If you’ve ever driven down Route 73 in South Jersey, you’ve definitely seen it. That massive, modern building with the clean lines and the bustling parking lot. Most people call it a grocery store. Honestly? Calling Rastelli Market Marlton New Jersey a grocery store is like calling a Ferrari just a "car." It’s technically true, but it misses the entire point of why people obsess over it.
I’ve spent plenty of time wandering these aisles, and let me tell you, it’s an experience. You don't just go there for a gallon of milk. You go there because you want a dry-aged ribeye that was handled by someone who actually knows what they’re doing, or maybe because you’re craving a "Hangover Burger" but also need to pick up a bottle of small-batch bourbon. It’s a hybrid—part high-end butcher shop, part gourmet deli, and part sit-down restaurant.
The Story Behind the Meat
You can't talk about the Marlton location without talking about the family. Ray Rastelli Jr. started out as a 19-year-old kid in the 70s with a tiny one-room butcher shop called the Meat Stop in Oak Valley. He wasn't some corporate executive; he was a guy trying to support a new baby. Fast forward four decades, and the Rastelli name is basically royalty in the meat world. They supply some of the finest steakhouses on the planet and are the heavy hitters on QVC.
When they opened the Marlton spot in 2014, it was like they took 40 years of expertise and dumped it into a 35,000-square-foot playground. The butcher shop here isn't just a counter in the back. It’s the heart of the building. We’re talking USDA Prime, Black Angus, and grass-fed options that make your typical supermarket "choice" cuts look pretty sad.
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What’s Really Inside the Market?
It’s big. Like, "I might get lost if I don't pay attention" big. But it’s organized into these "concepts" that make it feel more like a European market than a Jersey strip mall staple.
- The Butcher & Seafood Desk: This is why you're here. They have dry-aging cabinets right there. If you want a specific thickness for your pork chops or a sushi-grade piece of tuna, just ask.
- The Oak Tree Cafe: There is a full-blown dine-in area. You’ll see people on their laptops drinking coffee next to families eating brick-oven pizza.
- The Liquor Store: It’s tucked in there, and the selection is surprisingly deep. They have an extensive bourbon collection and plenty of craft beers that you won't find at the local "big box" liquor warehouse.
- The Hot Wok & Grill: You can literally order a General Tso’s chicken or a rib-eye cheesesteak while your partner picks out organic kale.
Why Locals Are Obsessed with the Prepared Foods
Let's be real: sometimes you don't want to cook. Rastelli Market Marlton New Jersey has basically cornered the market on "I'm too tired to make dinner but I refuse to eat fast food."
Their prepared food section is massive. It’s not just soggy rotisserie chickens. You’ll find stuff like lobster mac and cheese bites, balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts, and oversized arancini. Kinda pricey? Yeah, sometimes. But the quality is high enough that you could probably plate it, tell your dinner guests you made it, and they’d actually believe you.
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The Catering Machine
If you live in Evesham or Marlton, you have likely been to a graduation party or a corporate lunch catered by Rastelli’s. They have a massive operation for this. I’ve seen their catering menu—it’s like a phone book. They do everything from simple wrap trays to full-on Filet Mignon sliders and "Rise & Shine" breakfast spreads with house-baked cinnamon buns. It's a well-oiled machine.
Is It Worth the Premium Price?
Look, I'm not going to lie to you. If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest eggs and bread, this probably isn't your primary stop. You’re paying for the curation. You’re paying for the fact that the guy behind the meat counter can tell you exactly where that cow came from.
Some people complain about the "Marlton tax"—the idea that everything in this area is a bit more expensive—and while Rastelli’s definitely sits at a higher price point, the value is in the freshness. You aren't getting produce that’s been sitting in a warehouse for three weeks.
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A Few Things to Know Before You Go
- The Parking Lot is a Jungle: Especially on weekends. Be prepared to circle a few times. People in Marlton drive like they’re in a hurry to get nowhere.
- The Juice Bar is Legit: If you’re into fresh-pressed stuff, their Java and Juice bar is actually better than some dedicated smoothie shops.
- Check the Sale Flyers: They do "Overstock Sales" and weekly specials. If you time it right, you can snag premium meats for a fraction of the usual cost.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of folks think Rastelli’s is just for "rich people" or special occasions. Honestly, that’s not really the vibe. You’ll see construction workers in high-vis vests grabbing a massive sub at the deli next to someone in a tailored suit. It’s a community hub.
One thing that surprised me? Their "Voodles and Veggies" from the wok section. It’s zucchini, squash, and carrot noodles with tofu and spicy garlic sauce. It’s actually healthy and tastes like real food, which is a rarity in the "grab-and-go" world.
Why It Still Matters in 2026
In an era where everyone is ordering groceries on an app and never talking to a human, Rastelli Market Marlton New Jersey feels like a throwback. It’s tactile. You smell the bread baking. You see the butchers working. You can sample the cheese.
It’s about the "foodie destination" aspect. They’ve managed to turn a chore (grocery shopping) into an outing. Whether you’re grabbing a gift basket for a neighbor or just a single burger for lunch, the level of care is the same. It’s that old-school butcher shop mentality scaled up for the modern world.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Next Visit
- Try the Butcher Burger: It’s a blend of short rib, brisket, and chuck. It’s arguably one of the best burgers you can buy to cook at home.
- Don't skip the bakery: The house-baked muffins and artisan breads are miles ahead of the plastic-wrapped stuff at a standard grocer.
- Look for the QVC favorites: Often, the items Ray features on TV—like the Faroe Islands Salmon or the Black Angus Craft Burgers—are available right in the freezer or fresh cases.
- Use the App for Pickup: If the parking lot scares you, use their "Food On The Go" service. You can order your hot meals online and just run in to grab them.
- Ask for advice: The staff at the meat and seafood counters are genuinely knowledgeable. If you aren't sure how to cook a specific cut, just ask. They love talking shop.