If you’ve ever fantasized about wandering a bustling Italian marketplace – surrounded by the smell of fresh bread, espresso and aged cheese – there’s no need to renew your passport just yet. Tucked away in St. Petersburg, Mazzaro’s Italian Market offers an authentic Italian experience without leaving the Gulf Coast.

Beloved by locals and a must-visit for out-of-towners, Mazzaro’s is more than just a market. It’s a sensory destination where food, culture and community meet – with just the right amount of chaos to make you feel like you’re in Rome during lunch hour.
A Family Legacy Steeped in Espresso
Mazzaro’s began in 1993 as a small coffee roasting venture, founded by the Cuccaro family with the help of a 1918 cast iron roaster that still gets the job done today. What started with coffee quickly expanded because when you’re passionate about food, it rarely stops at just one course.
Today, Mazzaro’s is a 13,000-square-foot culinary playground stocked with imported goods, made-from-scratch bakery items, artisan cheeses, wine, pasta and just about everything else your Italian grandmother probably insisted you eat (or drink) before leaving the house.
What You’ll Find Inside
It’s easy to get overwhelmed – in the best way possible. Mazzaro’s is organized into departments that each feel like their own specialty shop, and you’ll want to explore every inch. Here are the highlights:

The Bakery
From crusty rosemary loaves and ciabatta to delicate sfogliatelle and fresh-filled cannoli, the bakery smells like a carb lover’s dream. The gelato is made in-house daily, and the cookie case? It’s a work of art.
The Cheese Room
Yes, it’s a literal room. Temperature-controlled and fully stocked with over 300 cheeses from Italy and around the world, including fresh mozzarella made on-site. It’s the kind of place where even the lactose-intolerant pause to consider their choices.
The Deli
This counter stays busy for a reason. Between the sliced-to-order prosciutto, mortadella, and soppressata, plus daily hot specials and loaded sandwiches, it’s where many shoppers decide to “accidentally” stay for lunch.
The Wine and Beer Cellar
Mazzaro’s is home to one of the largest Italian wine selections in the region, with thousands of bottles lining the shelves and knowledgeable staff ready to help. Free tastings are offered weekly – because who doesn’t want to do their grocery shopping with a glass of Barolo in hand?

Gourmet Imports and Pasta
From imported olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars to handmade ravioli and fettuccine, this is where home cooks turn into culinary rockstars. You’ll also find truffle salt, cured meats, Italian spices and pantry staples that feel far from basic.
Coffee and Espresso Bar
A nod to its origins, the café inside Mazzaro’s still roasts beans fresh every week. The espresso is strong, the pastries are flaky and the vibe is somewhere between cozy and caffeinated chaos.
Why Mazzaro’s Is More Than a Market
It’s not just about what they sell – though that list is impressive. It’s about the experience. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by the buzz of conversation, the clatter of kitchen prep, and the unmistakable smell of garlic and espresso in the air. It’s busy, it’s bold and it’s beautiful.

Mazzaro’s has become a staple of the St. Pete community, offering not just groceries and deli items, but wine dinners, book signings, catering and yes, the occasional celebrity chef sighting. It’s where people gather, catch up and celebrate over food that tastes like it came straight from Nonna’s kitchen.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
1– Avoid peak hours if you can. Saturdays tend to feel like an Italian-themed amusement park. Go early or midweek for a more relaxed visit.
2– Bring a cooler. You’ll thank yourself once you’re loading up on fresh pasta, deli meat and cheese.
3– Plan to stay awhile. This is not a grab-and-go situation. Mazzaro’s invites you to browse, taste
and explore.
Final Thoughts
Mazzaro’s Italian Market is a reminder that food isn’t just about feeding yourself – it’s about connection,
culture and a little indulgence. Whether you’re in search of the perfect sandwich, a bottle of Chianti or just need a reason to cancel your flight to Florence, this local favorite delivers the magic of Italy with every visit.
Just don’t forget the cannoli on your way out. Seriously. You’ll regret it.