Accidentally found myself in Little Italy and had to stop in to browse after smelling the air as I walked by and I'm so glad I did. I did a make your own sandwich with some meats, veggies, and the pesto and spicy chili sauce and WOW. SO flavorful and so delicious. I am a big eater and the half focaccia was more than sufficient. The server who made my sandwich was so rad and friendly. He was quick to help and offer so many great suggestions. I forget his name but he had great customer service skills. Would recommend to make the visit and would love to come back. read more

La Grotta Del Formaggio is an absolute Commercial Drive institution. The sandwich counter is incredible, you get to pick your bread, meats, cheeses, and spreads, and they pile everything high. Fresh focaccia with prosciutto, bocconcini, and pesto here is one of the best lunches in the city. Lineups move pretty fast and the staff working behind the counter know what they are doing. Always a top notch experience. read more

We ordered their Hot Manzo (roast beef) panini, and the sandwich was good, but I overhyped. It might also be our selection. We may come back and try another item instead. The service also took a while, ~30 minutes, so be prepared to wait a bit for the panini! read more

See all

Food: one of the best sandwiches I've ever had! The focaccia bread was so soft and delicious!! The fresh lettuce and tomatoes made my sandwhich top tier! Service: Although there was a line of people waiting to order, the workers were quick! It may have taken about 15 minutes to order and get our food!! Remember good things come to those that wait!! Believe me it was worth it! Ambiance:Although the store is small and narrow, enjoyed looking at all of their merchandise .. It's a lovely store.. read more

See all

Love this place! Great family vibe. Everyone is very helpful. I was looking for fresh pizza dough. They have them frozen if you ask. They also make great fresh sandwiches! Fresh bread. Sauces and things made in house! read more

La Grotta Del Formaggio - Dough bought from them and made a fresh pizza - Delis Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Another establishment that I've had bookmarked for some time I'd been here before to check out their grocery selection but never their deli options! It was quite busy around lunchtime so we did wait around 10ish minutes after placing our order. My friend and I shared the Classico on focaccia which they kindly cut (~$15), I appreciated how we were able to customize (no olives!) despite it being a set menu option. The spicy salami, deli meats and veggies were a delicious combo especially paired with the toasted bread, I felt it was more filling than it let on since compared to other Italian sandwiches I had, this was on the smaller end. The one thing that I felt was a bit lost in the sandwich was the cheese^^ read more

La Grotta Del Formaggio - Delis Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

This place has been pleasing people since before I graduated from high school, so a long time lol. As foodies, we're almost ashamed we haven't tried it before today. That all changed today, and we'll be making the close to 80 km round trip again...... soon! We may in fact just make up a reason to burn that 91 grade gasoline just to enjoy La Grotta. It's an old school sandwich shop that creates your food in front of you with authentic Italian ingredients and an old world mindset. We walked in, not knowing what to expect and were warmly greeted. As we walked towards the back a young man creating a medium sandwich asked us if he could help. I had already decided I was going to have the Classico before we got there. He was kind enough to mention if the lovely K and I wanted the same thing, the full focaccia shared was the way to go portion wise and economical wise. Thank you kind Sir! It's fairly straightforward inside, but they know what they are good at. A freezer area has premade lasagna's and other heat and serve items. There are pasta choices, some ceramic bowls and such, but it's all about the food made just for you. We will be back, as soon as I can come up with a half assed reason to stop in. read more

See all

I've been buying their excellent pecorino Romano for years, but the sandwich deli has always been crowded. It's due to the attention to detail when they make their paninis, and so when I was in the area at 10 am there was no lineup. I had a Classico on a Portuguese bun, toasted. Really tasty and I loved that they add balsamic vinegar and olive oil to the sandwich. A bit pricey and I wouldn't make a habit of coming here but this was a nice opportunity to try. Washed down with a Brio soda, one of Italy's great drinks. read more

