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Vincenzo's
Categories: Event Planning & Services Caterers Restaurants Delis Restaurants Sandwiches Food Specialty Food Cheese Shops Caterers, Delis, Sandwiches, Cheese Shops [Edit]
150 Caroline St SWaterloo, ON N2M 1P2
(519) 741-1437
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
16 reviews for Vincenzo's
Review Highlights
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"For me, they also made pesto-mayo a sandwich "must-have." In 3 reviews -
"A+ selection of cheeze, meats and everything Italian." In 3 reviews -
"...will not be disappointed, I've introduced so many people to..." In 3 reviews
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16 reviews in English
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Review from Arsalan M.
Ottawa, ON
Is this a grocery store, sandwich deli, gelato shop, bakery or cafe? Yeah, Its all of them!
This is not the type of grocery store you go to just to do a quick run down of your weekly shopping list. You come here to have fun, check out the products in the different sections, and aisles. This is the best buy of food stores. Its the kind of store that you throw on a crisp pair of jeans and fresh polo for. You feel all fancy because you are about to confront words like Ciabatta, Capers, Prosciutto; Of course I have very little idea what these things are. Okay, It was my first time here and I was just excited about all the different sauces, cheese, fish, desert etc...
As soon as you walk Into the store it smells like smoked meat; Damn delicious smoked meat! Its a little confusing at first, because in front you are tall shelves full of bread dips and more soy sauces then I cared to count. Behind is a rack of biscottis and wafers. If you manage to get through these two aisles without having your hands full then you can head on to the sandwich counter to get yourself a delicious meal.
On your way to the sandwich counter you'll be welcomed by the smell of cheese, pasta with an overlay of bread! It is important to add Om nom nom at this point in the review.
So once you get to the sandwich counter, you pick your cold cut, your bread, toppings and sauces. There is a decent amount of choice for each item and the sandwich is crunchy and delicious. They also have a hot serve section which was closed since it was past 7.
Grab your sandwich and head over to the cafe/gelato side and there are a few tables that you can enjoy your meal at.
Overall the store seemed reasonably priced and definitely an interesting place to shop. -
Review from Tom K.
Waterloo, ON
1/28/2012
Vincenzo's is grocery store, sandwich place, bakery, and also a cafe. It's a good mix and performs well all around. I'm simply going to review a few of the services since there are many. I've had plenty of sandwiches and have had coffee there about twice. If you're into coffee, they made a solid cappuccino but I would have a few more to really give a fair impression.
Grocery store/bakery:
Now when I say grocery store, this is not your typical supermarket. It's got tons of options, many fresh and many imported from Europe. If you're looking for a specific cheese, they'll probably have it. They even have Queso Fresco, which is a rarity (try it on Pizza). You need olives, there's an abundance of selection including fresh olives (low sodium), which is also rare. Same goes for bread, meat, fish, clams, shrimp (keeping in mind, we are inland), spices, bottled/canned goods from Europe, and plenty of other things that I've omitted. The only section that doesn't have a ton of options is the fruits and vegetables but if you're really picky about this kind of thing best to go to a market. Also, before I forget, the fresh pasta and raviolis are excellent. Well worth getting fresh the stuff over the dry options IMO.
The store is incredibly well staffed. It's actually impressive how much staff works there. Also, the staff is quite knowledgeable and most seem to be foodies. If you have any questions, they can usually answer them with specific recommendations. Unless you're waiting for a sandwich or pasta at a peak time (lunch), the service is very quick.
Now the only negative I have of Vincenzo's grocery shopping is because it's got such an awesome selection of delicious food, you might overspend a bit but at least you know you're getting quality and service.
Sandwich counter:
this is almost a separate business from the grocery store since many people do come in just for lunch. It is very good. There is a great selection (just like the store) for everything you'd like to put in the sandwich starting with the bread and ending with toppings (Artichoke Caponata, Sun Dried Tomato Caponata, Bruschetta among others) . I find that you end up making your sandwich differently because of the choices, which makes it much less repetitive than going to subway. Also, the sandwiches are very well priced. I would highly recommend going here instead of Subway or other chains.
Pasta Counter (Thursdays only):
I haven't personally experienced the pasta but my friend really enjoyed the dish that was made for him. There is a selection of meat, shrimp or chicken, then sauces and vegetables, with some delicious sauces (pesto, tomato, cream-based, etc). This is cooked on a stove in front of you. Like the sandwiches, the pasta dishes are well priced. The only negative is that the line can be long for this counter, which will take a while so try to go with a friend to keep you company.
Hot counter:
There is also a hot counter, which I have yet to sample but it also looks quite good. I'll update once I try it out. -
Review from Aren P.
Mississauga, ON
5/26/2012
Phenomenal sandwiches perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
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Review from Emily K.
