Pennsylvania Macaroni Co.

This place is an absolute gem! From the moment I walked in, I was in awe — we don’t have markets like this where I’m from. The cheese counter alone was an experience: I sampled some of the best Parmesan and goat cheese I’ve ever had, and the girl working there was so knowledgeable, patient, and helpful. The owner, Bill, even introduced himself while I was wandering around, which made the visit feel extra personal. The staff across the store were just as great — from the deli guys talking about how much they love working there to Lauren, who helped me track down ingredients. Everything I picked up (fresh pasta, incredible bread, specialty olive oil) turned into one of the best home-cooked meals I’ve made. The vibe is buzzing and busy but never overwhelming, with everyone clearly loving what they do. 10/10 — if you haven’t been to Penn Mac, make it a priority. It’s more than a market, it’s an experience.

Penn Mac is a Strip District icon. The best Italian market in Pittsburgh, Penn Mac has tons of Italian grocery items and the best deli! If you go on the weekend expect it to be busy!

I feel bad for the customers who shop at this store. They have been cheated out of what used to be a great experience. My family has been shopping at this store for at least three generations, well before I was born. It was wonderful when Rick and Dave owned and managed the business. PennMac is the rare family business that has survived being passed down through the generations. However, all good things come to an end. Rick and Dave wanted to retire, and their surly younger brother wanted to prove that he was their equal. Business students can watch the Peter Principle play out in real time as the family business tanks under his inept leadership. In the eleven months since he has taken over, prices have gone through the roof, selection has diminished and most of the longtime great employees have left for greener pastures. There is a saying, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," and that would be good advice for the new owner. Sometimes, when trying to make something great again, one loses the essence of that special something that cannot be quantified on a balance sheet, and only when it is too late, one realizes that it had been great all along before the "improvements" were enacted. So sad.

A Strip District staple with all of the good Pittsburgh brands, and the best selection of cheese! The cheese counter guys were super friendly- thanks for the smoked gouda sample! (and the chili cheese i would NEVER have tried otherwise)

Generally overpriced goods. Quality of most things is pretty average. The bulk olive oil is a good price but most likely cut with lower quality oils. The large dispensers of oil claim to be from one country of origin but I doubt the authenticity of the oils - the flavors are much more diluted than real olive oil. Cured salami is authentic but the prices are horrid. You can make your own more easily and for cheaper. Overall meh. Seems like a novelty place.

Hey, we are Vicky 🇵🇪 and Malte 🇩🇪 from the travel blog Traveling Is Our Passion. For a full one-day Pittsburgh guide, check out our blog! If you love Italian food, you HAVE to visit PENNSYLVANIA MACARONI CO. in the Strip District! This place is a dream for cheese, pasta lovers. The selection is HUGE—fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, homemade sauces, and every kind of pasta you can imagine. We got some fresh olives and tomato sauce for our dinner, and the quality was amazing! Locals come here for the handmade mozzarella and Italian sausages, and now we see why. It really feels like stepping into an authentic Italian market.

If you want to buy authentic Italian ingredients and food, you have to shop here. Love the cheese counter, which is staffed by exceptionally knowledgeable staff. So many kinds of olive oils and pastas!

A place that provides a reach outside of pop-mart grocery store culture, Penn Mac is a staple. The imported cheeses (and other international foods) give an authenticity and quality unparalleled by chain stores. The atmosphere, the quality, the variety... it all makes grocery shopping enjoyable. Penn Mac is the heart of the Strip District and a true Pittsburgh gem.

I truly think the name of this store is totally misleading. It is soooo much more than macaroni that you will find in here. It is full of grocery items and, oh, cheese. If you need, want cheese?? Head to the back. There is a full counter ready and staffed to help you select and slice just the rught amount. On this occasion I intentionally came in for a cheese to go with some Tempranillo wine I bought from a local winery. I opted for manchego cheese. Then, naturally, as I am walking, I needed crackers and then saw focaccia bread pizzas with eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes. Yeah, I added to my pile of items before I arrived at checkout. Wonderful venue.

