When you search for the best Italian deli in Los Angeles, Italia Deli in Agoura Hills consistently ranks at the top. A family-owned institution since 1981, Italia Deli has become a beloved staple in the Conejo Valley for its authentic Italian flavors, old-school charm, and unwavering commitment to quality.
In this episode, we sit down with Marisa DeFalco, one of the four siblings helping run Italia Deli today. This was one of our most requested interviews—and it's easy to see why.
Marisa shares heartfelt stories about growing up behind the deli counter, juggling a career in education while managing a family business, and the incredible moment her team won the lottery. We also dive into the challenges of preserving tradition in a fast-changing world, and how Italia Deli has remained a cornerstone of community, connection, and culinary excellence for over four decades.
Whether you’re a foodie, a fan of Italian cuisine, or love stories about family-run businesses with deep roots, this episode is a must-listen.
If you enjoyed this episode and find value in the podcast, please leave us a five-star review and rating. This helps more folks in the Conejo Valley find the podcast and that allows each story to reach more people.
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If you want to share your visionary story on the podcast, send an email to conejovalleyvisionaries@gmail.com - we are always open to guest nominations!
This episode was produced by Cristina Dennstedt and Justin K. Sloan. Conejo Valley Visionaries is edited by Justin K. Sloan and J.Sloan Productions.