- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
25 reviews for Italian Centre Shop
Review Highlights
"...best place to pick up some Italian deli meats and cheese."
(in 5 reviews)
"There were probably 50 different kinds of olive oil."
(in 5 reviews)
"Their produce section is bountiful."
(in 4 reviews)
Loading...
25 reviews in English
-
Review from Laini G.
1/30/2012 ROTD 2/8/2012
What would I DOOOOOO without Italian Centre?
Seriously, y'all, this place is like Disneyland for foodies. Several times now, I've gone looking for something, and they were the only place in town to have it. Little mini phyllo tartlets? Got em. Rosewater? Yep, that too. And they were the ONLY place near my house to have any Brussels sprouts at Christmastime, thus saving the menu I had planned. It turned out beautifully, thanks for asking.
Shopping here reminds me of when I visited Italy lo those twenty years ago, and went in a grocery store in Florence just for fun. They don't carry just food, but all sorts of nifty cooking implements, oodles of different sizes and configurations of tomatoes, about a bazillion types of oils (not just olive!), gajillions of different shapes of pastas, plus Lavazza coffee, soaps and bagno schiuma (foam bath, for the unititiated), Italian magazines, and those oh-so-charming pieces of clayware with painted pictures of tomatoes, eggplants and other neat designs on them. And if it's chocolate you crave, pardner, you'll be in heaven at the selection of wonderful European varieties to be had.
Although their Italian choices are not to be beat, they have other international choices as well. Polish ranks high up on the ladder, and this is one of the few places in town you will find little cans of harissa (which I also needed for a recipe)! The first time I found this place I thought I'd died and gone to heaven, after despairing I'd never be able to find half the foodstuffs I wanted in Canada. Just one visit, and you'll be awestruck. -
Review from Elvis A.
2/8/2012
This is an interesting place to buy gourmet and hard to find food items without paying the exorbitant prices at the other spot in downtown for this kind of items.
As the name suggests they really excel at Italian items.
They are not limited to that as I ended up here looking for Real Vanilla Beans. They had 2 types at that time.
Also the saffron was of good quality.
Tons of cheese and cold cuts.
My only qualm is the parking weekends can get tough and one has to park far.
I would recommend it highly if you are looking for hard to find food items. -
Review from Matthew L.
Edmonton, AB
1/14/2012
While the name would convey the expectation of a small Italian food import shop, it's really so much more. Not only can you get pretty much any worthy dry pasta shape or brand in existence, there's also a full selection of inexpensive, good looking produce - an even bigger selection than your average supermarket.
And not only do they have imports from Italy, I was also able to find a 2 liter bottle of Guarana imported from Brazil and cans of 6-in-1 tomatoes from California, which I love to use in pasta and pizza sauces.
And on a Saturday afternoon, they had 5 check out stand open, which meant that I didn't even have to wait in line to check out. However, make sure to take a look at the check out screen - a $10 box of muffins inexplicably showed up on my tally, but my check out person very kindly removed it. -
Review from Christy S.
Devon, AB
2/9/2012
Love both locations, it's the greatest grocery store we've ever discovered. Love the deli selection. The staff is always so helpful, and the product tastes so much better than at the large chain stores ... and is often at a better price here. Even when you have to pay a bit more, the quality is worth it. Love the selection of local products, and the great prices on produce. The tiramisu cups from the bakery are so yummy. I hate to have to buy tomato sauce anywhere else now, their selection of sauces and strained tomatoes is so vast, and love the varieties of noodle shapes ... and their italian sausage is beyond great ... I only wish they had a full butcher counter ... and sometimes the wait at the deli is crazy long. I've waited up to 45 minutes! If I have the time, it's worth it though ... just frustrating on a busy day when there's only 2-3 people to help serve 30+ customers (some customers take up to 10 minutes to make their selections).
-
Review from Aditya R.
10/11/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Being that I'm the Duke of Italian Centre Shop (south), it's only expected for me to have a great liking for the Italian Centre shop on the north side. Although not my dukedom, I really do feel that this shop is the best grocery store experience one could have in Edmonton.
