As someone who absolutely adores authentic Italian food, and I’ve always had a soft spot for anything that reminds me of proper, traditional Italian flavours, I was genuinely excited to hear that a new Italian deli and coffee shop was opening in the Hopmarket in Worcester.

When I saw in some Facebook groups, and spotted the coverage in the Worcester News, that Little Italy was coming and this new Italian venture would open in August, I knew I had to get myself down there as soon as possible. And honestly, what a delightful discovery it turned out to be!

From the moment I stepped through the door, I felt like I’d been transported straight to a little Italian village. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with that authentic Italian charm that you just can’t fake. Francesco’s passion for bringing genuine Italian products to Worcester was immediately evident – you can tell when someone really cares about what they’re doing, and Francesco cares in spades.

But let’s talk about the star of the show, the incredible range of Italian products they stock. Now, I must confess, Italian food is my absolutely favourite ever. From incredible pasta dishes to authentic Italian pizza and buffalo mozzarella, to gelato, tiramisu, cannoli and genuine Italian biscuits, I’m a huge sucker for anything Italian. So, when I spotted Pan di Stelle biscuits on the shelves, my heart did a little skip. For those who haven’t discovered these absolute gems yet, Pan di Stelle are these gorgeous star-shaped chocolate biscuits made by Mulino Bianco (part of the Barilla family). They’re not just any old chocolate biscuit, oh no! They’re crispy, buttery, and have this perfect balance of cocoa and sweetness that makes them irresistible with a proper Italian coffee. You can even have them for breakfast with a cappuccino because as every Italian knows, cappuccino is more of a breakfast drink.

And speaking of irresistible, I nearly squealed with delight (yes, I actually squealed – much to the amusement of some other customers in the shop) when I discovered they also stock Pan di Stelle chocolate spread! Now, I know you all might be thinking that it is just another wannabe Nutella spread. But honestly, it’s so much more than that. This gorgeous spread has the same distinctive flavour as the biscuits, with that lovely cocoa-forward taste and a hint of that buttery biscuit flavour that makes it utterly unique. It’s like spreading liquid happiness on your toast, and trust me, I’ve tried my fair share of chocolate spreads over the years.

What really sets Little Italy apart is Francesco’s commitment to bringing authentic Italian products that you’d struggle to find elsewhere in Worcester. I well remember my visits to the Italian Shop on the corner of Wylds Lane growing up, run by the Damasco family, where you could get all manner of Italian items. From different types of Italian salami’s, mortadella, mozzarella, ricotta, mascarpone, Parmigiano Reggiano, to Italian bread and more, the Italian shop stocked it all. Since it moved it was hard to find genuine Italian items in Worcester, but now thanks to Francesco and Little Italy, I can get my hands on authentic Italian items again.

These aren’t just random imported goods – each item has been carefully selected because it represents the very best of Italian culinary tradition. The Pan de Stelle products, for instance, are iconic in Italy but relatively unknown here, and discovering them felt like uncovering a delicious secret!

The range of other Italian products was equally impressive. From proper Italian olive oils to Italian cheeses, sausages, balsamic vinegar, biscuits and authentic pasta brands, Francesco has clearly put a lot of thought into curating a selection that represents genuine Italian excellence. There was plenty on display including Italian charcuterie and some pasta that I’d never seen in regular supermarkets, and Francesco was incredibly knowledgeable about all the products. He’s not just selling them, he genuinely understands and appreciates what makes each item special.

The coffee side of the operation was absolutely spot-on too. As someone who’s a bit particular about my caffeine), I was delighted to find they serve proper Italian-style coffee that would make any Italian Nonna proud. This is the real deal, not just another chain coffee shop trying to do Italian. As it was past lunchtime I didn’t try the coffee, but I will be back to try it another time in the morning. During each day Little Italy will also serve a range of fresh goods like Italian croissants, tiramisu and slices of pizza or focaccia on a daily rotation basis.

What really impressed me was Francesco’s obvious dedication to authenticity. This isn’t just someone importing random Italian products, this is someone who genuinely understands and respects Italian food culture. The Little Italy deli represents something special: a bridge between Italy and Worcester, bringing us access to products and flavours that truly represent the Italian way of life. Even better, Francesco said he can order in items that he doesn’t stock, for example, smaller blocks of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese rather than large ones.

Francesco Tripodi proudly welcoming customers on the grand opening day of Little Italy in Worcester.

I ended up chatting with him about his vision for Little Italy, and his enthusiasm was absolutely infectious. This isn’t just a business venture; it’s about Francesco sharing a love for Italian cuisine with our Worcester community and he brings 25 years’ experience in the food industry to Little Italy. He told me he looked around the area and spotted a gap in Worcester for an Italian Deli and coffee shop and boy has he filled that gap in spades.  In a world where everything seems to be getting more corporate and impersonal, it’s refreshing to find a place that’s doing something because they genuinely care about quality and authenticity.

I left with some Pan di Stelle biscuits and chocolate spread and hoped I might be able to go back for some mozzarella (I was meeting friends in town), and while I didn’t make it back for the mozzarella, I’m already planning my next visit to get some. Places like Little Italy are exactly what Worcester needs – independent businesses run by passionate people who care about quality and authenticity.

If you haven’t been yet, do yourself a favour and pop in. Whether you’re an Italian food enthusiast like me, or just someone who appreciates quality ingredients and genuine hospitality, you’ll find something to love at Little Italy.

Rating: 10/10 – An absolute gem that brings authentic Italian flavours to Worcester with genuine passion and expertise.

What I’d recommend: Definitely try the Pan di Stelle products (both the biscuits and the spread – seriously, you won’t regret it), grab some proper Italian coffee, and take time to explore their carefully curated selection of authentic Italian products and ingredients. Don’t leave without having a chat with Francesco about the products, his knowledge and enthusiasm are part of what makes this place so special.

Opening hours: 9.00am to 4.30pm Tuesday to Saturday (closed on Sunday and Monday.

Address: Unit 3, The Hopmarket, Worcester WR1 1DL.