Crinkly bags of durum wheat pastas hold court next to kaleidoscope-like jars of fresh Giardinara, but it's Gino's ample selection of cappuccino makers and house-made barese sausage that are the real draw at this family-owned spot.

The wide aisles, filled with cured meats and imported cheeses like Pecorina Romano and Parmagiano Reggiano, line up like retail boulevards stocked with tasty treats. While Gino's seems like almost every other Italian-style deli and grocery on Chicago's Northwest side, if you're looking for fresh pasta, it's the only one-stop shop in town.

Gino's shares a common door with Pasta Fresh, which sells a trove of fresh noodles and raw pasta sheets, perfect for cooking homemade lasagna or a steaming bowl of spaghetti. On the other hand, the fresh arancini, baseball-size, deep-fried risotto balls stuffed with gooey mozzeralla, red sauce and green peas, are the addictive sideline that will make you a regular.

Centerstage Reviewer: Michael Nagrant