There is so much amazing Italian food available in Los Angeles that it can be hard to choose from. I went on an Italian food tour several years ago and three places stood out for me. They are truly authentic, run by real Italians, and have delicious food.
I guarantee you will be drooling by the time you get to the end.
The Eastside Market Italian Deli
Eastside Market Italian Deli is located near Chinatown and was established in 1929. It is considered to be an L.A. landmark. Los Angeles used to have a Little Italy that started in the 1800s near Olvera Street and Main. The deli’s clientele is a mix of civic workers, lawyers, policemen, and other locals and it serves a thriving lunch business.
Johnny Angiuli was born in Adelphia, Italy, and came to the US in 1956 at the age of 12. He worked at the restaurant for 15 years before becoming the owner in 1974.
The restaurant’s most popular sandwich is its hot roast beef and pastrami #7. You will die and go to heaven after eating one of those juicy and amazing sandwiches.
Eastside Market is known for its “big” sandwich and has a loyal customer following.
Angiuli’s philosophy of life:
“Work every day.” But also, “Enjoy your life. Enjoy it immensely” He regrets only focusing on work for most of his life to support his family. “Keep on eating the #7. Don’t worry about your weight as long as you feel good.”
Eastside Market Italian Deli
1013 Alpine Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213.250.2464
www.esmdeli.com
Roma Italian Deli and Grocery
This unassuming little market is located in a strip mall. If you are looking for authentic Italian food supplies in Los Angeles, Roma Italian Deli and Grocery in Pasadena is the place to go. Rosario has been behind the deli since 1955 and is well into his 80s. When we arrived, he was slicing cheese. He’ll give you samples of the over 70 varieties of cheese they have available. All you have to do is ask. He came to the US from Sicily and moved to Pasadena.
I was astounded by the varieties of pasta the store has on display. They were all imported from Italy and made with the finest ingredients.
The market is famous for its special Italian cold-cut sandwich that customers line up to buy every day. I’ve had it several times and I guarantee you will come back for more.
Roma Italian Deli & Grocery
918 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104
626.797.7748
Bulgarini Gelato
There’s nothing better than Italian Gelato! Bulgarini Gelato is a little dessert shop that is hidden away in a small shopping center in Altadena. They make all their treats from scratch using only natural and fresh ingredients.
It is owned by Leo Bulgarini, who hails from Rome, and his Pasadena-born wife Elizabeth. Their business was voted “best gelato” by Los Angeles Magazine and deservedly displays many other glowing reviews on its walls.
The owners make frequent trips to Italy for ingredients and they also handpick fruit from local Southern California farmers.
The pistachios come from the volcanic region of Catania and are pure Sicilian air-dried. They import cocoa from Santo Domingo, macadamia nuts from Hawaii, and hazelnuts from Oregon.
They also serve authentic Italian food on their patio for lunch and dinner.
Bulgarini Gelato
749 E. Altadena Dr.
Altadena, CA 90001
626.791.6174
www.bugarinigelato.com
What are your favorite Italian food spots in LA? Please leave a comment below.
I once went on a tour out of Farmer’s Market on Fairfax called the Melting Pot. It included some stalls in the market then on walked down 3rd for stops at several places. It was very good and the girls were very knowledgeable with gossipy-type tidbits. Fun.
That sounds like lots of fun Faye. I will have to check it out. I love the Farmer’s Market on Fairfax. Thanks for the tip!