Truly Italian: Tino’s Deli

City-Kid Review:

I’d like shells and broccoli, please. And the tomato one.

We stumbled upon Tino’s Deli when City Kid was two-years-old, and had fallen asleep in the stroller. I took the opportunity to wander around and check out the eateries on Arthur Avenue. Tino’s deli, just north of 187th street, was the last place I tried. Two enthusiastic women were leaving as I was about to enter and I asked them about the food. They gave a rave review. A year later, I was able to pass on the favor to another stranger.

When you enter Tino’s Deli, you have entered a magical cornucopia of Italian food. The center is dominated by an enormous deli counter peninsula, to the immediate left is incredible gelato from Italy and in the far corner is a pizza oven. Hanging all around inside the counter are various prepared meats, and the counter itself is filled with all sorts of delicacies imported directly from Italy. Bottles of Italian wine decorate the main room and there are several bottles of cork-stopped wine over by the fire place. The eating area is filled with eclectic Italian knickknacks.

The deli is owned and run by the effusively welcoming couple of 44 years, Giancarlo and Rosa. Although they own and manage the eatery, and have done for about 22 years, they can be found working hard, every day, within it. Many of the delicious dishes are made by Rosa, including the pasta shells with broccoli which City Kid chows down. It is the only time, these days, she eats broccoli. Rosa makes the most delicious broccoli rabe I have ever tasted. The food is good – everything is delicious here.

The deli is very neighborly and friendly to kids. Giancarlo and Rosa have watched City Kid grow up. They have always been friendly and accommodating in that Italian way which accepts children aren’t going to follow the regular restaurant ‘rules’ because they are kids. They accept City Kid exactly as she is, sometimes providing a little chocolate treat or a slice of Rosa’s Easter cake.

We highly recommend.

Oh, and the gelato is out of this world.

Need to Knows:

Tino’s Deli has a wide variety of pastas, sandwiches and pizzas to choose from. You can, also, buy Italian staples imported from Italy, by the pound, also. Everything is delicious. It isn’t the cheapest but the portions are large and it is all totally worth it.

It is a short walk from the Bronx Zoo, so you can eat your lunch at the deli or take it to go, to eat it with the non-human animals.

Location: 2410 Arthur Avenue, Bronx  NY 10458. It is just north of 187th Street.
Opening Hours: 6.30am-7.30pm.

Closest station is Fordham on the Metro North. Walk east to Arthur Avenue.

If you want to get there from the zoo, exit from the Southern Boulevard exit, walk north to 187th street, walk a few blocks west until you reach Arthur Avenue. When you reach the central crossroads, identifiable by the celebratory mural on the road, turn right and it is on the right past the bank. Next to Tino’s Deli is a gigantic playground.

Top-Tip

In the summer, Rosa makes an eggplant parmigiana but with zucchini. If it is available, grab some. It is delicious.

Also, the portions are plentiful, the subs are large so you might want to get one to share, unless you have a healthy appetite – as I sometimes do. Sometimes I have half a Margherita hero, with the oh-so-delicious broccoli rabe, for lunch and the remainder for dinner.

Do you have a favorite Arthur Avenue experience? Please tell us about it in the comments section.

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