Everyone knows how awesome the bakery and deli sections out here are. They also have an interesting array of fresh veggies in their market here which, I must say, is a lot better than the one on the south side. If I lived closer, I'd frequent this grocery store.
Another charming feel about this place is that the crowd seems very Italian. People talking with strange accents, often having that generic Stallone-Deniro montage look and nostalgizing their home country through flavours of ham and salami.
The kitchen section is also kinda big here. The only downside, if there is one, is that the store runs wide, parallel to the street, so if you park on north end of the store and are looking to just pick up coffee, you'd have to walk the entire length of the store LOL. The south side one is squarish and you're never too far from the coffee bar!Listed in: The root of all things
-
Review from Jacqueline S.
Edmonton, AB
8/27/2011 6 Check-ins Here
The produce. It is cheap. And good! And then there's the still-good-but-you-should-use-it-ASAP produce, which is even cheaper.
I try to do as much of my grocery shopping here as possible. They also stock a number of local products (and indicate with little stickers which ones they are). And, of course, there's the deli. I have to admit I find it a bit intimidating sometimes, and you can easily spend way more here than you can in the produce section... but oh so good. Sometimes the line up gets giant though... if you're feeling brave and impatient, try taking your number, doing the rest of your shopping and then coming back to wait.
If you're downtown and vehicularly-challenged like me, the 5 stops right in front of the door. It doesn't matter how heavy my bags are... I only have to carry them about half a block total. Dangerous. -
Review from Angela E.
6/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Italian Centre Shop, or Spinelli's, is a fabulous gem in the Edmonton food community.
The owner, Teresa Spinelli, is an engaging, friendly, woman whom I met at a local food event.
The deli counters are generous with their meat and cheese samples. It's hard to decide sometimes with the selection available, yet they're patient, usually fairly knowledgeable, and make suggestions.
I often discover hard-to-find import ingredients, mixes, and spices here. There's also a housewares section and a cafe. The bakery has ample fresh selection.
Sometimes the clerks aren't friendly, but because of the quality of food, selection, and decent prices, I keep going back! -
Review from Lea A.
8/9/2011
Genuine. Charming. Warm.
These are all adjectives to describe the community landmark that is the Italian Centre Shop. If you're looking for high quality deli meats, cheeses, exotic European cookies and chocolate, great bread and a few local gems, the Italian Centre Shop is for you. Going here makes me ache for more shops like these around the city. Too few and far between.
The very first time I went to the Italian Centre was on a lovely weekday evening -- the best time to go, so you're not crushed by the weekend crowd (though I'm charmed by the liveliness of a multi-ethnic crowd) and prefer one-on-one service. I went to the back where it's normally bustling, and was essentially the only customer there at the time.
Because of this, the meat guy behind the counter gave me 110% of his attention, asking me about my tastes, what kind of cheeses I leaned towards, meats, etc. He gave generous portions for samples and was super knowledgeable about everything behind the glass. He was the one who introduced me to prosciutto wrapped bocconcini, which I'll be forever grateful. It got to the point that I joked that he was a sales guy, since he was pitching the deli items hardcore, and he looked rather horrified at the insinuation, which sort of added to the charm.
I also am in love with the seemingly endless selection of olive oils, vinegars, nut butters, and tomatoes all in one roof.
Italian Centre Shop: I really should make the trek more often. -
Review from Kristina B.
Edmonton, AB
8/30/2011
Spinelli's Italian Centre Shop is my favorite place to grocery shop. For one the quality of their deli is second to none! They have the freshest cheeses, meats and olives! They also carry a wide variety of ethnic foods and foods that you would commonly find in a supermarket. The Italian Centre is basically all the best parts of a grocery store with none of the crap!
The prices are extremely reasonable and the produce is excellent! My weekly grocery budget goes a lot farther at the Italian centre than it does in other stores!
The added bonus is that the cafe connected to the store makes THE best latte's in the world and has the tastiest cakes. LOVE LOVE LOVE the italian store :-D -
Review from Sarah W.
