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Lina's Italian Market
Categories: Event Planning & Services Caterers Restaurants Delis Food Grocery Food Coffee & Tea Caterers, Delis, Grocery, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
2202 Centre St NECalgary, AB T2E 2T5
(403) 277-9166
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 7 pm
Sat-Sun 9 am - 5 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
25 reviews for Lina's Italian Market
Review Highlights
25 reviews in English
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Review from Terrence L.
Calgary, AB
5/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Oh Lina's, I love you.
It's by far the best market made tiramisu in the city. Fresh pastas, great deli, unique italian groceries. and a roast pork and roasted red pepper sandwich that I salivate like a dog to a dinner bell. It's where I pick up my balsamic vinegar, the odd tiramisu every other month, and these really wicked little pastries for a dirt cheap price.
And that's not all... the fresh pasta and pizza dishes, the sandwich bar (a lot more than pork), and the espresso bar are all equally outstanding. Always a great place for brunch or lunch in the day, and now after writing this, I just have to pick up another roast pork sandwich in the am. :)
PS: there's a great selection of kitchen toys too! -
Review from Sarah Louise F.
Calgary, AB
Updated - 2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
If you ever crave some sympathy and want someone to feel sorry for you, simply go over to Lina's, and tell the adorable Italian matriarchal figure behind the counter at the lunch deli that you are vegetarian and also cannot have cheese.
This is what happened today. I'd initially popped in to surprise my (just vegetarian) brother with a foccacia pizza on my way over to visit, ,then decide I would try my luck and see if there were any cool vegan things I could have. I was assured that actually, Lina's margarita pizza is vegan- made on their delicious foccacia bread and slathered in bruschetta- no cheese! I also went home with a gorgeous side of roasted veggies, and some vanilla halva for good measure.
Between these items I tried and their delicious salads, I hope to make Lina's a more frequent lunch spot when I need a break from work.
:)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/6/2011
I step into Lina's on a biweekly basis for my fix of the Italian essentials. Last weekend it was… Read more »
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Review from Catherine C.
Calgary, AB
5/20/2012
Awesome! The prices are the best in the city (way better than Fresh kitchen and some other gourmet markets). Love love love the deli meats (got prosciutto, and speck, sampling them first against other contenders with the very Italian young male smiling with his eyes and saying very good when I made a choice...usually the more expensive one). Excellent olive oils (I bought a Sicilian one and a truffle flavor one). Just check expiration dates. Some stuff on the shelves and packaged meat section have expired.
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Review from Denise M.
2/18/2012
I am so happy to have found Lina's. Being a recent transplant from Vancouver I was seriously missing the Commercial Drive shop experience - even though it is only one store it gave me the total feeling. Great deli selection of meats and cheeses with knowledgeable friendly service. Loved it and will return!
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Review from Wendy P.
8/11/2011
How have I never been here before? For real, I even used to live a few blocks to the west... although anything on Centre St has never been a spot I'd frequent (excuse that semi-awkward sentence). My travels these days don't often take me up in that direction, but when lunchtime called one day last week, it was to Lina's to meet Joel S for a spot of lunch. Well, a spot was more like a plateful of sausage, veggies, a roll and a salad from the lunch counter.... ok, AND a piece of cheesecake for dessert... with a latte.
I had a tremendously hard time deciding exactly what I wanted to eat for lunch, and I fear I ate waaaay too much. But I'm not sorry... nope, not one bit! The spicy sausage I got was just spicy enough, although I'm not sure this prairie-born girl is the right spice-o-metre to go by. I enjoyed the tomato salad, but the tomatoes didn't taste quite as flavourful as I would have expected. The Roma tomatoes I ate in Italy all of those years ago have forever held up a very high bar for me and tomatoes though. The veggies were actually asparagus, pretty hard to mess up asparagus I think, but they worked. And the cheesecake, well, it was also a 4 star cheesecake. It was good and a healthy slice, but 5 star cheesecake would be a bit creamier.
I had a boo around the market and couldn't believe the selection of cheese and meat at the deli in the back. Nor the entire aisle full of noodles. And this is no short aisle. And olive oil? Well, you'd better know what kind your after, or you'll find yourself staring at the labels in front of you for far too long. -
Review from Janna L.
1/5/2012
First timers at Lina's, we had sure heard about it. We went at 6:30pm last night and this establishment closes at 7:00pm, at least on weekdays - not sure about weekends. We are night owls so we always drive by when the store is closed...
