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Sorrento Italian Market
Master Critic Review
Sorrento Italian Market
8.1
This family-run market has served Culver City for over 50 years, offering house-made sandwiches stuffed with Italian deli meats, fresh pasta, imported groceries, and a wine selection spanning all Italian regions. The Vera family maintains old-school authenticity with their meatball and pastrami sandwiches soaked in Italian-seasoned au jus, alongside bakery-fresh cannoli and seasonal panettone.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastrami Sandwich with Red Sauce, Meatball Sandwich, Chocolate-Dipped Cannoli
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Over 50 years of family tradition with imported Italian products unavailable elsewhere in LA
Who should go: Locals seeking affordable authentic deli sandwiches and Italian groceries
When to visit: Weekday lunch for fresh sandwiches, holidays for panettone selection
What to order: Pastrami with red sauce, meatball sub, fresh pasta to-go
Insider tip: They sell fresh house-made pasta and gnocchi to prepare at home
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking available, small lot behind market - easy to find spots
Dress code: Completely casual - come as you are, counter service market
Noise level: Low - quiet market atmosphere, good for conversation at small tables
Weekend wait: Closes early (typically 6-7pm) - not a dinner destination
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min wait during lunch rush (11:30am-1pm), order at counter
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie subs available, fresh pasta, imported cheeses and produce
Vegan options: Limited - can customize sandwiches without cheese, pasta selection varies
Gluten-free options: No dedicated GF bread, but sells imported Italian GF pasta to take home
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - it's a casual deli counter with limited seating. Better for a low-key lunch hangout with someone you already know, or grab sandwiches to-go for a picnic date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter service with a few small tables. Just walk in, order at the counter, and grab a seat if available. Most people take their sandwiches to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, simple menu items kids love (meatball subs, pasta), and quick service. No high chairs or changing tables though - it's a small market.
How long does it take to get food? Sandwiches made fresh to order in 5-10 minutes. Grab-and-go items (pasta, groceries, cannoli) available immediately. Perfect for a quick lunch break.
Can I buy ingredients to cook Italian at home? Absolutely - that's half the point. They sell fresh house-made pasta, gnocchi, imported olive oils, tinned fish, regional Italian wines, and specialty items you won't find at regular grocery stores.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Italian deli sandwiches at half the price of Bay Cities, sourcing hard-to-find imported Italian products, and fresh pasta to-go. The 50+ year family operation means consistent quality and real neighborhood charm.
Skip if: You want a sit-down restaurant experience, need gluten-free sandwich options, or prefer trendy modern Italian. This is old-school deli counter service - if you're looking for ambiance or date-night vibes, go elsewhere.