I’ve visited Mario’s Meat Market and Deli a few times now. As a note, the fiorst time I visited Mario’s I had Jens (a professional chef and friend) with me. First, the name is misleading.When they hear meat market and deli most people think of a butcher shop that makes sandwiches.That is not Mario’s. Mario’s is more of a NY style neighborhood Italian market. Besides amazing meats, and deli they have a great bakery, produce, dairy and groceries. I saw many brands and items that I have not seen since leaving NYC for Ft. Myers.
OK, let’s start with the staff. Mario’s has a good size crew to take care of you. They are smiling. friendly, polite and service oriented. Both Jens and I liked that the staff treated us like people and not as part of their job. For the service counters (meat, bakery, and deli) you take a number as you come in. When called I had the same person helped me with all three counters until my order was done. Old school, no starting over for cold cuts after getting cookies.The staff answers questions and makes suggestion. All of the staff made us feel welcome.
Next the meat counter. Mario’s has poultry (including grade ‘A’ chicken), choice Black Angus beef, pork,and veal. They make their own sausage and they are delicious. I buy the sausage often and the price is comparable to the supermarket. Mario;s also features some meats you won’t find at Publix. For instance they had both beef and pork braciole prepared and ready to cook. Just brown in oil and add to your tomato sauce. It was not the same as my Grandma’s recipe, but damn it was good. (NOBODY out cooks grandma!)
The Bakery has many Italian favorites including Pignoli (pine nut) cookies.the assortment of breads, cookies, desserts, cakes and pies is great. Yes you can get cannoli. Company coming? try the ricotta cheesecake. they also have cassata cake. They even had struffoli for Christmas. struffol is small balls of fried dough covered in honey with sprinkles. I have always made my dad’s recipe. But with the kids grown it was up to me to eat the leftovers. So eing able to by enough for the holidays with out a big bowl of it non the counter was much better for me. And Mario’s saved me a bunch of time and work.
The deli features fresh sliced premium Italian cold cuts Select from Sopressata, Genoa, Capicola, Mortadella, aged Prosciutto, and more. Mario’s has a full selection of non-Italian favorites such as Pastrami and Liverwurst. I saw they had on the bone turkey breast. They also make their own mozzarella cheese!
Mario’s offers a wide selection of made to order hot and cold heroes (that’s subs for my Midwestern friends). All made on crusty hero rolls. No overgrown hot dog buns here! All heroes come with chips. I must admit I keep ordering the same sandwich. Don’t mess with what makes you happy, right? The hero I order? The Caprese. That is made with tomatoes, fresh made mozzarella, basil and olive oil. YUMMMM!
The deli counter is also where you will find in store prepared foods. Choose from dishes such as meat lasagna, chicken parmigiana, stuffed peppers and more. Just heat and chow down.
In the market section you will find lots of imported goodies and staples. Things like olive oils, San Marzano Tomatoe, Italian wines, fresh pasta and torrone. The produce is fresh and crisp. When I went in December they even had a bin full of chestnuts you could select from.
Keep in mind if you go to Mario’s during the holidays they do tend to be packed. Take a breath and relax, they are worth it. I went in to pick up some some stuff I had ordered. They had a separate area for preorders which sped things up. Last minute I decided to get some meats. I got my number and picked up my number and picked up the rest of what I wanted. before I knew it I was done and loading the car.
Overall I give Mario’s five stars. The store has a wide selection to choose from. It is kept clean and the staff is very helpful. I can find things that I have trouble buying in Ft. Myers. Even Jens was impressed. The downside is my wife has added it to the list of stores she says I need a chaperone for 
Mario’s Meat Market and Deli
12326 S. Cleveland Ave
Fort Myers, Florida 33907
https://mariosmeatmarket.com/