The store is brightly lit and even larger inside than it looks. We went in to "look" but of course we came out with a big bag of things! (sliced almonds, dried pasta, white South American cheese, roasted pumpkin seeds, milk, pastries) The staff were quiet, looked like they all wanted to get home and were busy shutting down for the night. We did not eat at the little restaurant inside but we sure brought with us to go a couple of mini desserts. The tiramisu was to DIE FOR and the caramel cheesecake - well, what can you say about those 2 words - they just GO together. Delicious! I found the prices to be right on point, not over the top for any product. The meat and cheese area looked top notch, lots of variety and even the produce area was impressive looking. The store was well organized and clean, major pluses for me. Very happy that this is close to home for right now. Anxious to try the freshly made food, maybe on a lunch hour. Authentic, 4 stars. Next time I hope the staff will look up and smile a bit and warrant 5 stars! -
Review from Erin D.
10/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Lina's is a bustling Italian institution in Calgary. It's been around for years and should be your first stop for a traditional Italian grocery shop. I would take Lina's over 10 Mercato's any day. It is affordable and delicious. I like to make an afternoon of it, eat a nice lunch, sip a cappuccino, have a little pastry (or two) and then do my shopping. I highly recommend you do the same!
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Review from Genre S.
Calgary, AB
11/26/2011
For my tastes, I appreciate what they have to offer in the olive, cheese and meat realms. Check it out!
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Review from Sapna G.
Calgary, AB
1/9/2010 13 photos
Lina's Italian Market & Cappuccino Bar is everything Italian, all jam-packed within 4 walls. From pizza cutters, to coffee makers, to fresh produce, all the way to an in-store restaurant that serves everything from paninis to gelato.
It's an understatement to say that Lina's is an Italian supermarket; More like an Italian mammoth-market.
If you have not yet visited Lina's, it's time you visited this treasure in our city. The Italian in you will forever thank you. -
Review from dinah g.
Calgary, AB
2/5/2010 1 photo
Lina's old skool sign is so huge you can see it from blocks away while driving down Centre Street. The ample parking area is the perfect place for that quick turn that you are now going to take to try a new place to get something delicious to eat.
The cafe/deli doubles as a grocery store and kitchen accessory store as well. It is quite large, well lit and has nice big windows that let the sun in. You can get your average staples here, your pastas and your sauces plus the deli area is just loaded with goodies for you to buy.
You can get your gelatos, cappuccinos, Panini's, pizza, baked goods, salads, fresh pasta, deli meats, all types of chesses, your fresh meat, and speciality prepared foods and produce.
But it just doesn't stop there, the kitchen accessories area is pretty thorough as well, kitchen accessories like ladles and strainers, ceramic ware for your different sizes of baked pasta, there is even jarring accessories, and tablecloths.
So why not shop before or after you eat, Lina's will set you up with a shopping cart just to make things easier. -
Review from Julie L.
7/28/2010
I loved this place. It has everything you need from fresh-baked breads, a deli, and a bakery all in one location. It's amazing what they can fit in here. They even have a section in which they sell kitchenware. The coffee is delicious and their pecan rolls are rather intense. I loved the sausage roll and fresh deli meats.
I would never have walked in here and expected to find such a treasure trove of authentic goods. Size DOES NOT matter. -
Review from Lindsay K.
Halifax, NS
11/28/2009
Now this is a cool little deli/catering store. They have a bunch of different groceries and foods to choose from, perfect for anything you are craving or might be cooking.
It is great for a quick lunch since they serve fresh, hot meals that change on a daily basis. The menu usually consists of soups and salads, as well as some pasta dishes and panini's. Whatever you're in the mood for, Lina's can give you a great lunch at a pretty fair price. They also double as a mini grocery store. You can get specialty foods for baking and cooking, as well as different sausages, which are all made in-store.
It has the classic Italian menu and everything you might need to make a meal at home. It's reasonably priced for being a specialty store, too. I find the workers at Lina's to vary from day to day. Some days they are super friendly and pleasant, but other times they aren't as helpful.
Lina's is just a nice little place to visit, whether you're looking for a quick meal, or something to make for yourself at home. Lina's can help in any Italian dish you want to create! -
Review from Katie C.
Calgary, AB
11/28/2009
Nom Nom Nom. That is the sound of me after a visit to Lina's, stuffing myself full of tasty Italian foods. It's caaarbolicious!
They have a wonderful selection of imported goods, and the deli is well stocked and delicious. Prosciutto, prosciutto salami, Mortadella - there are a million different meats just waiting for you! And then the boccocini Mozarella, which is fabulous, along with all the other cheeses... Everything is tasty and unique.