Love my chipped ham order. It was enjoyed by family and and friends. Barbecue sauce added!!

A wonderful little market area with great European meats and cheeses. Unfortunately, my wife and I were verbally assaulted and physically threatened by someone who claimed to have the ability to tow vehicles parked behind the establishment. We had already paid for parking there, and he refused to believe so. After speaking to one of the employees inside, they confirmed this man did in fact work for the business and that he was 'intense.' We intentionally cut our trip short because of this specific instance and most likely won't be back.

Any Italian product you may need will be inside these walls! They also have other products as well. Such a terrific store that is simple and welcoming. Tons of options and speciality items. Even if not shopping, walk through this store as you are bound to find something you would want to try!

This is my happy place. I could truly walk around here for hours thinking of different recipes to make with all of these ingredients! The vodka sauce is incredible. It is always packed, especially on weekends, but all counter service and checkouts are super efficient! I love it here so much and always make great meals! Their to-go desserts are also delicious, highly recommend.

I saw Penn Mac post the Wensleydale & Blueberries cheese as the cheese of the week and I immediately ran over to go try it. I love that they highlight and give details about their products on their Facebook page and I love the array of cheeses and meats they have for customers the ambience is great. The service is fast. It's the best grocery store in the Strip district hands-down!

Your one stop shop for all things Italian! Meats, cheeses, breads, olives, pastas, flours.....you name it and they probably have it. I absolutely love stopping by even just to browse. The staff are always very helpful in making suggestions on the best options for what you are looking for.....be sure to stop by the cheese counter and taste test something new! The store is set up in organized sections so that you know exactly where to go for produce, dry goods, etc. The vibe just welcomes you in, but be prepared for lines if you are visiting on the weekends. This place isn't a secret to the locals or visitors....everyone stops at Penn Mac when visiting the strip.

Saw a manager dressing down an employee in front of customers. Not sure he would have been that brave with a male subordinate, but regardless: very unprofessional public behavior. What changed? This place used to be friendly!

Think Everything Italian ! Incredible Selections ! The Cheese Area - WOW ! Service is outstanding and very knowledgeable! A very nice market environment

Fabulous grocery store in the strip. I come here often for gluten free pizza shells (in freezer section), pepperoni and cheeses! Something about their pepperoni is superior to what you'd find at the usual grocery stores, so it's worth the trip. I also get bottles of their Spanish olive oil from the vat, and their name brand tomato sauce. Don't snooze on penn Mac!

A great Italian specialties store in the Strip District. The selection is amazing! Try have a large area of pastas, a cheese counter with dozens of choices including hard to find cheese like scamorza (I use for lasagna). Oils, vinegars, bread, and more. Knowledgeable staff help you find that perfect cheese. Ask for a sample. Love Penn Mac.

This strip district grocery store is everything. The deli, cheese section, bread section, dried goods, produce, spices and more makes this place amazing. We love their large selection of products and having available items you wouldn't normally see. We appreciated the kind service.

As a longtime Penn Mac customer I am saddened to see the changes that seem to make it upscale. The cheese counter now has large unopened wheels across the front that takes away from the visual appeal of seeing the variety of available choices. I had to lean to peer over to see the cheese when before you could look at choices while waiting in line. I asked the wonderful young cheese provider if anyone else had commented on the changes and he said yes several others did not like the changes. He was very knowledgeable and kindly helped us choose something other than our routine choices.The store now is wide open with the narrow areas missing taking away the charm when entering the store. There are several large coffee related machines on display. I spoke to the gentleman behind the counter to ask about the changes he first said "I don't understand what you mean as if I were speaking a strange language, he then brusquely dismissed me with "it is clean". All I was doing was saying I am sad to see the old Penn Mac losing its identity there was no reason to be so dismissive. The beloved Strip has lost so many old businesses and added many new chain shops and apartment. I know Penn Mac will be here for a long time so I will continue shopping and I will avoid the counter man.

What don't they have here? Basically feels like nothing. They have so much and there's so much variety. Great Italian imports also. Meat and cheese and fish galore. There is always a line and always a lot to try for next time. The place gets flooded with happy customers.

