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Defalco's Italian Grocery
Categories: Restaurants Italian Restaurants Delis Restaurants Sandwiches Italian, Delis, Sandwiches [Edit]
2334 N Scottsdale RdSte A133
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
(480) 990-8660
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 9 pm
Sun 11 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
236 reviews for Defalco's Italian Grocery
Review Highlights
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"I absolutely enjoyed their cheese steak sandwiches." In 23 reviews -
"I always order extra to take home." In 8 reviews -
"I also had a chocolate cannoli, the cannoli was a five." In 4 reviews
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236 reviews in English
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Review from Chrystalle B.
Tempe, AZ
4/22/2012
I forget who told me about this place but thank God for them!
I have never had a bad meal here. My fave sandwich is the sausage w/ peppers and onions. Oh so good. And I love that they have Dr. Brown's soda. The line is usually all the way back to the door, but it's so worth it.
I love that the tables are set among the groceries. Ive never had need to go there for anything but lunch, but I like that while waiting in line you can peruse their grocery/deli selections.
2 words: go here! -
Review from John P.
Scottsdale, AZ
4/30/2012
I was pleased to find this place when I moved here. I rate it five stars in every category except their property. Needs some work.
As a grocery it is fine. As a restaurant (meaning the decor) it leaves a little to be desired.
You will never have a problem with the food, however. Never once ordered a bad thing here. Not sure it can be done.
I highly recommend. -
Review from Mike M.
Thorofare, NJ
Impossibly good Italian deli in the middle of the desert. Huge sandwiches on the most incredible bread you've ever had outside of NY. As someone who ate here 3 times in a 24 hr period, I feel especially compelled to tell you about their cheesesteak. HO-LY-SHIT. Easily the most decadent, flavorful cheesesteak I've had in a VERY long time - and I live 15 minutes outside of Philly. Im still in disbelief that they could pull something like that off. Ask for yours on the soft roll.
I should also mention the sausage, peppers & onion sandwich, which was really good. I suspect they make their own sausage, which elevates them to superstar status in my book. The chicken parm sandwich and dinner are both equally good, and the meatball sandwich deserves honorable mention as well.
I dont do cold subs, but the ones I saw coming out of the kitchen looked huge and tasty. Perhaps I will try their pizza next time I'm in town. -
Review from harumi s.
Scottsdale, AZ
5/18/2012
Love their food. Egg plant permesan was awesome and pizza is great too. It's a great place to pick up food if you don't feel like cooking for dinner.
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Review from Annette F.
Scottsdale, AZ
5/13/2012 4 Check-ins Here
I love Defalco's. I hate Defalco's. The food is always fresh and I'm never disappointed. The big problem is that the service is so slow. It's great that they have a market for you to look around while you are waiting for your food. I know I can get quality tasting food but I have to here when I know I'm not in a rush to be somewhere.
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Review from David D.
Scottsdale, AZ
Updated - 5/19/2012
DeFalco's has been slowly perfecting their pizza recipe for the last couple of years, and I can now say that their crust is one of my favorites in the Valley. I highly recommend trying one of their pizzas with the sweet Italian sausage. Heavenly.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/8/2010
I have been going to DeFalco's since 1984 when they were at the old location on 68th and Thomas. I… Read more »
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Review from Diego S.
Scottsdale, AZ
3/18/2012
One of life's greatest pleasures is revenge, and I can't think of a better place to dish it up than at Defalco's.
Here's how.
It's Saturday and the girls are looking for a place to lunch. Recommend Defalco's, explaining how their sandwiches are off the hook.
When you get there, hang back and order last. It's a small place with nowhere to loiter once you've ordered, the girls will be forced to a table.
Now the revenge.
You recommended the Italian sub to the others, saying how the portions are super small and to order the whole instead of the half. They believe you and order.
Only now, as none of them are listening, you order a small cup of mixed olives, a plate of Italian cheeses, and a glass of Chianti. So very European!
You won't find this anywhere on the menu, but Defalco's will make it for you special..it'll cost around 10 bucks.