Toronto, ON
8/1/2011
I first started frequenting this place back in 2002 when it was still located in Belmont Village. I only ever went to this place for their sandwiches, which they have become famous for in the KW area. Whenever asked about my favourite sandwich I would always refer to the variety of toppings that I could select from at this place.
I was first introduced to artichoke caponata at Vincenzo's as a sandwich topping, and very quickly the artichoke caponata spread that they make so well has become a favourite spread not only for sandwiches but also for crackers or on top of slices of baguette. There is no other art-cap, as many refer to it, like Vincenzo's. For me, they also made pesto-mayo a sandwich "must-have". What a simple topping, but also what a flavourful combination. I've tried to replicate at home, but I just haven't gotten the proper consistency. To add a kick of spice to their sandwiches they also offer the Bomb. The bomb is a nice and spicy taponade that they serve as a sandwich spread. While I am not also up for the spice, when I am, this sure does the trick. Be careful though, its really spicy!
When it comes to actual toppings, they have your typical sandwich toppings like lettuce, tomato, cucumber, green pepper, black olives, onions, pickles, hot peppers, and bruschetta, but to set themselves apart from many other sandwich places around town they offer fancier toppings (at an additional cost of 25 cents) which include but are not limited to, artichokes, sundried tomatoes, and roasted eggplant. When it comes to meats and cheeses, if you want it, they've got it. They provide a list of meats and cheeses to choose from, but they also have an expansive selections of meats and cheeses not on their board, that if you see at the deli counter you can request on your sandwich. While their sandwiches have gone up in price, they still sit around the $5 mark and are well worth the money!
This place does not only offer sandwiches though. They have a hot food counter, a salad bar, a desserts and pastries counter, as well as a sushi bar. The sushi is made in house and is not bad.
This place is also a grocery store, which offers a wide variety of products that you will not find at your local supermarket. While the prices on some of grocery items are more than a local supermarket would offer, the quality you are receiving is reflected in the price. They have some fantastic fresh pasta which comes frozen and you order by the gram. They also have some fantastic breads to choose from in their bakery section. On your way out, if you are leaving through the back (where there is seating to eat your food) they also have a gelato counter and little cafe. They make great coffee here.
There is nothing bad I can say about this place. Whenever I am in Waterloo I make it a must to stop here and either grab a quick sandwich or some other food selection. Beware, I am not the only one who likes this place, and it has become quite the hot spot in Waterloo, so make sure you give yourself some time when you go! -
Review from Gracee B.
Markham, ON
4/17/2011
This place is WINNING!
Finally made it out to Vincenzo's and felt like a little kid in a candy store. I was seriously OOOHing and AHHing at everything.
This place has so many products, an assortment of yummy treats and desserts (Macarons - YES!), and the sandwiches...OMG the sandwiches. They are the BEST sandwiches I've EVER HAD!
My husband and I were totting along our two little ones so we pretty much had to get in and get out, but believe me, with a place like that I could have easily spent the better part of my day there.
There's just no way I can go to Waterloo without making a stop to Vincenzo's from here on out. -
Review from Madelaine D.
Toronto, ON
12/23/2010
The BEST Sandwiches in Southern Ontario!!
I was introduced to Vincenzo's by a friend who took me here for a fresh deli sandwich and let me tell you, their sandwiches DO NOT disappoint.
Picture an Italian panini, with fresh brie, a generous serving of shaved roasted red pepper chicken, artichoke caponata, olive taponade, pesto mayo, fresh crunchy cucumbers, and ripe flavourful bruchetta.
These sandwiches are the best I have ever eaten!
You get to choose your bread, meat, cheese, toppings and sauces. All of their ingredients are fresh as can be and full of flavour.
They have an impressive cheese selection, an impressive deli meat selection, they make a wide assortment of fresh foods like somasas, quiches, pastas, etc. They also sell all the standard things you'd expect to find in an Italian grocer like oils and vinegars, and crackers, fresh bread, pasta, and sauces.
I don't think I can recommend this place highly enough. If you haven't checked this place out already, I recommend you get off your chair, and head over immediately!!
I have yet to find a place this good in Toronto, and am skeptical I'll be able to.
***TIP: All students take note, my friend and I use to share a single sandwich between the two of us, they are that large and it makes this gourmet sandwich VERY affordable on a student budget.***Listed in: 5 Star Reviews - The Best of…, Waterloo
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Review from Ann W.
Kitchener, ON
4/14/2011 1 photo
They have macarons for 89 cents each!
The size is quite small (about 4cm in diameter - yes I'm a math student), but they are imported from France and tasted just heavenly.
I personally do not like macarons that are too sweet so theirs is just right for me. I also love the fact that they don't store them in a cooler (although that seems to be the "right" way to do it).
