La Grotta Del Formaggio

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 )

Best sandwich I've ever had! Did a happy dance. A must try if you're visiting Vancouver.