Buongiorno! Are you looking to get a taste of Italy without a long plane ride? You’re in luck if you’re in the St. Pete, Tampa, or Bradenton area, as Mazzaro’s Italian Market in St. Petersburg is just a short drive away.
Mazzaro’s has been around for more than 30 years. As you make your way through its maze-like store layout, you can see how it has grown over time.
Here’s what we experienced during our recent Mazzaro’s visit, along with a few tips to have the tastiest, most enjoyable visit you can. Mazzaro’s also has a cool 3D virtual tour on its website.
What It’s Like to Visit Mazarro’s Italian Market in St. Pete
We were surprised at how busy Mazarro’s was when we arrived around 11 am on a Saturday.
As eager as we were to step inside, we were distracted by the decorated cars and other adornments on the property, which should definitely be part of your Mazarro’s fun. Plus, there are murals of places like Lake Como and Venice. So, you can take a selfie there until you go to (or return to) the real Italy.
Once inside, we noticed a small produce area on the left and cash registers in the front. There is a butcher’s area to the left, with a huge “shark” coming out of the wall (no doubt because we’re here in Florida and not Florence or Rome). Everywhere you look, there is something to see, from posters to hanging produce to flags and so much more.
Near the front, there’s a huge area with ready-made foods like pizzas and drinks. So, if you want to grab something pre-made quickly, you don’t have to go to the back of the store.
Moving on, turn right and you’ll hit the jackpot with a wine-and-cheese area. During our first visit, that area seemed particularly busy so we avoided it. For our second visit, we absolutely made it there and couldn’t believe the cheese selection. There are cheeses from the U.S. and Europe, but of course, many from Italy. We even took part in a tasting and we heard some people speaking Italian.
Then there is So. Much. Wine. We’re not experts enough to tell you what Chianti versus Montepulciano di Abruzzo versus Prosecco to buy there. However, we can tell you there is a huge range of prices and selection.
Once you emerge from the wine/cheese area, you’ll reach a small, grotto-like area with religious statues. It will make you feel like you’re in an Italian Catholic church–with a side of merchandise.
After that, you can go in several directions. On the right, there’s a coffee bar where you can order your espresso (or Americano–we won’t judge) and sit at the bar to savor it. Perhaps get a cornetto/croissant as well if it’s still breakfast time.
Next up is the bakery, where you could perhaps spend all day purchasing bread, cookies, cannoli…the list goes on and on. Take a ticket and expect a wait. But it’s worth it.
There’s also a pasta area, where can buy your pasta fresca or dry pasta that’s direct from Italy. Check out the many types of pasta available, and realize the world is more than just spaghetti. Try a type of pasta that’s new for you.
The salumeria/Italian deli offers deli-cut cheeses and meats. It’s also where you can order a sandwich. On the menu, you’ll find authentic Italian favorites like Grilled Caprese or Chicken Milanese, but you’ll also see a few nods on the menu to American favorites. Those include the Cuban Panini, a Traditional Philly Cheesesteak, and a Double Smashburger With Bacon.
Expect to wait a bit for your sandwich order. You take a number, make your order, and then wait among a standing crowd. It may get a little hot in there while you wait; our order took 15 to 20 minutes. Yet trust that Mazarro’s staff members know what they’re doing, even if it takes some time to get your order.
And yes, there are a couple of grocery-style aisles at Mazzaro’s with goods like sugo (tomato sauce), olive oils (soooo many), and other products associated with Italian food.
If you can’t get enough of Mazzaro’s, then purchase one of its “Legalize Marinara” or “Life, Liberty, and the Prosciutto of Happiness” shirts while you’re there. And don’t forget about its catering and delivery services.
Shop Mazzaro’s at Casa di Mazzaro
Although it’s onsite at the Mazzaro’s property, one lesser-known offshoot of this famous St. Pete Italian market is Casa di Mazzaro. It’s in a separate building, and it sells items like teas, housewares, and gifts.
Plus, Casa di Mazzaro has cooking classes like “An Evening of Pizza,” “Delicious Dough Class,” Pasta Workshop,” and many more. From what we can see online, they sell out quickly. Book early!
Is Mazarro’s Like Being in Italy?
In terms of the food, Mazarro’s is like being in Italy with American touches. It sells many products that are imported from Italia, along with several gourmet, higher-quality products from Florida or around the U.S. The store’s emphasis on quality also rivals what you’ll find in any good, local mercato in Italy.
Other areas of the store may remind you of your Italy travels, like the fresh pasta area, salumeria, and the coffee/espresso bar. Even the crowds may seems Italian-like, especially if you visited a touristy city there.
As for the Northeast accents, like Philly, New Jersey, and New York accents you’ll hear a lot at Mazzaro’s? Well, those are definitely American.
Tips for Your Visit to Mazarro’s in St. Pete
–Go as early as you can. Mazzaro’s is open from 9 am to 5 pm on Monday to Friday and 9 am to 2:30 pm on Saturdays. It’s closed on Sundays. If you can go before the lunch rush, we highly recommend it. Keep in mind that Mazzaro’s will likely be busier when the snowbirds (aka retirees from up north) are in town.
–Be prepared to find parking. It can be tough! You may have to wait for someone to leave to get a spot. Watch out for any signs regarding where not to park.
–-Have a game plan. This is especially important if the market is busy. When it’s crowded, it can be hard to take a leisurely stroll. Think about the different parts of the market we’ve told you about or that you can find here on the Mazzaro’s website. Pick two or three areas you’re determined to visit, like the bakery or fresh pasta. Devote more time to those areas so you’re not stuck in other areas that are less important to you. If you have the chance, you may even want to make two trips (or more) to take in the full store.
—Eat on site. As busy as the market can be, the good news is that you’ve got several areas to eat al fresco. There’s a covered patio area adjacent to the market where many people will sit fter they buy their sandwiches. In fact, you can order patio food to go and pick it up about 30 minutes after you order it. Then, there are some picnic tables near the “cemetery” area that weren’t too crowded during our visit. In fact, we enjoyed a caprese sandwich with a Sicilian lemon soda there. Molto buono! You’ll also find a few other random benches for seating, if you don’t mind sitting near the outside foot traffic.
—Think beyond Mazzaro’s. If you make a special trip to St. Pete for the market, consider visiting one of the city’s many other attractions, like the beaches, museums, the St. Pete Saturday Market, and the St. Pete Pier.
