Trio of three fresh long sandwiches made with various types of meat on large serving tray
1 — Pansardo Italian Cheese and Deli Shop
28280 Old 41 Road, Unit M 21, Bonita Springs; 239-431-4048 or facebook.com/Pansardofoods/
Pansardo Italian Cheese and Deli Shop brings the authentic flavors of Italy to Southwest Florida. The Bonita is an oven-baked sandwich stacked with thinly sliced mortadella with pistachios, fresh mozzarella, basil pesto, Sardinian crema, and arugula on Italian Pinsa bread. The Meatballs and Provolone features warm house-made meatballs with tomato sauce and provolone on Pizzarda flatbread. Sardinia y Vida layers Gran Biscotto ham, Floredda cheese, smoked Crema di Pecorino, mustard, and pickles, while the Caprese delights with thinly sliced prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil pesto, and arugula. Pansardo also offers a selection of sweet Italian desserts, perfect for finishing any meal.
2 — Neapolitan Gourmet Italian Market & Deli
5415 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples; 239-594-8285 or neapolitangourmet.com
Since 1996, Neapolitan Gourmet Italian Market & Deli has been asking, “How do you like your Italian?” and serving it up with flair. Their market is stocked with Italian specialties, and their handhelds are legendary. Cold and hot heroes come in full or half sizes, from the classic Italian loaded with mortadella, salami, pepperoni, and provolone, to the Italian Hangover Helper with imported mortadella, hot peppers, and provolone. Warm favorites include Eggplant, Meatball with house-made sauce, Chicken Parm, and the Hot Italian Chicago Style with slow-roasted beef soaked in au jus. Every sandwich is topped with crisp lettuce, red onion, tomato, and finished with a drizzle of balsamic and olive oil.
3 — Mercato Italiano
306 Tamiami Trail N., Naples; 239-316-7161 or mercatoitalianousa.com
Mercato Italiano serves up the true taste of Italy in Southwest Florida, offering Italian specialties, wine, coffee, deli and bakery delights. Their Italian-style sandwiches are a must-try, like the Alba with truffle cream, smoked mozzarella, mushrooms, and truffle mayo, or the Valentina layered with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, prosciutto, and olive oil. The Liliana stacks basil pesto, soppressata, fresh mozzarella, black olives, and olive oil, while the Luna features tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil. Signature panini are crafted on daily-baked Italian baguettes, including the Milan with prosciutto San Daniele, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil pesto. Finish it all off with one of their sweet Italian treats—it’s amore in every bite.
Dining and Cooking