This is my second visit at this location, a stable well known in the Strip District. It was nice to see that not much had changed in the store look; since my first visit Memorial Day weekend 2011.. fast forward to Memorial Day weekend 2022. For me; the returning was a happy; pleasent ; fun memory when my mom and I were in awe of the layout of the store. If your looking for a one stop; shop; for ethnic Italian and other items be sure to take a gander ..you won't be disappointed. From locally made honey; to yes; despite the pandemic and covid; there is a bulk section that was reasonably priced per pound. Love that feel for normalcy. One large section of the store is your deli; section for the bulk; spices; fruit; pasta a bit of everything. Bon Appétit...a sure delight for all young and older.

Huge selection of fresh cheeses, some meats, olives, etc. Charcuterie lover's paradise! Not for the lactose intolerant but I am and I will suffer just to eat the cheeses from here! Huge variety of pasta and all the gear as well. Ravioli press and all kinds of kitchen tools and gadgets. Very cool!

I have been here before on a visit but never wrote a review. Let's remedy that now. Lordy this place has the goods... I've been having a hard time trying to get Tagliatelle and it's been difficult. Well they had it and another in spinach too. The pastas are from different areas of Italy and some USA brands too. Oh they also make FRESH PASTA.. it's excellent get you some. They make there own bottled marinara, you can find Italian candies, cookies and the like. Lots of antipasti items. Lots of everything! We also picked up some proper Gardinara that's packed in oil as it should be! Oh Sweet Baby Jesus the cheese counter... they make fresh mozzarella on site it's delicious. Prices are moderate but they carry the best of the best items. They also have on the other side the deli area for all your charcuterie dreams. They have all sorts for items and I believe they also have frozen ravioli and more but check the website as you can order online. A lot of my family does that as they no longer live in the area. This place has been here forever! If you can't find what you need to make that specific Italian dish ask they staff is friendly and helpful. It's on The Strip and parking can be a bit difficult. As an out of towner I would suggest alternative ways to get to this area. It's absolutely worth the visit!

Great selection of Italian foods prepared or frozen. Great cheese selection and olives too

This is such a fun spot to explore Italian ingredients ranging from homemade pasta and cheeses to olives and olive oil. There's definitely an old world air about the place with winding isles and a bustling cheese bar. It definitely has the quintessential Strip District vibe. We love popping in here anytime we are in the area. The service is to the point and keeps things moving along.

Pennsylvania Macaroni (Penn Mac) is a fantastic local Italian Grocery Store located in the Strip District of Pittsburgh. There is a great selection of meats and cheeses, pastas, olive oils and so much more. Anytime my family is planning to make a charcuterie board, stopping here is a must! During the Easter season, they carry Italian Chocolate Eggs which are a staple in my house. There is also BreadWorks bread toward the back of the store. Our favorite is the focaccia. In the room where the checkout counters are, there are many fresh fruits and vegetables just like in any regular grocery store. The workers are always so kind every time we visit. If you are ever visiting Pittsburgh, Penn Mac is a store you will want to visit!

I cannot love this place more! BEST meat and cheese in the city by far! I always ask their opinion of what to get and I've never been disappointed. They have delicious homemade ravioli, tortellini and meatballs too. We buy as much as can from Penn Mac because it is always oh-so-delicious!! It can get very busy on holidays or weekends so keep in mind you may have to wait at the meat or cheese counter but they use a number system and it goes pretty smooth and quick!

