New Silver Lake Sandwich Shop Alimentari Is Already Confusing Everyone

Here’s a bit of a head-scratcher: it looks like the folks behind Cowboys & Turbans in Silver Lake have turned on the lights to an adjacent new Italian market and sandwich concept called Alimentari. Well, technically the name appears to be Silverlake Alimentari, but still it's surprising that they never considered any overlap with the rather well-received nearby dinner spot Alimento.

The restaurant also seems to be doing something rather similar to Sopressata, an already popular Italian sandwich place nearly across the street. Owner Baba Ji — who has partnered with longtime actor Deep Roy for the new concept — says that Alimentari is meant to be a marketplace first, like a corner store that specializes in Italian ingredients but also happens to offer sandwiches. Those fall into the $10 to $13 dollar range, and include favorites like turkey and avocado, prosciutto, and salami. You’ll also find pastries, coffee, and juice on offer.

Confusingly enough, it seems some folks are already getting Alimentari and Alimento mixed up, as evidenced by this Instagram shot.

Yes that is chicken liver and yes that went into my mouth. And yes it was delicious. Livin life on the edge #pretendfancylyfe #becauseweworkedallday #fancy #adult #tomorowramen #ramenalldayerrday #jkieatvegtables #jkjkjk

A photo posted by AshleyBornancin (@ashleybornancin) on Aug 15, 2016 at 12:37am PDT

The photo shows food from the restaurant Alimento, but the geotagging feature on the app shows up as Alimentari, which is very nearby. Asked to comment on the name, Baba Ji said simply that while he loves Alimento the restaurant, they're a dinner destination and Alimentari is only a daytime marketplace doing sandwiches in the casual style of corner shops in Rome. Nothing to see here.

Right now, the whole thing comes off just about as confusing as the time Los Angeles had dueling Scratch Bar restaurants to deal with. That said, if you’re interested in checking it out yourself, the former Silverlake Juice space has been reworked and is up and running as of about five days ago. There’s a new paint job and signage, though the interior hasn’t been refreshed too much. Monday through Saturday hours run 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Silverlake Alimentari
2813 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA