Scittino’s Italian Market Place stands as a cornerstone of the Catonsville community, a place where the scent of freshly baked bread and aged provolone has greeted neighbors for over half a century. Located at 1701 Edmondson Avenue, this establishment is far more than a simple neighborhood deli. It is a multi-generational gateway to the heart of Sicily, functioning simultaneously as a premium butcher shop, a gourmet grocery store, and a high-volume Italian kitchen. For residents of Catonsville and the surrounding Baltimore area, Scittino’s represents a tangible link to old-world traditions that are increasingly rare in the modern fast-food landscape.

The Evolution of an Authentic Italian Institution Since 1973

The story of Scittino’s began in 1973, rooted in the heritage of a family that arrived in the United States from Sicily in the late 1950s. The founders brought with them not just recipes, but the rigorous standards of a traditional Sicilian butcher shop. What started as a modest deli has expanded significantly over decades, eventually acquiring its own property to house a full-scale kitchen, an expanded pizza operation, and professional catering services.

Today, under the management of the third generation, the market maintains the same commitment to quality that defined its inception. This continuity is a key driver of its success. In an industry characterized by high turnover and shifting concepts, the stability of the Scittino family’s vision provides a sense of reliability for the local population. The recent expansion to a second location on Falls Road in late 2024 further underscores the brand's enduring relevance, proving that the demand for authentic, high-quality Italian fare transcends the borders of Catonsville.

A Dual-Purpose Destination: Gourmet Market and Artisan Kitchen

One of the most compelling aspects of Scittino’s Italian Market Place is its dual nature. It caters to two distinct types of visitors: the home cook looking for specialized ingredients and the hungry patron seeking a ready-to-eat masterpiece.

The Import Market Experience

Stepping into the market section feels like entering a small shop in Palermo. The shelves are stocked with an array of imported Italian goods that are difficult to locate in standard supermarkets.

  • Cured Meats and Cheeses: The deli counter features a vast selection of premium cuts, including 18-month Parma Prosciutto, spicy Schiacciata, and authentic Mortadella. The cheese selection ranges from sharp Auricchio Provolone to creamy Stracciatella, providing the necessary components for a world-class charcuterie board.
  • Specialty Pantry Staples: Beyond the meat, the market offers high-quality olive oils, aged balsamic vinegars, Sicilian sea salts, and unique spreads like fig or apricot jams specifically chosen to pair with Italian cheeses.
  • On-Site Butcher Shop: Staying true to its roots, the market maintains a full-service butcher shop. Customers can find fresh-cut beef, veal, pork, and poultry, often prepared with traditional Italian butchery techniques that prioritize flavor and texture.

The Prepared Foods and Dining Area

For those looking for immediate gratification, the kitchen at Scittino’s serves a menu that balances casual deli favorites with sophisticated house specialties. The atmosphere is vibrant and communal, often bustling during peak lunch and dinner hours. While seating at the Catonsville location is limited—featuring a cozy indoor area and several outdoor tables—the focus remains squarely on the food.

Analyzing the Signature Flavors of Catonsville

The reputation of Scittino’s is built on several "hero" dishes that have earned a cult following. The kitchen utilizes ingredients directly from the market shelves, ensuring a level of freshness that differentiates their offerings from standard franchise restaurants.

The Art of the Italian Cold Cut

The "Scittino’s Classic Italian Cold Cut" is arguably the most famous sandwich in the area. It is a masterclass in balance, layering Mortadella, Capocollo, and Prosciuttini with provolone and Romano cheese. The use of house oil and vinegar dressing, combined with a specific blend of Italian spices and crushed cherry peppers, creates a flavor profile that is simultaneously savory, tangy, and slightly spicy. The bread—a crucial element—is sourced from a local bakery to ensure it has the structural integrity to hold the generous portions of meat without becoming soggy.

The House-Roasted Porchetta

The Porchetta at Scittino’s is a standout specialty that highlights the market's butchery expertise. The Porchetta Giordano, for instance, features house-roasted pork seasoned with traditional herbs, topped with a hot Giardiniera of marinated cauliflower, carrots, and Calabrian chili peppers. This sandwich offers a deep, succulent flavor that reflects hours of slow roasting, a stark contrast to the mass-produced deli meats found elsewhere.

