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Rosario's Deli
Categories: Restaurants Delis Restaurants Pizza Delis, Pizza [Edit]
2255 31st StAstoria, NY 11105
Neighborhood: Astoria
(718) 728-2920
- Nearest Transit:
-
Astoria Blvd (N, Q)
30 Av (N, Q)
Astoria - Ditmars Blvd (N, Q)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 9 am - 7 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
$20 for $40 Certificate
b j. said: "La Vigna is near work and they have an awesome lunch special - my whole staff loves to get it as take out. The staff is so warm and friendly - best…" read more »
47 reviews for Rosario's Deli
Review Highlights
"I'll never go anywhere else for my Italian deli needs."
(in 29 reviews)
"Fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, roasted red peppers, all on a..."
(in 3 reviews)
"So the guy behind the counter suggested the Italian combo..."
(in 6 reviews)
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47 reviews in English
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Review from scott d.
Arlington, VA
9/24/2011
The presence of elderly Italians was a harbinger of good things to come.
The meat and cheese selections are truly magnificent; hence, so is everything else. And how insane that some of the best pizza in ny and therefore the world can be found where it's not even an emphasis. Nonetheless, two plain slices with a delicious ice cold fountain Coke is fuckin croosh.Listed in: greatest hits
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Review from Young Y.
Astoria, NY
Wonderful family run old-school NY Italian deli. While the store is well stocked with Italian foodstuffs, I come here for the sandwiches. There isn't really a menu, so you pretty much can ask for whatever you want. The staff here is friendly and helpful, so don't be afraid to ask for some suggestions if you going freestyle freaks you out. I usually ask for some combination of fresh mozz, sun dried tomatoes, eggplant, roasted red peppers and artichokes. Sometimes I'll replace the eggplant with salami, but for the most part I try to stay veg when its I can do so without compromising flavor and wholesomeness, and you will never have a problem feeling satisfied and full after eating one of their creations. Often times, I'll eat one half, and save the other for later, as one whole sandwich is usually too much.
Another great item at Rosario's is the pizza. It may rank among the better slices around, and certainly worth a try. If its busy, and you're looking at a wait, sometimes you can take down a slice before you're order is ready.
I'm really glad to have these guys in the 'hood. They're a great group of guys, and really take pride in making some great food. Do yourself a favor, and eat well while supporting a great local business at one of the last places around where you can get a great meal (or two ;) for well under $10. -
Review from Maria N.
Astoria, NY
12/3/2011
I'm not sure how I would deal with not having Rosario's in my neighborhood. It's the place for delicious cold cuts (admittedly some employees cut cold cuts better than others), an amazing selections of dry pasta and their sicilian olives are a staple in my house. Service is always friendly and fast. I want to love the fresh mozzerella, but I never do. And their bread is just okay - go across the street for that. :)
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Review from Madalena T.
Astoria, NY
10/26/2011
I love this old school Italian deli. They have AMAZING thin-crust-just-enough-cheese-and-sauce-ratio pizza towards the back. I do come for their ready made stuff behind the counter; like the delicious octopus salad, but mostly I come for the Italian items that I can not find elsewhere. 2 liters of orange soda and amazing sardines. It does get busy.. cant say the last time I was there that it wasnt busy, which means everyone else loves it just as much as I do.
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Review from Michelle M.
Astoria, NY
10/20/2011
This is a super cute Italian deli under the last stop of the N/Q Ditmars Blvd train station. I go here to find any italian specialty food item that i might have a craving for. They carry many of the best italian food imports not limited to but including truffle oil, olive oil, pasta, balsamic vinegar, and other canned and bottled food stuffs. But the GOOD STUFF is behind the counter. The BEST rice balls i have ever had are made here. Sandwiches, seafood salads, pasta salads and pizza are pretty good too... but if you ever find yourself here for the love of sweet baby jesus get yourself a rice ball!
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Review from Marco G.
ASTORIA, NY
5/12/2011
Rosario's Deli is the real deal in every possible way.
The store shelves are loaded with various European dry, canned, and jarred goods (mostly Italian of course), but it's behind the deli counter where the magic happens.
High quality cold cuts of a great variety are available. This is where I get my sandwich meat and cheese. Ask them to freshly grate Parmigiano cheese... infinitely better than the pre-grated stuff from the super market using who-knows-how-old cheese. The fresh mozzarella is top grade. The prepared food (rice balls, lasagna, chicken parm) are decent for a quick meal.