See all

Didn't receive bad service..but it also wasnt warm and friendly. Felt cold. I mentioned I had never been and wanted suggestions for 2 sandwiches. Didn't get any suggestions she just pointed at the menu and asked what I wanted. Paesano- not toasted. This was probably a mistake, it was boring, as expected since it is only cheese and meat, (I added mustard) but the Portuguese bun was too dry on the outside for me. I make plain mortadella portugese sandwiches at home and this tasted like that, so, wouldn't buy again. But, there was nothing wrong with it. Classico, toasted - medium size. This was amazing. I would come back for this for sure. I recommend getting it toasted and not making any alterations. The flavours really wowed me and it tasted extremely fresh. read more

See all

To be honest, I was getting really frustrated and borderline angry at how long it took to make a sandwich. But then again, this isn't just a sandwich shop - this is no subway. Coming to LGDF is an experience. Already situated in one of Vancouver's most cultural neighborhoods, the experience of getting your sandwich delicately prepared and toasted to perfection just adds to this deli style journey. Some days it will be a test of your patience, but once you make your order, take time to peruse around the specialty items they have. Meats, cheeses, pastas, and even special important sodas! Sandwiches were excellent, we tried almost every single one - having waited for almost 30min. The Classico was a favorite and the Bella Della Tella was great too. Stands true to one of Vancouver's best sandwich shops! read more

La Grotta Del Formaggio - Delis Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

See all

This place was nice, but the sandwiches were not that amazing. I feel we could've gotten the same sandwich anywhere.

my friend said it's comparable to the ones in italy the bread and prosciutto/ mozzarella was so so good they are also an italian deli place so you can get italian snacks and desserts Still think dipco has better sandwiches tho read more

Do not sleep on these sandwiches!!! It's a newly renovated, cozy spot on the Drive that's been around for years. While being a storefront for Italian goods, they also have a sandwich section in the back that is very popular during the lunch hour. I ordered a medium size meat sandwich when I came with a friend during a weekday lunch. There were maybe 4-5 people in line already. The service is very friendly and efficient, although it's quite unclear how to form a line. There isn't a distinct direction, and people start to pile up near the main counter. It seems to be more of an honour system. Nonetheless, ordering my sandwich fillings and toppings went by quickly, and I asked for it to be pressed (hot). This is definitely the way I prefer to eat my sandwich while also making sure the cheese inside melts The sandwich press takes about 15 mins, and in the meantime you can browse the store and pay up at the front. They call your name with your neatly packed sandwich when it's ready! There are a few bar seats facing the window at the front, and some outdoor patio tables and chairs. Good vibes! read more

La Grotta Del Formaggio - Medium meat custom sandwich - Delis Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Food is good. Inside is clean. Overpriced for what it is. $28 for sandwich plus small pop. Outside on 2 tables is dirty, smells like urine and garbage. Trash bins are on the side of the building around the corner. Likely the smell from those trash bins and people urinating behind bins causes smell to waft around to the front of the store. Won't be going back read more

La Grotta Del Formaggio - Outside - Delis Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

My friend took me here & I had no idea how great of an experience I was about to have. With zero expectations, I ordered a small bun 'Il Ricco'. To say I had a 'spiritual' experience once I bite into this perfect sandwich is putting it lightly! The crunch of the lightly toasted yet soft bread was heavenly, as the taste blended into the delicious centre mix of the generous prosciutto, boccocini, mozzarella, spinach & olive oil filling. Normally I always save half my sandwich for later. But this case, I could not and finished it completely in one sitting. Dreaming of when I go there again, in person, for this spectacular sandwich! (Next time, I'll order the LARGE bun) La Grotta, I am in love! (find me on Instagram via @aida.loves ) read more

See all

Wow, truly an exceptional sandwich! Their Classico without oil and balsamic is my goto and it is one of the better Italian sandwiches in Vancouver. read more

