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La Grotta Del Formaggio
Categories: Restaurants Delis Restaurants Sandwiches Delis, Sandwiches [Edit]
1791 Commercial DrVancouver, BC V5N 4A4
Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive
(604) 255-3911
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sat 9 am - 6 pm
Fri 9 am - 7 pm
Sun 10 am - 5:30 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
63 reviews for La Grotta Del Formaggio
Review Highlights
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"...with high quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar is piled..." In 3 reviews -
"They do have a large cheese selection." In 6 reviews -
"The mayo and roasted red peppers absolutely makes this..." In 3 reviews
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63 reviews in English
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Review from Vonnie C.
Burnaby, BC
5/15/2012
Really good sandwiches! Choose your bread, meat and fillings (roasted red peppers, egg plant, tomatoes, lettuce, olives, etc). Choice of pesto mayo, oil and balsamic vinegar and other spreads. Have it grilled and you've got a sandwich to die for!
This place is actually a deli but they're known for their sandwiches too. If you've never been you have to check it out!!!
My daughter can't eat gluten (wheat, etc) as it triggers eczema, so i like that they have a few Wheat free cookies, cracker selections (Galbusera brand) that are actually good (even I'd eat them) and not pricey. -
Review from Louise G.
Sandwich Wars May 9th on Commercial Drive
La Grotta vs Calabria Cafe
My honey and I were planning a hike around Stanley Park and nothing seemed nicer than a sandwich to eat en route. So off we went to Commercial Drive on a mission that became known as "Sandwich Wars".
I ventured into La Grotta Del Formaggio while he, the besserwisser, went into Calabria Cafe. To be honest he has what I would consider a marked advantage; he is a regular there. I am a regular at La Grotta, at least according to my Yelp visits. But in their eyes I'm just another Jane Dough. I opted for a white french roll with capiocolo, provolone, lettuce tomatoes, eggplant, roasted peppers, pickles, mayo and banana peppers. Definitely filled the giant hole in my stomach left from the walk. A THREE AND A HALF!!!
No ordering was required by my honey. He just walked into Calabria and asked for a sandwich. Wrapped in a brown wrapper with hash marks on the paper, it was a football and not a sandwich. Focacia, assorted meats, cheese, tomatoes, eggplant, roasted hot peppers, lettuce. The juice from the meat and the cheese had soaked into the toasted bun by time we ate it which gave it a lovely juicy crispiness. Tasty. A FOUR!!!Listed in: Healthier Choices, There and Back Again, Italiano
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/22/2010
Cheese, cheese, cheese, amazing cheese!!!
Beautiful, busy, Italian deli. Sliced meats, cheese,… Read more »
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Review from Michaela B.
Vancouver, BC
5/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
So, sandwiches are pretty much my favourite food ever. If could only eat one food for the rest of my life, it would be sandwiches. And they'd probably come from here. Every topping is fresh and delicious, from meat to veg. I love that you can customise your own, so I like to try a different combination every time I stop in. The only thing I dislike about the Grotta is the agonizing wait while my sandwich is on the grill. But, hey, delayed gratification, right? It also gives me plenty of time to stock up on cheese (best selection in town), which is my other favourite food! I think I might have to pop over there right now and satisfy my craving.
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Review from geoff a.
2/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
There's noting better than deciding on a spontaneous picnic, grabbing one of La Grotta's delicious made-to-order grilled sandwiches and sitting in the sun at a nearby park.
I love their round focaccia packed full of freshly sliced deli meats, cheeses and roasted red peppers. You can even stop in next door at Fratelli's for dessert and go out in style! -
Review from Charlie C.
Vancouver, BC
4/11/2012
I've only come here for the deli sandwiches and I'll always keep coming back. Just like how mama mia used to make it ... although a lot less salty ... yes, sodium is a guilty pleasure. The shop has that old world charm and the staff are very helpful. Definitely stop by for a sandwich if you're in the neighborhood. PS, the sandwiches are huge and can easily split with a bff.
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Review from Jasmine O.