The biggest highlight of the shop has to be, for me, the sandwiches. You can order anything on them and they are very inexpensive. I usually get ham, salami, fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and an olive spread (when they have it). It comes out to $6.50 for a big sandwich of high quality ingredients. Recommended for the very hungry.
I recently tried the pizza and was surprised at how great it is considering the area lies inconspicuously in the back of the store. It is prepared NY style with a light layer of sauce, and most importantly, a light layer of cheese. This is not your greasy, fold-it-and-see-the-oil type of pizza.
You really can't go wrong with this place.
Oh, and if you can speak Italian, go schmooze with the owner (the fat Italian guy). -
Review from Eric Q.
Manhattan, NY
11/27/2011
Great NY Italian deli and you'll never go wrong trying Rosario's Deli. The store is well stocked with Italian foodstuffs. There isn't really a list of options, so better ask for whatever you want. The staffs here are friendly and helpful, so go talk to them as they will help you with a smile and complete your day; feels like you're very important. Better check the sandwiches there, be prepared cause it is huge, I bet half of that is enough for you, especially for women.
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Review from Pam M.
ASTORIA, NY
4/16/2011
This place makes me want to be Italian so I can hang out with the owner and the employees after hours. I've always walked by Rosarios for the past 3 years but was inspired by all the little italian ladies that come in and out all the time.
I tried the chicken parm hero and I was amazed. Definitely beats a sandwich from subway. I also bought some fresh mozzarella and some vacuum packed gnocchi. AMAZING. I can't wait to come back for a slice of pizza and to try all the chocolate goodies. Their variety of pastas, oils, coffee, and other imported goods is amazing.
This place makes me feel so happy to support small independent shops like these. I'll never go anywhere else for my Italian deli needs. Try it! -
Review from Joe G.
ASTORIA, NY
10/31/2011
The best Italian Deli Sandwich I've encountered in Astoria. Fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, roasted red peppers, all on a huge sandwich for only $7. It's so convenient being right off the subway. How can you not go?
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Review from Jim K.
New York, NY
2/12/2011
Rosario's shop is filled with quality Italian products, all of which were personally approved by Rosario himself.
And here you will find one of the crunchiest, softest pizza crusts in New York City.
One day I asked him why his pizza were so good.
"I do it for fun, because it's fun. And I sell what I'd like to eat.", he says.
And I've been returning to the shop ever since. -
Review from will t.
Bayport, NY
12/8/2011
All salads are fresh and awesome! I go there all the time.
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Review from Andrew M.
Astoria, NY
10/13/2010
Classic Italian salumeria, this place rocks. The pizza is incredible, the cold-cuts are fresh and all top-shelf (Boars Head or imported from Europe) and the antipasti/bread/prepared foods are just delicious.
The place has a very old-school feel, the kids behind the counter are always talking about their personal lives or soccer or teasing each other in Italian, which can be annoying if you're in a rush but quite refreshing (and funny) if you've got time to spare.
The chicken cutlets are great, meatballs are great, lasagna is great, the fresh mozzarella is great, the semolina bread is great, I could pretty much go on and on. I already mentioned the pizza, it's outstanding. Call ahead and ask for a pie, because sometimes you'll go in there and they're out of it, and when they make it fresh-to-order, it's going to be a 40-45 minute wait. Still worth it though.
I love places like this, they're charming and remind me of my childhood, and I would ALWAYS prefer to support the neighborhood "mom-and-pop" store over the big-box places. This place is sooooooo good when you're entertaining or having a get-together, my guests are ALWAYS blown away with the freshness and taste of the cold-cuts and antipasti, it's way better than you can get anywhere else.
Try it, I'm sure you'll be back for seconds.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Jen E.
Cave Creek, AZ
9/29/2010
I miss Rosario's, and writing this review is making me want to plan my next trip back to NY.
I used to go to Rosario's for their prosciutto and fresh mozzarella. Their mozzarella is so fresh that it is still warm when you buy it. Add a little Italian bread and you have a sandwich that doesn't need ANYTHING else to be absolutely delicious.
I am ashamed to say that I have never tried their pizza, but that is a must for my next visit, as the reviews about it are quite convincing. -
Review from Adam K.
New York, NY
8/16/2010
Great Italian specialties to be had here, but what brings me here most often is the pizza.
It is AMAZING and is, in my book, the best slice in this part of Astoria, hands down.
Trust me. Go get a slice there -- it's worth the wait in line (which is often slow-moving ... such is the price of popularity).Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from N P.
Astoria, NY
8/25/2011
Old school Italian. Italians do it best.
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Review from Matt T.
Astoria, NY
9/19/2010
Ahh, Rosario's. Let's consider this review a love letter to my favorite deli in Queens.
