Rosario’s Deli - Review

The Bottom Line

Rosario's Deli is the place in the Ditmars neighborhood for Italian specialties. Stop in there for some great hand sliced cured meats, cheeses, locally made bread from Angelo & Sons, frozen Cassinelli pasta, and even a slice of homemade pizza. And that's only the beginning - there's a good selection of pantry items, like pastas, sauce, oil packed tuna, and Italian sweets.

Pros 

• Best selection of cheese in northern Astoria.
• Excellent homemade fresh mozzarella.
• Some of the friendliest staff in the neighborhood, plus Rosario himself is often working behind the counter.
• Steps away from the Ditmars Boulevard subway stop.

Cons 

• Parking is horrendous in the area.
• Closed on Sundays.
• Extremely long lines at times during major holidays (Christmas, Easter).

• Rosario's Deli Address - 22-55 31st St, Astoria, NY 11105
• Phone - 718-728-2920
• Website - Facebook
• Hours - 9 am-7 pm Monday-Saturday; Closed Sundays
• Major credit cards accepted - $15 minimum
• Subway - N/Q to Ditmars Boulevard
• Parking - It's very difficult to find parking nearby. Best to take public transportation if you can.

Rosario's is really the go-to place in the neighborhood for Italian specialties, from imported delicacies to fresh mozzarella made in the store. The staff is friendly to all, and extremely helpful. They'll even pass on a little taste of something that you're curious about.

The fresh mozzarella, made each day, is considered some of the best in the area. It's great drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil, and Rosario's has a large selection of olive oils, both conventional and organic.

Another reason people shop Rosario's is for the cheeses, which is the largest selection in the neighborhood. They'll also slice meats to order. The sweet soppressata is excellent. Boar's Head meats are also available.

Rosario's also makes a simple cheese pizza that is well-regarded (and slightly under the radar as pizza goes). You'll find it in the back of the store. As you ask for your slice, you'll notice a freezer below that stocks frozen Cassinelli pasta products. Also, they make excellent sandwiches.

In addition to all the delicious cheese, meats, and pizza, you'll find a good selection of pantry items, such as tomato sauce, pastas, vinegars, chocolates, marinated vegetables, and more. A good selection of Italian coffee is available up front, and during Christmas time, the ceiling is festively hung with a variety of boxed Pannetone.

Don't forget to check out the cooking supplies behind the counter. Stovetop espresso machines are particularly notable.

You can even get a cappucino to go . Just ask one of the staff to help you with that.