Ok like wow this is a cool spot this store has it all when regards to Italian goodies this is definitely a one stop shop! So my first day here I walked by the store and they had closed a bit earlier with just a look inside I knew that I had to come back here to pick up some goodies for home and I'm ever so happy I did as I found several things I wanted and some I couldn't get because of not being able to keep them cold. So they have it all here one side is the cheese shop where there is an abundance of delicious cheeses as well as some cured meats that just looked insanely yummy it's for this reason that I'm soo coming back here when I'm in town and bringing a cooler with me so that I can bring some of what's going to be totally good home! Besides the awesome cheese section I found one of the biggest selections of pasta noodles I have ever seen as they had soo many different kinds some of which you can tell are the total real deal it's these ones that I bought and brought home to cook some yummy pasta with in the next few days! Besides the macaroni they have just about everything else you can think of here to make any kind of Italian dish so much so I was blown away by it and totally bought a good amount of things to hold me over tell my next visit! Overall this store rocks soo many good things it's for these reasons that I'm sure I'll be back here soon or later!

If you like cheese, this place will make your taste buds explode I have been coming here for many years but I moved to California and one of the highlights of visits to Pittsburgh is coming to Penn Mac. I have not seen a store where you can taste the cheese before you buy it and where they cut the cheese fresh and according to your specifications. It's just heavenly. If you go early in the morning on weekdays, it's even better because it won't be busy. This is a staple in the Strip District and if you're looking for Italian specialty items, you have a pretty good chance of finding it here. For Portuguese and Brazilians, this is also a good place to find thick and salty cod fish for "bacalhoadas." Don't be afraid to talk to the staff to get recommendations as they will point you in the right direction. My personal tip is to get the Breadworks bread of your choice. I love the baguette , split rolls and Tuscan. My favorite cheese for breakfast is Stelvio (Italian) and then I go to La Prima to eat my break and cheese with their wonderful cappuccino! A day in the Strip District is a day of joy!Penn Mac, you're the best cheese store I have ever seen! Can't find anything like it in California.

I love places like this - small Italian markets are the best!You walk in and if you love food you're in Heaven. When Wifey and I stopped in here when we were in Pittsburgh we were actually disappointed we couldn't buy a bunch of stuff to bring home (we flew). From the bulk section to the deli to the market area this place seems to have it all. I could have stood there all day just for the cheese alone. Just be prepared, you are unlikely to make it a quick trip as the place will probably be packed. If my son goes to school out here I know where he's stopping before the drive home!

Old school is almost always the best school... I can't go to the strip without visiting Penn. Mac at least once. They have the best deli in Pittsburgh period. Their cheese's are top notch but the stuffed peppers and marinated artichokes are simply devine. Lucky for my family we are moving to Pennsylvania this summer so Penn Mac will be a weekly shopping adventure, Aloha

I left this place wishing that we had a few more days in PGH so I could have grabbed more items to cook with. Great variety here, from the imported cheeses at the counter to a variety of seasonings and a massive open-air olive bar. I was wowed by the selection here and distressed that nearly anything I bought ran the risk of being confiscated by TSA on our return flight home. Be sure to check out the kitchen tools/gadgets section with pasta machines and sandwich presses, etc over by the pasta area. Various reviews mention fresh bags of pasta being available at the register but we didn't see them? The cheese counter is definitely the star here, lactose intolerants beware! TIP: Half pound minimum applies to cheese counter. Cheese not sliced. Deli counter appeared to serve sandwiches but no other reviews mention it?

Pennsylvania Macaroni or Penn Mac for short is by far, one of the best places to get authentic foods from Italy. You can go to Penn Mac for some amazing Italian Specialties. They have fine meats, pastas, pasta sauces, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and spices primarily from Italy. The cheeses are from all over the world not just Italy or Europe, but also South America. They also have produce and bread. You can't go wrong with any of the food you buy there.

Was a bit disorganized, saw some stuff on shelves that looked a bit sus. I settled for some local honey which I thought would make good souvenirs to bring home for family and friends.

Along with Wholey's, this is one of the must stop places in The Strip District. Seems like a general store from the past where you can buy everything from fresh olives, deli meat, cheese, noodles along with fresh produce. They had me at free samples of cheese!

My fav Italian grocery store! I love browsing here when I have extra time, but it is easy to just run in for a few things on a weekday too. The weekends are very busy and you will wait in the cheese line for a while! My favorite thing to check out in Penn Mac is the little wooden crate in the cheese section that has all of the ends and small size leftover chunks of cheese. This is a great place to try a cheese that you don't want to commit to buying a whole 1/2 lb of! They have great fresh pasta near the check out too! The whole wheat linguine is my fav. I find something new every time I shop here.