Vancouver, BC
2/7/2012
Totally one of the best sandwiches I have ever had and another Commercial Drive staple! The veggie half foccacia (whole wheat) with all the cheese and veggies grilled up pertfectly for 7 bucks really is an awesome deal and the taste is so fresh every time. If there was seating in this place (besides the four chairs outside) there still wouldn't be anywhere to sit! It's such a delicious fresh take-out lunch spot!
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Review from Herman E.
11/26/2011
They make a mean grilled pannini, especially with the herbed focaccia! Damned tasty!
Also have a good cheese selection, but honestly, I get my peccorino, and other cheeses from Bosa because it is more of a one stop shop. -
Review from Q B.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 11/25/2011
I've grown to really love the sandwiches here.
It may be quite hard ordering the first time but just take your time and don't rush yourself!
I was going to list all the stuff they will ask you but I think that's part of the fun.
They have a good cheese selection here and their more expensive pastas are the ones I drive all the way over there to buy (also a good excuse to go have a sandwich)Listed in: Grocery stores
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/12/2010
Not the cheapest sandwiches but pretty delicious after the fact.
I like that you get to really… Read more »
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Review from Realtor Darius D.
Vancouver, BC
2/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
OMG can you say "the bomb" Italian sandwiches? Don't expect the best service, that's not what they're going for here and don't be intimidated by the line that sometimes exists when entering, they usually get through it fast. Great selection of cheeses/olive oil and traditional Italian sweets and drinks.
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Review from Brad W.
Vancouver, BC
11/12/2011
BEST grilled panini/foccacia in the city.
Try it like this...
Whole or half wholewheat foccacia.
Prosciutto ($1 more, who cares!)
1 side herb mayo, other side oil and vinegar.
Veggies: pickeled/marinated egg plant
red onion, thats it!
...and grilled? YES of course!
Share it with a friend or stuff your face full!!!
a nice btl of sparkling water to wash it down. -
Review from J N.
Vancouver, BC
7/3/2011
Awesome sandwich. Split the 12 inch, whole wheat, herbed focaccia bread. Bread is a bit dry but you'll see why, later!
Let the deli-girl decide what to eat.
Eat:
Spread: oil, little mayo, pepper, salt
Meat: Italian capicolla and turkey
Cheese: peppered jack
Toppings: olives, peppers, lettuce tomato, artichokes--a must have! And everything else she says. Even if you're avoiding oil and salt, just do it.
Cut in four.
Drink with Boylan's soda (x2); one diet so you feel better about yourself; one regular.
Total for 2- approx. $12 plus pop.
Same price as two gross subway 6 inches!!!!
Try to avoid buying the other goodies in the yummy store to keep cost down. :)
Take to Spanish Banks. Carry in Donald's bag. Add towel.
Drive to end by dog park. (more parking there). Avoid driving around for hours on sunny day.
Walk across field. Watch for dog poo. Smell awesome burgers but be happy with sandwich.
Go beyond logs. Sit on sand against rocks. Use bag as back rest.
Eat 1/2; save the rest for later. Bread will be a bit soggy, so be glad it was hard.
Pretend you are drinking beer when in fact it's really soda. Realize that no one really cares at your age, anyway.
Enjoy!Listed in: Just a "Little" of Italy, Lunch, Anyone?
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Review from Rich E.
5/30/2011
Been here a few times and I know what to expect now. The quality of their sandwiches are very good but the "soup nazi" attitude from the front staff (owners?) is not very good. I will have to agree with Tess M.
During this visit, I got an inexperienced stoner chick making my sandwich. She was actually quite nice and cheerful but she had to get the main deli girl to help her make the panini. I could see my panini sitting on the press for about 5-10 min longer than it should have been because it looks like they forgot about my order. The main deli girl seemed to be quite stressed but I would too if I had to do everything.
Time to pay-I'm the easiest customer anyone can have. My issue was the cashier was friendly and smiley to the older gentlemen but seemed to turn cold when it was my turn to pay. I'm just a happy go-lucky guy but she seemed to be ... let's say indifferent.
