New Hope gets an Italian market

Lambertville’s loss is New Hope’s gain: DiNapoli’s Italian Deli and Catering is moving across the river in January.

Che figata!

Owner Danny DiNapoli, 24, says he needs more room than 15 Kline’s Court in Lambertville has to offer, and 20 N. Main St. in New Hope is the place he wants to be.

“We grew out of this place,” explained DiNapoli. “We got very popular. The new location has everything we need. It has the seating. I can prepare more food. I can put more stuff out.”

The more spacious New Hope store will allow DiNapoli’s to transform from a deli to a food store/restaurant.

“I’m opening up an Italian market,” DiNapoli said. “It’s the same, but more dry goods, a reach-in freezer, a lot of seating, outside events, and a Sinatra singer on Sundays.”

A new food shopping option will certainly be a welcome addition to downtown New Hope.

“We’ll have four deli cases with cold cuts, prepared food, imported Italian meats, and imported cheeses,” noted DiNapoli. “You can reach in and grab fresh mozzarella, containers of marinara. You can grab pounds of meatballs at a time.”

And DiNapoli’s meatball is regarded as a standout by many. Named “Best Meatball in New Jersey” by Fox News, the savory specialty is made with beef, veal, and pork, along with locatelli cheese and parsley. Pressed further on the exact method of preparation, DiNapoli clams up, protecting his secret recipe.

“We just cook it,” he said.

Also popular is the “Danny D” sandwich, made with a chicken cutlet and mozzarella, prosciutto di Parma, roasted peppers, and balsamic dressing. Another customer favorite is roasted pork with sharp provolone and broccoli di rabe on a long roll.

“You’ve got the North Jersey taste with the South Philly flair — that’s our taste,” said DiNapoli.

He’s not shy about his ambitions.

“New Hope, get ready,” DiNapoli advised. “It’s gonna be a lot of fun at our store. It’s gonna be different. It’s gonna be an Italian market where people can shop.”

Bring it on.