culture in the Bay Area, sells provisions both domestic and imported from Italy. Founded by pizzaiolo and chef Tony Gemignani, the shop also specializes in prepared items such as panzerotti, focaccia, and piadina sandwiches, as well as sweets including cookies. There’s fresh housemade pasta for sale, coffee and espresso drinks (using Graffeo beans from San Fransciso) for sipping at outdoor tables, and a selection of wines, liqueurs, and craft beers. Giovanni also has an online shop selling provisions and kitchen tools such as pizza pans.
629 Union St., San Francisco, CA 94133, (415)576-8806, @giovanniitalianspecialties, giovannipecialties.com
Molinari Delicatessen (San Francisco)
This North Beach deli and alimentari feels like a temple to Italian and Italian-American food from the moment you walk through the door. The ceilings are high, salami hangs from hooks, the shelves are stacked, and the slicer is being put to good use. Open since 1896, the family-owned Molinari serves both locals and tourists who come in, take a number, order Italian sandwiches and fresh pastas, cheeses, and meats, and leave happy.
373 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, 415-421-2337, @molinaridelicatessen, molinaridelisf.com
FLORIDA
Casa Tua Cucina (Miami, Florida)
This unique take on an Italian market and upscale food hall provides a casual fine dining experience along with a marketplace that includes a flower shop and home goods store, located within Saks Fifth Avenue in the Brickell City Centre Mall. Spawned from its exclusive South Beach restaurant and private club, the Casa Tua brand now extends to pasta sauces, chocolates, truffle oils, and a wide variety of pastas, as well as locations in Aspen and Paris. 70 SW 7th St, Miami, FL 33130, (305) 755-0320, casatualife.com, @casatualife
Two Fat Guys From Brooklyn (Port St. Lucie)
Carmine Apostolico, a native of Naples, Italy, ran delis in Brooklyn for years before moving to Port St. Lucie, about an hour north of Palm Beach in a fast-growing section of South Florida. After opening a catering business, in 2021, he created a Brooklyn-style delicatessen, Two Fat Guys From Brooklyn, with many Italian specialties made in-house. That includes mozzarella, sausage, and rice balls, as well as a menu with 25-plus Italian sandwiches (available on a roll or as a hero), plus baked pastas to take home and heat up, and even dishes from the homeland, such as trippa. The shelves are stocked with imported pastas, jarred sauces from NYC institutions like Michael’s, and Italian beverages. As for the name, Apostolico chose it after his wife shot down his first suggestion, Carmine’s Corner, because it “sounded like a strip club,” he says with a laugh. 1355 SW Gatlin Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34953, 772-446-9371, twofatguysbrooklyn.com
ILLINOIS
Riviera Italian Imported Foods (Chicago, Illinois)
The Pugliese family, hailing from Calabria, opened up this beloved Chicago establishment over 40 years ago and have been pleasing customers ever since. The deli is old-school, without an Instagram account or even a website; it simply churns out enough high-quality Italian subs so that everyone is left satisfied. Many of the smoked meats and products that Riviera offers are native to the owner's homeland of Calabria, like their homemade soppressata. However, they go the non-traditional route at times too, adding the “Will Special” when a regular named Will Philpot decided to customize his own sandwich using classic Riviera products like bocconcini and giardiniera, as well as a few smoked meats. 3220 N Harlem Ave, Chicago, IL 60634, (773)637-4252
LOUISIANA
Central Grocery and Deli (New Orleans, Louisiana)
This century-old New Orleans institution has the perfect location in the middle of the French Quarter, and is best-known for Sicilian immigrant Salvatore Lupo creating the original muffuletta sandwich. Three generations later, the deli is still churning out their famous sandwich, complete with ham, salami, provolone, and the most important part, a spicy olive salad atop the crusty, sesame seed muffuletta bread. Central Grocery ships their famous sandwiches around New Orleans to other delis and markets, but to get the full experience, a visit to the original location is necessary. You can also pick up their delicious olive salad by the jar along with other Italian products (sausages, wine), a huge variety of olives, and gourmet olive oils. 923 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA 70116, (504) 523-1620, centralgrocery.com
MARYLAND
DiPasquale’s Marketplace (Baltimore)
This Baltimore establishment has grown to three locations since its inception in 1914; they serve Brewers Hill, Harborsville, and even recently opened an additional deli and wine shop. And if this wasn’t enough, they also have catering and nationwide shipping businesses. Guy Fieri put these guys on “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” for a reason. @dipasquales_italian_market, dipisquales.com