Dear La Grotta, I don't ask for stellar service but don't treat your newer customers like they don't belong there. I'm giving you money and I don't ask for much in return. You just lost the best customer a business can have. -
Review from Tess M.
Vancouver, BC
5/15/2011
I keep going here to buy cheese and every time I leave I am upset.
I only go to buy cheese..not sandwiches so I have no personal opinion on the food. But the reason I am always so upset is the customer service, or rather the lack thereof.
Now I haven't been in just once, nor have I even always been served by the same person. But every time I am actually upset. It has gotten so bad that the last time I was in, they even talked negatively about a customer when she left as I was standing right there...where I had been standing WHILE NO ONE ASKED ME FOR HELP!!!! If they had been busy I would understand waiting, but I was the ONLY OTHER CUSTOMER!!!
When they got to me I wanted some frozen cheese curds...because yes they get their cheese curds frozen (that's why the price is so much cheaper than the other shops) I didn't want to have to refreeze them. The server looked like this was a HUGE inconvenience and proceeded to the fridge to hand me half frozen curds...with a look of "that's the best I can do."
And yes I should have expressed on the spot how upset I was...but really I just wanted out of there and this time I vowed never to return.
I'm almost hate to be so harsh, but it just seems to get worse and worse every time I go...and really poor customer service is unacceptable. -
Review from Salim H.
1/5/2011 ROTD 7/18/2011
So generous, the large focaccia bread, with all that you want in it, and it can last you two meals. I use to work at the lululemon headquarters, and I would frequent this place, and not worry about the carbs. This place makes me feel like im a sandwich master, and that I know things about bread, fine meats, and coffee. Its just very good, and very delicious.
If someone from their store reads this, I would suggest opening a similar joint in Gastown, please, its unfair that some of the best food in this city is on commercial. Sighhhhh -
Review from Vik B.
Vancouver, BC
4/22/2011
So I found out about La Grotta from Yelp, and I had already been to the So.Cial, which is apparently now closed :/, but I am glad I found La Grotta!
Honestly, one of the best sandwiches I've ever eaten! You can get a half a panini and it's way more than enough to fill you up. Not only are the meats and cheeses really good, but you could order a completely vegetarian sandwich and it would taste just as unbelievable!
Sooooo goood! Sometimes I catch myself daydreaming about that last time I had La Grotta. I think it's time to make a return trip! -
Review from Jess L.
9/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is a great little Italian deli on the Drive to get meat, cheeses, and EVOO. But the best part about the deli is the sandwiches! You can choose: the bread - various sizes of buns or a half or full size focaccia; the condiments: regular mustard, dijon mustard, regular mayo, basil pesto mayo; the toppings: tomatos, lettuce, red&yellow peppers, red onions, artichokes and olives (just get everything); and a selection of meat/cheese. I usually just get the prosciutto for $1 extra but if you find the regular prosciutto too salty, you can get italian prosciutto for $2 extra instead :)
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Review from Stacy G.
6/21/2011
More of a deli than a restaurant, this shop on Commercial Drive has lots of imported Italian goodies, lots of cheeses, plus made to order paninis to go. There are two tables and four chairs out front to sit and eat your sandwich.
Don't make the same mistake I did when you order your sandwich - combining olive tapenade, green olives, prosciutto, hot pickled eggplant and saying yes to salt/pepper made my sandwich inedibly salty. It would have been so good if I would have been wiser - my family members loved their paninis. Sigh! Still a great spot though.Listed in: Vancouver BC
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Review from Angela L.
10/11/2010
My better half has to keep a close eye on me if we're strolling down the Drive and not looking to eat, as I have a hard time walking past La Grotta and not going in to get a sandwich.
I absolutely adore the sandwiches here. I don't care if it's considered expensive, or if I can do it at home. There's just something about the sandwiches here that pull at my heartstrings. A full focaccia split between my handsome companion and I is more than enough to fill our bellies and our souls with deliciousness. Not my place to give out specific recommendations, as the beauty of it all if that it's entirely customizable to your own preferences.
