Authentic Sicilian deli opens up shop in SLO County. See what’s on the menu

An authentic Sicilian deli has landed in the Village of Arroyo Grande.

Luca’s Sicilian Deli & Wine started serving up family Sicilian recipes and imported ingredients at 134 W. Branch St. earlier this month.

“I’m trying to keep this place as authentic as possible,” owner Jerry D’alo told The Tribune. “I was born in Italy. Super proud of it, and I’m really excited to do some cuisine out here that’s different.”

D’alo’s experience in restaurant culture comes from running two restaurants in the Bay Area: Agrodolce in Berkeley and The Sicilian in Crockett. But with this new venture, it all comes down to family.

D’alo said he imports breakfast pastries from Italy, but everything else from the restaurant is from his mom’s recipes. He comes from a family of restaurant owners, he added, but this will be his first restaurant with himself at the helm.

“It’s been amazing, because all the other ones are always with my family,” he said. “This one is with my kids, and it’s really special — nothing against my family, but I got my own input on this.”

Still, family plays a big role in the new spot. His wife and kids were a part of building the restaurant, and its name is even after one of his sons, 12-year-old Luca.

“It’s really special to me. I can’t really explain it, but I never thought of having a restaurant named after me,” Luca told The Tribune. “It’s just such a gift.”

Meanwhile, instead of a traditional culinary school background, D’alo’s love and passion for Sicilian cuisine has his mom, Rosa Latona, stamped all over it.

“I had an opportunity to go to culinary school, but I decided to stay back, because she’s just a wealth of knowledge,” he said “She’s got hundreds of cookbooks that she’s made up her own. She’s just so inspirational, I still call her. She’s 82 now, so every day is a blessing.”

What’s on the menu at Luca’s Deli & Wine?

Luca’s Sicilian Deli & Wine had its grand opening the weekend of Jan. 17.

The restaurant’s menu has breakfast, lunch and dinner options, all traditional Sicilian recipes from Luca’s grandmother, or “nonna.”

For breakfast, Italian pastries like cannoli, cornetti and biscotti accompany espresso drinks.

Lunch has pastas and salads, but D’alo said the sandwiches are the real prize-winner.

“They’re all specifically made for that day. I’m getting the pork belly from AG Meat,” he said. “That guy is getting his stuff from Europe. It’s really nice.”

Dinner is served with Sicilian seafood dishes like clams oreganati, shareables and salads. An extensive dessert menu has affogato, gelato and homemade cannoli.

“I’m doing everything that nobody’s ever seen,” he said.

The wine list is extensive, with classic reds and whites and Italian cocktails with a California twist, like a California Spritz.

For more information

Luca’s also offers catering options for large parties and private events, according to its website.

Luca’s Sicilian Deli & Wine is open Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, visit its website at lucasdeliandwine.com or call 805-202-8688.