Claro’s Italian Markets

Reviews

• Grace C.

  star star star star star 28 September 2026

  Hubby and I had gone to Mattern Sausage and Deli, but they were absolutely slammed on a hot Saturday.  With how small Mattern was, we decided to drive around while I Yelped, and was able to find Claro's.
  
  Coming in on a Saturday, the parking lot was a bit busy and full.  On a Sunday, especially right before closing, parking is much more available.
  Going into the market from the east entrance, you'll get hit with the deli section to the right, the canned/packaged goods in the center, and then the pastries and cashier at the center/back area, with the south entrance exit next to the cashier.  
  
  My main focus whenever I've visited is the deli section.  Grab a number, as you'll need it, and wait for them to call your number.  I normally start writing down a list of the meats/cheeses/salad bar items that I want with quantity so that they can start on my order fairly quickly instead of waiting for me to browse.  I see that the Mortdello is prettttty popular, as well as all of the sandwiches.  I really like their bologna and head cheeses, where the head cheeses definitely have more spices than what you may find at any of the nearby German delis (ex., Mattern and Continental; head cheeses are still great at the German delis!).  The Crazy Salad has also been a pretty popular choice, as it's disappeared more than a few times while I've visited; in talking to other patrons, it seems that the Crazy salad goes quickly on the days that they are available.  Artichoke is great, and I'm eyeing the stuffed tomatoes and stuffed jalapenos next time!
  
  Everything in the refrigerated and frozen sections are great, too!  In the refrigerated area, we've seen these huge garlic loaves at "buy one, get one free", and there are sometimes a few sandwiches to quickly grab.  I love the string cheese they have (as thick as half my forearm), and they have a nice selection of sausages that we've enjoyed grilling/cooking at home.  
  
  Pastries/desserts are strategically located next to the cashier, and you have to pass through the entire pastry section to get to the cashier (you obviously know that they planned this well).  We've had the mini desserts before (mini eclair, mini tuxedo, mini cream puff), but it doesn't really compare to their originals.  I will warn that their originals are fairly big, and hubby and I couldn't finish the white tuxedo cake in one sitting.  The cookies are tasty, with my favorite currently being any of the raspberry ones (I blame Knott's raspberry shortbread cookies for giving me such a loving attitude towards raspberry pastries!).  Cookies are at a per lb cost, so it gives me a chance to do a mishmash of different cookies to try.
  
  Staff members have always been great, whether at the deli or at the cashier.  I sometimes do get a few employees that don't really want to be there, but I also tend to get there in the afternoon where they're a couple hours away from closing and I'm sure they're eager to get home.  Prices are fairly reasonable, in my opinion, especially with the deli.  And I will gladly pay the dessert prices based on how goooood they are, and their size.  
  
  Will be back!

• Eric L.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 27 September 2026

  Stop by their deli in Tustin. Walked in waited around the deli counter with 12 other people just staring at each other. No rhyme or reason to what was going on or how to order a sandwich. I took a number, but they never called any numbers. After 15 minutes of standing around I just left. Even the lady at the food counter said she had no idea why they weren't using the numbers.
  
  I grew up in Alhambra eating at this deli my whole life. Things of obviously gone way downhill. Somebody really needs to figure out what the hell is going on call me cuz you're losing customers.

• Valeria B.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 25 September 2026

  I went here for the first time the other day and I came in with good intentions and a happy smile. I walked in 15 mins before closing and was looking for some deserts with my grandma. The young lady in the front was super nice and helpful but the other older lady was just rude, when I got close to the bread she said "Are you done looking??" I felt rushed to shop and it made me feel very uncomfortable. Keep in mind I left work early this day just to shop here, which wasn't fair for how I was being treated. The older lady then told me that they close at 6 and I tried the best I could to hurry, but sensed a bad energy from her.
  
  The pastries were good, and I paid a decent amount of money there but I would not come back with the attitude I was presented. There are plenty of other bakeries that are way friendlier and tastier.

• Debi R.

  star star star star star 20 September 2026

  Our Italian friends told us about this market years ago and we just got around to visiting. The hubby was in the mood for a sandwich so we ended up here. I was overwhelmed...in a good way! The pastries, the sandwich counter, oils, wines, homemade frozen food, meatballs...oh my!
  
  My hubby ordered the Spicy Mike. I thought it sounded good...but without the spicy part. Jordan was kind enough to make my sandwich without the spice. Thank you Jordan!!!
  
  We walked around while our sandwiches were being made and took note of home made marinara in the refrigerated case, as well as the home made lasagna and ravioli in the freezer case. For those evenings when I don't feel like cooking, I know where to send the hubby!
  
  The pastries all looked delicious, but I'm a cannoli gal and HOLY CANNOLI! It was sooooo good! Crunchy shell and perfectly sweet and creamy filling.
  
  We will definitely be back!

• Sue F.

  star star star star star 16 September 2026

  This reminds me of an old fashioned grocery store, before all the big box stores took over.  The staff is wonderful, and they will treat you like family.  You can find items that you won't find elsewhere...Italian or not.  The prices are reasonable, and the bakery items are fabulous.  They do get very busy during lunch hours, but they have a number system.