The only drawback is, the sandwiches vary greatly depending on who's making it. Not to say that any of the sandwiches I've had here are anything less than delicious, but some are more generous with the toppings than others.Listed in: Vancouver Favourites, Noontime Nomming
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Review from Rachel P.
Vancouver, BC
3/15/2011
Great sandwiches!
I had prosciutto with smoked mozzarella, green olives, tomato, artichoke, lettuce and pesto mayo on a half focaccia. Toasted. BAM! Delicious.
I wish all of the cheeses in the case were available for sandwiches. But I also am a wee bit greedy and understand from a business perspective why they aren't.
Solid cheese selection if you're looking for something creamy and/or stinky for your baguette.
Loads of Italian grocery items and household goods like stove top coffee (machinetta) makers. -
Review from Steph H.
Vancouver, BC
12/2/2010
"Woohoo! As good as it gets!" sums up exactly how I feel about this place!
Thanks in part to yelp, we made a point of stopping in here while strolling down the Drive last week. It was love at first sight. High ceilings, a real Italian feel and lots of delicious looking food. The staff were all very helpful, friendly and took their time with us.
Ordered a large sandwich to share - it was a monster. 8 bucks-ish, and so very very worth it. We chose havarti and spicy salami. They have a good variety of toppings that we each chose from, and the incredibly sweet sandwich lady wrapped each half separately, labeling them 'his' and 'hers'.
Now I'm not usually a sucker for big upsells... but when I asked to buy a slice of bread for my son to nibble on, I was easily charmed into buying a huge panettone (Italian fruit cake) for six bucks. The gentleman at the cash opened it up, sliced my son a piece and wrapped the whole thing back up again.
Oh, and that sandwich was quite possibly the best I've ever had! Amazing food and service! -
Review from Sarah D.
4/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oh, baby. The paninis here are SO good. Subway, eat your heart out!
My friend and I were ravenously hungry after spending several hours browsing through shops on the Drive, so we decided to stop in for a bite to eat. We ordered a sandwich made on focaccia to share, and the choices of toppings were pretty amazing. Our sandwich consisted of: havarti, hot capicollo (they are very generous with the meat portions!), artichoke hearts, banana peppers, roasted peppers, olives, pesto mayo, olive oil & balsamic vinegar, and dijon mustard. Since we were so hungry, we also bought a few dolmathes at a very reasonable $0.35 a pop.
Panini in hand, we decided to sit outside the shop to eat our creation right away. I'm afraid we must have been awful for business -the sight of the two of us wolfing down our panini with gooey awesomeness dripping out was probably unappetizing to say the least. But I have no regrets! Would I do it again? Hell yes!Listed in: Commercial Drive Hot Spots
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Review from Nichole W.
Vancouver, BC
3/10/2011
I love sandwiches and La Grotta Del Formaggio does them exceptionally well. Even better, I feel the prices are just right for what you get.
My choice is often the Mimmo, a large sandwich that's enough for lunch and dinner. Generous helpings of meat makes it even better when compared to other places where you actually get meat rations.
You can truly have your sandwich your way. -
Review from Laura M.
Vancouver, BC
2/21/2011
I'm not sure I'll ever find a sandwich as good as the one's at La Grotta.
They have a huge selection of meats and cheeses from all over.. and lots of fresh veggies to choose from.
Try to avoid the crazy lunch hour, as this place gets PACKED.. but.. their sandwich makers have got it down and will get you in and out in a great amount of time.
While you wait for your perfectly toasted sandwich.. admire that massive wall of imported italian goods and maybe be tempted into buying some stuffed peppers.
*drools*
La Grotta may be my first, and last love!Listed in: Sammiches!
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Review from Awesta M.
4/16/2011
I walk in here and just want to buy one of everything because every good pantry needs one of everything from this place. But I always walk out with a few good finds or just cheese. If you walk out with just cheese then you're probably golden especially since it's called "The Cheese Cave".
The selection of cheeses are plentiful but even better reasonably priced. I never feel like I walk out of there feeling like I just paid for its weight in gold bullions.
My one problem is I keep going here after I've eaten so I definitely miss out on the panini's that everyone keeps raving about. Next time! -
Review from d h.
