As the world's largest Mazzaro's Italian Market fan, when I heard about a new spot opening closer to the radio station, I got a little excited. DeCosmo Italian Market is doing a soft opening right now, but they are already packed during lunch hour. Word spreads quickly among us northern transplants when places like this open up. I heard a lot of New York accents in my short visit today.
So how does DeCosmo measure up against Mazzaro's? Let's eat.
So my final thoughts? Mazzaro's is still the undisputed champ of Italian markets in Tampa Bay. But if you're closer to Pinellas Park, much of what you'll find at Mazzaro's is at DeCosmo. It almost felt like a scaled down version of Mazzaro's. The subs seem to be on par. I really need to try their Hot Italian on my next visit. The meatball was good though. Prices were on the higher side, but they tend to sell the quality stuff you don't find on supermarket shelves. First impression of DeCosmo was a good one. It's not going to bump Mazzaro's out of the #1 spot, but having more choices is always a good thing!
For most their location in Pinellas Park will be a shorter drive than Mazzaro's.
Impressive wine collection but much smaller than Mazzaro's. I'm not a wine snob, so this isn't a big deal for me. I'm the $3 Trader Joe's wine drinker.
Sub options are solid!
I went with the #2 (The Pauully) - the meatball sub. It's ENORMOUS. Definitely sharable. Very good. Almost great.
Producer Andrew had the spicy Italian sub - the #5. I'm definitely doing that next visit. It smelled incredible. And it might rival the #20 Hot Italian at Mazzaro's. We'll see.
Lots of candy.
Might have to grab that lobster ravioli next time. At $43 a pound, I might just get 3 or 4 lol.
Take home pizza ready to pop in the oven.
Lots and lots of cheeses.
Lots of good stuff in the deli, but it's reeeeally busy during lunch hour. I'd plan a visit before or after the rush if you can.
A small bakery... gotta try those lemon drops next time.
Cheese samples. Always an easy way to win me over.
Homemade sauces... not Ragu prices at $18. But not Ragu quality either.
The bakery is much smaller... that's probably the biggest difference I noticed between this place and Mazzaro's. Mazzaro's has rows of pastries, pies, cannoli and so on. But the bread looked good! And the bread in my sandwich was fresh.
Didn't try it this time, but usually Chicken Parmesan my go to when trying an Italian place for the first time.
A half dozen or so tables are available to sit and enjoy your meal inside... and there are tables outside - but that view isn't anything special. It's basically 49th Street in Pinellas Park so it's not as if you'll be watching gondolas float through Venice waterways.
Lots of imported stuff to try.
Espresso bar if you have room after one of those subs.
The market is located at 6832 49th Street in Pinellas Park. Their number is 727-289-6404.
Sub options are solid!
