It’s remarkable what happens when you put the best ingredients in the hands of a cook with a vision who wants to make a statement with food. The results are amazing – and they are in full display at Rocco’s Deli Italiano.

Rocco’s Deli’s owners – Tony (a.k.a. Rocco) and Stefano – have created an authentic East Coast Italian deli right the hole in Long Beach’s donut: Signal Hill.

Tony has created a menu of 20 “signature” sandwiches that are truly unique – each specially designed combination of Boar’s Head meat and cheese with a signature spread to create a delicious final result.

For example, the Wall Street is made with Prosciutto di Parma and fresh mozzarella, basil leaves and sun dried tomato spread. Topped with lettuce, tomato, virgin olive oil and a touch of balsamic vinegar and wrapped in a soft roll, it has a slightly sweet and wonderfully rich flavor.

At the other end of the spectrum is the Hell’s Kitchen – named after a neighborhood in the Bronx from which the owners hail – combines hot sopressata, hot capicolla, pepperoni with provolone and hot pepper spread. It’s a cold sandwich that will have you sweating by the end of it because it is so spicy hot.

And on an entirely different realm is my favorite so far, the Roast Pork and Broccoli Rabe sandwich – that’s right, they put rapini on a sandwich. Try finding this at a soulless sandwich chain. This one is made with thinly sliced, slow roasted pork in an au jus, with provolone and topped off with sautéed broccoli rabe. This is simply one of the most original and delicious sandwiches I have event had.

Oh, and Rocco’s also serves breakfast and a large list of pasta and other entrees. I am sure they are delicious too – and I will have to try them, as soon as I’ve run out of sandwiches to try.

So if you’re looking for some delicious Italian sandwiches, Rocco’s is for you.

Rocco’s Deli Italiano
2420 E. 28th Street
Signal Hill, CA 90755
(562) 424-8400
Mon-Fri 8 am to 5 pm
roccosdeli.com