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Inside The 55,000 Sq. Ft. Italian Wonderland Where Pasta Is Made Fresh Daily And Wine Flows Wall-To-Wall

Published: August 5, 2025

  • Attraction: Cantoro’s Italian Market & Trattoria
  • Location: 15550 N Haggerty Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170
  • Industry: Italian Market
  • Website: https://www.cantoromarket.com

Imagine walking through the bustling markets of Rome or Venice without ever leaving Michigan.

Cantoro Italian Market & Trattoria is inspired by the famous Italian markets in Rome, Venice and Palermo and is the largest Italian market in Michigan – a lively 55,000 square foot Italian culinary mecca with a multi-award-winning restaurant attached.

Mario Fallone founded the highly celebrated Cantoro Italian Market in 1967, and today his sons Michael and John continue the family tradition by traveling to Italy throughout the year to source authentic ingredients found nowhere else in the United States.

Often referred to as the Disneyland of everything Mediterranean food-related, this Plymouth location opened in 2014 and offers an immersive Italian experience that goes far beyond typical grocery shopping.

You’ll discover everything from fresh pasta made daily to an extensive wine cellar, plus a full-service trattoria that ranks among metro Detroit’s finest Italian restaurants.

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Culinary Treasures & Must-Try Specialties

The Legendary Cannoli: You’ll find three different varieties of handmade cannoli that have earned recognition in People Magazine. These exceptional desserts feature rich, creamy filling and perfectly crisp shells that showcase authentic Italian craftsmanship, making them a standout treat that draws visitors specifically for this specialty.

Fresh Pasta Counter: Watch as pasta makers create over a dozen varieties daily, from classic fettuccine to specialty shapes you won’t find elsewhere. The fresh pasta section offers everything you need to recreate restaurant-quality Italian dishes at home, including house-made sauces and premium imported ingredients.

Exceptional Bakery: Their skilled bakers work through the night creating ciabatta, pugliese, ciambella, calabrese, and focaccia breads using authentic recipes from every Italian region. You’ll also discover seasonal Italian macarons, sfogliatelles, and the famous Cassata cake that draws customers from across the state.

Gelato & Dessert Paradise: The gelato counter features house-made flavors that are creamy, varied, and packed with authentic Italian taste. Beyond gelato, you’ll find an impressive selection of tiramisu, fruit tarts, cheesecakes, and Italian cookies including traditional Amaretti.

Specialty Cheese Department: Explore varieties from every region in Italy, with knowledgeable staff ready to guide you through tastings and pairings. The selection includes both familiar favorites and rare imported cheeses you won’t find in typical grocery stores.

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Wine Selection & Cantina: The lower-level Cantina is a wine lover’s dream with Italy’s most coveted, celebrated and hard-to-find wines filling the room wall-to-wall. You’ll discover bottles from every Italian region, many exclusively imported by the Fallone family during their annual buying trips.

Trattoria Restaurant: The on-site restaurant serves generous portions of contemporary Italian cuisine with highlights like Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, Linguine con Vongole, and Calamari Peperonati. You’ll find that single portions are impressively large, often providing enough food to share or take home as leftovers, ensuring excellent value alongside exceptional quality.

Atmosphere & Market Experience

Bustling Marketplace Energy: The open-air, upper level Mezzanine overlooks the bustling market, creating an authentic Italian market atmosphere where the sights, sounds, and aromas transport you straight to the Mediterranean.

Multi-Level Layout: The expansive space features multiple levels including a main market floor, an upper mezzanine area, and the wine cantina below. The second level houses a kitchenware department where you can find authentic Italian cooking tools and specialty items.

Visual Food Displays: Every department showcases food as art, from colorful produce arrangements to elaborate pastry displays. The market’s design emphasizes the beauty of Italian culinary culture with thoughtful presentation throughout.

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Restaurant Ambiance: The restaurant occupies one large room with an open, airy feel, though it can get quite lively during peak dining hours. The atmosphere is stylish and sophisticated yet warm and casual, perfect for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings.

Other Considerations

Generous Value: While prices reflect the premium quality of imported and specialty items, restaurant portions are notably large, often enough to share or take home leftovers. The market offers excellent value considering the authentic ingredients and unique products unavailable elsewhere.

Parking & Accessibility: The location is wheelchair accessible and offers convenient parking for the large facility, making it easy to navigate even when carrying multiple purchases.

Perfect for Food Enthusiasts: Whether you’re an experienced Italian cook or just beginning to explore Mediterranean cuisine, the knowledgeable staff provides guidance and samples to help you discover new favorites. The prepared foods section offers over 50 different gourmet dishes for those who prefer ready-to-eat options.

Event Capabilities: The facility offers private dining spaces including the Cantina for up to 90 guests and the Mezzanine for up to 200 people, complete with full catering services for special occasions.

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Shopping Experience: The market operates Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM, giving you flexibility to explore during convenient hours. Plan extra time to fully experience all the departments and possibly enjoy a meal at the trattoria.

Specialty Items: You’ll find hard-to-locate ingredients like Bresaola and other cured meats, plus imported pantry staples, olive oils, and vinegars that bring authentic Italian flavors to your home cooking.


Cantoro’s Italian Market & Trattoria
📍 15550 N Haggerty Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170

Writer: Kathy Bayton
Contributor

I have been writing since college, after college I moved to Michigan for good. Nothing beats the Great Lakes in the summer or a cider mill in the fall. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me browsing indie bookstores or hanging out with friends. Michigan has the best sunsets and I will die on that hill.