The best hero sandwich I have ever had. Seriously. Rosemary ham, smoked cheese, sun-dried tomato and arugula. And the sesame seeded bread, was just the right crunch! Some might argue that a hero should be heftier. They would be wrong. Two drawbacks on this spot: -- Limited seating is upstairs and not very scenic. Think: to go. -- Prices are high. This is no Subway foot long: $23 including tip for a truly great sandwich. The place has lots of retail and of course lots sandwiches and other offerings. PS the sandwich is big enough to share. read more

Weeks ago, I ran across this market store on Channel 13 as part of their Friday Flavor segment. It's owned by the chef from Luce which is next door on Granby Street. It's mostly a grocery store but you can also order food to go or sit in their small dining area. Sophia and I joined up with some friends over the weekend to give them a try. Let's see how things went. We were greeted by the staff when we walked inside. Overall, the decor was spotless. I didn't get the chance to literally walk around the market but it was plentiful of items ro buy. At the counter, they have various protein and cheeses to buy and also use for the menu. Not a big market, but many choices to pick from. For ordering, we had to order at the counter before getting seated and they would bring the food to our tables. I selected the Meatza Pinsa, which comes with Italian sausage, pepperoni and rosemary ham as protein, along with San Marzano tomatoes, fennel seed, mozzarella and grated Pecorino cheese. Overall, it was good. The bread was cooked perfectly and had a slight crunch with each bite. The protein was good and not too salty for my liking. And the tomatoes and cheese were done well too. But I thought the pinsa wasn't baked enough where everything was solid. Maybe because you didn't want to overbake the product, but a few more minutes would've worked. Other than a few hiccups, I thought the visit went well. Sophia and our friends had the same feeling. This won't be the last time we'll be here. Till next time :) read more

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This is a super cool Italian deli spot in downtown Norfolk. they have a small store with various Italian goods. They make homemade pasta for sale. Deli meats and cheeses are available. Their menu consist of various sandwiches. Service is nice and friendly. We got the Porketta Bout It, and let me tell you it did not disappoint. They filled the sandwich with a lot of meat. The broccoli type vegetable went very well with the flavors. It felt very fresh. The oils and herbs really brought it all together. The bread was a good texture. Overall these sandwiches are huge, I could only finish half. I bought some homemade pasta, and I'm excited to try it for one of my meals at home this week. Overall, a great deli sandwich spot with a very cool market, I recommend everyone come check it out. read more

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Based on my lone visit, Mercato di Grazia offers some of the best sandwiches in the area. I can't believe we have this spot in Norfolk - I honestly thought that I was in an NYC deli the moment I bit into my sandwich. Mercato took over the suite that previously housed Urban Ice (which I never had a chance to try). They're 1.5 floors of awesomeness (the second floor is essentially a balcony with roughly six 2-tops) - their main floor is full of items that appear to be imported directly from Italy. I noticed they have homemade pasta (I need to take some home!), something that is very welcome, and there are plenty of other food items you can pick up to use/cook at home. When I arrived on the morning of 2/21, Mercato wasn't busy. There were about 3 or 4 customers browsing while one was at the register to order a sandwich. His transaction was completed quickly - before I knew it, it was my turn. I ordered the Porketta Bout It (shaved herb porchetta, sliced brie, marinated broccoli rabe, sweet brined red onions, hot honey) and a bottled Coke. After ordering and paying, I took a seat and waited for my food. My hero was ready in no time - the cashier called my name and gave it to me. I opened it up to find the most amazing looking sandwich. Not only did it look great, it was delicious. I devoured my food and kept nodding my head with glowing approval. The manager on duty noticed me and jokingly said, "I see you nodding," to which I replied, "This may be the best sandwich I've ever had." She smiled and came back with, "That's what I love to hear." Mercato puts some work into their ingredients, and their customers benefit with a delightful hero like the Porketta Bout It. Before I forget, their venue was clean and organized, but you can tell that it can get tight in there with a whole bunch of customers. But they deserve to have everyone in there because their food, and this experience, was amazing. If you haven't been to Downtown Norfolk in a bit, Mercato di Grazia is every bit worth the trip. I will return as soon as possible to try out their other heroes, their grinders and their pinsa (pizza). Thank you, Mercato di Grazia! JV read more

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If you want a sandwich that is made with bread made in house, quality meat and cheese AND yummy olive oil, then this is the spot for it!! I saw their posts popping up on my social media page, so I had to check out what the hype was. They are in the heart of Granby street, so parking is a bit a challenge but you can park at the TCC parking garage since they are just right around the corner. They're an Italian shop that sales everything authentic Italian from noodles, wine, olive oil, vinegars, desserts, pizza, sandwiches, and so much more in this quaint shop. It is a little pricey but it's about quality. The star for me was they sell gluten free pasta! And I had their sandwiches and the bread did not give me any trouble to my gluten sensitive stomach. I think I found my spot for a good sandwich! The bread was soft but still had a chew, can't explain it but it's yum. I'll be returning soon, like today! So hope you can check them out soon too! read more