6/24/2011
I am convinced that in another life, I was italian. Or I wanted to be. Who knows. Either way, you don't have to be italian to enjoy the Italian Centre Shop. It is absolutely one of my very favorite places to grocery shop in the downtown core.
First of all, the produce is cheap, fresh and always stocked up. I love getting the big tubs of basil for a few bucks - it always keeps so nicely. They also have a huge assortment of deli meats, cheeses, freshly made sausages and baked goods. Everything is affordably priced and laid out beautifully.
The Italian Centre carries a wide array of import foods, with tons to choose from. Their pasta aisle is amazing - if you are looking for anything in the realm of pasta, come here. I also love browsing through their assortment of italian toiletries and household items, including cooking utensils - there are some very neat things here that you can't find anywhere else.
There is a nice little cafe attached (that I haven't tried yet) and the staff is always very friendly and helpful. Check-out never takes very long as they always seem to have lots of tills open, and I am always surprised by how much money I've saved in comparison to my local grocery store!
Parking in this downtown-ish area is never a problem, with some spots behind the store itself, and a big lot just north of the building, very close, convenient and free. If you are looking for a specific italian-inspired ingredient (beautiful olive oil, imported balsamic vinegars, gorgeous cheeses, fresh produce!) definitely check out The Italian Centre Shop. -
Review from Tess R.
Tired of the bland? Miss the corner store linked to a community? The Italian Centre will remind you of what is missing in most neighbourhoods. This is a grocery store with an italian heart. The selection of many items is astounding. The ones that I've noticed are the pasta, veggie spreads, deli meats & cheeses, olives AND the produce. The produce is fantastic, like the veggies you remember from the farm: big, fresh and items you can't find at your usual grocery.
The staff are helpful, and the store is busy but reasonably quick to clear the lines. Expect to wait your turn at the deli. It's worth the wait.
The wall between the cafe next door was taken down in a recent renovation, and they added/expanded the section of kitchen tools, including espresso makers. Great gelato, espressos, Italian style sandwiches and the occasional FIFA game on the tv.
You won't find all of the brands you might be used to, but you will find things that will make your next meal amazing. -
Review from Jessica D.
Edmonton, AB
4/7/2011 12 Check-ins Here
Hold the phone, I can't believe how cheap the produce is here. And the discount produce isn't molding away like at other stores, yay ! There's nothing I can really say that hasn't already been said. The only thing I can say for myself is how have I not come here before??! The deli here is huuuuuge and I think I'm going to have to start from one end and go to the other trying everything..
It was also great that there was a guy giving out samples at the front when I came in, and boy was he pushy for everyone to take a sample! -
Review from Adam D.
8/8/2011
Location of this shop at time can be a difficult time. There are some shady characters that emerge when the sun sets around there. Then you go inside and wow what a friendly place. There is more that enough staff there so looking for help is not an issue. Everyone enjoys talking to you and offer there advice on what meat goes with what cheese. I know have the sweetest luches at work..mmm fresh focaccio bread. I recommend going to the central location as the one in the south is over crowded and the staff there not too experienced. Mostly kids with part time jobs I think, but the south isnt all bad as they have a cafe with some wicked paninnis.
-
Review from Liv V.
Edmonton, AB
3/20/2011
This is my favourite place to shop in Edmonton. Vintage charm, cheap produce, staggering deli and personable customer service. I was fortunate to have coffee with owner Theresa Spinelli the other day. Given the rising cost of groceries in general, I have even more incentive to shop there. For those looking for the world's best cheese, ask for Montasio. Ask for the imported Italian one, not the Canadian one.
-
Review from santo c.
Edmonton, AB
9/18/2010
Hands down best and oldest euro deli in Edmonton. Figs, chestnuts, cold cuts,coffee, cheeses, olives, anchovies, AZZURRI paraphernalia, Italian playing cards, candies,drinks, bread, deserts coffee makers, and tradition.
Wish they used different packaging material for deli meats. It dries out fast.
Often I have seen customers trying to order new meats for the first time and not get much help from some unhappy clerks at the SOUTH SIDE location. Embarrassing and i bet those customers would spend so much more if the young clerks were more helpful and less macho.
