This Old-School California Italian Deli Has Been Serving Giant Sandwiches And Imported Specialties Since 1963

A red Vespa parked by the front door is your first clue. Behind it waits a deli case loaded with capicola, mortadella, provolone, and homemade Italian sausage.

One side of the building is a full Italian market. The other side is a pizzeria turning out hand-tossed pies and sandwiches built on homemade rolls.

I like that you can grab lunch and a week of groceries in one stop.

The cannoli get filled in-house, and they come in several flavors. The dough and sauce are sold by the pound, so your kitchen can join the fun later. I can’t imagine leaving with just one bag.

This family spot has fed Southern California since the early 1960s. More than sixty years later, its loyal customers and old-school Italian favorites keep the tradition going strong.

Two Brothers Started Something Big Back In 1963

Papa Tony and his brother Victor opened Cortina’s Italian Market & Pizzeria in 1963. That’s a long run for any business, let alone a family one.

Back then, Orange County looked very different. Plenty of places came and went, yet this deli kept slicing salami and baking bread year after year.

The secret seems pretty simple. The business has stayed family-owned and operated for generations, and many items still come from recipes handed down through the family.

That matters more than you might expect. Family recipes tend to stay steady because someone’s grandmother would notice if they didn’t.

Cortina’s built its name on loyal customers and fresh, quality products. Many foods are still made right on the premises instead of shipped in from a factory.

I believe that kind of history shows up in the food. You’re not eating a trend that showed up last summer.

You’re eating something that has been tested by decades of hungry families. That’s a pretty strong recommendation, and nobody had to pay an influencer for it.

So when you take a bite here, you’re tasting more than sixty years of practice. Not bad for a sandwich.

Spot The Red Vespa And You’ve Found The Right Place

A shiny red Vespa sits parked at the entrance like it’s waiting for a ride to Rome. Above it hangs a black awning that frames the front of the building.

Honestly, that scooter does a great job as a landmark. Tell a friend to look for it, and they’ll never miss the turn.

You’ll find the shop at 2175 W Orange Ave, Anaheim, CA 92804. It sits in a neighborhood setting, which fits its reputation as a longtime local favorite.

Parking takes a little planning. The lot out front can fill up and feel tight during busy times.

Good news, though. Extra parking is available across the street, so you have a backup plan before your stomach starts complaining.

A quick tip helps here too. The pizzeria opens at 11 AM, while the market opens earlier, and both close on Sundays.

That Sunday detail catches people off guard. Plan your sandwich cravings for Monday through Saturday, and you’ll avoid a sad drive home.

Once you’ve parked, follow that Vespa inside. The good stuff starts right past the door.

Your Grocery List Might Get Way Longer In The Market

Shelves stacked with imported pasta, olive oils, and sauces line the market side. Then comes the deli case, packed with meats and cheeses that make it hard to keep walking.

Here’s what you can shop for. Artisan salami, prosciutto, homemade Italian sausage, meatballs, and a wide range of cheeses all share space.

Fresh bread arrives daily too. That alone makes this a smart stop before any family pasta night.

The market feels busy in the best way. It’s the kind of place where you came for one thing and somehow left with seven.

Planning a dinner party? This is where you gather the pieces for a homemade Italian spread without hunting across five stores.

A little advice helps. Make a list before you go, then give yourself permission to add one surprise item.

Maybe it’s a new pasta shape. Maybe it’s a cheese you can’t pronounce yet.

Either way, the market gives you a taste of Italy without a passport. Your kitchen will thank you, even if your wallet raises an eyebrow.

The Cortina’s Special Is Basically A Deli Case On A Roll

Capicola, mortadella, cotto salami, dry salami, and provolone walk into a sandwich. That’s not a joke, it’s the Cortina’s Special.

Then come the toppings. Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pepperoncinis, and Italian dressing finish the job.

Everything sits on a homemade Italian roll. That bread is the foundation, and it has a lot of weight to carry.

The sandwiches here are known for their generous size. You may want to clear some room on your afternoon schedule for a nap.

Why does this one stand out? It shows off what the deli does best, which is great Italian cold cuts stacked with confidence.

It’s a smart first order for anyone new to Cortina’s. You get a little bit of everything from that famous deli case.

Sharing is an option too. Splitting one with a friend lets you save room for something sweet later.

Or don’t share. Nobody’s judging, and a sandwich this classic deserves your full attention.

Just grab extra napkins. Italian dressing and pepperoncinis have a habit of making themselves known.