The old warehouse building gives off a lot of character! Staff is super helpful & friendly. Busy during the weekends as expected especially during football season. Tons of fresh & frozen options.

What a cool store! They have all original floors and ceilings and it feels like you stepped into history here. They have an unreal assortment cheeses and other foods. My wife and I usually get our fresh pasta from here. I noticed this time that you can also buy olive oil from big casks. A must stop in the strip

Great italian grocery and lots of authentic products. The only cons are the miserable check out cashiers. They used to be friendly I have no idea why now they are so unhappy! Seem to be irritated even though nothing was said other than hello!

We love Penn Mac for our holiday shopping! The cheese counter guys are always happy to suggest a cheese and even let you taste sample. The elderly checkout lady Linda is rude, crabby, inconsiderate, and just not in a holiday mood. Maybe I spend 50 to 100 dollars during a visit, and she treats her customers like this. Perhaps she is in pain or hates her job? We try not to get in her lane if possible, and I feel bad for the bagging guys who work with her.

I felt like a kid in candy store at this place. They have a great collection of imported Italian food labels and some US labels as well. They have a great collection of cheese and some cheese are freshly made! Definitely a great spot for picking out cheese for a charcuterie board. They also have fresh made pasta which tasted delicious after cooking. You can definitely find all you need for your Italian recipes. Definitely recommend checking out the spot when you are at the Strip District.

In this time of COVID-19 Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. located 252 miles away from me was my saving grace and provided me so much joy on delivery day. Recipes have surly gotten the best of me during this time and I have been holding high urges to bake and cook but all with specific recipes in mind and not having all the ingredients needed. I came upon Penn Mac Co. while I was searching for my beloved coveted "roni cup" pepperoni from Ezzo sausage. Penn Mac appeared on their where to buy list. I'll take the 5lb bag please!! Then I got the idea to start searching for other needs. Brick Cheese - YUP! This is incredible by the way Yeast - Amen Yes!! Grocery stores and Amazon are out of this. Pizza Flour - sure thing! Specific pasta shapes - they had them all All of this in stock goodness quickly lead me down the rabbit hole of the search field and I quickly filled my online shopping cart with goodies that warmed my heart through the inter webs. Some additional goodies splurges I purchased included, 1lb Pistachio Mortadella, muffuletta spread, marinated Roasted red peppers, banana peppers, minced garlic (my grocery store has been out of garlic), some Penn Mac Smoked Mozzarella Ravioli and I'm sure some other surprises I cannot remember at this moment. They charge an additional $5 for their cold pack shipping container and only charge for one no matter how many they have to use. The packaging for all my goods was impeccable. Everything meticulously wrapped and safe. I was shorted a few items due to being out of stock according to the hand written note but I'm totally a-ok as I'm sure like all markets it's hard right now to keep everything in stock. If you live in Pittsburg, you should be shopping here for all your Italian needs. If you don't live in Pittsburg and live 252 miles away like I, I HIGHLY recommend that you add a few treats to an online cart and experience some joy during this crazy time. THANK YOU SO MUCH Pennsylvania Macaroni Co! You have a new HUGE fan in Perkasie, PA.

Love this place for so many reasons but the meats and cheeses are by far the most amazing selection there is , u gotta experience this place , bring a cooler for the car and explore the strip , such a cool area

This place is fantastic! I'm officially in love with it. They had such an array of things to choose from. Pastas that I didn't even know existed. Sauces of course to go along. It was my first time here and it totally exceeded my expectations. They had a special section filled with just spices which was nice. It was almost like down a hallway right before you go into the deli section. Definitely worth checking out. The deli was awesome with a huge menu of different selections. They have a separate cheese and meats counter. You get the true yinzer experience with the employees here. It was great! We were also able to put together a nice gift basket. It was full of all sorts of goodies, for a hard to buy for loved one for the holidays. We spent a full hour there, enjoyed ourselves while shopping , and left with some awesome buys. If you get the opportunity definitely check this place out!

