News Summary
St. Petersburg’s Mazzaro Italian Market has been recognized as the best grocery store in the country, according to a study evaluating over 7 million Google reviews. The market, known for its gourmet offerings and exceptional customer service, has contributed significantly to the local food culture. Following Mazzaro’s, Freshfields Farm in Orlando takes the No. 2 spot, while Trader Joe’s locations in the area also featured prominently in the rankings. This accolade underscores St. Petersburg’s culinary reputation as it prepares to be highlighted in the upcoming Florida Michelin Guide.
St. Petersburg has gained national attention as Mazzaro Italian Market has been named the best grocery store in the United States. A study conducted by Solitaired evaluated over 7 million Google reviews from 3,000 grocery stores across 100 cities, taking into account key factors such as customer service, food quality, prices, and checkout speed to determine the rankings.
Following Mazzaro’s was Freshfields Farm in Orlando, which secured the No. 2 spot. Meanwhile, Trader Joe’s locations in Orlando and St. Petersburg rounded out the list at No. 15 and No. 16, respectively, emphasizing the popularity of these grocery stores among consumers. The study revealed that Corpus Christi, Texas; Chula Vista, California; and St. Petersburg have the highest average-rated grocery stores in the country.
Located at 2909 22nd Ave N, Mazzaro’s Italian Market has served the St. Petersburg area for nearly 20 years. Initially a family-owned coffee roasting company launched in 1993, the market has flourished into a beloved local establishment. The Italian market is well-known for its impressive array of gourmet food items, including freshly roasted coffee, deli selections, handmade pastas, over 300 specialty cheeses, a wine cellar, and an assortment of baked goods.
The deli menu at Mazzaro’s features eight cold subs, including five Italian-style sandwiches. The ham, Genoa salami, capicola, and mortadella sandwich has gained recognition as one of the best in the nation, while other popular offerings like muffalettas, mortadella with pistachio and burrata, meatball subs, roast pork sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and Reubens also attract a loyal customer base. In addition, customers can enjoy a full coffee bar managed by skilled baristas.
Mazzaro’s Italian Market plays a vital role in the diverse food scene of St. Petersburg and nearby Tampa. The area is slated to be featured in the 2025 Florida Michelin Guide, with four local establishments anticipated to receive Michelin stars. Known for its rich mix of cuisine—from fresh Gulf seafood to Cuban dishes influenced by local heritage to authentic Greek fare found in Tarpon Springs—the region continues to celebrate its culinary identity.
Esteemed as a must-visit destination for aficionados of Italian cuisine, Mazzaro’s offers a plethora of ingredients and products ideal for crafting gourmet meals. The market is also proactive in fostering community engagement by hosting seasonal events. One such event includes the remarkable feat of carving a 916-pound block of sharp provolone to commemorate the holiday season. During this festive time, Mazzaro’s ensures a vibrant atmosphere with ample photographic opportunities, including a prominent giant Santa statue designed to enhance holiday visits.
In summary, Mazzaro Italian Market has rightfully earned its title as the best grocery store in the U.S., thanks to an impressive amalgamation of high-quality products, exceptional customer service, and a commitment to community interactions. As this beloved establishment continues to flourish, it highlights both the local food culture and the increasing recognition of St. Petersburg as a culinary hotspot.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
A New Green Revolution: Communities Embracing Urban Gardening
New Businesses Boost St. Petersburg’s Economy
Florida’s Business Landscape Thrives with New Openings
Major Revamp Planned for Plantation Marketplace
Additional Resources
- Mashed: Best Italian Sub in America
- Wikipedia: Mazzaro’s Italian Market
- WFLA: Best Overall Grocery Store in America
- Google Search: Mazzaro’s Italian Market
- I Love the Burg: Mazzaro’s Cheese Carving
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Italian Grocery Stores
- ABC Action News: Mazzaro’s Italian Market
- Google News: Italian Market in St. Petersburg
- Patch: St. Pete Grocery Store Named Best in U.S.
- Google Search: Best Grocery Stores in America
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
