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

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

Toronto Life Eating and Drinking 2013: Italian Grocers
Alimento on King West (Image: Emma McIntyre)

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.