For those in the know, Mazzaro’s Italian Market (https://www.mazzarosmarket.com/) in St. Petersburg, Florida, is more than just a grocery store – it’s an experience. Forget theme parks; for food lovers, this is the happiest place in Florida, a vibrant hub of authentic Italian flavors and bustling energy. Located on the mainland of St. Pete, not to be confused with St. Pete Beach, Mazzaro’s is a sprawling emporium that eclipses smaller local favorites like Orlando’s Stasio’s Italian Deli and Market or D’Amico & Sons Italian Market and Bakery, and in many ways, outshines even the grand, corporate feel of Eataly.
Stepping into Mazzaro’s is like entering a different world. The market unfolds like a delicious maze, revealing a wine cellar, a dedicated cheese room, a lively cafe, and a tempting gelato station. Counters overflow with freshly made sandwiches, deli meats and cheeses sliced to order, and enticing hot prepared meals. And then there’s the bakery, a visual feast immediately to your left upon entry, where every pastry is crafted from scratch, echoing the dedication to quality found throughout Mazzaro’s. Be prepared to navigate – Mazzaro’s is a popular spot, and the aisles are often buzzing with enthusiastic shoppers. Embrace the friendly jostle and the lively atmosphere; it’s all part of the Mazzaro’s charm.
During a visit in 2022, my wife was captivated by a simple yet perfect cannoli from Mazzaro’s bakery. The shell, wonderfully crispy, gave way to a rich, sweet cream filling, crowned with crushed pistachios. It was a testament to the simple perfection Mazzaro’s achieves.
Another standout was the sfogliatelle, a shell-shaped pastry with countless delicate, crispy layers. Filled with a subtly lemon-infused cream and dusted with powdered sugar, it looked almost too exquisite to eat. While sfogliatelle can now be found in Orlando, experiencing it at Mazzaro’s is a must. The textures and flavors invite comparison, and Mazzaro’s version truly stands out.
Among the vast selection, some pastries remain delightfully mysterious. A fruity-centered creation, its exact name has faded from memory, but the delicious taste lingers.
Even familiar treats at Mazzaro’s reach new heights. Sugar-topped pastries, brought home on a recent trip, were enjoyed without a second thought to their names – their deliciousness spoke for itself.
The New York style black and white cookie at Mazzaro’s is a revelation. Cakey in texture with a hint of lemon beneath the rich, glossy icing, it rivals the best found in New York’s famed bagel shops and bakeries. It’s a testament to Mazzaro’s commitment to quality, even in familiar favorites.
Navigating past the bakery, you enter the grocery section, a maze of shelves packed with non-perishable Italian goods. The sheer volume and variety can be overwhelming, adding to the market’s bustling, sensory-rich atmosphere. Eventually, you’ll reach the fresh pasta and prepared foods section, a tempting array of options for any meal.
Mazzaro’s offers a wide range of handmade pasta, conveniently pre-portioned and packaged. The refrigerated cases are filled with choices, making it easy to select the perfect pasta for your Italian culinary creation.
While I haven’t personally sampled the prepared foods, they are clearly a popular option for locals. Mazzaro’s catering service is also available, promising to elevate any event with their exceptional Italian cuisine. Imagine hosting a party with Mazzaro’s fare – a guaranteed success!
On a 2022 visit, my wife opted for lobster and seafood rolls from the deli counter. Served Maine-style, cold with mayonnaise and celery, they were a refreshing choice, though not quite to her preferred warm, buttered Connecticut style. I happily took on the majority, appreciating the fresh seafood and classic preparation.
Learning from past experience, on a 2024 return, she chose a grilled caprese sandwich. Despite a general dislike for fresh tomatoes and sandwiches, she devoured it with gusto on Mazzaro’s covered patio, a testament to the quality of ingredients and flavor.
Mazzaro’s #1 Italian sub is a legendary choice. Ham, Genoa salami, capicola, mortadella, provolone, romaine, tomatoes, onion, roasted peppers, Italian slaw, and oil and vinegar, all layered on fresh-baked Italian bread from a wood-fired oven – it’s an Italian sub masterpiece. The Italian slaw adds a distinctive tangy crunch, a feature more sandwich shops should embrace.
Returning for another #1 on a softer hoagie roll revealed a new favorite. The softer roll addressed a minor critique – sometimes the regular bread can be a bit too crisp. Bringing these sandwiches home to Orlando allows the intense flavors to meld and deepen, a worthwhile strategy for those not local to St. Pete.
The #7, another must-try sandwich, features prosciutto di Parma, sweet soppressata, hot capicola, marinated sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella on ciabatta. Like the #1, the #7 benefits from a little travel time, becoming even more flavorful after a drive and a night in the refrigerator.
The latest #7, even with a slightly overdone ciabatta roll, remained delicious. The quality of the fillings at Mazzaro’s consistently shines through.
Beyond sandwiches, exploring Mazzaro’s salumi selection is essential. Recent discoveries included bison salami from Angel’s Salumi & Truffles, venison, pork, and pinot noir salami from Driftless Provisions, and a “bonfire cider” salami from Short Creek Farms – a testament to the diverse and high-quality offerings.
The prosciutto “chips,” however, were a slight miss. While prosciutto itself is a favorite, the crispy, crunchy chip form lost some of the melt-in-your-mouth appeal of thinly sliced prosciutto. Crunchy bacon lovers might appreciate them more.
Mazzaro’s popularity can be intense, especially on weekends. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting solo to fully appreciate the market’s offerings without time constraints or crowded aisles.
For years, Mazzaro’s Italian Market has been a top recommendation for both St. Petersburg locals and tourists. It’s worth a day trip even from Orlando. However, be mindful of their limited hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm, Saturday: 9am-2:30pm, Sunday: Closed. Plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment.
If you’re a Mazzaro’s enthusiast, share your must-try favorites! What should be on the list for the next visit to this St. Pete culinary gem?
