Slope Sandwich Shop Sources Locally With Bensonhurst Bread

“What’s your delivery area?,” I asked during a recent trip to Zito’s Sandwich Shoppe in Park Slope.

“Where do you live?” asked co-owner and Bensonhurst native Enzo Conigliaro.

“Bay Parkway in the 60’s,” I said without missing a beat.

“No… that’s… just too far,” Enzo replied, looking back at me with a combination of both empathy and concern for my mental health.

While I pretty much knew the answer before even posing my question, as my mom might say – it never hurts to ask.

Plus, Enzo proved himself to be a truly good sport. He amicably fielded my ball-breaking inquiries with the finesse one might expect from a Fortune 500 public relations rep.

And the food. Let’s not lose sight of the food.

I had a chance to sink my teeth into their delicious potato croquettes, which came stuffed with exceptionally smooth, creamy mashed potatoes, house-made mozzarella, herbs, and bits of some phenomenal cured meat. Their rice balls, which are similarly impressive, come stuffed with mozzarella and meat, as well as saffron rice.

I also tried and very much liked the 18th Avenue Feast – one of their signature sandwiches featuring – what else? – sausage and peppers.

Zito’s Sandwich Shoppe brings an authentic Italian-American eatery to a neighborhood that – while I was living there just a few years ago – was something of a black hole for Italian food, devoid of easy access to the kind of reasonably priced, high quality stuff we have in the ‘Hurst.

It’s sort of like your favorite pork store, except with seating, draft beer, wine and Wifi.

Enzo and business partner Marcello Bucca are also keeping it very real with products sourced from their old Southwestern Brooklyn stomping grounds.

Their bread is from Bensonhurst baker Il Fornaretto (7616 17th Avenue), while their sausages come from Dyker Heights’ own Faicco’s Pork Store (6511 11th Avenue).

They may not be located in the neighborhood, but it’s a great little place that’s certainly worth checking out the next time you’re in stroller country.

Zito’s Sandwich Shoppe is located at 300 7th Avenue, between 7th Street and 8th Street in Park Slope.