You want a great sandwich? Go here. You want a damn fine slice? Go here. You want diverse European grocery? Go here.
Honestly, I could pine on about the strengths of this place. He has an extensive collection of olive oils and vinegars, a massive variety of macaroni, and a fairly sizable aisle devoted to Croatian and Eastern European food. Not to mention the imported meats & cheeses from around the world. It should also be noted that he carries a good selection of Cassinelli ravioli (an excellent homemade pasta maker from around the corner on 23rd St. with less than desirable hours). And then there's the mozzarella. The mozzarella is, hands down, one of the best you'll find in New York City. Bold statement. 100% truth.
If you haven't checked Rosario's by now, you're missing out on a gem. -
Review from Lauren L.
7/19/2010
I'm in love, absolute love.
Growing up in a small Italian neighborhood in Brooklyn, I've always been used to purchasing most of my groceries at the local Italian deli and was so thrilled to find an authentic (not overpriced, obnoxious Carroll Gardens stores that shall not be named) shop in my new nabe.
Rosario's is manned by some of the nicest guys I've ever spoken to that I end up having 5 minute conversations with them whenever I go in. (And I hear my repressed Brooklyn accent come out in full effect, which is such a treat to me since I barely hear a Brooklyn/Queens accent in this city anymore.)
They are the only place outside of Brooklyn that I've been to that carries one of my favorite sauces from Michael's Restaurant in Sheepshead Bay, and not only that but they serve THE BEST PIZZA in Astoria.
I know you wouldn't think that since it's small and only have a few slices out at a time, but this pizza is so perfect it's sort of hard for me to not eat it every single time I pass it on the way to the train.
It gets pretty insane on the weekends, though, so it's probably best to shop there midday if you can, or at least right after work.Listed in: Astoria!
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Review from Tom I.
Astoria, NY
Updated - 6/28/2010 8 Check-ins Here
Okay, so I (finally) tried sandwitch. Awesome.
I had Italian (couldn't be any more creative), meat was fresh, bread was tasty, vinegar was just right fravor...
Love it.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/26/2010
Rosario is da man...he has great selection of cheese, meat, bread, even fresh cooked pizza.
I have… Read more »
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Review from paul t.
ASTORIA, NY
7/14/2011
Just stopped by Rosario's walking in didn't know what to order so I can bring down to Astoria park with me. So the guy behind the counter suggested the Italian combo OMG. When i saw the size of the sandwich I flipped it was huge!!! But I couldn't walk out without some chocolate covered almonds and a octopus salad. When I opened the sandwich I couldn't believe how much meat was in there and I took a bite I was in heaven this had to be the most amazing huge sandwich I ever had and the price was also amazing I think I paid $7.00 two of us could have ate the sandwich because I couldn't do it. Great job guys great job oh yeah the salad was excellent !!! Thank you!,
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Review from Walter D.
Astoria, NY
6/16/2011
One of my favorite places to eat! Italian food so authentic, you'd think you were in Italy! I always get the eggplant parmesan sandwich with fresh mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes! For the price, $7, I have two meals! Awesome! They also have a lot of packaged goods that you can only get in Italy, so I feel like I am walking into another continent. Delicious deli, awesome and friendly service.
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Review from John T.
Astoria, NY
6/14/2007 1 photo
Do yourself a favor, and order a sandwich as proof this is the best grocer/deli in town. I most highly recommend a roast beef and provalone--because both the roast beef and provalone are outstanding here--on a fresh baked roll, or get an Italian sub and appreciate that it may be the first time you ever had fresh made mozarella on a sandwhich in your life--made on the premises, daily. Great food is half about the ingredients, and Rosario's has them as well as the other half of great food which is skill.
Then note the price, about $4. Literally, the 'best deal in town.'
Wait in line behind gourmet chefs and aged Italian master cook housewives at high traffic times. But only sometimes. If you're headed there the day before some big holiday you're guaranteed to wait, but it will be worth it. If you are waiting, it will most likely only be two or three people ahead of you, but they'll be stocking up for a real banquet, or have a list of ingredients they need for the week.
I always say that if you buy it at Rosario's it's the best you could get, irrespective of whether it's Italian or not. Rosario is Italian, so the grocery is Italian, but they carry brands and items from many other countries--including Boar's Head if it's good enough.
The number one thing chefs go in there for it seems is procciuto (spelling?). It's not overspiced or oversalted--the genuine article.
At their root, they're grocers, the best grocers you'll find. And while it can certainly be labeled a gourmet Italian deli, they certainly don't build on that theme with high prices and slick presentation. Rosario's is a genuine, quality family place--the kind New York used to be famous for but most of which have gone big commercial (like Junior's of Brooklyn for instance). If you speak Italian or want to learn some, this would certainly be the place to get the sound of the language in your head.
Anyway, I can't praise this place enough for the food as well as how neat, clean, and friendly it is. -
Review from Jess L.
Long Island City, NY
4/14/2009
I cannot love this place more enough. They have the freshest foods and amazing bread and all these imported goodies and cakes and pastas, pans and boxed cakes hanging from the cieling. Most of the customers are little old men and women and speak italian and broken english, and it's adorable. It reminds me of my dad's side of the family and going to places like this in Brooklyn when I was a kid. The lines are longer around holidays naturally, but anything is worth the wait. the owner, rosarios always yells out "eh signorina!" and "ciao bella!", and talks with you while you wait. nice and friendly staff. i jsut wish they were open later, and on sundays!!
also, BEST PIZZA!! -
Review from Pamela M.
Brooklyn, NY
2/23/2011
I am not Italian, but my best childhood friend is. I spent countless Sundays at her grandmothers house where there was macaroni, meatballs, salad, chicken cutlets, the whole shebang. I used to tell her grandmother every week that she made the best chicken cutlets ever and I meant it. I have never tasted anything like it since...until I found Rosario's! They have the (second) best chicken cutlets I've ever had in my life!! Also, I read one review that said they were pricey and I just don't understand that statement. A hero with chicken cutlets, melted fresh handmade mozzarella cheese, lettuce, sundried tomatoes, oil & vinegar will run you $6 flat! Maybe some of the grocery items are a bit pricier but a lot of stuff is imported. Their pizza is fabulous and the staff is always so friendly. Rosario's has become a weekly...and sometimes daily....staple of my diet!
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Review from Bo Y.
New York, NY
2/16/2011
My favorite deli- everything is really really fresh. I go there all the time to buy San Marzano tomatoes, fresh made mozarella (they make it there everyday), assorted meats, yummy sandwiches and Casinelli spinach ravioli. Prices are decent, it sure beats Eataly.
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Review from Melanie W.
New York, NY
7/7/2010
They make the best sandwiches ever. Super big with thin sliced deli meat and fresh mozzarella they make in the back for only $6-7. I've also had the pizza which is a pretty good slice. I think he has the crust down pat, but the sauce was missing a little tang.
I'm planning to go back and buy some deli meats to pack for lunch.
I know others prefer Sal, Kris and Charlie's, but my heart belongs with Rosario. -
Review from Amber B.
Brooklyn, NY
4/24/2009
The little man who works here is the best thing I have seen in Astoria to date. He is a carbon copy of the cardboard man outside the store, and I can only assume he was the inspiration for said cut-out...
That said, the sandwiches are incredible (huge! and cheap!), and the provolone is to die for. They have a ridiculous selection of cheeses and meats and chocolate- three of my favorite things on this planet.
I can never, on good conscience, step foot in Subway again... -
Review from Amy M.
Queens, NY
12/27/2009
I agreed with Amber's comment. The guy works here (Mr. Rosario himself?) is a character, and I just love the live conversation going on there with other native Astorians. Espresso coffee of all kinds are decently priced, all cold cuts are very nice.
The very first time I visited here, the young deli guy made me his creation of "The Best" sandwich-I-would-def.-come-back. It was great, and I did come back after moved into the area. However, I ordered in a whole pizza one night, and as Mr. Rosario himself promised that it is fresh, it was not. I could tell from the way it is burned twice on the bottom that it was re-heated.
I would recommended to go there directly to enjoy his mozzarella loaded pizza, by asking to make from scratch. -
Review from Audra W.
Long Island City, NY
3/25/2010
Man I love me some Rosarios.
Their sandwiches are amazing! The tuna salad is the best I have ever had and the turkey provolone is wonderful as well. The sandwiches are so cheap and huge that they can easily be shared or saved.
I have also had them warm me up one of their amazing potato croquettes which was divine.
So glad to live down the street!! -
Review from Diana E.
Astoria, NY
11/16/2008
Fresh mozzarella ball for which to make pizza (with dough from Rose & Joe's, across the street) - didn't make it onto pizza - made it into everyone's mouths before making it to pizza.
Ah well, $5 made everyone happy. -
Review from Scott B.
ASTORIA, NY
1/5/2011
The pizza. The lattes. The awesome people that work there. The homeade motz uh rel. This small Italian grocery is spectacular.
