Stasio’s Italian Deli & Market: A breakfast trifecta in Orlando.  

Stasio’s Italian Deli & Market is one of those places that’s been on my list for years. One step inside this Italian deli and I wished I had come sooner. Stasio’s changed my Saturday morning from ordinary to extraordinary. Walking in, the cashier greeted me with “Hi! First time here? Welcome in,” and I could smell espresso and fresh bread lingering in the air. I knew good things were waiting.  

I walked past the espresso bar near the entrance and made my way to the deli counter, stopping to peruse the rows of groceries. Marinated artichokes, pasta and sauces, biscotti, fresh bread and wine – no wonder food-lovers travel from all over Central Florida to shop here. The shelves are stocked with Italian specialty items like white truffle oil and Calabrian pepper jelly. I could easily plan my next dinner party around this place. 

I made my way to the deli counter, where the case was filled with fresh mozzarella, salami, sausages and prepared meals ready to take home. Tins of baked ziti, pesto chicken and gnocchi with sun-dried tomatoes filled the lower shelf while bowls of marinated olives and mozzarella salad filled the middle of the deli case. This would be a wonderful spot to shop for a picnic.

But I was here to eat so it was time to get to business. The menu is simple: a handful of breakfast sandwiches and a dozen or so lunch items like The Package – a grilled sandwich filled with meatballs, spicy Italian sausage, marinara and mozzarella. 

  I came for breakfast, so I placed an order for a bacon, egg and cheese, remembering how much I loved these sandwiches when I first tried them in New York a few years back. After handing the cashier my ticket, I ordered a cappuccino and a sfogliatella. I can’t pronounce it, but this delicate little flaky pastry dusted with powdered sugar is my new obsession. When the barista told me it was filled with ricotta cheese and orange zest, I knew I had to try one. 

 I took a seat at one of the 20 or so bar stools at the long counter facing the window. A few minutes later I retrieved my coffee and breakfast sandwich, a hot braided bun dotted with poppy seeds. The middle was steaming, with bacon tucked between layers of egg and melted cheese. It’s probably a good thing it was so hot, because it kept me from gobbling this delicious concoction too quickly.

As it cooled, I sipped the strong, smooth cappuccino between bites. Just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, I bit into the pasty. The delicate crunchy exterior opened to reveal creamy, orange-scented ricotta filling. Salty, savory, sweet, strong – the flavors of the coffee, sandwich and pastry swirled together to create the perfect breakfast trifecta. When I finished eating, I didn’t want to leave this heavenly Italian bubble. 

I was so impressed I went back a week later and ordered the exact same thing. This is a risky move, because it’s easy to get disappointed if it’s not as good the second time around. But my breakfast was just as stellar on the second visit. I’m ready to branch out and come for lunch. Will it be the Melenzani with eggplant, spinach, roasted red peppers and mozzarella? I bet if my son joins me, it will be the Steak Sandwich, ribeye with cheese, onions and hot cherry peppers. He’ll get it with extra meat if I let him. And there are more pastries to try, with more names I can’t pronounce.  

Is there a little gem in your neighborhood you’ve been waiting to try? Maybe you will discover something as wonderful as I did as Stasio’s Italian Deli & Market. If you happen to be in Orlando, by all means, give it a try.