Domingo’s Italian Deli and Grocery still going strong in Encino at 56

BY CAROLE ROSNER

As a kid growing up in Encino in the 1970’s, my world revolved around Ventura Blvd.  I spent Saturdays at the Valley Ice Skating Center or Encino Bowl. I’d look for that special occasion dress at Stardusters and catch a movie with friends at the La Reina Theater.  My family would celebrate birthdays at The Queen’s Arms restaurant, and we’d eat the best sub sandwiches in town at Domingo’s Italian  Deli  and Grocery.

Times have changed, but Domingo’s is still around, and the sub sandwiches are just as great today as I remember—crusty, chewy bread, tons of meats and cheese and a secret tangy, savory dressing.

Brothers Michael and Tony Jr. Magnanimo took over the business ten years ago and Domingo's now in its 56th year. Photos by Carole Rosner.

Opened in 1953 by Phyllis and Frank Domingo, Domingo’s is the go-to place for Italian specialty products. Owned since the 1970’s by the Magnanimo family, Domingo’s is now run by Michael and Tony Jr. who took over the business from their dad, Anthony Sr., about ten years ago. The staff at Domingo’s is family and they treat their customers that way too.

Domingo’s has a huge selection of Italian products.  There are many choices of marinated veggies (including eggplant, artichokes, peppers and six different kinds of olives) and fresh-made pasta sauces (five different kinds). Bottles of wine, imported olive oils and balsamic vinegars, Barilla and Garofalo pastas and Lavazza espresso line the shelves. A freezer section includes homemade stuffed frozen pastas (like lasagna and ravioli), and Domingo’s deli counter offers a variety of hot and cold sandwiches and fresh antipasto. Domingo’s stocks many varieties of cheeses including Locatelli brand Romano and “the king of Italian cheese,” Parmigiano Reggiano. (There’s a 60-pound wheel of it!)

“Ninety-five percent of the stuff we sell is homemade,” Michael said when I asked how Domingo’s has stayed in business for 46 years. “The food is all made here and the recipes have been the same for almost 50 years.” House specialties include sfogliatelle (a filled puff pasty with ricotta and dried fruit), biscotti ( a crunchy cookie good for dipping into coffee), giardeniera (a veggie spread used on the sub sandwiches) and ciabatta (known as “slipper bread”).

Espresso, lattes and cappuccinos are available too, and for dining, there are tables inside (and soon outside). Domingo’s also offers catering for parties, schools, and businesses. As the holidays approach, Domingo’s will carry fresh-baked seasonal treats and goodies imported from Italy. Panetonne (a fruit filled sweet bread) is extremely popular in Italy for Christmas, and Domingo’s will be making their own version this year in a variety of sizes.

After all these years, Domingo’s still tastes just like Mama used to make –or maybe she just bought it from here.

Domingo’s Italian Deli and Grocery 17548 Ventura Blvd. Encino, CA 91316 Ph: 818.981.4466 Fax your order: 818.981.6305 Open: Sunday and Monday: 10am-4pm Tuesday and Wednesday: 9am-6pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 9am-9pm

Carole Rosner is a native Valley Girl who has lived in Studio City for the past 11 years. She is a strong supporter of her local public schools and an active volunteer in her neighborhood. Some of her favorite things to do in Studio City are to celebrate 4th of July at CBS Radford, walk along Ventura Blvd. and browse through the racks at Crossroads Trading Company.