This Washington Italian Market Is Stacked With Imported Cheeses And Cured Meats Like An Old-World Deli
Some places in Washington feel like a little trip overseas without the plane ticket. Tucked into one of Seattle’s busiest corners sits a shop where the counters overflow with cheese wheels and thin slices of cured meat, all imported from far-off villages.
Walk in hungry and curious, and you might leave with a bag full of treats you never knew you needed. It is the kind of stop that turns a regular market day into something you will remember for weeks.
Anchoring the Corner of Pike Place Market
Right where 1st Avenue meets the famous Pike Place Market sign, you will find DeLaurenti Food & Wine holding down its corner like it always has. The address, 1435 1st Ave in Seattle, puts it smack in the middle of the action, yet it feels like a hidden gem you tripped over by accident.
Regulars mention that it makes the perfect first stop before wandering the rest of the market stalls. Because it faces the Pike Place sign directly, spotting the entrance is easy even when the crowds are thick.
Part gourmet grocery, part cafe, this shop leans hard into Italian and imported goods. Cheeses, cured meats, pantry treasures, and a busy sandwich deli all live under one roof.
Visitors describe walking in and feeling instantly welcomed by the abundance.
For a Washington day-tripper looking for something memorable without booking a flight, this spot delivers that old-world feeling in the heart of downtown Seattle. It is a landmark worth planning your morning around.
A Deli Standing Since 1946
Long before Seattle became the tech hub it is today, this Italian delicatessen was already slicing meats and stacking cheese. Established in 1946, DeLaurenti has quietly served the market for generations, making it a genuine piece of Washington history.
Folks who visit often call it an iconic anchor of Pike Place, and that reputation has been earned one wheel of Parmigiano at a time. Nearly eight decades of business means it has watched the whole neighborhood change around it while keeping its Italian roots firmly planted.
What makes the longevity charming is how it still feels lively rather than dusty. The recipes, the imported curation, and the friendly counter service have carried forward through the years.
Some regulars say it is their go-to stop on every single Seattle trip, a tradition passed along like a family recipe. There is something comforting about shopping in a place that has stayed true to its identity for this long.
History, in this case, tastes pretty delicious.
Counters Piled High With Imported Cheese
Cheese lovers, prepare yourselves. The cheese counter here is the star of the show, with mentions of it popping up more than any other feature among visitors.
You will spot aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano offered at 20, 24, and 36 months, plus Pecorino Romano standing proudly nearby. Fresh options round it out too, including goat’s milk and sheep’s milk cheeses along with soft cottage varieties.
What people appreciate most is the range. Shoppers say the selection stretches from foreign favorites to solid domestic picks, giving you a treasure hunt feeling as you browse the glass case.
The staff behind the counter know their stuff and are happy to guide you toward something new. Regulars mention that you can ask to sample before you commit, which takes the guesswork out of trying an unfamiliar wedge.
For a Washington family wanting to build a picnic snack or a cozy at-home board, this counter is a joyful place to linger. Just be ready to leave with more than you planned.
Cured Meats Fit for an Old-World Board
Silky ribbons of prosciutto, thick-cut mortadella, and coils of salami turn this deli into a carnivore’s dream. Visitors describe the meat display as abundance in the best, most unapologetic way.
The variety runs deep, with cold cuts ranging from pancetta to Iberico ham lining the cases. One shopper picked up sliced Fra’ Mani Soppressata for a midday snack and raved about how fresh everything tasted.
Mortadella here gets special love, with folks joking it looks big enough to anchor a very serious sandwich. Prosciutto shows up often in conversations too, praised for its delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Like the cheese counter, the meat side welcomes questions and taste tests. The team will help you pick based on what you like, so you never feel lost among the options.
Building an old-world charcuterie spread has rarely been this easy in Washington. Pair a few slices with a hunk of cheese and some bread, and you have a feast worthy of a European market without leaving Seattle.
Made-to-Order Charcuterie Cones
Here is a fun little surprise most first-timers do not expect: a cone of meat and cheese you can order and eat on the spot. Yes, an actual paper cone stuffed with rolled cured meats and cheese cubes, made to order.