DiPisquale’s Locations:
Brewers Hill
The rice balls (try Baltimore-style crab) and lasagna options are among the classic best-sellers on a long, tantalizing menu. They also boast an in-depth selection of Italian wine and spirits, and freshly prepared desserts, including gelato. 3700 Toone Street, Baltimore, MD 21224, (410)276-6787
Harborview
This spot was opened to serve the booming clientele base created by Batimore’s famous harbor, and while it does so in a less-traditional style (takeout-only), the quality and care of all items stays the same, like their delicious porchetta and meatball subs. 500 Harborview Drive, Baltimore, MD 21230, (443)963-1872
Mastellone Deli and Wine Shop
DiPasquale’s acquired this location from the previous owners and kept the name, but keeps most of the products in line with their other two spots—the only difference being its the only one out of the three to not serve hot foods (at least not yet). The spirits and wine selection is still very much intact though, as per the name. 7212 Harford Rd., Baltimore, MD 21234, (410)444-5433
MASSACHUSETTS
Salumeria Italiana (Boston)
The North End of Boston is a small, historical enclave jam-packed with Italian restaurants and markets. Salumeria Italiana is located right in the center of the North End, offering a premier experience for those looking for high-end products. They have a wide selection of cheeses, olive oils, vinegars, and even sandwiches. Salamis are obviously their calling card, with imported varieties like the hot or sweet capocollo and salame milanese, or an edgy ghost pepper salami with tequila. And if none of that impresses you, then maybe their 6-foot hanging cheese will!
151 Richmond St Boston, MA 02109, (617) 523-8743, @salumeria_italiana, salumeriaitaliana.com
MICHIGAN
Primi Piatti (Birmingham, MI)
Primi Piatti opened in the northern Detroit suburb of Birmingham back in 2011, after owner and local native Monica Bisignano Zamler followed her dream of starting a specialty good market tied to her Italian heritage. In the years since, it’s become a go-to spot not only for fresh pastas, cheeses, and sauces, but for Italian housewares such as ceramics, linens, and handblown glass, which she sources during trips to Italy and imports back to her shop. Primi Piatti also hosts special events and cooking classes, making it a thriving hub of Italian cuisine and décor in the Midwest.
550 N Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009, (248)566-3353, @primipiattimarket, primipiattimarket.com
MISSOURI
Volpi Foods (St. Louis, Missouri)
John Volpi founded this cornerstone of Italian markets after immigrating from Milan in 1899 and set up shop on “The Hill” in 1902, where the storefront still resides today. The now fourth generation of ownership offers classic Italian subs that are rooted in simplicity, relying mainly on “handcrafted artisan meats” and freshly baked bread from the nearby Union Loafers. Every product at Volpi Foods is made from family recipes, reflecting their longstanding tradition as a family-run market. Many of their popular products, like their rollatini singles with mozzarella and prosciutto or their ever-popular charcuterie boards, can be found in stores across St. Louis, while the Volpi line of cured meats is available nationwide. 5256 Daggett Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, (314)446-7950, @volpifoods, volpifoods.com
NEW JERSEY
Rosario’s Butcher Shop (Montclair, New Jersey)
This neighborhood shop, located in suburban Montclair, specializes in salami and sausage. They cure their variety of salami in-house, including three different kinds of soppressata, in addition to offering ‘nduja, the heavily-spiced, spreadable version of salami. Italian imported products, prepared meals, organic cold cut and meat options, and sandwiches also shine at Rosario’s, all of which are available on their catering menu. 252 Park St. Montclair, NJ, 973-655-0999, rosariosbutchershop.com
NEW YORK
Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria (NYC)
Donna Lennard opened her Il Buco restaurant in Manhattan’s NoHo 30 years ago, making it a pioneer of Italian fide dining in New York City. In 2011, she took over another space around the corner and created the more casual Il Buco Alimentari, a restaurant and wine bar with a selection of well-curated imported and local Italian products. The counter, dining room, and terrace are often packed with diners enjoying thoughtfully made, seasonally driven Italian dishes, and the shelves around the entryway are stocked with tinned fish, dried pastas and rice, and olive oils. NYC residents can order gift boxes, fresh breads, cheeses, salumi, and more via the online shop. 53 Great Jones St, New York, NY 10012 212.837-2622, @ilbuco_av, ilbucoalimentari.com
DPNB Pasta Shop (Nyack, NY)
