The first time you visit St. Augustine’s D’Aleo Italian Deli, brace yourself when you walk in the door. Once you’re in, you’ll swear a salami slapped you across the face. Depending on your level of appetite, the aromatic invasion of meats upon your senses may be the best kind of welcome.

The deli and sandwich shop, run by husband-and-wife team Peter and Ria and son Joe, has existed for 28 years in the same spot behind the McDonald’s in the Lewis Point Plaza on U.S. 1 South. The D’Aleos brought their culinary smarts to the First Coast after having operated a deli and produce market in New York.