An excellent example of old world deli, grocery and love for all things Italian and tasty. A must go to if you are in Pittsburgh. Located in the middle of "the strip". They have a love for the best tasting foods and respect the hard working people that want a taste of Italy. Wonder the aisles and find all types of unique items from all the great tools for making a pizza to a fantastic cheese selection and meats. You looking for pasta they got it. You need gravy for that pasta they got it. Forgettaboutit - Buon appetito!

Great place to get all the unique Italian groceries! They have a huge selection of fresh cheeses and meats that can be ordered by weight. They also have a freezer full of all different kinds of raviolis! I recently started getting into making homemade Neapolitan style pizzas and I was able to find all my ingredients here for that - grande cheese? They got it. A huge 55lb bag of Blue Caputo 00 flour for a price that can't be beat? You get they got it! I'm also a big fan of their freshly made pastas by the check out counters. It's easy to not notice it but definitely worth looking into. I believe you can buy fresh pasta by the bundles. Only minor negative is its often hard to find fresh baked bread since it flies off the shelves early in the mornings. I do like the way the store is segmented out into different categories - makes it easy to find whatever you may be looking for!

If you're a cheese lover, come visit here. There's a wide variety of cheese that you can buy in various amounts. I was amazed at all the flavors and origins I saw. It was impressive how many of the cheeses, can be bought at varying amounts. There's also groceries sold here but the main draw is definitely the cheese.

Much larger on the inside than you'd assume. Huge variety includes house made (or at least neighborhood made) bread, sauce, and pasta. We were happy to see bulk coffee, oil, tomatoes, etc -- not necessarily a better value with their prices but at least it's a way to stock up.

They have a fantastic selection of...EVERYTHING! My personal favorites are their store brand sauces (I am running low, so a road trip may be in the future). And you cannot go wrong with their stuffed raviolis (lobster, cheese, and crab are the best). This is an old school shop that is perfect the way it is!

Absolutely best Italian grocery in Pittsburgh. Their selection of pastas, cheeses, oils, sauces, and deli meats are unrivaled. My go-to place for making charcuterie boards and for imported pasta ingredients. They also have Mercurio's gelato in the freezer and a variety of sauces for making sandwiches. Whatever you can think of, you can be sure that this store will offer.

My favorite place in the Strip District! If you are Italian or even wish you were (and who doesn't?) , this is the place to go. Full deli with 100s of meats and cheeses. Fresh and dry pasta. Every Italian canned good you can think of. Huge selection of oils. Staff is very friendly and helpful. This is a "must stop" if you are in the burg.

Last April, smack in the middle of the pandemic, I found myself running dangerously low on bread flour. Suddenly everyone and their mother was buying flour to bake bread - which seemed supremely unfair because I had always baked my own bread and now couldn't get flour! Why did those new wannabe bakers deserve to be the only ones with bread?!?!? Anyway, I don't know how I discovered it, but it turned out that the only place with bread flour in the entire tri-state area was Pennsylvania Macaroni Company. In no time at all, I visited and was able to buy a 50-pound bag of high-quality flour that kept my kids in fresh bread for quite a long time. And their many pastas, array of interesting cheeses, fresh produce and other great ingredients were simply the icing on the cake. Seriously GOOD FOOD. Pennsylvania Macaroni Company is worth the trip if you're looking for fabulous ingredients. Visit now and enjoy!!!

Very cool Italian store and deli. I've been to a number of these types of places and this one is top notch. Great selection of imported Italian food at reasonable prices!

This is THE ITALIAN place to shop in that area. Excellent food. This place always has crazy lines and tons of people. To be honest, it's because it really is that good! Come with extra time on your hands. There is no quick in and out.

I love this store. They have everything you could possibly imagine when it comes to Italian cooking. Fresh pastas, locally made sauces, imported meats and cheeses and plenty of spices. It'll be my go-to for ingredients whenever I'm in need of an impressive charcuterie board!