Meet The Heavy Hitters Named Rocky Balboa And Fireball

Any sandwich named Rocky Balboa had better pack a punch. Cortina’s clearly took the challenge seriously.

The Rocky Balboa and the Fireball are two of the named specialties on the menu. Both bring big personalities to the lineup.

The Fireball has a reputation for heat, so spice lovers should pay attention. If mild is your thing, maybe start somewhere else and work up to it.

Then there’s the meatball sub. It uses housemade meatballs, marinara sauce, and mozzarella, which is pretty much the dream team of warm sandwiches.

Vegetarians aren’t left out either. An eggplant parmigiano sandwich gives you that same saucy, cheesy comfort.

Hot sandwiches like these are perfect when the weather turns cool. Okay, it’s Southern California, so maybe when it hits sixty-five.

Pick based on your mood. Want a fight? Go Rocky. Want fire? You know the answer. Want a hug in sandwich form? The meatball sub is waiting.

Choosing just one might be the hardest part of your visit.

Thin Crust Or Thick, The Pizza Side Has You Covered

Homemade dough is where every pizza here begins. Add homemade sauce and whole milk mozzarella, and you’ve got a solid start.

The pies are hand-tossed and built with fresh ingredients. You can choose thin or thick crust depending on your crunch preference.

That choice is nice for groups. Some folks want a foldable slice, while others want something sturdier.

Beyond pizza, the pizzeria serves pasta dishes and salads. Some pastas use noodles imported from Italy, which feels fitting for a place this devoted to the classics.

The menu works well for families with mixed tastes. One person gets pizza, another gets pasta, and everyone stops arguing.

Here’s a fun bonus. The market sells that same homemade dough and sauce, so you can try making pizza at home.

It’s like getting the playbook from the coach. Your homemade pie might not match theirs right away, but practice helps.

Either way, the pizza counter gives the sandwich lineup some serious competition. That’s a good problem to have.

Save Room, Because The Cannoli Case Glows

A brightly lit display case holds the sweets, and it’s hard to look away. Cannoli and other Italian pastries line up like they’re auditioning for your attention.

The cannoli are filled in-house using homemade filling and shells imported from Sicily. Flavors vary too. That means you can stick with a classic or try something new each time.

My advice? Buy one to eat now and one for later. Future you will appreciate the planning.

Desserts also make an easy gift. Showing up to a family dinner with Italian pastries is a guaranteed way to become the favorite guest.

The market sells pastries directly, so you don’t have to order a full meal to grab something sweet. That’s handy when you just need a treat.

A cannoli is a perfect ending after a giant sandwich. Light, crisp, and creamy, it feels like a reward for finishing your lunch.

Or skip lunch and go straight to dessert. Some rules were made for bending.

Dark Walls, Sports Heroes, And A Whole Lot Of Italy

Dark walls set the mood inside the restaurant section. The design feels modern and clean, which might surprise anyone expecting dusty old-school decor.

Look closer, and the walls tell stories. Pictures of Italian scenes hang alongside photos of sports celebrities.

That mix feels just right for a sandwich shop. Italy and sports both bring people together around a table.

The atmosphere is friendly, casual, and welcoming. You won’t need fancy clothes, just a decent appetite.

Walking in, the air carries smells of fresh bread, cured meats, and aged cheeses. It’s a little unfair, really, since you haven’t even ordered yet.

Service runs counter-style, so expect to order and then find a spot. Busy hours can make seats harder to grab, so timing matters.

Families fit right in here. Kids can stare at the photos while grown-ups debate thin versus thick crust.

The room proves a place can honor its 1963 roots and still look fresh. It’s history with a new coat of paint, literally.

Order Ahead, Cater A Party, Or Stop Before Disneyland

Feeding a crowd gets a lot easier with Cortina’s Italian Market & Pizzeria on your side. Catering is available for all kinds of events.

Think birthday parties, office lunches, or family gatherings. Freshly prepared Italian dishes tend to make guests very happy.

Short on time? Online ordering works for both takeout and delivery. Delivery comes through third-party couriers, so keep that in mind.

Ordering ahead is a smart move on busy days. It can save you from staring longingly at the menu while your stomach growls.

Location is another perk. The shop sits near Disneyland, which makes it handy for visitors exploring this part of California.

Picture fueling up on a giant sandwich before a long day of rides. Okay, maybe eat after the roller coasters.

Locals get the best deal, though. They can stop by any weekday for groceries, bread, and a quick lunch.

Whether you live nearby or you’re passing through California, this spot deserves a place on your list. Sixty-plus years of sandwiches can’t be wrong.