‘Littlest Little Italy’

FIRST LOOK

Innovative 5-in-1 concept enhances the customer experience

In San Jose’s Little Italy, the new Littlest Little Italy features five food and beverage concepts in one historic venue. They include Torino Panino Deli and Shop, Bibo’s Little Italy Pizza, Birre by Pour Decisions, Ancora Vino from the former Enoteca team and Salumi Bar. PHOTOS: DAI SUGANO — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The Chicago Way is a classic Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich served at Torino Panino Deli.

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There’s Italy. You know, the big boot of food and culture. Then there are the Little Italys all around the world: New York, Boston, Sao Paulo, San Francisco, St. Louis, Toronto, San Diego among them — and the ever-expanding San Jose one.

And now there’s the Littlest Little Italy. Five food-and-beverage concepts have come together under one roof, the former Enoteca La Storia in San Jose’s Little Italy district. It’s just 5,000 square feet but packed with Italian and Italian-American favorites.

Enoteca owners Mike Guerra and Joe Cannistraci were looking to return to what they do best — wine — and contract out the restaurant side of the business. Little Italy president Joshua DeVincenzi Melander knew that Henry’s Hi-Life owner Jason Alarid and restaurateur Josh Weeks were exploring the idea of opening an Italian sandwich shop in the historic district. So they all came together and brought San Jose’s Bibo’s NY Pizza and Hollister’s Pour Decisions taproom onboard.

THE LOOK >> Cannistraci and Guerra reinvigorated this side of Little Italy in 2017, when they transformed the former Italian-owned Alameda French Bakery into their restaurant. The tile-roofed exterior retains its vintage 1925 charm; the interior sports Italian colors and historic photographs. And the bakery roots are back on full display with rolls and focaccia baked in-house by a kitchen team led by Leo Chavez of Saratoga’s Michelin-starred Plumed Horse.

Diners can choose from tables indoors or on the heated patio or grab a seat at one of the bars.

THE VIBE >> Welcoming and full of foodie promise. Expect a lively crowd when nearby SAP Center is hosting a Sharks game, concert or other event.

THE KEY DIFFERENCE >> Unlike a food hall, these five distinct concepts are working in tandem, especially when it comes to customer service. So you can order from any or all — wine, beer, panini, pizza, salumi, gelato, products to go — and pay one tab. And table/bar service is offered. Sit anywhere you like. Order from a server or via the QR code, and your food and beverages will be delivered to your table.

THE FOOD AND DRINK CONCEPTS >>

Torino Panino Deli and Shop: You’ll find eight Italian sandwiches at the old-school counter run by Jason Alarid, the owner of Henry’s Hi-Life across the street — including a chicken Parm called the Parma Johnny ($16.95), which is available in limited quantities (or, as the sign says, “When it’s here, it’s here. When it’s gone, it’s gone.”) Don’t miss: Alarid has been experimenting for years with an Italian beef, that legendary Chicago sandwich that features hot slices of juicy beef cooked with Italian herbs, topped with giardiniera and served on a roll with more juice.

The shop shelves are packed with Italian imports, including rich Butter of Parma, A’Siciliana’s blood orange and lemon sodas and pasta, olive oil and marmalade galore.

Bibo’s Little Italy Pizza: This San Jose favorite is known for its New York-style pizzas. At this location, owners Bibo and Freddie Elian will offer eight varieties by the pie ($28-$38) or slice (the first grab-and-go slices for this heritage district, $5-$6.50). Also on the menu: Italian wings ($12.95), which get their heat from a house-made Calabrian pepper sauce, and Fiorello’s made-in-Marin gelato ($4.95-$6.95). Don’t miss: Bibo’s exclusive pizza for this location is a truffled one, with mushrooms, green onions and shaved Parmesan.

Birre by Pour Decisions: Three beer aficionados — taproom owners Jon Cuilla, Joe Nguyen and Nick Donaldson — will curate the 24 taps with frequent rotations. “We like to open people up to new breweries,” Nguyen said. Don’t miss: The beer flights come nestled in a red, white and green tray shaped like the Little Italy arch.

Ancora Vino: This is the newly named tasting area and bottle shop overseen by Guerra, an advanced sommelier, and Cannistraci. Expect to see a whopping 60 wines by the glass, an array that includes premium wines and attractively priced “last bottle” pours ($12). Don’t miss: Want a red that pairs well with salumi? Guerra swears by Lambrusco ($12).

Salumi Bar by Ancora Vino: Sample cured Italian meats and cheeses (three selections for $12.95, four for $16.95) or feed your group with a Grande Tavola tray for the table ($49.95). Small bites include polpette al sugo (two meatballs in sauce, $11.95). Don’t miss: Arancini, decadent fried rice balls made with mushroom-truffle risotto and served with whipped ricotta (four for $12.95).

DETAILS >> Opens at noon Wednesday-Sunday. Starting Wednesday, the hours will be 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. for all except Torino Panino, which will close at 7 p.m. Littlest Little Italy is at 320 W. St. John St., San Jose; littlestlittleitaly.com.