I needed help making choices for a small party tray. 1. Knowledge: they suggested some meats and different cheeses, asked if I wanted to slice it or cube it. I selected cubed and they cut into chunks so I can decide how I want to cut at home. 2. Courtesy: they answered my questions, made suggestions (since I know nothing) and treated me with respect. 3. Their food is delicious, almost too many choices! read more

Alesci's is an amazing grocery store! The bakery has the most AMAZING kolache like my Mom made! Plus I have NEVER seen my guy go as crazy about any food like the beef sticks! (Sorry, I'm not sure what everyone calls them.) The potica (sold by Jen's famous foods) is absolutely AMAZING! She puts so much filling into it! It is a bit pricey but for that taste I will pay it). I can't wait to try many other options in this store! read more

I absolutely love this store. The manager Margie helped me find the perfect Sunday sauce. She told me a lot about the different canned tomato options. The sauce turned out perfect and was a big hit. The deli counter is great also. The sausage is perfect. I bought 6 lbs today and even got a complimentary slice of pepperoni roll. Great comfortable place to shop. read more

Stopped in today, haven't been there in a few month. Bought two subs and pizza dough. What a disappointment in both items. Subs are not the same bread as in the past, 3 very thin slices of meat you could see through, awful bread.. dry hard and no flavor. The pizza dough is no where the quality it was in the past. Will not be shopping at this store again. I'm not a frequent customer, every 3-4 month, but I've shopped there for at least 20 years and so disappointed in the products purchased today. read more

Tried their Paczki's terrible very expensive! No jelly inside! Every thing has gotten expensive and not as good!

Great food and service! Amazing owners, will definitely be back again. Will always recommend to friends and family!

Every time I am in town I stop by to pick up Italian staples etc. My family in Chicago expect at least two/three pounds of their prepared meatballs, cavatelli and a loaf of fresh bread. I rarely cook when I am back in Cleveland. I just come here for their prepared foods. I bring home their stocked pastas, olive oil etc. to get a bit of Alesci's in Chicago until my next visit. I love this place. Can't find any Italian shop better! read more

The price of anything here is "whatever-I-feel-like-typing". I got some ham, the butcher typed $18.99/lbs price on it. It was high, but I didn't question it. I came back for more a few days later and realized it was actually $8.99/lbs! I did say something and the guy played dumb. It was infuriating. Month before that, a cashier didn't know the price of a small patè and just typed $1.99. It was $0.99, but that wasn't a big deal. I corrected her. I don't feel like watching and questioning everything while shopping, it's exhausting. I will not go back. Also, a third time- they didn't have a price for a cheese and were not sure and just slapped on whatever they felt at the moment- higher than actual price of course. read more

I've been going here since I was a child and back in the day when they had all of the international flags flying high above the storefront. Not much has changed, except new ownership. They still offer everything Italian under the sun and other hard to find European imported food items. They still have the best pizza dough in NEOhio! They have fresh made sub sandwiches, prepared heat & eat foods, etc. Nice selection of beer and wine. The bakery is a bit scaled back nowadays though. Overall, this store is an experience! A Cleveland staple! read more

Alesci's of Shoregate - a menu for a mexican restaurant - Specialty Food Near Me - Willowick, Ohio

A great variety of Italian entrees, bakery, breads and pasta. Just about anything Italian you might need.

The Legend of Michael: The Gatekeeper of Alesci's Picture this: My wife and I, armed with a shopping list and a dream, rolled up to Alesci's of Shoregate at 3:54 PM on a Saturday. We knew time was short. We had six minutes. Six. Precious. Minutes. Like contestants on a high-stakes grocery game show, we dashed through the aisles, grabbing what we could before the clock struck 4:00 PM--Alesci's very own grocery Cinderella story. As we approached the register, there stood Michael--a man of principle, a guardian of the closing hour, the Gandalf of gourmet goods. "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!" (after 4:00 PM) was the energy he radiated, but not before ensuring we had everything we needed. Right on cue, a customer approached the door post-4:00 PM, and Michael, in his infinite wisdom, had already sealed the gates. The woman, a seasoned grocery warrior, understood the sacred law of closing time and did not protest. But then, the young lady at the register let slip a revelation: Michael, the paragon of customer service, has apparently been accused--falsely, we're sure--of being "rude" for simply upholding justice. The conversation that followed was pure comedic gold. It was the kind of sarcastic yet good-natured banter that makes you feel like you're in an episode of The Office, except with better deli meats. The dynamic between Michael and his coworker had us laughing so hard we nearly dropped our bread and butter (literally). Michael deserves a Nobel Prize in Grocery Store Diplomacy. Or at the very least, an honorary title: Michael, The Benevolent Closer of Alesci's. His commitment to upholding closing hours while maintaining peak entertainment value is unmatched. Alesci's, you have a gem. We will be back--not just for the top-tier Italian goods, but for the unparalleled Michael Experience™. 10/5, would shop again. read more

Stopped in for the first time yesterday after a hair appointment in the area. Wow! I am so glad I did! I was looking for an import grocery store so I could find ingredients to make Croatian Burek. Although Alescis is an Italian grocery store they had the largest selection of Croatian imported items I've seen in the area. My heart was so happy and my cart was overflowing very quickly. I found ožujsko, orahovac, blatne, šipak, vegeta, kiki, Kraš goods of all varieties, and the list goes on and on. Seriously, it required creating a family group text and a phone call with my mom to see what else everyone needed while I was there. They also had an awesome selection of Italian options including a full deli, hot foods case and bakery counter. I tried their spinach pie and cavatelli. Both were delicious. The staff was extremely friendly and welcoming. When I mentioned what a great selection they had they told me to let them know if there is anything they are missing. Talk about taking it a step further! This place is a must stop if you are in the area. I will be making it a required visit every time I'm up there for my hair appointments. read more

Alesci's of Shoregate - I got lucky and got their last 8 cans! - Specialty Food Near Me - Willowick, Ohio

See all

not sure what's going on lately there, but the deli counter and all the prepared food cases have been shut down. never seen this under prior management. very disappointed last two weeks going in there. use to be packed on weekends, not anymore. how do you run a deli with pictures of the meat on the glass? read more

Aleshis is always the best. They have the best sausage and fresh deli section in the city. The bakery always gets me too.

Excellent food, the small place makes the experience personal, service included a visit from the chef. Nice touch

