Roma Italian Deli and Grocery
Categories: Ethnic Food, Delis [Edit]
Neighborhood: Pasadena918 N Lake Ave
Pasadena, CA 91104 (626) 797-7748
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Private Lot
- Attire: Casual
- Take-out: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
45 reviews
Neighborhood: Glassell Park
"Anytime I get a chance to get my produce here, I will go!! Their produce selection is really good and really really CHEAP!! I love this…" read more »
14 Reviews for Roma Italian Deli and Grocery
This store has one feature that is hard to match: an old italian guy poring over every detail in the shop. Rosario will find you a nice inexpensive wine and give you some quick advice on how to prepare a nice meal at home, complete with his home made Italian breads and sausage.
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I as at CVS across the street today and saw this tiny shop. Looked it up quick on Yelp mobile and realized I'd stumbled upon a gem, so I went inside and asked for a sandwich. There is no sign or menu saying they make sandwiches, and there is no price list (my sandwich ended up being $5.50). The old man behind the counter didn't ask me what I wanted in the sandwich--he just got to work and made me the BEST Italian cold cut sandwich I've ever tasted. All it had in it was meat and cheese, and it was delicate and succulent and delicious. I washed it down with a bottle of Orangina.
I also bought a sandwich for my boyfriend, but if he doesn't get home soon I think I'm going to eat that too.
If you're nearby, don't miss this place!
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There are many things you should not consider buying at this store. Like vegetables. But why are you coming here to buy them anyway?
Roma's does what it is supposed to do very, very well. I always asked the awesome guy behind the deli counter what product I should buy. He's recommended the most incredible lasagna noodles, canned tomatoes, mozzarella, pecorino romano, olive oil, and ciabatta I've ever had (even in Italy). I don't buy anything Italian at any other grocery store. I make the extra trip to stop by Roma's. He'll make you a sandwich at the deli counter, even though there isn't a sign or anything telling you that. Don't go next door for a sandwich. It's a waste of time. Excellent frozen pizzas for the lazy ones out there (including myself).
Let me add to the 5-star rating for this place. Roma is a small grocery store but it is packed to the gills with high-quality, tasty, and inexpensive things and the nicest people. I have loved everything I've bought here---dried pasta, prosciutto, bread rolls, cookies (I love the Ritornelli, half-chocolate ones, made with almond flour). The owner sits behind the cheese and salami counter. I've loved the prosciutto and pancetta I've bought here. Check out the frozen pizzas, home-made pasta sauce and lasagna in the freezer! The pizza is the authentic, thin-crust style, $4.89 each. (They have meatless lasagna too. Also, gnocchi and ravioli in the freezer.) The prices are super-affordable. In short, Roma reminds me of the typical grocery stores I've shopped at in Italy but on a smaller scale. (I'm thinking of a Supermercati Pam in Pisa.)
Wait! I almost forgot to mention the pannettone. Try it once, if you don't know what I mean. :) I took one to a pot-luck party once and everybody loved it (make sure you get yourself a slice first before it's all gone!).
Also, the Caltech Italian Club shops here. What more do you want?
If you are a transplant from the East Coast, like I am, and miss the atmosphere and aroma of the east coast Italian market, a visit here is a must. I've been to several Italian Markets out here and they are great on quantity of items, but too neat!!!! My favorite italian markets back east had stuff crammed in every corner - so does this place!
I can't say they have a vast selection in terms of different brands of the same items like some markets I've been too. They do have quite a large selection of imported pasta in all shapes and sizes. They also have a good selection of produce.
The best part was the owner. I got some cold cuts from the deli (small deli counter, but everything I got was good quality). Everything I asked for, he gave me a taste of before hand (great mortadella, capicola, salami, proscuitto from I think he said bologna that is incredible, it isn't salty like others I've had). He said he has over 70 different kinds of cheese! I got a chunk of a 10 year aged provolone that is delicious!!!! Got a nice wedge of parm. reggiano too that was alot less expensive than other places.