Vancouver, BC
7/1/2011
Don't let the small storefront fool you! This place is awesome! Not only is the cheese selection fantastic but the sandwiches ('Panini' - in italian lingo) are out of this world.
I've been here a few times now and they have a fantastic system to order sandwiches.
1. Pick your bread - Full Foccacia, Half Foccacia, Large Mimmo, Medium Sub, or Small Portuguese Bun.
2. Condiments - Pesto Mayo or Regular Mayo
- Honey Mustard, Dijon Mustard, or Regular Mustard.
- Oil and Balsamic Vinegar
3. Cheese - Everyday is different but the most popular cheeses they usually stock are: Provolone, Havarti, Edam, and Swiss.
4. Vegetables - Fresh ones consist of: Tomatoes, Onions, Lettuce
Pickled Veggies consist of: Marinated Eggplant, Artichoke Hearts, Roasted Red peppers, Bright Green Olives (They look like jalapeno peppers but they are the most buttery and delicious olive I have ever tasted) , and banana peppers.
5. pick your meat. They have almost everything but the best thing is the get a mixture of the Smoked Turkey Breast and Capicollo. The combination will dance on your palette like a ballerina dancing in "the nutcracker"
6. and lastly they will ask you if you want it grilled or as is. (I usually get it grilled because I like the gewy cheese and the bread crispy)
Now, the service may not always be the best and I totally understand why, because they are so busy they just want the order to get the line moving. But I've waited behind some people in line and I've seen how (some) customers treat the sandwich makers. People on their cell phones completely acting like the sandwich makers are inconveniencing THEM (the customer) by asking the questions, I mean, have some courtesy. The young lady that helped me was very helpful when I asked questions and although they need to be speedy for the next customers I feel like they're just trying to be efficient because it looks like they make A TON of sandwiches. She explained to me the system they used when I asked if they did it a particular way. I also asked her about reviews I saw on here (yelp) and she also stated to me that she tends to "treat someone the way you'd like to be treated" which I'm totally gung-ho about.
This place also has an amazing olive oil and balsamic display for any price range. From $5 - $105. If you're looking for high-end oils the manager is very knowledgeable about all of them and really knows what's good.
Their drink selection is also quite large considering the size of the store. Three fridges in the back are filled with pop selections not only from U.S but spain (yerba matta teas) italia (Chinotto, san pelligrinos, and oranginas, Santal) and they even have non-alcoholic beers. If you don't know what any of these are then you have to go check it out for yourself!
Overall, if you're in the neighborhood and want something cheap and delicious this is the place!
Excellent food, great people, awesome blue sky, and so much selection!
After all this typing I'm hungry for another panini! mmm....nom nom om!Comment from Sandra R. of La Grotta Del Formaggio 7/20/2011
Thank you d.h.for the great review! I'm sorry if the… More » -
Review from Evilyn T.
Updated - 3/6/2010 6 Check-ins Here
I came here after taking the dog to Trout Lake, and I stand behind my original review. This place is hands-down the best sammich place in Vancouver. I had a half focaccia whole wheat sammy with all the veggies, swiss cheese, hot salami, mustard and pesto-mayo toasted to perfection. I can still taste how delicious it was every time I burp.... soooooo gooooooood.
HOT TIP: parking on a sunny Saturday is next to impossible, so take your bike and get some damn exercise. Good luck trying to eat your sammich in front of your dog though, if you haven't seen your dog beg yet, you will when he smells the salami.Listed in: Best of the best, Vancouver Vege-me-tarian.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/20/2010
Finally a place where I can get a real roast beef sandwich! I don't eat processed meat in my… Read more »
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Review from Amber H.
Vancouver, BC
3/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is hands down one of my favorite places to get paninis! My fave is turkey w/ havarti, pesto mayo, artichoke hearts and roasted peppers. Mmmm... I could go for one right now!
It's an unassuming little store that serves up delicious toasted sandwiches, a selection of delicious cheeses and meats and a vast array of specialty italian delicacies. Definitely a must for anyone shopping on the drive! -
Review from Reena M.
