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Best Italian Delis In The Detroit Area

Detroit is a true cornucopia of culture. You'll find authentic Mexican restaurants and shops in Mexicantown, savory Polish cuisine in Hamtramck and a variety of Italian delis scattered through the metro-Detroit region. Read on for the best Italian delis this area has to offer.

(credit: cantoromarket.com)

Cantoro Italian Market
19710 Middlebelt Road
Livonia, MI 48152
(248) 478-2345
cantoromarket.com

Cantoro is a full-scale Italian market that has one of the best delis in the greater Detroit area. The deli counter is loaded with tasty Italian meats, peppers, housemade sausages and salads, fresh ricotta, mozzarella and parmigiano reggiano cheeses. Sandwiches are stacked high on housemade bread. And, there's even a fabulous selection of Italian beer and wine. Expect to pay between $6 and $9 for a sandwich, which usually is enough for two to share. Stroll through aisle after aisle of jam-packed Italian products that will bring you right back to that semester studying abroad in Rome.

Related: Best Bread Bowls In Detroit

(credit: Thinkstock)

Ventimiglia Italian Foods
35197 Dodge Park Road
Sterling Heights, MI 48312
(586) 979-0828
pastaandsauces.com

Ventimiglia serves up sandwiches, subs and pasta. The best part about Ventimiglia, aside from the authentic Italian ingredients you'll find in each dish, is the price. You can get an eight-inch sub for around $7 and a pasta and meatballs dinner for four with a bottle of wine for just $20. Plus there's minestrone soup, antipasto salad and other tasty side dishes. Don't feel like waiting in line? You can call or fax your order over and have it ready to be picked up at your convenience.

(credit: insalatatroy.com)

Insalata
1919 E Big Beaver Road
Troy, MI 48083
(248) 528-2250
insalatatroy.com

Insalata, which is Italian for salad, serves up much more than just lettuce. Its Italian deli has sandwiches like the Tuscan turkey (turkey, pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives and monterrey jack cheese on grilled ciabatta bread) and panini insalata (salami, capicola, ham, pepper rings, monterrey jack cheese and pesto mayo on grilled ciabatta bread). Sandwiches are a great deal and most are in the $5 to $6 range. And, you can cool off with a delicious frozen yogurt after enjoying your hearty sub.

(credit: giuseppesdeliandbakery.com)

Giuseppe's Italian Deli and Bakery
44999 W Pontiac Trail
Novi, MI 48377
(248) 669-8851
giuseppesdeliandbakery.com

Giuseppe's is an Italian deli and bakery that serves a variety of sandwiches on fresh-baked bread. You'll find Italian favorites like the cosa nostra (mortadella, salami, capicola and provolone cheese); inferno (hot capicola, hot pepper cheese, lettuce and tomato); meat ball calzone (meatballs with spaghetti sauce and provolone cheese); and the Genoa (Genoa salami, provolone cheese, lettuce and tomato). All sandwiches are just $5.95 and include chips and a pop. Stop in on a Tuesday or Thursday where you can buy one sandwich and get another for half its original price. It also offers hot dishes like lasagna and mostaccioli with meat sauce.

Gonellas Foods
295 S Oakwood Blvd
Detroit, MI 48217
(313) 841-3500Gonellas is a gem located on the southwest side of Detroit that's been around for over 70 years. At this Italian market and deli, you'll find a variety of authentic Italian sandwiches stacked high on thick, crusty bread. With prices in the $4 to $7 range, this place is a steal. You can expect huge sandwiches with close to a half-pound of meat on each. Don't let the unassuming facade of the building fool you. This place is one of the best Italian delis you'll find anywhere.Related: Best Chocolates In Detroit

Head to CBS Detroit's Best Of page for more local tips on family fun, shopping, nightlife, food,culture and more!

Scott Christ is a resident of Rochester Hills, MI who is passionate about all things local. He currently works as a copywriter for a healthcare communications firm in Ferndale. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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