New York-Style and Sicilian Pizza

The pizza program at Scittino’s caters to two distinct preferences:

  1. New York Style: Known for its thin, foldable crust and precise cheese-to-sauce ratio. The sauce is notably fresh, lacking the excessive sugar found in many commercial pizzas.
  2. Sicilian Style: This is a thicker, square-cut pizza with a robust crust that is airy on the inside and crisp on the bottom. It provides a more substantial meal and is a favorite for large family gatherings.

What Sets the Catonsville Location Apart

While the new Falls Road location offers a full-service bar and expanded seating, the original Catonsville market at 1701 Edmondson Ave retains a specific neighborhood charm. It is deeply embedded in the residential fabric of the area.

Community Integration and Atmosphere

The Catonsville store is a "hub of social interaction." It is common to see families who have been coming for decades, now bringing their own children. The service is frequently described as friendly and patient, even during the frantic lunch rush. This level of personalized service—where the staff might recognize a regular’s preferred sandwich order—builds a level of brand loyalty that marketing budgets cannot buy.

Catering for Maryland Events

Scittino’s has become a go-to provider for local catering. From office lunches to large family reunions, their ability to provide massive platters of subs, baked Ziti, and Italian salads makes them a logistical staple for the region. Their catering menu is extensive, offering over 40 different platters, ensuring that they can accommodate various dietary needs and group sizes.

Essential Visitor Information for Scittino’s in Catonsville

If you are planning a visit to the 1701 Edmondson Ave location, keeping these logistical details in mind will enhance the experience.

Location and Contact

  • Address: 1701 Edmondson Ave, Catonsville, MD 21228.
  • Phone: 410-788-2369.

Operating Hours

  • Sunday through Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday and Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Note: The kitchen may stop taking specific orders shortly before closing, so calling ahead for late-night pickups is recommended.

Parking and Accessibility

During peak hours—specifically Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons—the small parking lot can fill up quickly. Because the market is situated in a residential neighborhood, visitors should be mindful of local parking regulations. Calling ahead for "grab-and-go" orders is a highly efficient way to experience Scittino’s if you are on a tight schedule.

The Cultural Impact of the 2024 Expansion

The opening of the second location at 6241 Falls Rd in Baltimore marks a new chapter for the Scittino brand. This new venue addresses the primary limitation of the Catonsville site: seating and beverage options. By including a full-service bar with premium Italian wines and more extensive dine-in space, the family is evolving the brand into a destination for evening outings while maintaining the core market elements (butcher shop and grocery) that made them famous. This expansion validates the strength of their original business model in Catonsville; it proves that authentic Sicilian heritage is a scalable and highly sought-after commodity in the modern market.

Summary of the Scittino’s Experience

Scittino’s Italian Market Place succeeds because it refuses to compromise on the fundamentals of Italian cuisine. By combining a high-end butcher shop with a traditional deli and a specialized grocery store, they provide a comprehensive culinary experience. Whether it is a quick lunch of a Meatball Parmigiana sub or a carefully curated selection of imported cheeses for a weekend gathering, the quality remains consistent. The transition to the third generation of family leadership ensures that the techniques and recipes brought from Sicily in 1958 will continue to serve the Catonsville community for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the most popular items at Scittino’s Italian Market Place?

The Italian Cold Cut sub, New York-style pizza, and the house-made Porchetta are the top sellers. The deli also receives high praise for its Meatball Parmesan and various Sicilian pastries like cannolis.

Does Scittino’s offer vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes. The menu includes a "Veggie Sub" featuring marinated mushrooms, onions, and peppers, as well as a "Josephine" sandwich with fresh mozzarella and basil. They also offer vegan cheese for their pizzas and fries.

How does the Catonsville location differ from the new Falls Road location?

The Catonsville location is the original market, focusing heavily on the deli and grocery experience with limited seating. The Falls Road location in Baltimore is a larger, full-service restaurant experience featuring a bar with Italian wines and expanded seating, while still offering the market and butcher shop components.

Can I order online or for delivery?

Scittino’s offers carry-out and delivery services. Customers often call the Catonsville location directly at 410-788-2369 to place orders, especially during busy periods to avoid wait times.

Is the butcher shop open every day?

Yes, the on-site artisan butcher shop typically operates during the market’s standard business hours, providing fresh cuts of beef, pork, and veal daily.