WHY To wallow in the flavors of Italy.

WHAT The size of this Italian market, hidden just off Belmont Shore’s busy 2nd Street, belies the amount of wonderful things found inside: pizza dough, fresh burrata from Gioia, a dazzling array of olive oils and balsamic vinegars, dried and frozen pasta, cheeses, tinned anchovies and tuna, every sort of cured meat, fresh cannoli, olives, even an Italian antacid, which you’ll need. Great sandwiches are made to take out. Another branch is just across the OC line in Seal Beach.

WHO Home chefs and party-throwers who’ll make a detour for good ingredients.

View Larger Map