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Top Italian Delis in New York City

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Italian Delis in New York City You Need to Check Out

New York City is known all over the world for its famous delicatessens. New Yorkers understand the cultural importance of an Italian sub and keep coming back for its unending appeal. As with everything else in this city, there are countless variations of Italian delis, and you will find several Italian-American salumeria selling authentic cold cuts and cheeses that pair fantastically in a sub.

NYC has a large Italian-American population that is proud of its Italian heritage and loves to share its cuisine with the diverse people of New York. This fact will become apparent as you visit Little Italy, small family-owned bottegas, and the best Italian delis in New York City from this list.

Here Are Some of the Best Italian Delis in New York City

In this article, you will read about the best Italian delis in New York City and what makes them so unique in the eyes of New Yorkers.

8. D & F Italian Deli

Astoria has always been a special place in New York City where new immigrants settled, and later, people driven from Manhattan due to skyrocketing rent prices also staked their claim in the area. These people understand what makes New York City feel like home and have supported local businesses in Astoria, such as the D & F Italian deli.

The D & F Italian deli is famous in New York City due to its affordable sandwiches and other Italian-American staples such as fresh mozzarella, marinated olives, prosciutto, all types of salumi, mortadella, and more.

People who like a hearty Italian-American meal can also find classics such as eggplant parm, meatball marinara, and homemade pasta. They are dedicated to offering delicious yet inexpensive food to customers, so that old and new patrons keep supporting their business and always return for more.

7. Defonte’s of Brooklyn

Situated in Staten Island, Defonte’s of Brooklyn has provided great Italian-American classics to New Yorkers since 1922. It is a gem of a shop where you can find pork heroes smothered in lip-smacking tomato sauce, eggplant parm subs, and tangy cucumber eggplant.

There is a large variety of items across the menu, and you might get confused with the ordering system. However, it is part of the charm of the almost 100 years-old establishment. You can enjoy crispy fried eggplant on the hot roast beef sandwich with house-made mozzarella, a Sinatra Special that consists of mouth-watering steak pizzaiola, and a Cuban sandwich with a twist on garlic bread.

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You might have to take the Staten Island Ferry for Defonte’s of Brooklyn, but their food is definitely worth the trip.

 

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6. Dave & Tony’s Salumeria

Dave & Tony’s Salumeria is a popular spot known by cooks and foodies alike in the city. They offer a diverse and authentic array of Italian cheeses and deli meats that always make their regulars excited to visit the store for more.

With panettone from Northern Italy, cured meats from Tuscany, pasta from Molise, and sardines from Sicily, you will find every region of Italy represented in Dave & Tony’s Salumeria.

Most of the delicacies that are best-sellers are made in the store, such as sausage, fresh ricotta, soppressata, cotechini, mozzarella, and more.

Aside from cold cuts and cheeses, you can also get delicious paninis and sandwiches. Everyone behind the counter is very friendly and can even offer samples upon request.

5. Faicco’s Italian Specialties

Faicco’s Italian Specialties has been a well-known New York City establishment since 1900. It has been known among the locals as the best place to get an Italian sub since Faicco offers a large variety of cold cuts, fresh bread, and homemade sausage to customers.

You can get fresh mozzarella and sweet soppressata as well as prepared to-go dishes such as eggplant parm and lasagna. It was featured on Food Paradise for Italian sandwiches, as the small shop also allows you to customize your sandwich.

4. Sorriso’s Italian Pork Store or Italian Salumeria

Present in Queens, NYC, Sorriso’s Italian Salumeria is a classic spot in New York City for Italian deli food. Sorriso translates to ‘smile’ in Italian, and everything you see in this store will inspire you to smile joyfully.

From sauces, oils, vinegar, homemade sausages, and mozzarella, you will be able to find every Italian staple at this shop. You can also order authentic Italian dishes such as eggplant rollatini, soppressata, dried sausage, and marinated shrimp at Sorriso’s Italian Salumeria.

Sorriso’s also boasts a large variety of Italian pasta at the salumeria in every shape and size, and you can even purchase gluten-free pasta from this establishment.

3. Sergimmo Salumeria

Sergimmo Salumeria is a famous Italian deli and café in New York City. You can find imported and house-made salumi, soppressata, cacciatore, and more in this beautiful Italian deli.

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Aside from the cold cuts, Sergimmo Salumeria offers mozzarella, ricotta, and dried mozzarella scamorza for all to enjoy. The best offering by this Italian deli has to be the San Marzano tomatoes and Delverde pasta.

People who are in a rush at lunch hour can visit the eatery for a quick salad, panino, or pasta. If you visit the establishment for the first time, you must check out their VIP (Very Italian Panini), which consists of prosciutto di Parma, olive oil, fig spread, and arugula on ciabatta.

2. Mike’s Deli

This excellent Italian delicatessen is located in one of the city’s most beloved kitchen and food supplies markets. With glossy menus and an undeniable old-school charm, Mike’s Deli is a well-known spot in the city when you need a comforting Italian sub or heartwarming Italian-American food.

You will be able to find more than 50 different types of sandwiches on their menu, along with soups, pastas, salads, platters, Stromboli, and several sides. The ingredients used in each dish are high-quality and can blow your mind away with their fresh taste.

You can even try Italian nougats at the establishment with your children for an adventurous snack.

1. Alidoro

Alidoro is a Soho institution and has been an old favorite of New Yorkers since 1986. It was known as Melampo before 2001, and after its ownership changed, it came to be known as Alidoro.

You will be able to find customer favorites such as the Romeo, consisting of smoked chicken breast on Italian bread, along with a hot pepper dressing and Bel Paese. Bel Paese is a semi-soft Italian cheese that complements the smoky flavor and soft texture of chicken breast perfectly.

Locals know how the former owner Alessandro Gualandi had a high temper, and even after he has left, a bit of attitude still prevails at the Italian deli shop.

Family Food: One-of-a-Kind Italian Deli Food at Tony’s Beechhurst

In this episode of Family Food, we head to Tony’s Beechhurst in Whitestone, Queens, to eat Italian deli food like no other. We meet Emilio and Josephine Polito, immigrants who worked tirelessly to make Tony’s into the neighborhood staple that it is today.

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Italian Delis in New York City – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an Italian deli called?

In Italy, an Italian deli can be called a bottega alimentare, gastronomia, or salumeria.

What bread do Italian delis use?

There are almost 400 types of Italian breads, and Italian delis usually sell bread baked in-house or bread made by another baker in their deli. Pane sciocco, focaccia, semolina, and ciabatta are just some of the breads you can purchase at an Italian deli.

What are the names of Italian cold cuts?

Salami, prosciutto, salsiccia, finocchiona, pancetta, capocollo, lardo, and soppressata are some Italian cold cuts you can enjoy at an Italian deli.

Summary

Whether you are craving a refined Italian sandwich from Alidoro or a messy VIP with great bread from Sergimmo Salumeria, you can find the best Italian delis in the world in New York City.

With delicious paninis filled with flavorful cheeses, hearty soups, eggplant parm, and more classic dishes to offer, you can visit any Italian deli mentioned in the list above to fulfill your cravings for authentic Italian-American food.

Aside from getting fresh subs and ready-to-go dishes from these delicatessens, you can also purchase delicious cold cuts, sausages, cheeses, and more authentic cured meat products.

To test which Italian deli suits your taste best, visit the places mentioned above at lunchtime and try their top customer favorites.

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