Shoppers call it one of the more delightful quirks of the place. It turns a quick market snack into something festive and portable, perfect for nibbling as you explore.
Instead of committing to a full pound of anything, you get a tasty sampler ready to go. It is the kind of thing that makes kids and grown-ups equally curious.
Some visitors skip the cone in favor of buying meats and cheeses by weight, but the option adds a playful touch to the whole experience. Either way, you win.
For a Washington family wandering Pike Place on a budget, a charcuterie cone is a memorable and hand-held way to taste the good stuff. Grab one, keep strolling, and let the market unfold around you.
Five-Dollar Pizza Slices Worth the Line
Craving something warm and cheap after all that browsing? The pizza slices here have a serious fan club, popping up in conversations more than almost anything else.
One happy visitor grabbed a slice for around five dollars and described a crispy bottom, a great cheese pull, and just the right chewiness. The staff even cut it up to share, which is a nice touch when you are splitting with a friend.
Good sauce, melty cheese, and generous portions make these slices a favorite quick bite for market wanderers. Several folks call them the perfect way to kick off a Pike Place adventure.
You can add Parmesan on top for free, which never hurts. At this price and size, it lands as one of the more wallet-friendly treats in a shop that leans upscale.
Heads up for weekend visitors: it gets crowded, so expect a bit of a wait during busy hours. The reasonably priced, satisfying result makes standing in line feel completely worth it.
Italian Sandwiches That Rock Your World
Sandwich hunters, take note. The busy deli up front turns out made-to-order Italian sandwiches that regulars can’t stop talking about.
Two names come up again and again: the Milano and the Parma. One visitor tried both and crowned the Parma their favorite, praising the quality and the flavor packed into each bite.
Others describe the sandwiches as world-rocking, giving credit to knowledgeable and kind staff who assemble them with care. Even in the fast pace of Pike Place, the presentation stays sharp and the freshness holds up.
Built from the same imported meats and cheeses filling the counters, these sandwiches basically let you taste the store’s best in one handheld package. That is a smart move if you cannot decide what to buy.
Grab one to fuel a long day of exploring the market and waterfront. For a Washington visitor who wants a filling, satisfying lunch without a fancy sit-down meal, the deli line up front is the answer.
Just be patient during the rush.
Aisles of Imported Pantry Treasures
Beyond the counters, the aisles are their own kind of adventure. One shopper called them a food wonderland stacked with tinned fish, jars, preserves, and pantry treasures you didn’t know you needed.
Grabbing a few cans of fish on a whim is apparently a common temptation, and folks say they keep thinking about how good those finds were. That is the magic of a well-curated shelf.
The variety keeps going with imported pastas, sauces, salts, oils, and spices from Italian and French makers. One visitor snagged egg pappardelle and Calabrian chili sauce and swore both were top quality.
You will also find niche products that simply do not turn up at a regular grocery store. That treasure-trove feeling makes browsing genuinely fun rather than routine.
Marinated Gigandes beans and Castelvetrano olives round out the ready-to-snack options. For a Washington cook wanting to experiment with something new, these aisles are a playground.
Just budget a little extra time to wander and a little extra room in your bag.
A Sweet Stash of Chocolate and Cannoli
Save room for something sweet, because the dessert side here holds its own. Chocolate shows up often in visitor chatter, with shoppers praising the imported selection you won’t easily find elsewhere.
The real showstopper, though, might be the cannoli. One happy customer called them the best cannoli around and made sure to grab some on their way out.
Beyond those crisp, creamy shells, the shop stocks Italian cookies and candies that make lovely little gifts or treats for yourself. Pastries here also earn points for being reasonably priced, which is a welcome surprise in an otherwise premium shop.
Pairing a cannoli with a warm drink turns a quick stop into a proper break. It is the kind of small indulgence that makes a market day feel special.
For families with a sweet tooth or anyone hunting for a memorable Washington treat, the pastry and chocolate offerings deliver. Grab a box of cookies to bring home and stretch the joy of your visit a few more days.
Coffee and Light Bites at the Cafe
Need a moment to rest your feet? The cafe tucked into the shop is just the ticket for a warm drink and a light bite.
