One Pittsburgh shop on this list makes its own mozzarella and then tucks it into a signature chicken parm sandwich. That single fact sent me down a very cheesy rabbit hole.
It turns out Pennsylvania is full of counters where mozzarella gets made in-house. One Philadelphia spot started as a pasta factory.
Another market lets you shop under hanging meats and olives.
I love that fresh mozzarella is a small, everyday luxury. It’s soft, milky, and best eaten the same day.
You don’t need a passport, just a free afternoon and a cooler in the trunk.
So I rounded up eight delis across the state that take this cheese seriously. A few are old-school markets, and a few lean into sandwiches.
Which one will you hit first?
1. Talluto’s Authentic Italian
Hanging meats and olives set the scene before you even reach the counter. Few suburban shops feel this much like an old Italian pantry.
The Eagleville location sells fresh pasta, meats, sauces, and cheese. The headliner for this list is the house-made mozzarella, which pairs beautifully with the fresh bread.
A deli counter turns out a solid lineup of sandwiches, including an Italian hoagie. You can grab one premade or buy the imported meats and cheeses separately.
Plan to take your haul home, since there’s no dine-in here. A free parking lot makes the stop quick and painless.
Ravioli and fresh pasta round out the shelves nicely. Toss some in your basket and dinner basically plans itself.
Address: 530 Foundry Rd, Eagleville, PA 19403
2. L. Mancuso & Son
Blink on Passyunk Avenue and you might stroll right past a serious cheese maker. That would be a real shame.
This traditional Italian grocery is known for its signature homemade mozzarella. The shop also makes its own ricotta, so bring room in your bag.
Hungry right now? The counter handles specialty hoagies, cutlets, and meatballs with old South Philly confidence.
It’s an importer too, which means the shelves go well beyond cheese. Think of it as a one-stop errand for an Italian Sunday dinner.
Visits here tend to be quick, so it fits easily into a neighborhood stroll. Delivery is also an option when you can’t make the trip.
Address: 1902 Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
3. Pastificio Deli
A pasta factory that also makes great sandwiches sounds almost too convenient. Yet here it is on Packer Avenue.
Pastificio sells its own pasta at retail alongside Italian dishes and sandwiches. Homemade sauces come to go, so a full dinner is already sorted.
The homemade mozzarella earns real star status. Pick some up with fresh rolls and you’ve got lunch in minutes.
Sandwich fans should look for the Chicken Cutlet Rabe. The O M G Sandwich gives vegetarians a fun option too.
Cold salads like macaroni and potato fill out a picnic spread. You’ll even find pasta machinery if you want to try it yourself.
Parking comes in several forms, including a free lot and free street parking. Weekday mornings tend to be the busiest.
Address: 1528 Packer Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145
4. Talluto’s – Philadelphia
South 9th Street is basically Philadelphia’s Italian food runway. This Talluto’s holds its own in that famous lineup.
Like its Eagleville sibling, it sells fresh pasta, meats, sauces, and house-made mozzarella. The fresh stretched mozzarella is the reason to stop.
Marinated mozzarellas add a fun twist if you want something ready to snack on. Cheese ravioli is another strong pick for a quick weeknight meal.
The deli selection is compact but well chosen. Prices on pasta stay reasonable, which makes stocking up easy.
Monday and Tuesday daytime visits tend to be calmer. Sundays get lively, so go early if crowds aren’t your thing.
Address: 944 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
5. Cara Mia’s Delicatessen
Dunmore keeps its lunch game strong, and this deli is proof. Gourmet subs, salads, pizza, and fresh mozzarella all come out of one kitchen.
The mozzarella is sold to go, so you can build your own snack board later. It also shows up nicely with roasted red peppers.
Soup lovers can lean on the pasta fagiola. The chicken cheese steak with a creamy red sauce is another favorite.
Food here is made fresh, and prices stay fair. That’s a pleasing combo for a weekday lunch break.
Watch the calendar, though. Cara Mia’s runs Tuesday through Saturday and closes in the late afternoon.
Address: 210 E Drinker St, Dunmore, PA 18512
6. Pennsylvania Macaroni Co.
A store named after the state and pasta feels like a promise. Thankfully, the cheese counter keeps it.
This long-standing Strip District shop sells Italian groceries, cheese, and pasta, plus a deli counter. The fresh mozzarella tastes remarkably fresh.
Parmigiano Reggiano and many other cheeses make browsing a little dangerous. Your cart may fill faster than planned.
Produce gets high marks too, and organic products are on offer. It’s a fine place to gather a full Pennsylvania picnic.
Saturdays bring the biggest crowds. Weekday visits from Monday to Thursday tend to be much calmer.
Address: 2010 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
7. Tambellini & Co
Chicken parm is the signature here, and the mozzarella on top is made in-house. That’s a sandwich with homework done.
Tambellini & Co sits on Brookline Boulevard in Pittsburgh. It’s a casual sandwich shop with dine-in seating and table service.
A family recipe marinara backs up that cheese. Focaccia and a toasted vegetarian sandwich with potato chips are also on the menu.
Need mozzarella for home? This is a handy stop for that, too.
Lemonade and dessert keep the meal easygoing. It works for groups, solo lunches, and kids alike.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday, into the early evening. Friday nights and Saturdays get the busiest.
Address: 1011 Brookline Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15226
8. Grazia’s Italian Market
Mozzarella and pastries in one stop is a pretty strong closing argument. Grazia’s in Bethlehem makes that case well.
This Italian market offers fresh bakery items and specialty deli goods. Prepared foods help when cooking isn’t on the agenda.
The fresh mozzarella draws folks from around the Lehigh Valley. Many say it’s worth the trip by itself.
Those pastries are the other reason to linger at the counter. Grab a few for the ride home.
Grazia’s closes Mondays and wraps up early on weekends. Plan accordingly, and you’ll leave Pennsylvania’s Italian deli tour on a sweet note.
Address: 2112 Schoenersville Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18018