Torino's Deli Serves Italian and American Fare

Eight months ago on Oct. 3, Anthony Ruggiero opened Torino's Deli on New Haven Road. Ruggiero however, says that the word deli is misleading.

He emphasizes that his restaurant is an "Italian/Domestic deli" meaning that they have both Italian and domestic or American specialties. A customer can order a standard ham sandwich or one of the creative paninis like the "Italian Stallion" which is ham, mortadella, sweet sopressata, salami, roasted peppers, and provolone. 

Ruggiero has a culinary background and makes most everything in-house. The soups, lasagna, chicken cutlets, eggplant, roast beef and tomato sauce are all made on the premises. The bread is delivered each morning from New York to ensure freshness and quality. 

Ruggiero is not alone in the kitchen; his whole family works with him whenever they can. As his mother Carol says, "Sometimes they come and sometimes they don't, but Anthony is here every day. And me too, except for Sundays, I try not to work on Sundays." 

Carol says she, "Does a little bit of everything." And the fall decorations are the work of Ruggiero's sister. 

The name "Torino's" is a family tradition as well. Ruggiero's father, John Ruggiero, is a retired butcher who owned a shop called Torino's Butcher when Ruggiero was a child. When he decided he was going to open his own shop, Ruggiero always knew that's what he would call it.

In addition to the Italian menu items, Torino's also features quality Italian imports. They carry cookies, sauces, peppers and olive oil among other Italian specialties all directly imported from Italy. In the deli case they have imported meats and cheese that can be purchased by the pound. They also sell frozen pastas made in Brooklyn, N.Y.  Ruggiero plans on expanding his retail for the holiday season with more cookies and some panetone.

Ruggiero and his family are very focused on quality and giving the customer what they want and Ruggiero takes pride in filling a specific niche in Naugatuck. Prior to opening he asked around town and the overwhelming feedback was that Naugatuck needed, and wanted, a high quality Italian/American Deli. So far, Ruggiero says the response has been "phenomenal." 

Mom Carol, says the customers are her favorite part. She likes, "getting to know them and talking to them." Both Carol and Ruggiero mention that they have regulars and they both attribute it to having an exellent product and treating customers well.   

Ruggiero says his favorite part of his job is "having my own business."

"This town has pizza, Chinese and McDonalds, and I knew this was something that would add to the town," he told Patch.

In addition to the daily menu, Torino's has an extensive catering menu including party heroes, hot trays, platters, salads, and stuffed breads. They do deliver, and are willing to take special requests for the upcoming holidays.