Visitors mention grabbing a cuppa after snacking and finding it the perfect pause. One shopper enjoyed a chai that ran spicier than usual, calling it delicious, alongside a hot chocolate that stayed pleasantly not-too-sweet.
Local roasted coffee beans also fill the shelves, which is a nice nod to the wider Washington coffee scene. You can sip a fresh cup while planning your next market stop.
Depending on which door you use, the cafe sits at the front or back of the store, so it is easy to find either way. That accessibility makes it a natural resting point midway through your visit.
For a retiree or day-tripper wanting a low-key spot to recharge without spending much, the cafe fits the bill. Order a coffee, settle in for a minute, and soak up the buzzy energy of one of Seattle’s most beloved markets.
The Cozy Upstairs Hideaway
Not many first-timers realize there is a whole second level waiting up the stairs. Tucked away and quiet, the upstairs spot offers a peaceful escape from the busy market floor below.
Visitors describe it as cozy and a little hidden, exactly the kind of place you want to land after wandering through all that edible temptation. It is a welcome contrast to the crowds outside.
You can settle in with a charcuterie plate and a bright, bubbly spritz in this out-of-the-way corner. Folks say it feels like a secret retreat, especially given how bustling Pike Place can get.
The calm setting makes it a lovely place to catch your breath and enjoy a snack at your own pace. Grabbing a seat here feels like being let in on an insider tip.
For a Washington visitor who wants a quiet moment amid the market madness, the upstairs area is a gem. Climb the stairs, find a table, and let the pace slow down for a bit.
Staff Who Treat You Like Family
Great products are one thing, but the people here take the experience up a notch. Visitors consistently rave about the friendly, knowledgeable team ready to help you choose from the huge selection.
Don’t be shy, one shopper advised, because the staff know their stuff and will happily guide you based on what you like. Another recalled a counter helper who let them sample a few cheeses and meats before deciding, then even offered ice at checkout to keep things cool on a hot day.
That kind of thoughtful service turns a simple grocery run into a genuinely warm outing. Folks describe the crew as lovely, patient, and generous with samples if you just ask.
When something once fell short for a longtime customer, the shop owner responded personally and offered to make it right. That care behind the counter says a lot.
For a Washington newcomer feeling unsure about fancy imported foods, this welcoming attitude makes all the difference. Ask questions, taste freely, and let the friendly guidance lead you to something wonderful.
Hours, Prices, and Getting There
Planning your trip is refreshingly simple. The shop opens daily at 9 AM and closes at 5 PM every day of the week, so you have a solid window to fit it in.
Finding it is easy too, since it sits right on 1st Avenue facing the Pike Place Market sign in downtown Seattle. That makes it a natural first or last stop as you explore the market.
A word on cost: this is not a budget grocer. Many visitors note that cheeses and specialty items run pricey, though most agree the quality earns the price.
The good news for tighter budgets is that pizza slices and pastries land on the more affordable side. You can enjoy a five-dollar slice without spending a fortune.
Weekends bring heavy crowds, so arriving earlier in the day can make browsing more comfortable. For a Washington family or retiree planning a memorable outing, a weekday morning visit offers the calmest experience.
Call ahead at 206-622-0141 if you have specific questions before you go.
Why This Market Stays With You
Some shops you visit once and forget. This one has a way of pulling people back trip after trip.
Regulars say they would travel to Pike Place just for this store, drawn by a selection unlike anything at their usual grocery. That loyalty tells you plenty about the lasting impression it leaves.
Between the towering cheese counters, the silky cured meats, the pantry treasures, and the warm staff, it captures that old-world deli feeling right here in Washington. You get the sense of stepping somewhere far away while staying close to home.
Yes, prices lean high on the specialty goods, but affordable slices and samples let anyone taste the magic. That mix of splurge and snack makes it welcoming to all kinds of budgets.
For a family building a picnic, a couple sharing a spritz upstairs, or a curious day-tripper hunting something new, it delivers a memory worth the drive. Next time you find yourself near Seattle’s waterfront with an empty bag and an appetite, point yourself toward this corner.
You will understand the fuss the moment you walk in.