8/24/2009 1 Check-in Here
Okay! Wow! I totally did not know what the world's best sandwiches were until I went here!
(P.S. Congrats to La Grotta for being my #300th review! I WAS saving it for someone special and La Grotta fits the bill)
My sandwich: half focaccia, pesto mayo, olive oil and balsamic, provolone, pickled eggplant, roasted peppers, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, capicollo.
It wasn't too soggy or anything. And they brought it outside to our table. The cheese selection was fun. If I needed anything Italian and was in the neighbourhood, I would totally come here without hesitation. However, I have Cioffi's http://www.yelp.ca/biz... in my neighbourhood which is great too, so other than for the sandwiches, I would not go out of my way to come here.
The only thing is that I had the San Pellegrino Chinotto drink and it was disgusting. It was a citrus flavoured bitter cola type beverage and it did not go well with the panini. Will avoid it next time at all costs.
Sandwich + drink = $8ishListed in: Driving down the Drive
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Review from Kelley R.
Vancouver, BC
8/13/2009
I suppose it is time I added my glowing review of La Grotta's panini's to the myriad of others already here. While I really have nothing new to say - they are the 'best in town' and a definitely 'must try', I can tell you what keeps me coming back time after time.
A fresh baked whole wheat foccacia spread with basil pesto mayo and dijon mustard then drizzled with high quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar is piled high with thinly shaved prosciutto and thick sliced provolone. Crisp veggies and pickled eggplant are added and the whole thing is toasted perfectly so the cheese is melted and the bread is warm, but the vegetables aren't soggy.
Its perfection wrapped in brown deli paper and delivered with a smile. -
Review from Molly D.
Vancouver, BC
4/21/2010
Delicious focaccia sandwiches. I had all veggies and cheese, with basil mayonaise. The mayo and roasted red peppers absolutely makes this sandwich.
Great place for Italian groceries and of course, cheese :-) -
Review from Cameron M.
Toronto, ON
12/10/2008
La Grotta is definitely an amazing place to visit. A holdover from The Drive's days as the Italian end of town, La Grotta features some of the best sandwiches you can get in the city, and definitely the best deli-style on the drive.
What tends to get people there more is the titular cheese. They've got an amazing selection of meats , cheeses and crackers. It's a wonderful place to hit up if you're planning a big get together or looking for something for a potluck. They can make a great platter of meat and cheese for you that'll please every palate.
I would absolutely suggest though while you are there to get a sandwich. Most delis in town offer sandwich service and this place is no different. The fresh and somewhat exotic ingredients make a great sandwich and really it's a standout even among some of the better ones on the drive. Definite place to check out if you like a good meat and cheese. -
Review from matt s.
9/25/2010
****Original Review*****
Pretty awesome little spot. I've only had a turkey panina, the full size on whole wheat focacia, which was delicous and satisfying. Clocking in at $12 and over a pound it's not a small sandwhich
****Current Opinion*****
Haven't been back to this place in a while. I went there with my veggie girlfriend from out of town and I was all set to order a full sandwich and only have them put the meat on half the sandwich. Put all the veggies on both sides. By my math, this works out to be a normal price sandwich. The lady behind the counter refused to make a sandwich this way and told me I have to order two separate sandwichs. This totally messed up my flow. Left a terrible taste in my mouth. I get angry about things like this. If I wanted to be treated like and idiot I coud do it for less than twelve dollars a sandwich. The hours at this place are also oppressive. They do have a large cheese selection. -
Review from tee a.
6/29/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I love this place. A variety of selection from meats, cheeses, toppings, breads etc.. option to grill or eat as is. So very delicious! Definitely the best sandwich place on the drive hands down. This place also sells pasta, and italian candy. Yummm..
Authentic Italian sandwiches over subway/ quiznos any day.
Go next door to the Fratelli bakery for some tarts and cannoli :) -
Review from Megan S.
12/9/2008
Wow. I'm a bit of picky eater- but everything here looks wonderful.
