By way of Belmont Avenue, Rye residents are about to get a taste of Italy on Milton Road — and longtime locals like Avery Langbaum are ready.
“It’s time,” he said.
Antonio’s Italian Deli & Market, the newest venture from Bronx restaurateur Joe Fiore, will bring the flavor of Belmont Avenue to Rye at 544 Milton Rd., the storefront most recently occupied by MKT and previously by Cornerstone Caterers.
Slated to open in July, the deli and specialty foods market will offer a blend of Italian-American cuisine, Bronx tradition, and neighborhood warmth. Renovations are already underway, and Fiore said the space will reflect an “old-school deli vibe,” complete with hanging sausages, copper ceilings, brick walls, and wooden shelving.
Fiore, owner of Antonio’s Trattoria in the historic section of Bronx’s Little Italy, is known for cultivating a loyal following and delivering on quality in part because of his own Italian culture, ethnicity, and upbringing.
“I was born and raised in the Bronx — this is all I’ve ever known,” he said. “There’s just something about a real Italian deli that you can’t replicate.”
The decision to expand to Rye was driven by both opportunity and instinct.
“I just got this vibe,” Fiore said. “It reminded me of a little neighborhood, a little community. And when I looked around, I didn’t see anywhere nearby doing what we’re doing.”
Fiore’s instincts were spot on.
Langbaum confirmed that in all his years in Rye, the closest the neighborhood had to an authentic Italian market was Bobby D’s.
“When Frank Barone was in charge, he was a chef and a good cook,” Langbaum recalled. “Always had Italian dishes.”
Fiore plans to carry on that tradition — and then some. A head chef from his Bronx location will oversee daily food prep, and prepared family dinners like chicken marsala, eggplant rollatini, and sausage and peppers will be available for takeout. A small café counter and coffee service are also in the works.
“We’re thinking about the busy family, the person hosting guests, or the neighbor who just wants a solid Italian meal without the work,” Fiore said.
That practicality, and nostalgia, is exactly what’s resonating with locals.
“An old-school Italian deli just hits different,” said Rachel Orban. “With the kids, I’m always looking for easy meals, so having that around the corner will be huge. Funny enough, my kids were just asking for an Italian hero today — so that would probably be our first order. Or maybe a chicken parm. And hopefully they have cannoli.”
The market will carry curated items from Arthur Avenue, including fresh ravioli and fettuccine from Borgatti’s (a Bronx staple since 1935), Italian oils, breads, cheeses — even Mediterranean tuna.
“We’re bringing in the good stuff,” Fiore said. “Not your typical tuna fish — this is the real deal from Italy.”
Fiore is just as passionate about the market’s signature Italian offerings as he is about his selection of traditional Italian meats.
“Prosciutto, soppressata, mortadella, capicola — we’ll have it all,” he said. “Sliced right, served right. Real Italian products that people either grew up with or wish they had.”
For some, the anticipation around Antonio’s imminent arrival is deliciously visceral. “Salted meat is my kryptonite,” said Dave Cotten. “But totally worth it. There’s nothing better than a classic Italian hero.”
As a bonus to its Milton Road location, Antonio’s Italian Deli & Market will also extend its reach this summer to the Westchester Children’s Museum, where Fiore and his team hold the food and beverage contract.
“We’re going to have a pop-up store and a pop-up café in there as well,” Fiore said. “That may take a while with permits and certificates, but it’s exciting nonetheless.”
With Playland buzzing and the boardwalk packed, he added, “We want to be part of the whole summer memory.”