A couple of clerks (this blonde guy with glasses and the blonde lady) posses unbelievable product knowledge, but i dont see them often enough. Honestly I cant explain why but it bothers me the way the others toss the meat around the deli case.
The cashiers are usually chewing gum, and chatting about boyfriends, i interrupted one and asked about one of the products i was buying and her jaw just dropped like I was from another planet. She just gawked and stared at me with the oddest look. The other girl realized how inappropriate her co worker was and suddenly turned on the customer service skills 110% and ran away to find someone who knew the answer.
This is a great super market..Best to go weekdays day time. Weekends are too busy.
Regardless, if you know what you need, this is the place to get the deal. My favourite purchases; 4 frozen balls of pizza dough for 3.99 , vacuum packed cooked chestnuts from Italy, prosciutto in the meat ends section. -
Review from Ryan M.
Langley, BC
5/27/2009
I also enjoyed the Italian Centre Shop. My first thought when I came across this place? Who the heck translated this place into English. I don't think you're supposed to put nouns together like that.
The store has a HUGE selection of food (especially Italian). I was shocked at the amount of shelf space that the cooking oils took up. There were probably 50 different kinds of olive oil.
It also possesses the one thing that attracted me here, ITALIAN COFFEE. This is were I go to get my espresso/coffee beans and also latte flavours (they have sugar free syrups too).
I also noticed they recently opened up a cafe off to one side at the back of the store. You can order dessert and cappuccino there while you sit at their tables. -
Review from Antonella C.
Edmonton, AB
8/14/2010
Yes, the Italian Centre Shoppe is a good place to find many things that you don't find easily and at reasonable prices. However, ALWAYS look at the expiration dates on the packaging....while I realize that many products come from Italy, there is a limit to what we should put up with (i.e., buying dairy products with only a few days left before it goes bad, for example). It doesn't always happen, but again, being prudent is always a good thing.
-
Review from Jeanette B.
Edmonton, AB
10/15/2008
I love this Italian store. It's fun just to look around at all the different and interesting foods. I was surprised, but some of the prices here are really reasonable. The Italian soda is far cheaper here than at Superstore or anywhere else I've seen it, and you can buy it in large cases. There's also a large assortment of chocolate here, and I've gotten some really creamy imported chocolate for about $1.30 for a 100g bar! The deli is huge, and the cold meats taste so fresh. Not everything here is Italian, you can find many other European items like Portuguese soda. This place really is a unique shopping experience, and if you come here hungry, you'll probably end up spending more than you intended.
-
Review from Paula K.
Updated - 11/21/2008 1 photo
An organization I am with held its AGM recently. We ordered party platters from the Italian Centre to serve our guests. The prices were competitive with other groceries offering similar platters. The quality was excellent - the plates were filled with the Italian Centre's delicious meat, cheese, veggies, and fresh fruit. The platters were so huge that everyone got to take some food home with them. We were also able to pick up other items like olives, pickles, coffee, and fresh, delicious buns. I always knew the Italian Centre sold very high quality meat, but did not know about the party platters until recently. If you are planning on entertaining this holiday season and want to really impress your guests, consider getting some platters here.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
10/8/2008 First to Review
The Little Italy location of the Italian Centre Shop is the original, and a institution of the… Read more »
-
-
Review from Natalie M.
Edmonton, AB
12/20/2009
If you want close to traditional Italian food then the Italian Center Shop is the place to go to get everything Italian. It's the best place to pick up some Italian deli meats and cheese. The guys behind the counter are pretty busy and most of the time you might need to grab a number. They will hook you up with what you want and slice it up the way you like it. My mom really likes thinly cut meats, she's super picky, and they totally accommodate her extreme need for thin. They have a produce section that seals some fresh vegetables. If you like Italian sweets may I suggest the tiramisu or the cannoli. According to their web site the south side location makes the "best banana bread in town." I actually didn't know there was a south side location (5028 104A Street, 780-989-4869), so that's one thing I've got to try when I go (yummy banana bread!). If you like Italian breads then the Italian Center Shop is the place that can hook you up. They also fresh olives and dried salami you can get that here too.
Oh, I almost forgot! You can grab lunch at the Italian Center shop too! You can pick what deli meat you want and they will add the fixings for you and send you on your way with a huge yummy Italian sandwich. If you want a party tray of sandwiches they can also help you out with that!
My family has been going to the Italian Center shop probably since my parents first moved to Canada; I would say for 30 years (or more!).
Also, the Italian Center Shop is the place to get your Pinocchio gelato, which is ice cream made like they way they do it back in the Old Country. It's the best Italian ice cream around, the fruit-based Sorbetti is really good (pick up raspberry or lemon if you like sour/tart flavors. -
Review from Donna H.
Spruce Grove, AB
5/3/2010
This is absolutely my favorite place in the world! I could spend hours perusing the shelves looking at things that I have no idea what to do with, but nevertheless, it's fanntastic! The deli is amazing, the produce section is fun, and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful! Southside is a newer, bigger version, but both are great!
-
Review from Maria F.
10/20/2009
For me, Italian Centre shop is heaven on earth. I shop here regularly, and I don't know what I would do without it. The selection of meats and cheeses is reason enough to shop here. Have you tried Prosciutto, Pancetta, Porchetta, Capicollo, Sopressata and Mortadella? What about Fontina, Gorgonzola, Pecorino, baby Mozzarella, Provolone and Mascarpone? If none of these ring a bell - you definiely should stop by Italian Centre's deli section! And after you have been there once, you will keep coming back.
The shelves of Italian Centre shop are stocked with amazing food. They carry the best selection of olive oil, canned tomatoes and pasta in town. Fruit and vegetables are always fresh. The selection of olives either jarred or in bulk is amazing. And make sure to check the variety of honey they carry - Greek honey is to die for! There are several shelves with soap, skin care and kitchen gadgets which are always fun to browse. Oh, and don't forget the amazing selection of chocolates and candy!
The exterior of Italian Centre Shop may not be glamorous, but it's what on the inside that counts. -
Review from Jennifer P.
Edmonton, AB
10/14/2008 1 photo
The Italian Center is a special fixture in the city, and if you only shop at Save-On or Safeway, you don't know what an amazing experience you're missing out on. It's just like being in Europe. Head to the back of the shop where the deli stretches from one end to the other. Take a number and while you're waiting, sample a number of cheeses and meats that have been laid out to entice customers. I've often bought something I've sampled, and more. They have great bulk olives, antipastos, and hot bruschetta. If you can't wait until you get home to eat, pick up one of their famous Italian sandwiches made right there, with either hot or mild veggie spread and plentiful layers of cheese and deli meat. A full one takes me right through lunch and dinner. Their produce section is bountiful. I've bought great plums, apricots, tomatoes and cherrieshere. And, of course, there are rows upon rows of tomato sauces, olive oil and balsamic vinegars to choose from, by the bottle or barrel. This is also a neat place to check out for cool kitchen gadgets or dish wear. I bought a beautiful serving dish and a cool tray made especially for olives and have my eye on a giant wooden paddle for cooking pizzas on, like they have in real pizzerias.
-
Review from Isabella M.
Edmonton, AB
6/6/2009
I'm so lucky to live close to the original Italian Centre in little Italy! I find the produce prices consistently better than the regular grocery stores (Save-On, Safeway) and the freshness for the less common fruits and veg is better, too. The deli is the best I've seen and with helpful staff. If you make a point of going during the day during the week when it's not busy they'll advise you in trying new meats and cheeses and give tons of samples. It's old-timey service. They carry a few things I've found no where else: osso bucco meat cuts, exotic pears and other fruits, a great variety of European mushrooms, truffle-infused olive oil (this I have found elsewhere, but it's way cheaper here), and especially Pinocchio brand ice cream - it's locally made and the creamiest ever (they have pistachio).
The new cafe replaces the old tra amici and is just as good if not better - with gelato, pastries and coffees. I also love their increased cookware and dishes section. -
Review from Barry K.
Edmonton, AB
2/16/2010
One of my favorite places in Edmonton. Make sure that you stop for an espresso at the attached cafe!