I picked up a meat and cheese platter for a get together, at the recommendation of a friend. I browsed around the aisles for a few minutes gaping at all the oils, pastas, and cheese. I hate going out for Italian- because it's really not that hard to make at home- especially if you're shopping here.
Oh, and the meat and cheese tray was a huge success. Extremely fresh and tasty, it all went very fast. -
Review from Aly M.
8/3/2010
As newbies, my SO and I were a little unsure how to order, but the Italian girl with her strong accent and weak English worked with us to make yummy sandwiches. The prices are all around $6 and you get to pick the bread, meat, cheese, veggies, and condiments. You can also have it put on the panini press.
We got the mild salami which had a lovely rich flavor. I also really liked the provolone cheese because it had a much stronger flavor than grocery store versions--the girl recommended it over the mozzarella for my sandwich, which was great advice b/c you pay extra for mozzarella and it would have been overpowered by the salami. The roasted peppers were really yummy. I recommend the small roll over the foccacia that I got, but that's just because I loved the inside of the sandwiches so much. I also was happy to get it on the panini press because it really helped the flavors in the sandwiches meld.
We took these with us and ate them at a park later--really good!
You can also buy all sorts of cheeses and other Italian goodies in there. It's fun to check out. And, it's right next to an Italian bakery where you can pick up the next course! -
Review from Allison F.
3/18/2010
Mmmmm Italian sandwiches!!!!
Today I had a half whole-wheat focaccia turkey sandwich with pesto mayo, green olives, artichokes, balsamic vinegar, havarti cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Not grilled. All for $6.83 with tax.
The wonderful ladies at this shop are very pleasant and speedy. The cheese selection is very large, along with little bags of cheese curds! i saw that they had some Little Qualicum Cheeseworks products available as well! Yay local!
I love coming here at Easter time as they have all of the giant Italian Easter eggs hung in the window and it's a mass of brightly coloured cellophane. -
Review from C R.
Vancouver, BC
9/11/2011
This is great deli that many neighborhoods in Vancouver are in need of! A perfect place to pick up a sandwich for the park or beach...forget about just the sandwich, you can also get some tapas (olives, cheese, meats, seafood salad, etc) if you want to get fancy.
Forget about customer service, it's rare to find good, authentic food, fresh breads and quick, reliable service in this city.
We will definitely be back. And for a family of 4, the price is right. I am giving it 4-stars merely because I've only been once and feel I need to try a few more times before giving it a 5. -
Review from Scott R.
Vancouver, BC
11/28/2010
Best Sandwiches on the East Side. I am addicted to this place for lunches on the Drive. I love this place and I only eat the veggie sandwich!
The real deal for Italian delis! -
Review from Ingrid D.
Vancouver, BC
6/16/2010
In my opinion, the number of stars would really depend on what you are rating at La Grotta....
Here, we are rating the "restaurant" part of it, so no doubt, I would go for a 4 stars ! But be aware that this is definitely not a restaurant. Buy your sandwich and go eat them somewhere nice :-)
Their sandwiches are awesome !!!.... as long as you know what you want.
If you are the undecided type, avoid this place ;-)
But if you know exactly what you like, go for it ! All the ingredients are super fresh and sooo good ! and the price is unbeatable, no doubt !
We go there every time we go on a hike! (yeah, good way to regain all the calories lost during the tedious walk ! ;-)) )
But now we know: I go and order, cause each time my husband is ordering, we end up being disappointed, as the combination is not the greatest.
So that's why I went for a 4 and not a 5: cause they don't really guide you in your choices if you are a newbee.
But once you have a fav, there is no place that can beat the quanty/quality vs. price.
A fav for us, and we go over and over again.
(try the whole wheat focaccia, and the pesto mayo...mmmm miam !) -
Review from Anthony C.
1/24/2010
Today, my life was irrevocably changed by a sandwich.
That's all I have to say about that because if I say any more I won't be able to help but go get another filling of bocconcini, prosciutto, hot salami, olives, artichokes hearts, roasted red peppers, pesto mayo and dijon grilled between whole wheat foccacia.
Uh oh... gotta go!Listed in: It's Gotta be Commercial Drive
