To know me is to know I love a mom and pop deli. I’ve gone to most if not all in the Denver metro and like certain spots for different reasons….here are the top 3

spinelli’s market

If it’s a day that ends in y and we are out of the house around lunch time, Ky and I always pick up a Jerry’s Classic to split and ingredients for dinner. Spinelli’s is one of the only delis I can find that sells guanciale (cured pork jowel), which is what real italians use in place of pancetta for pasta recipes. Located west of Colorado boulevard on 23rd across from Honey Hill.

valente’s deli, bakery, and italian market

Valente’s is on the west side (72nd & lowell) and where we like to go to stock our freezer. Open since 1953, valente’s has the best grocery selection of Italian products like anchovies and real san marzano tomatoes, plus a freezer section full of fresh pasta, pizza, and all the cheeses.

carmine lonardo’s italian deli

Another deli that has been here for over 4 decades, carmine’s was our first deli in denver find off of Wadsworth and Florida. It’s a bit of a hike from where we live now but has expanded and has an amazing meatball sub.