Great rolls and bread too, he says they are baked 7 days a week.
Plus the produce he does have is much less expensive than the grocery store. Last time I was here, I got some great oranges.
Anytime I know I'm going to be in the area, I take a cooler with me and stock up.
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If you ask Rosario if he sells prosciutto, he'll shrug and say it's the best in the world; if he gives you a sample and you compliment him, he will shrug and say it's the best in the world. Then he'll ask you what you want it for and begin offering a host of suggestions--listen up, he knows what he's talking about.
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I am spoiled. I live a block away from the best Italian Grocery Store outside of Philadelphia. Bold claim but true. The fruits, vegetables, pasta, meats, cheese and bread are always fresh and always tasty. Its been part of my life for so long its one of the reasons I would never leave Pasadena. This is ROMA!
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every neighborhood needs a place like this. Mr. Ross can make a mean sandwich. that's only if he likes you though. he won't hesitate go get you a taste of the cold cuts and the cheese there is great. you won't find a better deal anywhere else in LA. Get all of your Italian dinner fixins here. ask for some advice too. Mr. Ross will be happy to help.
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One of the many hidden culinary gems in Pasadena! This is an old-school, East Coast, Italian market, complete with deli and delicious fresh bread made daily. Great coldcuts and cheese selection.
I agree--a wonderful place, charming owner and counter person on Sunday morning, when we often go. (Have bumped into restaurant people shopping there.) Great little sausages and sliced meats for party nibbles, and cheese. A good place to buy standing-up anchovies, the good kind!
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Roma!! what can i say but this a part of my childhood, my pops took me here since i was in 2nd grade, that was when Rosario was taller then me. He was and still is the greatest, and he is always willing to give a sample or two of the great cold cuts.
This place has everything you need for some great Antipasto. I make it a pratice to pick up some sandwich fixings so i always got a nice sub waiting for me in the fridge.
So skip Togos and Subway get some great cold cuts and also some great rolls that would put any sandwich chain to shame
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best place in LA to get Italian cheese...
Winnie's review is right on.
I've been going there for 10 years; he'll always give you more cold cuts than you ordered and charge you for it, but his stuff is really great.
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At the corner of Lake and Mountain right near Bungalow Heaven, Pasadena.
This place is old fashioned. The owner is there slicing meat behind the counter everyday but Christmas (no gloves). Italian is spoken here. Roma carries: Produce, Italian Wine and Specialty Foods.
Recommendations for Party Starters: Get a carton of olives. Buy a chunk of sheep's milk cheese from Spain. And don't you dare leave without a loaf of olive oil bread made fresh daily.
They also sell decent little frozen pizzas
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OMG - this place is TO DIE FOR. At first glance it doesn't look much - however, upon inspection, this place has everything you need to make a great home cooked italian meal. The owner, Rosario, is very proud of his heritage. You ask him what he recommends and he will NOT lead you astray. Trust me on this one. Beware though.. he may get offended if you don't buy what he recommends. :-0 What do I buy from this place? Forget the two buck chuck from Trader Joe. Try Crane Lake wine from here instead - I love the merlot and the chardonnay. They are three for $10. Yes siree - three for ten bux. And in my opinion - volumes better than Charles Shaw stuff (not that there's anything wrong with Charles Shaw - their wine has comforted this cheapskate through many sleepless and heartbroken nights). Rosario's gnocchi, olive oil, salami, fresh parmesean cheese, sausage, assorted candy.. everything is so FREAKIN' GOOD. Be forewarned though.. he's Sicilian and he's got quite a feisty temper. Don't challenge anything he says - take it or leave it. Or else I feel that he will hobble out from behind the sausage counter shaking his cane banning me from his store. Okay, if you think I'm kidding, you obviously have not met him. :P
The produce section here is just 'eh'. Come here for the Italian stuff and buy your produce elsewhere :)
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