Go take your seat with the girls and wait, as the server tries to squeeze three subs the size of Shaq's sneakers onto the table...right along side your tiny plate of cheese and olives.
They're mortified.
Staring at their 'subs' as all the hot ASU guys in this place are now staring at them. This, as you daintily pick up an olive, a small piece of cheese and take a sip of chianti while smiling at the hotties.
Now enjoy, as your bitch 'friends' pay for that remark you overheard them make at Jessica's bachelorette party last weekend...the one about how your butt resembles Oprah's on steroids.
Have another sip of wine sweetie.
Beautiful, isn't it? -
Review from Pepper T.
Phoenix, AZ
Updated - 3/5/2012
I vowed never to return after my last experience here but was in the area and we were in need of hot cherry peppers and thought Defalco's would have them.
I had the half Italian beef sandwich, I liked the taste of it with the onions and peppers on the crusty hard to find good bread. This half sandwich was big and sloppy and I felt like a pig woman eating it. They give you a tiny cup of au jus with it and a pepperoncini.
My husband had the Italian meat sandwich also on crusty bread and upgraded the cheese to the sharp provolone (.75 extra) and added roasted red peppers (1.50 extra)
They do sell hard to find Italian meats,and boar's head meats,cheeses,oils,vinegars,candy and pasta in shapes you can't find in your local grocery and many other things but not the whole (red) hot cherry peppers in vinegar that we were hoping to buy.
The sandwiches were good and overall maybe 4 stars but I still feel it is necessary to remove one star for the salad they made me last time.
3-8-12 just tried the hot cherry pepper spread....BAH not hot or satisfying one bit1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/24/2011
Maybe they make good sandwiches but if you order something harder than that you might NOT get… Read more »
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Review from Luke P.
Tempe, AZ
5/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Excellent food. It's crazy crowded during lunch time so I usually go around 1:30, 2:00. Their roast beef sandwich is delicious with roasted peppers.
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Review from Gary H.
Chandler, AZ
3/24/2012
I have been to Defalcos about 4 times, I really like the atmosphere, it is relatively comfortable although kind of small and I have only been there at off times so they have not been busy. They do some times take a long time to fulfill your order though.
I have only had the subs there, can't say a deli is the place for pizza. Had some of their cappuccino and I can say their food is good but not great or anything to really rave about. Actually I found their cold subs are better than the hot ones. The hot ones are rather bland to my taste and really lacks anything special especially the bread and I have tried 4 different types, there is little seasoning. The subs ingredients are plentiful, they do put a lot of quality ingredients and yes they are better than the chains so they may be a couple of dollars more, it is worth it. It really is good or a little better than average and I do not consider the chains average. All in all, I would recommend it for their quality and also they have a good plentiful selections. Does not blow me away and I usually like it here
for the atmosphere also, so the two combine is not bad. -
Review from Ez T.
Scottsdale, AZ
4/29/2012
Best Pizza in this state!!!! Promise. The Bianca Pizza is where its at!!! Simply delicious.
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Review from Soli A.
Tempe, AZ
2/27/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Imported delightes from all over...
Their food is great, and I end up picking something to take home every time.
Oh yeah, their coffee and Cannoli are the best! -
Review from Andrea K.
1/16/2012
They definitely have the Italian Grocery Store thing down pat. Service was pleasant though really really slow.
I decided to get the chicken cheesesteak....it was good, but wasn't the best I have ever had. The pasta salad was good though it could have used more olive oil.
I'll be back to try something else for sure when I am in the area. But it won't be something that I will run to South Scottsdale for anytime soon. -
Review from Jade F.
Tempe, AZ
4/4/2012
Ahhmazing cheesesteak. Was a bit of a wait but pretty much worth it. Loved the wine selection and other grocery goodies!
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Review from Angela G.
Scottsdale, AZ
4/3/2012
Its amazing! little place best cheesesteaks! you have to try it!
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Review from Zach S.
