A beloved, casual Italian market and deli with excellent sandwiches, pizza, and family nostalgia, but busy periods can bring long waits, order mistakes, and uneven pizza execution.
Scittino's Italian Market Place delivers solid food quality anchored by praised subs, cold cuts, and meatballs, but inconsistent execution during peak hours and notably slow service prevent a stronger showing. Strong neighborhood loyalty and genuine value keep it competitive, though rustic charm and operational unevenness limit broader appeal.
Scittino's feels like a neighborhood institution disguised as a small grocery store: shelves of Italian products, a busy deli counter, prepared food, a few tables, and a distinctly down-to-earth rhythm. Regulars describe returning for decades, while newer customers discover it through a memorable sub or pizza run. The atmosphere is more rustic and homey than polished, with the best visits carrying the pleasant bustle of a local market. The cooking is classic Italian-American comfort food rather than experimental Italian cuisine. Cold-cut subs, meatball sandwiches, eggplant, porchetta, pasta, and pizza are the center of gravity, with the market's breads and deli meats adding genuine appeal. Sandwiches and meatballs are the safest bets; pizza inspires both strong devotion and pointed criticism about oil, softness, or undercooked centers. This is a place for generous, familiar food and pantry browsing, not precision dining. Families are well served by the menu: children have recognizable choices such as pizza, spaghetti with meatballs, burgers, fried chicken, grilled cheese, and simple pasta, and one review specifically says the kids loved the spaghetti and meatballs. The informal market setting is practical for families, though call-ahead delays and occasional order mistakes can test patience.
Area vibe: Suburban residential suburb with a mix of small businesses and local services.
Safety: Generally safe and quiet with decent evening lighting but limited late-night activity.
What's nearby: Near Edmondson Avenue commercial strip, local shops, churches, and short drive to downtown Catonsville and I-695.