This small but beloved “pasta and provisions” destination in a village 20 miles north of NYC provides a holistic pasta-buying experience for customers. All of the different pastas are made in-house, and any questions about cooking time or serving suggestions can be answered by their staff. For those not willing to wait to get home to cook their pasta, DPNB offers sit-down dining with a variety of fine-dining-quality dishes like parchment-baked Branzino and Spaghetti alla Chitarra, from chef-owner Tony Scotto, who cooked at the Michelin-starred Del Posto before launching this shop in his hometown. Taking advantage of the plethora of quality purveyors in the New York area, the shop maintains a high bar for their products like their coffee from the Brooklyn Roasting company or produce from Hudson Valley Harvest, Tivoli Mushrooms, and many others. 21 North Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960, (845)353-2167, @dpnbpastashop, dpnbpastashop.com
PENNSYLVANIA
The South 9th Street Italian Market (Philadelphia)
Spanning over 20 blocks in South Philly, this massive open-air market is the oldest continuously operating in America where you can go for pizzas, specialty meats, produce, oils and vinegars, cheesesteaks, and nearly everything in between. Pat’s and Geno’s, two of the most popular cheesesteak makers in Philly, have stands here. The humblest vegetable seller and the most gourmet Italian speciality store will have spaces at this market; there’s also a well-organized website where you can order from the different merchants ahead of time, as well as tours offered to take you around the market. In recent years, other cuisines (Mexican, Korean) have even begun cropping up, showing the dominance of the Italian Market over the Philly food scene. An annual block party is held every spring at the market for two days straight, showcasing all it has to offer with countless vendors. All things come to a head during this event, with one of the most exciting parts being the greased pole race, where contestants try to clamber up the pole to receive the delicious salami and cheese prize. 919 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 (Official Parking Lot: Carpenter St. between 9th and 10th Sts.)
@italianmarketphilly, italianmarketphilly.org
Businesses of Note in the South 9th Street Italian Market:
Claudio Speciality Foods
Claudio’s is one of the classic spots located in the Italian Market; it’s been specializing in cheeses, salamis, olive oils, vinegars, and other reasonably priced Italian products for over 60 years. Their fresh mozzarella is rumored to fly out of the shop — to the tune of about 1,200 lbs. sold per week. Their pasta selection is equally impressive; along with their homemade brand of Claudio pasta, they also sell La Fabbrica, La Terra, and DeCecco varieties. 924-26 South 9th St. Philadelphia, PA 19147, (215) 627-1873, claudiofood.com
Di Bruno Bros.
Another must-visit in the Italian Market, Di Bruno has been a Philadelphia favorite since 1939, and since then, has expanded its reach to many different locations and offshoots across the area. While they offer almost everything Italian that one could desire, including sandwiches, smoked meats, and a massive bakery, their cheese is what made them famous. Di Bruno has over 500 varieties of cheeses and even published a book about cheese pairings.
Italian Market Location: 930 S. 9th St.
Rittenhouse Square: 1730 Chestnut St.
The Market at The Franklin: 834 Chestnut St.
The Market at the Comcast Center: 1701 JFK Blvd.
Ardmore Farmers Market: 120 Coulter Ave.
RHODE ISLAND
Mozz Formaggi i Pane (Newport)
Luca Mignona learned the art of making Italian cheeses from his family in Campobasso in Molise, Italy, then honed his skills professionally after moving to the U.S. in 2003. He even studied at University of Vermont’s Institute for Artisan Cheese before eventually landing in Newport, where he opened Mozz with his wife, Christina Barbiera Mignogna. Together, they’ve created a cheese shop with house-made mozzarella, ricotta, scamorza, stracietella, and much more. Besides the cheeses, Mozz hosts cheesemaking and pairing workshops, offers a cheese of the month club (for in-store pickup only), and serves a rotating menu of pasta, panini, and pinsa for informal dining in or takeaway.
181 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, (401)324-7065, @mozznewport, mozznewport.com
UTAH
Caputo’s (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Another classic example of how Italian immigrants helped shape the culinary traditions of the U.S., Caputo’s first opened in 1920, when the first generation of Caputos arrived from Calabria. The original market closed in 1970 but was reopened in 1997 by the third-generation Tony Caputo, who turned the market into a deli counter with specialty meats and cheeses. Caputo’s became the premier Italian deli in Salt Lake City, and has grown into a juggernaut with three locations, cooking classes, online shipping, and more. 314 W Broadway Salt Lake City, UT 84101, (801)531-8669, @caputosmarket, caputos.com