This is a high-end Italian deli - they have a sandwich counter where you can have one of their classics or your own custom sandwich made to order, a selection of fresh meats and cheeses, and pantry items like tomato sauce, pasta, soft drinks, and chocolate/candies. They have also have coffee and fresh cannoli (they pipe in the filling when you order)! I was there at 3 pm on a Sunday and was a little surprised that there was a big lineup for sandwiches. There was a bit of a wait just by the nature of how many people were lined up, but I felt that they were adequately staffed and worked efficiently to keep the wait reasonable. I got lucky and grabbed an outside table just as another group was leaving, but most people take to go and all of the tables were constantly occupied. There was a family literally hovering over me as I was finishing waiting to grab my table which was pretty uncomfortable but of course not the restaurant's fault. I ordered a custom veggie sandwich and it came out really good! The selection of fillers you can put in your sandwich gives you lots of options and the custom system lets you add a lot without any additional cost (except certain items which have a small premium charge), so I felt like I had pretty much total freedom to create exactly what I wanted. And the selection of veggies and cheeses was super high quality (I didn't really pay attention to the meats but I'm sure it's the same). The bread was also fresh and soft even after coming off the grill. Just a lovely little sandwich. Fyi you can choose from 3 sizes of ciabatta or a half or full focaccia. The full focaccia is $22 because it's huge - meant for 2 people. I got a small ciabatta bun which was good since I just wanted something light, and the price was very reasonable. I also tried a cannolo which was really good too! As mentioned above, the filling was piped in just before they gave it to me, which keeps the shell fresh. This was also possibly the least messy cannolo I've ever eaten - the shell didn't crumble and it wasn't over-filled so the cream didn't spill out. I tried the "tutti frutti" drink as well which is basically fruit punch. I just wanted to give it a go and I'd say for me the first half was refreshing, but I don't really like sugary drinks so the second half got to be a bit much. But if you enjoy drinking juice then this could be good for you. read more

La Grotta Del Formaggio - Custom Veggie Sandwich + Cannolo + Tutti Frutti - Delis Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

The ultimate Saturday breakfast! Definitely get the focaccia bread instead of the paninis, it's a game changer! read more

La Grotta Del Formaggio - Delis Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

My girlfriend was craving sandwiches; she spent some time looking for recommendations, and this one was the most mentioned! Although it was a rainy day around 3 pm, Commercial Drive was busy. Good thing we found a free 1 hour parking spot across the street.  The store was very new; the staff said it was recently renovated along with new ideas. You can shop for many authentic Italian ingredients, such as cheese, sauces, ham, pickled veggies, canned goods, and many others! Since the toppings were quite overwhelming to choose from, the staff recommended we try the Full Il Classic and come back for other ones or build our own next time. We listened to her and subbed the cheese with fresh mozzarella. Watching her assemble the sandwich together was such a show! They use all kinds of pickled goods you wouldn't normally see; it just keeps getting fuller and fuller as she stacks them!  Since the sand was heavily "pickled" and filled with different hams, we expected it to taste overwhelming, but we were wrong! The pickled veggies blended in beautifully with the meat and cheese; they didn't steal the show, and I'd say it's just right. The first bite truly blew us away. The texture of biting from top to bottom, along with the sauces that wrapped around it, made me instantly understand why this is the top-rated one. We brought it home and air-fried it to see the difference; it became even better as the inside melted with each!  You need to try this, that's all I can say. Trust me! read more

See all

This place kept popping up on our Instagram and we decided to check it out. It really lives up to the hype! Possibly the best sandwich in the city. Classico was a delicious combination. The bread was fresh and toasted well. Wait time was very short. My boyfriend got the fresco and it was also stellar. read more

La Grotta Del Formaggio - Classico - Delis Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

So delicious! Ordered the Frances and Classico. Both highly recommended. Service was great and quick. We picked up sandwiches to go right before we headed to our train stop. read more