Other things to look out for are their selection of fresh and frozen fresh pastas. Fresh pasta is a totally different experience than dried pasta, and you can get some tasty sauces for it (although I prefer to make my own).
The fresh bread is mm.mm. good. Try the braided jewish-style bread and the fresh foccacia, but bread from Lina's doesn't keep well so try to scarf it down in the first 24 hours. You'll find a ton of other Italian cooking items like olive oil and syrups and espresso and a limited selection of fresh fruits and veggies.
Lina's is a bit more expensive than your traditional grocery store, but it is well worth it for the imported specialty items and the foods that are made in store. To complete the experience they have a small cafe and store where you can get select italian dishes and desserts along with a decent espresso/cappucino. Definitely worth it. -
Review from JP D.
Calgary, AB
4/15/2010
Great place to shop for Italian or other European ingredients. This place has some obscure brands that dont even have English or French labels.
The grocery part of the market is nice, the deli is busy but efficient and the eat-in area is a bit limited in choice but high-quality and fresh tasting. This place is way more authentic than other markets in town, and the prices are are decent -
Review from Angelo T.
My relationship with Lina began years ago when I used to work near the 32nd Ave area. I've yet to see Lina herself in person, but based on the experiences in this market, I imagine she looks like Giovanna Mezzogiorno ;)
Lina's carries a wide variety of Italian and european items that blows any Italian market I've been to out of the water. I've yet to see any store match Lina's selection of key top notch ingredients like Foie gras. Their pasta section is formidable, I get really difficult and picky with my pasta. Lina's is also a great place to stock up on christmas office gifts like Italian chocolates and cookies or the stuffing stocker italian kitchen ware. Their produce is small and quaint but every visit I found myself picking up something-tomatoes, brocollini, belgian endives.
Ah the deli...I think it really is the place to visit in Calgary. From my observation it divides into three key areas. The anti pasto/salad area carries amazing italian eats to go like tapenades, calamari anti pasto, and bruschetta. Grab a crusted bread with these to go and you have a five star meal later in the day. The dessert and bakery area, who I affectionally call "Isabella" because it offers beautiful desserts that sinful consumption often leads to regretful chest aches. Finally their lunch deli offers daily specials and has it's own coffee and gelato station. The large crowd that frequent Lina's dining area speaks for the quality of food the lunch deli serves. I've been to a lot of fancy pizza places that claim to be authentic and suck your wallet like a vampire, but I think Lina's pizza is the best. My favourite pizza is their asiago cheese and pickled artichoke pizza. They also serve one of the best pork sandwiches in the city (see photo). How's the coffee? Ask anyone drinking Lina's and you'll find yourself ignored not because your being a nuisance, but because they're probably in a serene trance. -
Review from Jason K.
10/20/2010
oh man. i love this place. there are two things that are worth driving across the city for:
1) Lina's pasta special... that sauce is amazing. Used to ask for am extra container of sauce with a 2nd piece of bread for dipping... hmmm...
2) Porketta Sandwich... ask them to add a few hot peppers and that's all you need. you will be full. and satisfied. -
Review from Brianne C.
Calgary, AB
12/16/2010
I am italian, so naturally I love going to Lina's for their delicious food and fresh product.
That was until I heard that they sell Foie Gras. This is a huge disappointment as foie gras is a very unethical product to be promoting. Great chefs such as Wolf Gang Puck have condemned the use of this horrible ingredient. 15 countries overseas including the UK, South Africa, Poland, Germany, and Austria have banned the production of foie gras.
If you are interested in watching a video of the production, please visit this link:
http://www.peta.org/tv...
I will not be venturing back into Lina's, nor will I be recommending it to any of my friends or family until the owner pulls this product from its shelves. My objective is not to attack, only to educate.
Kind Regards,
Brianne -
Review from Julianna C.
Calgary, AB
7/31/2009
Wonderful deli selections of cheeses and meats! All sorts of imported goodies (cookies, chocolates, gelato, sauces, pastas, olive oil, vinegars, spices, drinks) are stocked for your purchasing pleasure. A variety of fresh breads are available if you go early enough (they most popular focaccia and the like sell out fast).
There is also a small section where they keep frozen pre-prepared dishes they make in-house for sale such as pasta shells filled with ricotta, lasagna, cannelloni, salad dressings, and freshly made pasta sauces (all of which are brilliant).
Lina's has a small cafe to the far left of the entrance which is great for ordering a bite of lunch or a coffee (perhaps even both). -
Review from Crystal W.
