Delectable Deli, Anthony’s is home to Italian family favorites

Nearly a half-century ago, Anthony’s Deli was born, and the integrity of the beloved family business hasn’t wavered.

Even though the Sarasota institution has changed hands and locations over the years (with a reopening in August 2020 mid-pandemic), it still boasts “all the great Italian food you grew up with” and then some.

“When my family opened up in 1974, we were the first Italian deli in Sarasota [on Osprey Avenue]. My dad had to ship all the Italian specialty items down from New York,” says restaurateur Anthony Puccio Sr., adding that the current deli is in The Landings. “We even had the Italian bread flown down from Brooklyn. Now, with my son and grandson involved in Anthony’s, we have four generations working in Sarasota.”

Anthony’s Deli operated for 30 years until 2004, when Anthony Puccio Sr. sold the locations. He went on to become the executive chef and food and beverage director of the Sarasota Yacht Club for a decade.

“Always wanting to see if we could open again, we did so in August. And my son, Anthony Jr., is now part of the business,” he says. “It’s important to support local businesses, especially during what our country has been through this past year.”

To support fellow food purveyors, the crew at Anthony’s prepares dishes with local produce daily. The hot and cold sandwiches are some of the most requested items on the menu, including the hot Anthony’s Famous Meatball with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, peppers, and onions; and the cold Italian Special with ham, genoa salami, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, sweet-hot peppers, and homemade Italian dressing.

“When we opened in August, we shifted our focus to grab-and-go dinner items. Being an Italian deli, we had planned to have a deli case with all the items you would find in a traditional Italian deli: sliced meats, cheeses, olives, etc.,” says Anthony Puccio Sr. “Instead, we purchased a refrigerated display case and display freezer, and feature our freshly made entrées, soups, sauces, and pasta. When things get back to normal, we plan on adding the deli case.”

In the meantime, regulars are scooping up meals like thin-crust pizzas in Sicilian square thick or gluten-free cauliflower crust (such as Margherita with fresh basil, tomatoes, and buffalo mozzarella; and Bianco Florentine with ricotta, spinach, grilled chicken, and parmigiana). The homemade lasagna with marinara, ricotta, parmigiana, and mozzarella is a hit. There is even a catering menu with cheese, relish, vegetable, and deluxe meat trays.

Anthony’s has proven to stand the test of time in Sarasota, always prioritizing flavor and family.

Anthony’s Deli: 4944 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-365-2998; anthonys-deli.com