Best Italian Sandwich

[Connoisseur]

Veal or Meatball CS or SF?? I need to know!!!

California Sandwich - I have found the veal to be a little tough on my last few visits however the original location is still the best.
San Francesco - I find them to be hit and miss on quality and taste.
Mustachio's - St Lawrence Market. They are consistant they are not the best but you know what you are getting every time.

Focaccia on Hayden (Yonge and Bloor) agian it's a good sandwich but I really want to try something GREAT.

Help me out

[Luvtooeat]

If your near Eglinton / Marlee
Do yourself a favour and check out
http://www.zitosmarketplace.ca/
210 Marlee ave
M-F 7am to 9pm
Sat Sun 8am to 6pm

Great Veal and other sandwich's

[OTFOODIE]

I'm surprised that no one has mention Vincentina's on Edilcan in Vaughn. Earlier in this thread, I had nominated Panini at Weston & 7 - which I still think is excellent - but when I'm up in that general vicinity, I'm going to Vincentina about half the time. I have a really hard time deciding between their steak, pochetta and sausage.

[FoodSnob99]

I've tried them all. But by far and away Ciccio Sanwiccio on Yonge St. just north of Lawrence is the best. My dad's a butcher, and I can tell you right now, all of those other places don't use the best meat. Ciccios does.

As for sauce, California's and Ciccio's are both great. If anything, I might give the edge to Ciccio's. Also, you can't go there without trying their Penne a la Vodka.

There aren't many options for desert except "the best tiramisu in the world!"

The only thing is they don't sell coffee. They sell espresso, lattes, and cappucinnos, but no coffee. I can't figure it out, but there's a Tim Horton's right next door.

Overall, you have to try this place at least once. It's the best place in the city to eat under $10!

[Breadcrumbs]

Thanks FS99, sounds fabulous and we'll make a special trip to give them a try.

[jillvis]

I'm so glad to report that even though I first wrote about Ciccio Sanwiccio in 2008, it's safe to say that it's still the best for veal sandwiches and pastas. In fact, give the grilled eggplant and zucchini and eggplant parmesan sandwiches a try too. Great, friendly services to go along with the awesome food. Only downside is that they close by 6 p.m. on Saturday nights and they are closed Sunday. Everyone deserves some time off. :)

[franpelyk]

Agreed about Ciccio. Great sandwich, but let me toss another one out there. Bitondo's on Clinton Street. Their home made sauce is tremendous and the veal is light and moist. But.....try the steak sandwich! Unlike the others, they grill the meet, into the soft kaiser bun, topped with sauce, cheese and mushrooms. But....don't forget to slap on the roasted hot peppers. Wash it down with a great panzorotto!!!!

[FoodSnob99]

I've been going to Bitondo's forever, since I grew up around there. My grandmother even worked there about 30 years ago, and I'll admit their sandwiches were good back in the day. The only problem with them now is their meat, which is tough.

However, their sauce is good, their pizza is good, and their panzorottos are the best in Toronto. I can't back the sandwich any longer, but I'll admit that everyone should try the panzerotto at least once in their life. It's that good. It's also very filling, so you can basically eat for a day for like $6! Oh, and they're huuuge!!

[Yongeman]

I'm with you on the panzarotto and the slice (when it's fresh). Never tried the sandwich, though. I always go down the block to California.

[magic]

It's odd... Ciccio has universally positive reviews but my one and only time there (7 years ago or so) the service was unfriendly and my grilled chicken forgettable.

[prima]

If you ever return to Ciccio, I'd recommend the traditional (breaded) chicken, veal or eggplant sandwiches over a grilled chicken sandwich. While Ciccio has pastas and some other dishes on the menu, I tend to stick to the veal or chicken sandwiches. While the eggplant sandwich at Ciccio is quite good, I'm still looking for an even better eggplant sandwich in TO.