I have to highlight this place. ALESCI'S. QUALITY DELI SELECTION OF MEAT AND CHEESES!! What I like: Selection of wines and syrups on the far wall, well priced specialty seasoning mixes and herbs (more bang for your buck than in Giant E.)...European snacks in the aisles and Italian pastries in the back bakery display... Honestly! One can really get adventurous and find something new to try every visit. What I love: 1. Their Bulgarian feta, which I use as topping on my mixed green salads... and just goes SO WELL with toasted walnuts. Put this feta on your cheeseboards..it's crumbly and creamy, and tastes that good with anything..dried apricots and crackers, anything! (The Bulgarian kind is (savory and briny and) yummier to me than the French one.) I also love this feta drizzled with honey and eaten with warm flatbread... No place in 30 miles has this, ok? Ok. Try going to Aldi's nearby and mix it all up with their saltine crackers and fruits. Buy a bubbly to pair it with. #2... 2. Genoa Salami and Sopressata. Done. Slap it on some bread with all the trimmings you like. Eat it on a charcuterie board or from a ziplock, watching a movie or having a picnic at the park by the fire station...come on...Get some 1.00 so called french bread from Walmart, and with honey-ham n swiss cheese from Alesci's, pile up an authentic Cuban at home with mustard and NO MAYO, (NO MAYO!!)...buttered and pressed. 3. Their espresso/coffee aisle. They have different kinds of LAVAZZA. They also sell the moka/Italian stovetop espresso pots to make it right, at home. (Who needs Starbies?? Flavor shot fiends, that's who. You know what I'm saying. But did u also know you can buy the whole syrupbottle&pump at SB for like $12? That's a steal. You can use that with your espresso from Alesci's at home.. it's an even better brew. I digress..) Alescis even has that one Turkish brand- Mehmet Efendi fine ground coffee that you can drink and then read the future with...there's an app you can do that with... It's inaccurate, harmless, novel fun. Anyways, both of these solid brands (LAVAZZA and Efendi) create a rich, layer of creme in espresso with smooth, delicious outcomes for mornings/late evenings when you want to stay up past bedtime. 4. Ok, the deli. Sometimes they look you straight in the eye and I have felt sometimes like they've expected me to know what I want. Haven't I been pacing about and squinting at this grand selection of new/exciting things long enough? I've come to expect the exchange to be quite frank. I appreciate it the same way that I appreciate the Russian grocery in Mayfield. You should technically know what you want, just like you should know why you're out there going on dates with perfect strangers, but try telling them you don't. Hahaha. They're knowledgeable and they're tried and true, and the last time I was here one of the ladies gave me a great recommendation from her grandkids' favorites charcuterie items. She said it was great to eat on its own, a great substitute for popcorn when watching movies, and she was right. ALESCI'S is a landmark. Sometimes we have to remember that with appreciation. In all its simplicity and humility, its family centered operation and treasure trove of Italian specialty offerings, it stands a stalwart body of pride, of this area's very roots. Some torches have to keep burning bright so that you can know you're on your way back home. I consider this place, along with Rudy's, as a beacon on the shores. I hope everyone keeps them in mind when we do our shopping and are able to be there for them during this pandemic as they have been around for our community for nearly half a century. read more

The deli and bakery products are good and the selection of non-perishables is large for such a small store. But on my last visit, I noticed a sandwich on the chalkboard called "Let's Go Brandon". I'm not going to spend my money at business that supports political values which threaten me and mine. The products are 5 stars, the politics are 0 stars, so I'm splitting the difference. read more

Just love Italian food and this is my favorite place to get it. I've been going here since I was a kid, the scent when you walk in is amazing. They have a huge selection of prepared foods and it's really delicious. I like that I can get enough for myself or my whole family, and they also have catering. read more

Alesci's of Shoregate - Specialty Food Near Me - Willowick, Ohio

Did you ever have one of those days where you're hungry for lunch but you didn't know what for? And then you're driving around wondering where to stop to get something to eat and you look at Subway and you think oh I guess I could go to Subway and then you realize you're in the same vicinity as Alescis. And then it's game on. I don't know why I don't come here more because in addition to being at the same price or cheaper than Subway it's about a thousand times better. I'm really not into the whole Italian grocery store side of it I'm merely go there for the sandwiches. The guy behind the counter ask me what I wanted and I I told him I normally go to Subway and get something with turkey on it. He then said let me make you an awesome turkey sub. I mean this fellow actually took pride in his work. I had some Boar's Head turkey, Swiss lettuce tomato pickles and he put some dressing on it. The cool part was before he wrapped it up he cut it brought it up to the counter to show it to me, almost as if he was proud of his work and he should have been. It was way delicious. And it was only $6 for about a 10 inch sub. In addition to that while he was making it I decided to wander around this Italian grocery store and they had these Cheeto looking things that's straight-up tasted like peanuts. They were crazy delicious so I broke down and got that. If you're ever in the shopping center please try alesci's it is awesome. Stay away from my Cheetos. read more

Alesci's of Shoregate - My awesome $6 8 inch turkey sub that was crafted for me - Specialty Food Near Me - Willowick, Ohio

See all

Always a great spot to go to get wine and a sandwich for my painting sesh! Great selection of Italian foods. read more

Alesci's of Shoregate - Lots of selection! - Specialty Food Near Me - Willowick, Ohio

