San Diego Reader

Mona Lisa
2061 India Street, Little Italy
(619) 239-5367

This market and deli, owned and operated by the Brunetto family for 26 years, is small but full of culinary gems. The delicase shows off mozzarella di bufalo, mascarpone, sharp provolones, four types of prosciutto, homemade sausages. Nooks and crannies in the back of the store proffer more than 70 different cuts of pasta. Other shelves hold fig-flavored balsamic vinegar and salted capers and artichoke-lemon pesto and Italian sea salt and top-grade Arborio rice. This is the only Italian grocer in town with a liquor license, and the liqueur section includes hard-to-find limoncellos and anisette and grappas.