Founded nearly four decades ago by the late Angela “Mama“ Carlino who immigrated from Italy, the Carlino’s in Ardmore offers some of the best Italian food in the region, writes Maria Panaritis for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Located in a row of former two-story attached homes on County Line Road run by Carlino’s son, Pat, and his wife, Laura, Carlino’s offers a wide range of products.

These range from homemade pasta, bread, pies, savory chicken, lasagna to hoagies, salads, gourmet cheese, and much more. Most of the recipes are Mama Carlino originals.

“Every few years we’ll go through her ‘bible’ — recipe notebooks all full of clippings, and handwritten,” said Jessica Perez, executive pastry chef.

Customers can order meals by the piece or the trayful. There is also always an eclectic group of people waiting in line. These range from tired parents looking for a cooking break, Main Liners with Teslas to law firms catering parties.

And while the establishment that began as a market and evolved into something much more is always busy. This is especially true during the holiday season when there is even police outside directing traffic to contain the chaos.

Read more about Carlino’s at The Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.