Cortina’s Italian Market

Rating: 5/5

2175 W Orange Ave
Anaheim, CA 92804
(714) 535-1948

Note that this place consists of 2 sections: the restaurant and the market. First, the restaurant. Like the other location, parking was a challenge to find in the lot the shop was in. There was more available across the street’s shopping plaza. We decided to visit the restaurant early by arriving at 11:15am on a weekday, thinking that we would avoid the inevitable lunch rush that would soon occur. We were wrong. There was already a small line of 5 individuals forming ahead of us.

When we placed our order, we were told that sandwich orders would take 30 minutes to fill. That was surprising.

What We Ordered

• The Fireball Sandwich 6″
• Prosciutto di Parma Sandwich 6″

My coworker and I split the sandwiches so that both of us had 3″ of each.

Before I describe how both sandwiches were, let me first inform that they are LARGE for 6″. Meaning, a 6″ sandwich could be shared with 2 people. I cannot imagine how much food a 12″ sandwich would be.

Half/Half: Fireball & Prosciutto di Parma

Fireball Sandwich

Consists of spicy, cured capicolla; spicy calabrese salame, provolone cheese, a hot mix, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pepperocinis, and their own, Italian dressing. It was, like at the other location, excellent. Long after I devoured it, the spiciness still lingered in my happy mouth. Fresh, flavorful, juicy, and a hint of mild spiciness.

Prosciutto di Parma Special

Prosciutto di Parma Sandwich

Consists of sliced, imported Prosciutto (from Parma, Italy), extra virgin olive oil, tomato, mozzarella cheese, and basil. Very simple ingredients, very fresh, and very clean tasting. It was also good, though, in my opinion, it was a bit pricey at $10.90. The other sandwiches were primarily less than $7 each.

Market

The restaurant was much larger than the one in Orange, filled with black walls in a modern, clean, professional design. Adorning the walls were pictures of Italian places and various sport celebrity snapshots. After we finished eating, we walked over to the Market next door.

The market was quaint, and a large section was occupied by a deli and bread counter. Looking at the meats, it instantly became clear that one could order the very same sandwich ingredients that we just ate. I was happy.

Cold Cut Meats

What I Ordered

• 1/4 lb Spicy calabrese salami ($11.99/lb)
• 1/4 lb Domestic prosciutto ($10.79/lb)
• 1/4 lb Spicy sopressata ($11.99/lb)
• 1 Cortina Long bread ($3.xx)

My intent with the above ingredients was to make my visiting parents some sandwiches with shredded lettuce, tomato, olive oil, basil, and nothing else. The verdict? They LOVED it. Needless to say, the meats were delicious, the bread had crunch, and the vegetables gave a nice hint of softness and freshness to the meal.

I would absolutely consider buying the meats and bread here on a regular basis to make for lunch. My parents also asked me to buy them more of the meats and bread.

My next visit shall give their pizza a try. I expect them to be served true, Italian style — meaning, not overpowered by tomato sauces.

Russo Special