Some of the best food memories start in the most unassuming places, tucked into a strip of storefronts you might drive right past. Somewhere in North Carolina, there is a small shop where the air smells like fresh bread and hanging meats, and the shelves are stacked with treasures shipped straight from Italy.
You walk in expecting a quick errand and leave with a bag full of homemade sauce, fresh cheese, and a sandwich that tastes like a trip overseas. It is the kind of spot that makes you wonder how you never knew it was there.
A Little Corner Of Italy On New Garden Road
Right off New Garden Road in Greensboro sits Giacomo’s Italian Market, a family-run shop that hides a whole world of flavor behind an ordinary storefront. At first glance it looks like a modest neighborhood grocery, but step inside and the scent of cured meats and fresh bread tells a different story.
Regulars describe it as a slice of Italy dropped into the Piedmont. Folks who grew up around old-school Italian delis up north say walking through the door feels like coming home.
The market blends grocery and deli under one roof. You can grab a sandwich to go, then wander the aisles filling a basket with imported goods you cannot find anywhere else nearby.
It is exactly the kind of low-key, food-with-a-story find that rewards curiosity. Nothing flashy out front, but plenty worth remembering once you are inside.
Cheeses That Taste Like The Old Country
Cheese lovers, brace yourselves, because this is where the market really shines. The fresh mozzarella is made in-house, and visitors rave about how creamy and tender it turns out.
On Fridays, the shop puts out marinated small mozzarella balls that regulars practically swoon over. Several shoppers mention timing their visits just to grab a container before they sell out.
Beyond the fresh stuff, you will find imported Italian cheeses stacked and displayed with real care. Pair a wedge with the homemade bread and you have the makings of a perfect afternoon snack.
One shopper who grew up around New York delis said the mozzarella and tomatoes together took them right back to their favorite spots. That kind of praise from someone who knows their cheese says a lot.
Olive Oil And Imported Pantry Treasures
Walk the aisles and you will spot bottles of olive oil and vinegar that come straight from Italy, lined up alongside jars, cans, and packages you would struggle to find at a regular grocery store. This is the corner of the shop that turns a quick visit into a slow browse.
Shoppers point out the wide selection of hard-to-find imported items as a major draw. From pantry staples to specialty ingredients, there is something for every home cook who wants the real deal.
The house oil and vinegar even make their way onto the sandwiches, and customers say the combination is outstanding. More than one wished they could take a bottle of it home for themselves.
If you love cooking Italian at home, this is your treasure chest. Stock up once and your kitchen will thank you for weeks.
The Deli Counter Where Meats Are Made In-House
Hanging meats greet you the moment you walk in, filling the air with that unmistakable savory aroma. The deli counter is the beating heart of this place, and much of what is behind the glass is made right on site.
Customers highlight the in-house cured meats as a standout, with the rosemary ham earning special devotion. One regular said it has become a permanent staple in their household.
The variety is impressive too. Italian meats, cheeses, sides, and appetizers are all displayed with the kind of pride that comes from a family business that cares.
Here is a charming touch several shoppers mention: the staff will let you sample the meats before they build your sandwich. Getting to taste each slice first makes the whole experience feel personal.
Subs And Sandwiches Worth Driving For
Sandwiches are what put this market on so many people’s maps, and the fans do not exaggerate. One loyal customer makes the ninety-minute drive from Raleigh just to pick up a few subs, and he is far from alone.
The menu reads like a greatest-hits list. The Frankie comes loaded with salami Milano, hot sopressata, sundried tomatoes, grilled zucchini, and mozzarella, described by one happy eater as a savory heaven.
Other favorites include the Bruscino, the Giuseppe, and the Italian Stallion, each stacked generously with meats. Regulars note the bread has that little crunch outside and a soft center that holds everything together.
People have traveled from Clemmons, Virginia, and even Pittsburgh just to bite into one. When a sandwich inspires road trips, you know it is doing something right.
Meatballs And The Legendary Stuffed Version
Meatballs deserve their own spotlight here, and the numbers back it up, with the meatball sub among the most talked-about items in the shop. These are not your average little spheres.
The stuffed meatball wins special applause. Even a customer who felt let down by one sandwich called the stuffed meatball the highlight of his entire meal.
You can order them large, tucked into a sub, or take home the homemade meatballs and sauce to build a family dinner yourself. Several shoppers do exactly that, adding their own finishing touches at home.
Warm, hearty, and comforting, the meatballs capture everything people love about this market. They are the kind of thing you daydream about on the drive home.
Homemade Pastas, Sauces, And Ready-To-Cook Dinners
Not in the mood for a sandwich? The market has you covered with homemade pastas, sauces, and premade dinners that let you bring the whole experience into your own kitchen.
Shoppers rave about the frozen spaghetti sauce, the cheese ravioli, and the fresh pasta. One person tried three different sauces and two pastas and declared every single one delicious.
Take-home options make this a smart stop for busy nights or special occasions. Folks buy sausage and sauce to simmer at home, or grab ravioli for an easy but impressive meal.
Some visitors even purchase pasta and sauce as gifts, which tells you how special these products feel. It is the kind of thoughtful present that beats another candle.
Cannoli And Sweet Endings
Save room for dessert, because the cannoli here is made in-house and adored. One couple called it the perfect ending to their lunch, and that sentiment shows up again and again.
Crisp shells and creamy filling make for a treat that feels straight out of an Italian bakery. It is the sweet exclamation point after a savory meal.
Bread and baked goods round out the offerings too. The house-baked rolls have been ordered by the dozen for gatherings, with guests happily cleaning the basket.
Little touches like these elevate a simple grocery run into something memorable. A cannoli in hand is a fine way to seal the deal on a visit.
The Warm, Family-Run Atmosphere
Step inside and the friendliness hits you almost as fast as the aromas. Visitors consistently describe warm greetings, attentive service, and an owner who genuinely seems glad you came.
People love that it feels like a small, family-run operation where care goes into every detail. More than one shopper said it felt less like being in North Carolina and more like standing in a shop in Italy.
The service story that charms folks most involves a phone order handled so smoothly that a traveler’s meal was ready the moment they arrived from out of state. Little kindnesses like that build loyal fans.
Families feel welcome here too, with kids happily digging into the food alongside their parents. It is a comfortable, come-as-you-are kind of place with a big heart.
Planning Your Visit
Before you head over, note that the market keeps a specific schedule. It is closed Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday through Friday from 11 AM to 7 PM, Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday from noon to 5 PM.
You will find it at 2109 New Garden Rd in Greensboro, and you can call ahead at 336-282-2855 to have an order ready. Regulars appreciate that the staff actually answers the phone and takes care of you.
A quick heads-up on seating: this is primarily a market, so indoor space is limited, though there is now an outdoor table for dining when the weather cooperates. Some folks grab their subs and head to a nearby park.
Prices run a touch higher than a chain deli, but shoppers agree the quality earns it. For fresh, authentic Italian close to home, this unassuming little market is well worth the trip.
Share this story