Change the time on the websites and yelp!!!! Some people drove an hour away to come out here. Highly irritated. Eta is 5:01 PM and you are closed. After me and my mother verified the times once online and another on yelp. Very upset. read more

See all

Yelp is suggesting that I review Alesci's, and while I'm almost 100% sure that I already have, I'll do it again. I'm a big fan of delis of all kinds, and Alesci's represent the Italian version really well. Their prepared food selections change daily, their bread and other baked goods are excellent, and the subs are up there with the best in Cleveland. read more

Alesci's of Shoregate - A haul of great food! Bread (that might make you cry it's so good), Fontina, roasted red peppers, olives.... - Specialty Food Near Me - Willowick, Ohio

This is the Italian Mecca of Lake County so many Italian imported items. They have s great prepared food bar with many items way better then most restaurants. I love the Lasagna and the Italian sausages wow! They have a huge selection of cheeses , that you don't find anywhere else. Large Italian subs 3.75 . Stop in for a great lunch with some scrumptious food. Conveniently located in Shoregate shopping center. read more

See all

I have not been back to Alesci's for about 20 years. It USED to be amazing! Their spaghetti sauce tastes like they dumped a can of tomato sauce in a pot. Tasteless and very underwhelming. I'm very disappointed. They need an old Italian grama to make their sauce. Jus saying. I probably won't be back. read more

Great grocer with great prices! Absolutely love the delicious prepared foods, deli selections, and bakery. Alesci's continues to be family owned and operated with a quality level of service. My go to's are the fresh baked bread, the cannoli cookies, the spinach pies, the eggplant parmigiana, and sliced Italian cheese! read more

From the time you walk in it smells like heaven. Whether you're looking for an obscure food item from home or you want baklava, fresh made Italian food or something fresh from their deli they never disappoint your stomach. read more

When I went it was good it smelled nice and the things I bought tasted great it's very good

I would like to share a short story about my experience with Paolo at Alesci's. I called Alesci's looking for a special cheese that I need for an Italian Easter Bread called Sharrones. A gentleman answered the phone with a very strong Italian accent and I asked him if he had scarmorza cheese. He said we sure do you come down and I'll take good care of you. So my husband and I drove to Alesci's from Erie to purchase the cheese. I walked into the store and asked the owner if he had the cheese and he said, "no, I'm sorry we don't carry that cheese". I was shocked and said that I called the store and I was told that you had it in stock. He asked me, "who did you talk to"? I explained. He then shared that his father does answer the phone and is a little "confused" at times. Bottom line, he knew I drove 2 hours and was very, very disappointed! He not only offered to order the cheese for me but he said he would mail it to me(overnight) at NO charge! What an angel! I am an old Italian woman who is very adamant of carrying on my Holiday Traditions and Paolo helped me to achieve my goals! Thank you Paolo and God Bless You!! Sharon from Erie, PA read more

I know I already reviewed the other Alesci's...but I go to this one more often so I'm not sure why I reviewed that other one. I love this store and shop here often. They have the best selection of fresh olives. They're really good and not the soggy crap you'll get in a can. Their bread is unbeatable. I also really like their sausage. You can buy fresh dough here for bread, pizza, etc. It's pretty decent and works well when you're pressed for time. They sell a large selection of canned tomatoes for gravy making purposes. San marzanos, even. The most interesting part of the store is all of the Italian junk they sell. Okay, not all of it is junk. They sell pasta machines and bowls and a few other useful things. They sell baby bibs and coffee mugs that say "I've got an Italian attitude" and those red peppers with crowns on top that all of the guido's have hanging from their rearviews. read more

I love this place! Whenever we're out visiting my a Grandma from California this old school grocery is one our first stops to stock up on provisions. This time we came shopping here straight from arriving at the airport and got some delicious gnocchi, prosciutto & lemon ice. They were all yummy! I'd be here all the time if I lived here. read more

