Toronto’s five most authentic shops for Old World Italian cheese, deli meats and preserves

1. Alimento

Even on design-driven King West, Alimento stands out for its polish—the converted warehouse is Sophia Loren sexy. The alluring provisions are scratch-made (there’s a restaurant, bakery and panini bar), local (including preserves) or imported (50-plus pastas). 522 King St. W., 416-362-0123. 

2. Zito’s Marketplace

The selection reflects the Zito family’s southern Italian roots; there’s olive oil from a friend’s farm in Calabria, plus Mason jars of preserved seasonal vegetables (including tangy-hot cherry peppers) made with love by the owners’ grandparents. 210 Marlee Ave., 416-789-4755.

3. Maselli’s Supermarket

A longtime pit stop for succulent house-made sausages (like fennel-pork and chicken), imported homemade-tasting sauces (like Rustichella d’Abruzzo’s Napoletana) and a vast array of pastas (including a range of orecchiettes and strozzapreti). 906 Danforth Ave., 416-465-7901.

4. Michael-Angelo’s

The Pugliese family’s store is a Mississauga landmark for two reasons. It stocks impeccable produce (fat fava beans and romanesco broccoli are hand-selected daily), and it has an extensive deli case that includes seven types of prosciutto. 4099 Erin Mills Pkwy., 905-820-3300.

5. Lady York Foods

North Yorkers browse the aisles at this 53-year-old, family-run store for the large selection of affordable produce and pantry staples. Specialties include sweets (like panettone and torrone) and rock salts (from Toronto’s Just a Pinch). 2939 Dufferin St., 416-781-8585.