Space has always been an issue for Angelo’s Italian Deli, a cramped place carved out of one of those claustrophobic Belmont Shore storefronts. But because of that lack of square footage, Angelo’s has always made good use of its close quarters—an economy of stocking that saw all of its products (imported oils, wines, spreads and so on) packed in with great efficiency. Now, however, Angelo’s has some breathing room. It’s been an ongoing process (and one that dragged on longer than the store seemed to have expected), but Angelo’s now lays claim to an adjoining space, taking over where the next-door nail salon used to polish up customers. It’s a smart move for Angelo’s—the place is nearly double the size. The only disappointment is that the deli didn’t add in some indoor seating, or a table or two to manhandle its huge sandwiches. But that doesn’t discount the place’s gains. You can still get all of its excellent sandwiches (the spicy calabrese, the balanced fennel salame) and stock up as you always did on those necessities of the Italian kitchen. It’s just easier on the eyes now.

ANGELO’S ITALIAN DELI 190 LA VERNE AVE | LONG BEACH 90803 | 562.434.1977

Tags: angelo's, belmont shore, italian, sandwiches, SIDES