What a divine experience.. I built my own medium panini with mortadella, prosciutto, havarti cheese, pesto mayo, and veggie fixings. My partner and I shared half each, and honestly for me, half was enough for a whole meal. It was PACKED with meat. The flavours were otherworldly. The bread was grilled to perfection for my soft mouth. Maybe the best sandwich I've ever had. Days later I still crave it. When will I be back? Very soon I hope. (The prosciutto was a little salty though so I wouldn't get that meat again). Service was really great! The sandwich makers explained the process and pricing to us when we asked. You're allowed two meat types, any more is an extra $1 per meat. Allowed one cheese type, any more is also $1 per cheese. The ambiance is like any deli or sandwich shop. Lots of cool foreign products to browse while you wait for your sandwich. I wanted to try the candied chestnut but it was pricey. read more

La Grotta Del Formaggio - Medium panini with mortadella & prosciutto - Delis Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

You call this a sandwich. One piece of meat on a medium sized bun. $16? Where do you get off being so cheap on what you supply as part of a sandwich.? It's like I spent $16 for a a button that somebody accidentally dropped a piece of ham on. This is so lame. I am so disappointed. And I can't believe you even got above a two let alone of four in your ratings. Meat quality was not good either. read more

Amazingly delicious sandwiches that are super filling. Lots of great cheeses and meats to choose from, and the balsamic reduction adds yet another layer of complexity. If you can agree on a sandwich to get with someone else, the focaccia is worth getting because it's the size of 2 sandwiches for a great price. Our server was super friendly, and she made all four of our sandwiches all by herself in a reasonable amount of time. There isn't much seating besides four stools by the window counter and a bench outside, but it seems like most people take their food to go. read more

See all

Fantastic Reno's , space looks so welcoming and much more open! On to the best part, the sandwhich deli Great selection of spreads, toppings and freshly shaved deli meat. A bit on the pricier side, my sandwhich today ran me $16.50 but that's inflation for you and it's definitely worth the cheeky treat here and there. read more

La Grotta Del Formaggio - Delis Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Went out of my way to try this place after seeing it on a couple lists, including a glowing review by Bon Appetit - followed their recommendation, full focaccia with the works, pesto mayo, oil and vinegar, banana peppers and pickled eggplant. And I wasn't disappointed! A very lovely space and the sandwich was pretty fantastic, a noticeable step up from any larger chain I've tried; I'm not even usually a peppers and pickles guy, but the peppers here were really, really nice. Sandwich very filling and flavorful, and the serving size lends itself well to keeping some leftovers on the side. If you're a fan of Italian sandwiches in the area, I'd say it's definitely worth a try! read more

See all

I can't believe it took me this long to find this place! Best. Sandwich. Ever. I came by on a weekend and lined up for 45 mins. Worth it! I've been back once a week and weekdays are the way to go. There is a reason for the wait - sandwiches are sublime. The fresh bread, awesome selection of ingredients and sauces. I mean pistachios - yum! Standouts are the sun dried tomatoes, artichoke and the great selection of cheeses. I'm vegetarian but meat-lovers rave about the amount of meat they give you in their sandwiches. Don't delay and get to La Grotta! read more

....once again went to grab some sandwiches and this time I took the wife....same excellent service.....and same good sandwiches....keep it up!!! read more

See all

One of the best sandwiches I've had! Taste fresh and hot from the grill. $13.99 for a medium panini sandwich. Will definitely come here when I don't have subway coupons lol. There's limited seating, more of a take out place. read more

La Grotta Del Formaggio - Classico 1/2 a medium sandwich - Delis Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

First time in here and I have to say that the food, service, and ambiance was excellent! I've been wanting to try this place for a long time and it exceeded my expectations. When I ordered the large "Il Classico" on focaccia, I did not think it would be so much food but with this place, what you order is what you get. I spent $22 including a drink, and am saving the other half of the sandwich for later. What I really liked about this sandwich was that it was both hot and cold. Toasted focaccia with cold cuts and melted provolone. Simply amazing! I was going to take it to-go but decided to stay and eat-in. They have patio seating and a bar style seating area inside looking onto Commercial Drive. Great lunch choice and I will definitely come back to try something new! read more