Phoenix, AZ
12/9/2011
I've been to Defalco's a handful of times before with average customer service, and above average southwestern Italian food. However, tonight, I ordered a soup, they were out of. The cashier refused to make more of the soup of the day. After waiting 10-15 minutes to hear the news, he offered a dinner salad. The salad was not fresh and the lettuce was unsatisfactory, after waiting an additional 10 minutes. I went up to the counter and spoke to the owner. He offered to give me another salad, which at that point I didn't want to wait any longer. He finally gave me cash back, after giving me some of the worst customer service experience I've received at any restaurant in Arizona.
The worst part is that he would NOT listen to me when I told him the lettuce tasted stale and out of date. He outright denied my claim. I have not received such an attitude toward a customer before. He had no reason to give me a snarky, self-righteous attitude. He acted completely full of himself and his restaurant, saying that it was fresh and I was wrong. It's not that hard to please the customer. I will not return and can't recommend this restaurant based on their refusal to put the customer first. I'm pretty sure I know how a fresh salad should taste and this was not up to par. Not a big deal, don't attack the customer. That's unacceptable. There are a number of Italian restaurants I frequent in Tempe and Scottsdale and will go to them in the future. Defalco's inability to give a welcoming and positive experience is not well received and will not be tolerated. -
Review from Paul T.
Updated - 2/28/2012 2 Check-ins Here
As promised, I returned to DeFalco's Italian Grocery last week for another cheesesteak. I was offered a choice of either a crunchy or a soft roll, this time I opted for the soft roll. The frizzled beef was well seasoned and not greasy. The cheese was melted and mixed throughout, warm gooey goodness on a soft Italian roll which was reminiscent of a fresh Amoroso roll. I asked for hot sauce and was offered Tabasco. Once again, kudos to Anthony DeFalco for his willingness to incorporate customer feedback. That's truly as good as it gets!
Listed in: Cheesesteak USA
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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11/16/2011
After posting my original review, I received a message from Anthony DeFalco. Mr. DeFalco was not… Read more »
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Review from Kendra S.
1/25/2012
I love this place! I've been here quite a few times but have only had their italilan cold cut sandwich and the philly cheese steak sandwich. Both are delish!!
If you're impatient, I recommend calling ahead and then picking up your order. Although it's worth the wait if you're in the mood to dine-in.
They have a cute little grocery area to browse while your waiting too. If you're ever in South Scottsdale, I definitely recommend this place. -
Review from Jay F.
11/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Love this place but giving it a 4 star as it can be somewhat slow and few healthier options to select from. Yeah I know, penalizing them for not "healthy" is probably silly as you know when going to let's say a fast food joint you are not eating so good. That being said the food at Defalco's is very high quality - almost as if you are in Italy and am not comparing it to fast food.
I suggest you wait to try out Defalco's when not in a rush as its worth the wait. There order system is very similar to local places back east (basically avoiding technology) and that probably ties into part of the slower process of ordering and getting your food. I am from back east (NY area) and finding a good Italian deli / grocery store in the Phoenix area is not an easy task. A friend introduced me to Defalco's and anytime I am headed south on Scottsdale road (which is often) and after passing Thomas my stomach seems to pick up we are near Defalco's as it starts giving me the rumble noise.
I have tried many things on the menu such as Eggplant Parmigiana, Chicken Parmigiana, and Cheese steak and three of those are worth a shot. I recommend to bring a friend and each get a different large sandwich and share. -
Review from Ashley G.
Phoenix, AZ
3/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
So good!! Seriously, I mean it. This place is fabulous. You will walk in and think, "What the hell is this place?" Then you will eat your lunch and then start planning your next meal here. Super delicious.
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Review from Benjamin S.
Phoenix, AZ
1/3/2012
My God, the bread. Sooo amazing. I've had a meatball sandwich and a cheesesteak from here so far and they were killer.
The cheesesteak just drips out cheese and everything is so fresh. Quality is key here, seriously. Also getting the full sized sandwich is ridiculously filling, definitely get your moneys worth. -
Review from Mark N.
12/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Small deli serving up some delicious sandwiches! The pizza sub is awesome! (I like to add green peppers and mushrooms)
They serve beer as well so you can have a cold one with your lunch.
