8 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Italian Delis Serving Sandwiches Steeped In History
Pittsburgh’s Italian food scene offers more than just pizzas and pasta. Scattered throughout the Steel City are family-owned delis where sandwich-making is an art form passed down through generations.
These neighborhood gems combine old-world recipes with locally-sourced ingredients, creating mouthwatering sandwiches that tell stories of Italian immigration and culinary tradition.
1. Moio’s Italian Pastry Shop & Deli
Walking into Moio’s feels like stepping into a time capsule of Italian-American culture. Since 1935, this family operation has perfected their sandwich craft while maintaining their famous pastry selection.
Bread baked fresh daily cradles layers of imported meats and cheeses. People swear by their Italian hoagie, which balances spicy capicola with the perfect amount of oil and vinegar.
2. Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. (“Penn Mac”)
Situated in the heart of Strip District since 1902, Penn Mac remains a Pittsburgh institution. Generations of shoppers have navigated its narrow aisles filled with imported treasures.
At the legendary cheese counter, knowledgeable staff slice provolone and mozzarella to order. Sandwich lovers flock here for authentic Italian hoagies assembled with premium ingredients that transport taste buds straight to the old country.
3. Colangelo’s Bakery & Deli
Family recipes dating back generations make Colangelo’s a standout in Pittsburgh’s crowded sandwich scene. Aromas of baking bread greet customers before they even enter the door.
What started as a simple bakery evolved into a neighborhood treasure where sandwich-making is treated with reverence. Every creation features their signature crusty Italian bread, sliced thin enough to complement rather than overwhelm the premium fillings.
4. Groceria Italiana
Hidden in Bloomfield, Pittsburgh’s Little Italy, Groceria Italiana represents authentic sandwich artistry. Stepping inside reveals shelves stocked with imported goods and a deli counter that hasn’t changed in decades.
Lunchtime lines form early for their signature sandwiches. Locals know to order the porchetta sandwich: slow-roasted pork seasoned with herbs and garlic, sliced thin and piled generously on crusty bread with just a drizzle of olive oil.
5. Labriola’s Italian Market
Savvy sandwich enthusiasts make pilgrimages to Labriola’s, where three generations of family expertise go into every creation. Vintage photos lining the walls tell the story of this market’s evolution since the 1960s.
Massive sandwiches emerge from behind the counter wrapped in butcher paper. Each features a perfect balance of meats, cheeses, and vegetables on bread delivered fresh each morning, creating flavor combinations that have stood the test of time.
6. Jimmy & Nino Sunseri Co.
Legends in Pittsburgh’s sandwich scene, Jimmy and Nino learned their craft from Italian immigrant parents. Decades later, their Strip District location continues drawing crowds seeking authentic flavors.
Sandwich construction here follows strict old-country protocols. Meats must be sliced to precise thinness, bread must have the right texture, and ingredients must balance perfectly. Regulars recommend the Italian beef with homemade giardiniera for a true taste of tradition.
7. Slice on Broadway’s Deli Counter
Beyond their famous pizzas, Slice on Broadway houses a hidden gem: an authentic Italian deli counter where sandwich traditions remain sacred. Owners with deep Italian roots ensure every offering meets strict family standards.
Made-to-order sandwiches feature premium imported ingredients. Customers rave about the capicola and fresh mozzarella combination, dressed simply with extra virgin olive oil, basil, and a sprinkle of oregano on bread delivered daily from a local Italian bakery.
8. Italian Village Pizza & Deli
Unassuming from outside, Italian Village harbors sandwich secrets worth discovering. Multiple generations of the same family work side by side, preserving recipes brought from southern Italy decades ago.
Handwritten menus showcase specialty sandwiches named after Italian villages. First-timers should try the Napoli: layers of prosciutto, sopressata, and provolone dressed with house-made vinaigrette on crusty bread that strikes the perfect balance between chewy and crisp.