La Grotta Del Formaggio - Il Classico on focaccia - Delis Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

See all

Definitely but not as great as this rating suggests. The quality of everything on it and the quantity of meat were good. Service was friendly and fast though. And the store had shelves full of great Italian condiments, pastas, and other items. read more

Stopped by on my lunch break, lots of panini options. Great to customize your own although I opted for the il Classico, small size was big enough for me! Will be back in the future. read more

See all

Absolutely stunning sandwich. I'm excited thinking about it now. Probably the best sandwich I've ever had . I'll dream about this for years. I'll be back. read more

Best sandwiches in Vanouvermade up from scratch...you pick the ingredients, they do the rest

So this isn't your typical Italian sandwich sho. They sell some higher end name brand Italian food that you don't typically, find anywhere else. Now back to the chicken cutlet sandwich that I tried. It was very good but i wasn't like I have to try this again. It was more like this is very good but I think I'll try something different. Now that being said they have lots of different sandwiches and so there's lots to try. Would I go back? .... definitely! I lucked out and found some two hour paid parking right next to the store. Hope I find that parking next time to. Knock no on wood. read more

See all

I didn't have account on yelp and registered to give it 1 star. The worst service i have ever seen. They charge for the sandwich 25$ but the service they give is absolute joke. Sandwiches are okay, just regular Italian deli shop. I wouldn't recommend this place read more

This place made me the perfect sandwich that I'd love to make at home, but will never have all the ingredients on hand (nor will I have the kitchen space to buy a panini maker). It was the next best thing, and a nice alternative to some of the bigger name sandwich places downtown. Extremely satisfying when you're in the market for an 'it' sammich when it's too warm to labour in a hot kitchen, but you want something that tastes like it could be home made. I had the half focaccia panini with hot salami and havarti, and it was hearty and filling. Delivery was fast, and I'd definitely order from these folks again...maybe one day when I'm not watching my cholesterol and trying not to eat like I'm in quarantine. read more

La Grotta Del Formaggio - Half Panini + Chips - Delis Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Nice deli sandwich. I would order from here again. The bread and sandwich toppings were all fresh.

Eating a panini at La Grotta Del Formaggio was the perfect way to start off the trip to Vancouver! I was hangry upon arrival and desperate to keep me sane, my boyfriend rushed to Yelp for some sort of savior. And it led him right to La Grotta Del Formaggio - a neighborhood Italian deli located along Commercial Drive. The menu was simple allowing customers to customize their sandwich to their liking. I ended up getting the small capicollo with pesto mayo, mustard, Swiss cheese, most of the veggies (get the pickled eggplant) while the boyfriend opted for the mortadella with about the same ingredients except on a half focaccia. At the end they asked us if we wanted to make it panini style, in which I gladly obliged (after all, why add cheese without melting it all into gooey goodness!?) Soon we had the sandwiches in hand and paid a nice price less than $20 for 2 hefty sandwiches. Though hefty, the sandwiches weren't oily which was a nice touch considering it had so many ingredients. The cheese melted down acted as a kind of glue to keep everything from falling out so it was an easy sandwich to chow down, especially considering they were both so darn delicious! I would totally recommend giving them a try during lunch as for the price, swiftness, and quality, this little shop will go beyond your expectations. read more

See all

The BEST spot for sandwiches!!! We've come here a countless of times and it never disappoints. We got a full focaccia with Italian prosciutto, hot salami, provolone, lettuce, red onions, roasted red peppers, and banana peppers. It sure hit the spot for us. read more

La Grotta Del Formaggio - a cut in half sandwich - Delis Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia