Castellano & Pizzo: Authentic Italian Market & Deli in South Tampa

Thanks to a recommendation by a reader, we decided to try out Castellano & Pizzo Italian Gourmet Foods on Henderson Blvd. in south Tampa this past weekend.  Castellano & Pizzo is the most authentic Italian market and deli I've come across in Tampa.  We stopped in for sandwiches, but also ended up checking out the wine, cheese, produce, meat and fresh prepared-food sections.   

Traci decided on a classic chicken parmesan sandwich and, instead of ordering a traditional Italian sandwich or Cuban, I went with the "salmon delight" sandwich.  This ended up being good decisions on both counts.  My sandwich - a combination of smoked salmon with sliced tomatoes, delicious big slices of mozzarella, oil and lettuce - was very tasty.  Traci liked her chicken parm.  The sandwiches at Castellano & Pizzo are big and reasonable priced.  Service was a little slow, but very friendly.

I couldn't help but order a small side of prosciutto salad (sort of an Italian meatlover's salad), while we waited for our sandwiches to be made.  I also ordered a small side of stuffed green peppers after another customer gazed into the deli case and raved about them to us.  I could have easily made a meal out of sampling the many freshly-prepared salads, olives, peppers, you name it in their case.  The prosciutto salad and the stuffed peppers (filled with meat, cheese, etc.) were both excellent.

I still give the nod to Wright's Gourmet House for being my favorite sandwich shop in Tampa, partly because Wright's has a bigger selection of sandwiches and more salads to choose from.  Plus, that's all they do.  However, my experience with Castellano & Pizzo this past weekend was very positive.  Anyone that has never stopped in before is missing out.  We had fun just exploring the store.  Tampa is fortunate to still have an independent Italian market of the quality of Castellano & Pizzo.

In doing a quick Google search on Castellano & Pizzo, I found they are offering a four-week class on Italian language, cuisine and culture.  Includes dinner with each class.  $205.  For more information.

Bottom-line:  Wright's remains my favorite sandwich joint in Tampa, but the deli at Castellano & Pizzo is a strong number two.  This gourmet Italian market offers up tasty sandwiches and a wide selection of freshly-prepared Italian dishes to-go. 

Comments

[aynrandgirl]

If you like Italian market/delis, check these guys out:

Mazzaro Italian Market
2909 22nd Ave N
St Petersburg FL 33713-4207
727-321-2400

[matt]

I haven't been to Mazzaro's before but I know it's legendary in St. Pete.

Thanks for the reminder. Have you been to both Mazzaro and Castellano & Pizzo to be able to compare?

Any faves at Mazzaro?

Thanks-

[Lenny G]

A regular stop for me since I live so close. You pegged it. Good sandwiches if you can stand the wait. Their meat market is very good as well with some great little bacon wrapped filets. Try the twice baked cheddar potatoes and their own fish spread. Good stuff.

[matt]

Lenny-

Thanks for the comments. I love good fish spreads so will have to check it out next time. Their meat market also looked good as did the prepared italian foods. The selection of olives and salads is great too. I will have to try Mazzaro's in St Pete soon so I can compare the two.

Thanks-

[Ray Meyer]

The Castellano Deli is fantastic. Is there also an Italian Bakery in Tampa?
Thank you.

[matt]

You may want to try Florida Bakery on Columbus or Alessi Bakery on Cypress.

Thanks for reading-

[Giussepe]

if you like authentic italian market/deli/meat/catering/fresh producce in town check this adress:Cacciatore Brothers 5610 Hanley Road Tampa, Fl 33634 phone: (813)884-80-13 fax:(813)884-21-03 . Is there also prepared italian foods, this placed is great. More 100 years serving in Tampa.

[matt]

Giussepe,

Thanks for your note.

Are you an owner/employee, friend or loyal customer of Cacciatore Bros?

I find this sort of disclosure helpful. Thanks again for writing.

[Mary S]

I know Cacciatore Brothers is fantastic place and also nice prices every week specials, I love Cacciatore in Hanley rd, Tampa.