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First time here!! I've been seriously too lazy to drive because of traffic but, I'm so glad I did. I was greeted with a smile which made me even happier to order. The low light in the deli/restaurant made it so cozy. There's a variety of pasta, cooked and uncooked available for sale. Along with other produce and deli meat. I took my sandwich to-go although, there is a little dining area in the back. I ordered the "americaghn" which came on a sesame seed roll. Everything is so fresh down to the bread and yummy buttery olive oil on the bread. I can't wait to return! Thank you. read more

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Small seating area. Big crowd on the weekend. No substitutions. What you see on the menu is what you get. You also get a FANTASTIC TASTING SUB. It was so good. The flavors melted perfectly together. No kids menu. You might need to take some home! The oil is perfect! Pizzas as well. Expensive but it's an Italian deli! Chips, beer, sodas.... Nice staff. A+ read more

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We stopped by Mercato Di Grazia by Chef Antonio Caruana located at 245 Granby Street in the heart of Norfolk for their Holiday Open House yesterday. Chef was there passing out samples of his signature sauces including the Marinara, Puttanesca and the spicy Arrabbita. They are all very tasty in their own unique way. These signature sauces are jar, pan, plate, and it's unnecessary to add anything to them. If you pick up some of your favorite pasta, you will look like a culinary Master Chef when you make them for dinner. We love their Mezze Maniche which is made fresh in house and dried for easy storage. Please follow the cooking instructions for a perfect al dente pasta every time! While you're there consider trying one of their amazing sandwiches. We split the Porchetta Bout It which consists of razor thin, herb Porketta, sliced brie, marinated broccoli rabe, sweet brined red onions and topped with Hot Honey. This is a big sandwich and certainly enough to share or you can also take the other half home for later. If you love authentic Italian cuisine that you can make at home without the hassle, check out this wonderful Italian Market, you'll be glad you did and you can rest assured that you are supporting our local business community! E ora si mangia (And now we eat!) read more

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Mercato served me one of the best Italian subs I've every eaten. The Monty is a must try and the service was awesome!

Awesome Italian market/sandwich shop by Grampy Street. The owner is the same owner of Luce. I did get my order wrong. The first time I went here because the other person has the same name as me and they gave him that one instead. But nonetheless, I got their signature sandwich which was fantastic. I did not realize you could put broccoli in a sandwich and still taste great! If you are hungry, you can definitely destroy one of these sandwiches and be very full. Lots of homemade pasta that you can cook in your home. They also have imported Italian products there. read more

Mercato Di Grazia - Porketta bout it - Delis Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Great Italian deli! Great sandwiches for lunch. Grabbed some sausages for sausages and peppers for dinner that evening. Happy tummy all in one day! read more

Mercato Di Grazia - Salami Mommie. - Delis Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

I finally stopped in after following Mercato Di Grazia on IG about their opening. I actually received a gift certificate and came here on a Tuesday morning right after opening. They were empty with only one employee. He was super friendly and helpful. I ordered a salami mammi sub to go and took my time and perused the store. They have a lot of great things here; I felt like a kid in an Italian candy store. They have Chef's Antonio's spaghetti sauce and fresh made pasta for sale. I was a bit disappointed they had no marinara sauce, they just had their putteneseca and arrabbiata sauce. They did have several types of fresh in house pasta for sale. They had lots of cookies, oils, vinegars, apparel, and gift packages. They have an upstairs available for eating. I got home to eat my sub and it was a good size...I think 12" maybe? It was beautifully prepared and everything inside was held in place. It was good. I kind of went a bit crazy just throwing things in my basket; luckily I had a $50 gift card to use. All together my bill was a bit over $80. I can't wait to try all my goods! Thanks Chef for opening this fun Italian store! read more

Went into the store just to check it out and was pleased to see a selection of various items of grocery staples for sale. The employees are extremely friendly, helpful and personable. I was able to meet the owner and he was a very nice man. I ordered my husband a sandwich since he is always on the lookout for "the" Italian sandwich. I brought it home and he was literally moaning with delight while eating it. Stopping by and getting sandwiches is now my every other Thursday routine on the way home. The bread is fantastic, the meats and cheeses are fresh and high quality. The toppings are top notch! Please make it a point to try this place, you will not be disappointed with the food or the customer service.! read more

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Meatza Pinsa was delicious! Highly recommend. Store was nice with a rustic look and lots of Italian products to buy. read more

Mercato Di Grazia - Meatza Pinsa - Delis Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

The pork Etta about it was hands down the best sandwich I have ever had in my life. Love this hidden deli in Norfolk!

Tried the Morty yesterday and it was so good I came back today to try the New School Chicken Parm Hero. Will definitely be coming back to try even more. read more

Friends & I decided to try for lunch Mercato Di Grazia, the Italian deli & market associated with Luce, in downtown Norfolk. There was a very good variety of sandwiches and drinks. We chose different sandwiches and agreed they were terrific--absolutely delicious! That day my choice was enough for lunch & supper. The service was friendly, but due to the lunch crowd it took about 15 minutes for our orders to be ready. I don't know if you can call ahead to order, but I'd try. You don't want to miss this. read more

My daughter and I ordered a sub for your grand opening. The sub tasted great, however, afterwards, my daughter and I were both very sick and had to go to hospital. Doctors reported that we had possible food poisoning! Bad experience! read more