The only downside to this gem of Ditmars is there is always one or two grumpy rude douche bag coustomers that cut in line or take forever or are rude to the nice people behind the counter. -
Review from Miah M.
New York, NY
6/1/2009
Great NY style pizza, all sorts of imported Italian packaged goodies and fresh deli food.
I always go for the simple but great cheese pie - great value as well. -
Review from Natalie B.
Long Island City, NY
10/8/2010
Pizza, coffee and sandwiches are fantastic, plus you can get all the Italian groceries you need to make your own feast. (Plus the cheapest Illy coffee I've seen anywhere)
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Review from Juan C.
New York, NY
6/15/2010
Well, yet again you yelpers were right, this place is amazing. This is a small deli type place, very well organized, it has a certain something to it, the place just has a natural flow. I went to grab a slice of pizza, actually i got two. Let me tell you that the pizza was incredible, i wonder if they make their own dough, because, it seemed like i was eating at one of those fancy coal oven places; yet i didn't see a coal oven, they were using a conventional pizza oven. Let me describe the pizza itself, Perfect crust, not burnt, with the most amazing sauce, i could tell it was top notch sauce, it was delicious. The cheese was fresh mozzarella, possibly homemade, it wasn't salty, yet complemented the sauce in such a way that makes you wonder if this isn't the best pizza in town. I must mention that the service was great, and it could get hectic, but they always kept it professional.
Rosario's, hell of a pizza, i will be back. -
Review from Henry D.
New York, NY
10/14/2010
The pizza is very good and the sandwiches are great. The bread is always fresh and crispy. They use high quality meat and cheeses. They also have chicken and eggplant parm sandwiches. Every time I go there, Rosario's is there. He runs a quality food shop. I love their Italian combo sandwich with the fresh roasted peppers with garlic pieces. The only complaint I have is the line is slow but it's because the guys behind the counter are taking personal care of each individual customer.
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Review from S K.
Astoria, Queens, NY
12/14/2010
Only four stars because I think this place is a little pricey, especially for astoria, but if you go, I would try the following:
- Pizza (obviously)
- Prosciutto
- Sopressata
- Mozzarella
And then all the cookies and chocolates they have. And the canned tomatoes (for cooking your own almost-as-good sauces). Once I bought truffle oil from here and it was obviously stored well, which is important for truffle oil.
Basically, I have yet to buy an item from Rosario's and have it taste anything less than wonderful.
But the best part of Rosario's is Rosa himself. The friendly Italian gentleman who calls you sweetie as he makes a fresh pizza pie just before closing because you look tired and he knows all you need is one amazing slice. Who jokes with you in barely comprehensible English while his (I can only assume) nephews and sons serve you delicious deli meats and cheeses. He is awesome. Even if the food was terrible, I would still be a regular, just for his company. Fortunately, the food is great. -
Review from Jason F.
Astoria, NY
7/12/2010
Rosario's is simply the best. I love the pizza. It's so simple, but so good. My fiance loves all the Italian items they sell, especially the wide variety of cookies. But by far the best thing in the entire place is the fresh mozzarella. It's so moist, soft and has the perfect taste. When you buy a ball of it that is still warm, HOLY &$#@. I could eat it everyday, on sandwiches, on crackers, on pizza, on cereal, on ice cream, etc. It is that good.
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Review from Lindsey M.
Long Island City, NY
9/6/2010
There service is great and their pizza slices are to die for. Only two bucks a slice and topped with their own fresh mozzarella.
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Review from DEBRA C.
East Elmhurst, NY
5/23/2011
best homemade mozzarella anywhere. their home made food is out of this world including their home made pizza!!! great sausage, meat...best ciabbata bread too..
great staff and rosario is always so welcoming.
love all their italian products. phenomenal vodka sauce they sell along with their own marinara sauce.
then only thing, i wish they sold milk =) -
Review from Cara L.
South Ozone Park, NY
5/12/2011
Rosario's Deli is a pretty good spot for a better than average sandwich. Me personally i tend to go for the chicken cutlet with romaine lettuce and salt, onions, peppers, mayonnaise, mustard, hold the tomato. lol If your not into a loaded sandwich like I am try their custom salads and grab a drink on the go. This is pretty good spot if your having a busy day at work and not a lot of time for a lunch break!
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Review from Hardkandy H.
Astoria, NY
4/17/2010
Rosario is there and he is a character. You can even talk in Italian with him ! The cold cuts, olives, cheeses are all very good and moderately priced (compared to some store in the City). You can find also lots of kinder eggs, barette, and loacker !!!
