Barzini's

Upper West Side
2455 Broadway
at W. 91st Street

P: 212.874.4992

This small market is on Broadway in the neighborhood just north of Zabar's, on Manhattan's Upper West Side.  It is best recognized by its produce which spills out onto sidewalk bins but it also is a fully stocked grocery with an excellent cheese and deli selection.

What's great: 

The cheese selection is large, although everything is pre-cut, but generous samples are usually available.  The charcuterie and deli counter includes many of the best producers, including Schaller and Weber, and at good prices.  And they have a bakery with fresh breads.  Good selection of olives, prepared soups, and olive oils, vinegars and pastas.  The produce selection includes both organic and conventional fruits and vegetables, although some of the vegetables are pre-weighed and wrapped in plastic.

What to know: 

The place can seem grimy and it always smells of cheese. Prices are all over the place so there are some excellent values and other things seem over-priced.  This is not the place to buy meat or fish, although there's a small selection of pre-cut and packaged fresh fish and poultry.  The aisles are really narrow and on packaged foods, you should always check the expiration date because the staff doesn't always seem to keep up with the stock.