Other things they sell include a really wide selection of fine foods, European cookies and sweets, all kinds of cheeses, sandwiches, Asian grocery...I could easily walk out of that store with a $200 bill! I'm sure everyone can find something they like in there.
Now, this is a bit of a rant...but their cashiers are so not friendly. Very impatient people. I remember when they were at the old location on Union street it wasn't like this. What happened? -
Review from Joanne W.
4/22/2010
It's my second last day in Waterloo, and I realized I haven't had a chance to write about Vincenzo's just yet. I went here today with a friend of mine to grab myself a sandwich. Usually, I go at odd hours, and never at lunch. I did not realize how many people were there. Vincenzo's is a little market with amazing fine foods.
I haven't had a chance to try the fresh foods at Vincenzo's, but I would definitely recommend the sandwiches. I got myself a smoked salmon sandwich on a panini. It was absolutely delicious. A condiment that my friend always suggest is the pesto-mayo.
The desserts look amazing too - but I've never tried it before. Will definitely have to come back again when I come back to visit! -
Review from Walter M.
1/16/2012
Located in the heart of Uptown Waterloo, Vincenzo's is a local favorite! They have all sorts of high quality ingredients for making a delicious italian feast! I have been to a few different italian markets, but Vincenzo's has a much larger, more quality selection. You can also buy ready made food such as lasagna and meatballs, among other things, as well as made to order sandwiches. I had a smoked salmon sandwich (as another yelper had suggested) on panini bread with pesto, onions, cucumbers, and some green pepper. It tasted very fresh and delicious. They also have a cafe inside as well. Definitely go here if you are in town!
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Review from Tracy B.
Toronto, ON
2/8/2009 1 photo
This is my favourite place ever!! EVER!!
The food is amazing and fresh ALL the time. You can get anything you ever wanted here. My fav option are the sandwiches (smoked salmon) but you can also get the best packaged sushi that I have ever had in North America. They have amazing fresh pasta, cheese, endless desserts and more! I went at least once a day when I lived in Waterloo and go there every time that I go back to visit friends. It's usually packed around dinner time and the weekends but it is SO SO worth the wait.
You will not be disappointed, I've introduced so many people to this place and they like me are so addicted!!! I wish I could give it more than 5 stars :) -
Review from Yane Y.
10/12/2009
This place is SO awesome!!
I am visiting from Atlanta, Georgia, USA and Vincenzo's was recommended by a local. I love the store.. I felt like I was in a European country (definitely not the Canada or US).
The ambience is awesome.
The food was amazingly fresh and ever so delicious!! I don't think you can really go wrong with anything here..!! -
Review from Leslie-Anne W.
Toronto, ON
11/17/2010
Vincenzo's was a shock to me. I went to my hometown for some family time and was taken to this fantastically stocked fine foods store. I am always on the hunt for specific items, my current obsession is Ligurian olive oil, a sometimes difficult to find item. Vincenzo's had three brands in a range of prices. Quite amazing. They have a large prepared foods and bakery area, with a sandwich bar I would recommend highly. I would dare to say that Vincenzo's is better than 98% of the fine foods stores in Toronto.
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Review from Sisun L.
Waterloo, ON
5/23/2012
Test
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Review from Joe R.
Waterloo, ON
7/18/2010
Great Italian grocery store in a region that is sorely lacking! This place beats the pants of David's in every way.
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Review from M C.
Markham, ON
5/21/2010
I wish I found out about this place earlier! My main reason was going was for the macarons - 75 cents for one, pretty good price and beautiful looking. But you get it served in a paper bag so presentation isn't too fancy lol. The flavours seemed a bit funky though (rose, lilac, jasmine....?). I would have liked some more "typical" macaron flavours such as pistachio lol. They had a total of 5 flavours available when I went during the evening.
I was also surprised by the dessert selection - SOOO much dessert, all looked amazing and they were quite affordable. (Maybe $2-4 on average for a small single serving). There are also a TON of cakes ranging from $12 for a really small one to upwards of $25 - for the money you pay for cakes elsewhere, this seems like a really good value because it looks soo much prettier than your average cake. =)
There's also a lot of food/groceries, but I didn't go there for that, so I'll just save that for another time. There was an unbelievable selection of various types of CHEESE and bread and meats. I did get a small container of tuna pasta salad, which seems kind of pricey for the small container you get ($1.55 or so for 100 grams) but it actually does fill you up.
The location has street parking and is in a nice area (uptown Waterloo) so definitely worth a visit. : ) Also easy to reach via GRT, and even walkable from campus on a nice day. -
Review from Jeff M.
Vancouver, BC
9/26/2009
I live in Vancouver, there isn't an Italian deli as good as this one. A+ selection of cheeze, meats and everything Italian.