Every time we travel to Cleveland, we stop by Alesci's to stock up on Italian food. Alesci's has a fantastic selection of canned and dry goods that are difficult to find in regular grocery stores, but the real gems are the homemade goods like polenta, semolina, and pasta. We also love their selection of amaretto cookies and biscotti. Speaking of desserts, Alesci's also makes wonderful pastries and cakes. I love their chocolate-covered coconut cookies. Their selection of cheeses and meats is one of the best I've ever seen. Salami, pepperoni, pancetta, provolone, ricotta, parmagiano reggiano, and so much more at fair prices. Best of all, Alesci's offers fresh dishes like lasagna, chicken parm, pasta salad, and manicotti that you can pick up and go. This is the real reason that I don't live in Cleveland: I would eat at Alesci's every day and gain 50 pounds! Alesci's is a classic. Now if only I could get one in Charlotte. read more

Got two pieces of pizza cause I was FREAKEN HUNGRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So yeah it would seem I would eat sharpie coloured cardboard and be happy about it.... Slices at $250 x 2 were pretty tasty and very large! I like volume but also quality and both criteria were fulfilled nicely!!!! I took a stroll around the shop and enjoyed the atmosphere, I can tell you this... I will be back!!!! read more

This is my absolute favorite place to go! Full deli (cut to order, not sitting precut in a pile), huge selection of cheeses, bakery, pasta, sauces and hot cooked foods too. Super nice employees. I've been shopping here for almost 50 years. read more

I have been here multiple times. This is an Italian deli and specialty store. They basically have everything, from a bakery (with fresh baked bread and Italian deserts), a deli (stocked with meats and cheeses you can't find anywhere else) and a grocery store (with items like capers, roasted red pepper and most items were imported from Italy). The reason for the five stars is several things. First, please try a sandwich from their deli. You can buy the meat and make it at home, but I'm promise you that there's would have tasted better. There is something so yummy about the way they do it and they will make it exactly how you want it. Second, their pricing isn't any more expensive than any other grocery store. Third, they also have ready to go lasagna, stuffed shells and everything else you could imagine. Their just so fresh, customer service is excellent. I highly recommend giving this place a shot, you won't be disappointed. read more

My first time in the store was this weekend the people were so helpful you get a family Warm feeling when you walk in their I got some deli meet and it was very high quality a must go read more

The Italian meatballs in the deli were so salty it was like biting in to a block of salt. How can Italians not know how to make a meatball? THIS IS A MYSTERY. The Italian sausage was not fully stuffed and misshapen and tasted like nothing special. The unique soda pops have no taste but packaged in misleading, interesting, legacy-looking bottles. Everything in the store looks special but they're not. Seems very theatrical, nothing more. read more

Yes, I love them it's my favorite place on the strip though I wish they had. A full butchery, I am happy to shop there and get a good sandwich. The cannoli's are also very good!! read more

I grew up shopping at this Mediterranean imports store. They have every Italian, some south american and even Greek food items you could ever need. There' s a big deli counter, a bakery replete with tons of cookies, and imported wines. Even though it's in a strip mall, it has a charming stucco exterior that resembles a Tuscan cottage. The salamis hanging from the ceiling and the smell of olives wafting about can give a shopper sensory overload. Mama mia! read more

Alesci's is awesome! They have a lot of European stuff and now more and more Croatian stuff too. They sell Karlovačko beer and Laško beer (slovenian) and the other one from Montenegro. They sell all kinds of candies that remind me of Croatia, like bronhi, bananko, and stuff like that. Oh and they have biscoff. I lov those cookies. What the heck flavor are they?? So secretive. They also have prepared foods, bakery items and pizza dough... lots of other stuff. Alos little spices that are reasonably priced. And it smells good! and is homey. read more

One of my favorite place to shop. So much specialty food here. I drool over the pastry case. The meat selection is so good. We get the fresh pizza dough there all the time. read more