Also have a stock of specialty Italian foods like your jarred veggies etc. -
Review from Hal J.
Scottsdale, AZ
12/15/2011
Defalco's Let me count the ways thou love ye.
1. The freshest Ingredients
2. Everything is literally amazing (especially the chicken salad sandwich)
3. Cheesecake and all deserts are off the Chizain
4. Store even smells great
5. Italian done right
Seriously been coming here for 12+ years. EVERYTHING is good. The wait is long because they make it fresh, so if you lack patience phone your order in. Go here NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously stop reading this and go to Freaking DEFALCO'S JABRONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh really your going to sass me now? That's it no Chicken Salad for YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -
Review from Jay R.
Phoenix, AZ
Sandwich was great must return soon.....
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Review from Sheetal R.
Chandler, AZ
12/8/2011
This was a random surprise. It looks like a market but then we realized that the restaurant menu and ordering area is in the back , with the tables interspersed among the grocery isles. The market itself has a great selection of pasta, sauces, biscuits, and wine. The food itself is great.
The menu was huge and I kinda got lost in it so I ended up ordering a half turkey and provolone sandwich on nine grain, a cup of minestrone soup (which came with bread) and a side meat ball. The sandwich was good, it wasn't the best but good for the price. The minestrone was yummy. And the meatball was AMAZING!!! My fiance had the cheese steak sandwich, which was very tasty, but the clam chowder was pretty bland.
The wait was a bit long, but we really were not in a hurry so it was not a big deal. Also, the salads looks great. The next time I come here, I'm definitely getting another meatball, maybe try one of the other hot sandwiches and one of the salads. -
Review from Joe S.
Cypress, CA
Been a fan of this place since before Yelp! found it. True it is not cheap. True the time it takes to get your food is so looooong that you think they forgot about you. BUT they didn't. My tip - get your drink - fill it - drink it - re-fill it - repeat. About the 2nd or 3rd refill is about the time you can expect to get your food.
I am either boring or extremely loyal depending on your POV - if I find something that I like - I stick with it. If I don't - I either try something else or never return to that establishment. For this place - I get the Chick-Parm with Pasta salad. It has never let me down!
Since I live in CA - I only get to this place when I visit family - so it is a must-do when I visit. Usually 3-4 times a year.
When I do make it here - I eat it up - then usually go home and sleep for a nice 2 hour nap. :) Then I can return to visiting with the fam. -
Review from Julie L.
Mesa, AZ
4/10/2012
I love their turkey and provolone cold sub! Delicious with pickles added.
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Review from Timothy H.
Scottsdale, AZ
10/5/2011
The food is 5 stars!
Absolutely delicious!
BUT 3.5 stars overall.
Negatives include the SLOW service. DO NOT go here if you are already hungry. You can literally feel yourself aging while you stand helplessly waiting for your food. It's not uncommon to wait a good 20 - 30 minutes.
Also a negative - Price. I'm guessing they probably do have all of their ingredients flown in from Italy, because the price reflects it. I guess you do get what you pay for. Typically you'll spend $10 for a sandwich, $3-$5 on sides and $2-$3 for your drink. The happy hour prices seem okay ($2 beer).
Seating is extremely limited. Barely any room to even move around in here. Also, your table is so close to the other tables that people are participating in your conversation. Kinda creepy! The outdoor seating is basically lawn-chair, patio furniture.
And Location/Parking. Not the best, especially with the crazy road construction. But I guess in the end... It is what it is. I still return and will continue to help support local businesses. -
Review from Ike D.
Phoenix, AZ
12/5/2011
This little place tucked just south of the main Scottsdale drag is quite a gem. I found a food tasting forum on-line which mentioned it as a noteworthy stop for some really great food. That was an understatement; from the parking lot it looks a little sketchy but never judge a book by it's cover.
Not only is this place very easy on the wallet, it's so interesting! In addition to being a deli it is also a small Italian grocery with numerous wines, oils, cheeses, and meats. I originally stopped in for their Philly Cheese steak and, having been to Philadelphia this past year I can honestly say this sandwich earns that name, so delicious.
If I'm ever in the area I love to take my friends and family for a bite to eat. -
Review from Michael L.
Phoenix, AZ
10/6/2011
I work close by and a friend recommended them. i have been there 1-2 times a week sense. Everything I try is great. Don't be in a rush though.
I use to drive 20 miles to get a good Italian Beef sandwich with spicy sausages. Now I just go 5 minutes for a great one. -
Review from Kali R.
9/14/2011
I have heard exciting and molto delicioso things DeFalco's. See, ever since I took a trip to Tuscany a few years ago, I am always faced with yearning for the freshest prosciutto, the perfect cheese and bread, and a wine to wash down the salty, meaty goodness with. E ecco!
I ambled in and was awash in Italian grocery goodness. The giant gallon-sized cans of Extra Virgin Olive Oil with the Italia stamp on it made me long for the olive gardens of yesteryear, the truffled gelato in the freezer was whispering sweet nothings to me... I had to hold myself back fiercely to not grab a basket and start purchasing everything.
I stood in line patiently-- it was mid-afternoon on a Saturday and there was quite a bit of traffic. While I waited, I stared in the refrigerated glass counter at the stuffed mozzarella balls, the various Italian salads and fresh-cut meats. I moved closer and laid my eyes on the menu. There she was: "Il Purista," the greatest-sounding sandwich ever: Prosciutto, Fresh Mozzarella, Fresh Basil, Tomato, Roasted Peppers, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, & Balsamic Vinegar. Che fortunato! I ordered it from the surly Italian guy behind the counter. The sandwich was the perfect combination of flavors, but what was most impressive was the pile of prosciutto on it. I could not believe the quantity, quality and savory goodness. My mouth waters just thinking about it.
However, due to the fact that I had to wander around their close quarters for about a half an hour before I got my food, I think I will call ahead next time. They do have a sign that warns you about their process taking longer than usual, so I consider myself warned and cannot wait to sink my teeth into their food again soon! -
Review from Cricket P.
Scottsdale, AZ
2/3/2012
I'm sorry to have to write this, but I give 1 star because of the incompetent kitchen staff! I arrived at Defalco's 11:06 and placed an order for just romaine lettuce and a tomato and mozzarella salad out of the deli case. This was a to go order, I live right across the parking lot. 11:25 rolls around and I still do not have my order. I ask the gentlemen at the counter if it was ready, he then proceeds to ask the kitchen, however it seemed like they were ignoring him. They finally put it through the window and the order is WRONG! Romaine lettuce only, comes out as a dinner salad! REALLY?!! And this has not been the first time the kitchen has gotten my order wrong there. Either they just don't care or they can't read.
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Review from Gina S.
Tempe, AZ
2/11/2012
This place has amazing food at a good price. They make the food quick so you don't have to wait long. The cheesesteak is the best mealts in your mouth.
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Review from FearLess L.
Paradise Valley, AZ
2/9/2012
Absolutely the best eggplant parmigiana sandwich I've ever had -- and I grew up in New York City. The cold cuts are absolutely top drawer. Thought I'd wandered into a deli in Brooklyn. They even have Dr Brown's soda at a REASONABLE ($1.39) price!!
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Review from Jade K.
1/18/2012
Oh, how I miss Defalco's!!!! My saturday's were not complete without an eggplant parm sandwich. The chicken caesar pasta salad is delicious as well. It's all great and homemade. Waiting in line (there always is one) is so painful because you just want to eat everything. The aroma of the place is insane. The hot sandwiches take a few minutes and I am quite antsy but they are very worth the wait. They also stay well. I would always have to take half home and eat it later that night or the next day (sometimes even cold). Regardless, this place is sooooo good!!! I found it hard to find good authentic Italian anything and this was perfect!!!
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Review from Natalie W.
Mesa, AZ
10/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been here more times than I can count & it is always delicious.
Usually pretty busy & the cashier is a little on the cranky side more often times than not (though I'm sure I would be too dealing with that many indecisive customers in tight quarters)... but the food is enough to keep me coming back.
They have added pizza to the menu which I have yet to try, but looks amazing.
They have also added a lot more Italian items to their grocery than when I first started coming & organized it a little better. Wonderful! -
Review from Shannon M.
Phoenix, AZ
Up until yesterday, I was planning on completing my draft of an effusive, glowing, 5-star review for Defalco's. Yes, it was going to be a wonderful description of how much I love the food, blah, blah, blah...
That was until I waited 35 minutes for a cheesesteak. 35 minutes. For a sandwich.
No, it wasn't during the lunch rush. In fact, there were only 4 other people in the store. I walked right up to the counter to order, as there was not a line (a first!). And then proceeded to wait. And wait. And wait some more. 35 minutes, to be exact, thanks to the time-stamp on my receipt.
I have been to Defalco's on more occasions than I can count, and know to expect a longer than average wait. Hey, quality takes time. I get it. I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every item I have tried there - pizza, calzone, cold sandwiches, deli items and of course my personal favorite, the cheesesteak. My partner in culinary crime counts their food, especially their four-meat combo sandwich, among his favorite things.
Unfortunately, 35 minutes for one sandwich in a practically empty place is ridiculous enough to make me re-think my formerly 5-star opinion. -
Review from Carmen G.
Phoenix, AZ
7/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you've never been to Italy, don't panic- you can go to DeFalco's and taste the real taste of Italy in the middle of gross AZ. Everything is absolutely authentic, legit Italian. Homemade tomato sauce, pasta, pizza- you name it. Even the owners are homemade Italians, if you know what I mean. You can also purchase Italian-style groceries (pasta, sauce, wine) so you can take home to cook and pretend you are a cool Italian.
I recommend the ravioli if you have even an ounce of attraction for ricotta cheese. -
Review from William T.
Tempe, AZ
4/28/2011
I know, its annoying to all you AZ peeps when I say, "I grew up in NY with good food." I accept that it is impossible for you to understand what it is like to rarely have bad bread, bad cold cuts, bad service or just plain have a place that isn't trying staying around. Of course, us east coaster's are leaving out all the corporate places; the same Chili's, Applebees, Boston Market...etc stores are back east as well (most of them) and they suck just as bad there as they do here. What we mean is that the places that everyone goes to in our old neighborhoods are like Defalco's.
Defalco's is like no other place I have been to here in AZ. They have amazing food, great bread, Boar's Head cold cuts, and italian groceries that I didn't even realize I couldn't find until I saw them here. Amazing...just amazing.
They have chicken cutlets. NO ONE IN AZ HAS THESE! It is kind of ridiculous that an easy to make, menu staple (in the east) is impossible to find out here. I have seen them on menus, they were actually chicken tenders. Cutlets are chicken breast, breaded with Italian spices and egg, pan-fried and then baked. Defalco's has awesome cutlets! They use them on their Chicken Parmesan sandwich as well. That blew me away!
They also have Dilusso Genoa Salami, if you haven't had it...you haven't had salami! This gem of a store is a constant stop when I am anywhere near it, or have family visiting. If you haven't been...just go!
Side note: If you are expecting to be told what is on the sandwich, give up eating sandwiches. When you order, tell them the things you enjoy eating on bread, they'll assemble it, bring it to you and then you eat it. It ain't Quiznos or Subway, this is good food. If you can't figure it out, walk away and eat crap, come back when you know what you like!Listed in: Chicken Parmigiana
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Review from Arielle A.
Scottsdale, AZ
10/1/2011
I love this place! The Meatball sandwich is great and so are all the pastas. Completely authentic and not gross like a cheapy Italian Restaurant.
Everything is good from the bread, to the meatballs, to the side salad. Order the half portion or full portion of all their menu items and it will not disappoint. Expect to wait a 1/2 or more for your food to arrive though, it will not be done quickly but it will be worth the wait. Call ahead if you are in a hurry! The desserts are also delicious, not to mention it contains a market with a surplus of Italian ingredients to make your own meal at home. Your Italian Grandma would be so proud!