Calgary, AB
6/11/2011
Upon returning from my trip to Italy in 2006, I searched North Calgary for an Italian store or market that would best help to revitalize my experience and memories. Lina's = jackpot!
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Review from Desmond B.
5/31/2011
I could see myself getting Lina's take away dinners a lot if I lived near here.
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Review from Joel S.
Calgary, AB
3/7/2010 ROTD 11/23/2010
Small Update - For those of you who are addicted to San Marzano tomatoes, the Italissma tomatoes are back on the shelves. Those who were disatisfied with the EMMA product can fret no longer; the Italissma delivers that coveted San Marzano flavour in bucket loads (wonderfully sweet with low acidity). I tasted them last night and they are right on the money. Please note that the EMMA tomato problem was NOT LINA'S or MARINO'S FAULT.
They have a newer and better Portuguese olive oil that is more stellar than the previous one I reviewed, it is $19.95 for 750ml. This again will definitely please those who like stronger flavoured nutty olive oils. I still do not know what the varietal of olive is but it is much stronger than nocarella or frantoia. It delivers the taste of a premium olive oil.
A recent addition to their shelves is the Mini Italia 12 year Balsamic Vinegar. It is not cheap being $29.95 for 250ml, but it is wonderfully bittersweet with a viscosity approaching an old Oloroso sherry. Try it on strawberries, slivers of aged parmesan cheese (Lina's has the best price in the city for parmesan), or in a very ripe tomato and bocconcini salad (maybe a tad extravagant). Heck, it is so wonderful one could drink it right out of the bottle. Be forewarned, in the future the six buck supermarket crap will just taste like that, crap. Your balsamic vinegar budget will have permanently quadrupled overnight. If you are billionaire, Lina has balsamico that will blow you away at about $200.00 for 50ml. Try the truffle pate which is right next to it. If you have to ask how much it costs, you cannot afford it.
Lina's is now using Fratello Godfather Blend Espresso (catchy name for an Italian coffee bar). Fratello is internationally recognized as one the best roasters and sourcers of coffee beans in the world. What is even better is that they are local. Fratello is my personal favourite for coffee (alongside Phil and Sebastian and 49th Parallel) and after lunch, where Lina provides the best and least expensive Italian lunch in the city, rejuvenate yourself before heading back to work with one of their excellent coffee concoctions.
Unfortunately, Yelp does not have a provision for six stars. -
Review from Shannon S.
Calgary, AB
4/9/2011
Great sandwiches, pasta, cheese.... everything at Lina's is great. Highly recommended.
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Review from Jason G.
Calgary, AB
5/13/2010 3 photos
If you want to stock up on fine Italian foodstuffs or enjoy a European style café meal, then "boot" on over to Lina's Italian Market. They have an abundance of fresh produce, an impressive selection of dried and canned goods, loads of deli meats and cheeses, and a wealth of fresh baked breads. As well, they boast a surprisingly vast assortment of fairly high end housewares and cookware.
I always load up on Lina's homemade pizza dough, which is reasonably priced (around $3.50 for a bag that will make two large pies) and serves as a delicious base for homemade pizza pies. If you're feeling especially lazy, right next to the dough are premade sauces too, so you just have to drop by the deli for your meat and you're set!
If you prefer to have Lina's do the cooking, you can always opt to eat in the café. You can choose from a half dozen foccacia pizza options, numerous sandwiches, or from a host of other hot entrée items. You can also grab an espresso or a gelato if that's your thing. So, for a slice of the Italian good life, head over to Lina's. -
Review from Psusennes R.
3/21/2009
Best place to get cheese in town! Lovely selection of deli meats, cheese and antipasti!
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Review from Linda C.
Calgary, AB
7/8/2011
My background is Italian so I was excited to try Lina's several years ago when I moved to Calgary. I find Lina's to be a little disappointing. I've been there many times over the years because frankly they have THE best smoked salmon salad on the planet (expensive, but so worth it). However, the staff are never friendly and that's a little off-putting. I find that the cold meats in the deli section are nowhere near as good and fresh as other Italian deli's in Calgary. The fruit and vegetables have never appeared to be fresh to me, however, they do have a very extensive range of gourmet pastas and European biscuits. I find them to be more expensive than other Italian deli's. They don't seem very willing to accommodate requests for items. I have asked for a cheese (stracchino) which I know I purchased from them a few years ago but they claim they've never heard of it (any Italian knows what it is) and an Italian herbal tea (which they also used to stock) and although they promised me they would get the herbal tea in for me they never did. Unlike The Italian Store which got it in for me and continues to get it in to this day.
