Santa Monica, CA
This is an authentic italian deli, the only one I’ve found on the west side of LA. They make fresh italian bread on the premises — when you go, you can always pick up loaves that are hot out of the oven. They make the most fantastic sandwiches, but beware of the daily crowds (order fast and easy on-line for pick-up.) Try the homemade meatballs and sausages in marinara sauce from their counter. Whenever we cook italian food, I do my grocery shopping there. They have a wonderful selection of imported olive oils, italian pastas (fresh and dry), burrata and other kinds of cheese, charcuterie (sopressata and proscuitto) and other gourmet italian products.