Playa del Rey has a new neighborhood gem, and locals are already lining up for a taste. The Local Market, a charming Italian-inspired gourmet market and deli, has quickly become the talk of the Playa del Rey and Westchester community.
Behind the venture are two familiar faces—longtime neighborhood business owners Tony Cotrufo and his partner, Nando de Stefano. Tony and his wife, Mary February, are well known as the owners of the popular Caffe Pinguini, the neighborhood restaurant they have operated for more than 20 years. Nando also brings deep local roots as the owner of Playa del Rey’s The Good Pizza. Mary, and Nando’s longtime partner, Cindy Orozco, also lends her talents to the market.
The idea for The Local Market was born out of passion, experience, and a shared love of Italian food culture. The shop offers a thoughtfully curated selection of gourmet Italian products and fine international wines, alongside a just-opened deli, serving what customers are already calling some of the best sandwiches in town.
Tony says the partnership with Nando came naturally.
“We have a great respect and trust for each other,” he explained. “Nando is more the chef—he’s the one with the inspiring food ideas. I’m more of the wine guy.”
He gestured toward the shelves, pointing out a few favorites, including Castello La Leccia Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino, the full-bodied Tuscan red produced exclusively from Sangiovese grapes.
It’s a collaboration that blends decades of local business experience with genuine culinary creativity. The shelves are stocked with gourmet pasta sauces, imported olive oils, quality canned Italian tomatoes, aged balsamic vinegars, specialty pastas and jams— alongside everyday essentials like toothpaste and mustard. This is a neighborhood market, after all.
A Visit to the Deli Counter
When I stopped in to try the sandwiches, it felt personal from the moment I walked through the door. Mary was behind the deli counter, taking orders and greeting customers. You could tell immediately that this is the kind of place where people are known by name.
The deli serves a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, plus a rotating selection of hot items sold by the pound—lasagna, Italian sausage, broccoli rapini, eggplant parmesan, chicken piccata, and more. I ordered three sandwiches for my family to sample, and each one told its own delicious story.
The Jon Goti: A Classic Done Right
My husband chose the Jon Goti, their take on a classic Italian sandwich—piled high with Genoa salami, mortadella, capocollo, soppressata, and provolone, then topped with lettuce, tomato, pepperoncini, red onion, and Italian vinaigrette.
He loved the combination of hearty meats, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressing. But what he kept coming back to was the bread. All sandwiches are served on house-made focaccia rolls, and honestly, the bread alone is worth the trip.
The Sud Tirol: Sweet Meets Savory
I ordered the Sud Tirol—smoked prosciutto, creamy Brie, fig jam, and fresh arugula. One bite in, I was sold. The smokiness of the meat, the richness of the Brie, the sweetness of the jam, and the peppery bite of the arugula all worked together beautifully. It felt thoughtful without being fussy.
The Trolley Way: A Pleasant Surprise
My daughter chose the Trolley Way: prosciutto cotto, Brie, olive tapenade, grilled zucchini, and arugula. She loved how the savory ham balanced the creamy cheese, briny olives, and subtle smokiness of the zucchini. Every sandwich here feels intentional—satisfying without being heavy, balancing savory and sweet with something fresh to round out the flavor profile.
Creating an Italian Experience
For Tony, the heart of The Local Market is about more than food.
“I want people to feel like they’re walking into a small market in Italy with friendly staff, where it feels like home, where people feel comfortable,” says Tony.
If the early reception is any indication, that’s exactly what’s happening. The Local Market is the kind of place where you run into neighbors, the staff remembers your order, and you leave with something special for dinner—and maybe a bottle of wine you hadn’t planned on buying.
The Local Market is located at 303 Culver Blvd in Playa del Rey. Stop in and see what everyone is talking about.
Join the Conversation
I want to hear from you! What is your go-to local dish—the one you’d tell a new neighbor they have to try? Drop a comment, send me a message, or say hi if you see me at the market. Let’s keep swapping favorites! Email me at birkettcory@gmail.com.
Cory Birkett is a foodie, and admin for the “Quarantine Cooking-Westchester & Silicon Beach” Facebook Group. When she’s not trying new recipes or checking out local restaurants, she spends her days as a real estate agent and long-time community volunteer, which includes serving on committees for the Westchester/Playa Neighborhood Council.
Pictured at top: Tony and Nando pose for a photo outside their latest venture, The local Market and Deli, located at the site of the former Gordon’s Market on Culver Blvd.
By Cory Birkett. Top photo by Zsuzsi Steiner.