[magic]

Ok, will for sure give them another go. :)

[torontofoodisbest]

#1Espresso Bakery & Deli 4980 Dundas St W, ON M9A 1B7 [phone]
Best Italian Sandwiches. I recommend the breaded chicken or the veal. The owner is a nice Italian lady from Italy, cooks everything herself. They catered my birthday party. Really great prices

#2 LaRose Bakery 140 La Rose Avenue Toronto, ON
2nd best chicken sandwich. Price not bad

#3 San Francesco Foods 10 Clinton St Toronto ON, M6J 2N8 [phone]
I recommend the hot veal. Great sandwich, they tend to over dress it with sauce. Big plus is they are open later then Espresso Bakery

[Big Kahuna 1]

Tried the original California on Claremont again about two months ago. Good veal was ruined by overly salty sauce, even after I told them to go lightly on the sauce (my preference). The bun was meh and the price was too dear for the sandwich received.The veals that I have most consistently enjoyed have been at Pacino Panino (Steeles Avenue West, just west of the 400) and Ciccio Sanwiccio on Yonge Street north of Lawrence.

-----
Ciccio Sanwiccio
3220 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M4N 2L2, CA

[Food Detective]

I agree about California Sandwiches. Ever since they opened locations all over the city, the quality seems to have gone down significantly, and there is no consistency between locations - a pity, really...

[Sui_Mai]

Someone told me that Amico's in Parkdale makes a good one. That would be great because they deliver. Anyone tried?

[jamesm]

I've had several sandwiches from Amico since I live right around the corner and they are quite good. Good bun, good size, tasty and well-priced.

[BeanerSchitzl]

It may be outside of Toronto- but for those out in the east end Sinatras on Simcoe Street North in Oshawa rules Durham region IMO. Tender veal, tasty sauce and their sandwiches are piled high.

http://www.sinatras.ca/

[Boodah]

Panini's up at Hwy 7/400. Best Italian sandwiches in the GTA IMO, I think they're far better than California, Mustachio's and some of the other ones mentioned I've had.

[OTFOODIE]

I have had Mustachios (2/5), California (several locations, 4/5), Nino D'Aversa (3/5), Commisso (3/5) and San Francesco (2.5/5) and the best is Panini, the only one I'd rate as 5/5.

[duckdown]

Can you tell me what the exact name or website of Panini is? Is it "Via Panini" ? Googling the name brings up many results all in the Woodbridge area

Thanks

[OTFOODIE]

I doubt they have a website, but a Canada 411 search came up with:

Panini Italian Sandwiches Inc
7600 Weston Road,
Woodbridge, ON L4L 8B7
905-264-0064

[duckdown]

Ah ok, because "Via Panini" was actually on Hwy 7 itself, I thought that might be it

I'm going to check out this place on Weston very soon, thanks!

[juunbug25]

Yeah i saw a huge lineup at the place in St Lawrence market over the weekend
wanted to try it but didnt feel like standing in line

[Jar]

I agree with the comment on San Francesco. The only location I go to is on Finch West at Alness ( west of Dufferin 1 block ). The sandwiches are made the way you request them, generous meat portion a bonus. Veal is never dry, stringy or too chewy, HOORAY! A bit about the operation, busy around 10.00 a.m., before and after as Catering Trucks are serviced, so you can get a sandwich early. Same owner operating for I guess 3 decades counting short time at original Yonge/Steeles location which moved to Finch. Bonus in Noodle Delight is in the same plaza for some passable to quite good Chinese eat in/take out!

[Brain of J]

Any talk of the best Italian sandwiches must include Colombo's at 1794 Danforth. Both the chicken parm and veal parm are excellent. The meat's super tender, not overly saucy, decent bun. About $6.00

[dlw88]

Do any of these places give you multiple tenderized pieces of thinly sliced veal, similar to San Francescos? Personally, I much prefer it to one hunk of meat.

[TdotFoodKing]

California's is usually two pieces, but all sandwiches have to be somewhat thin cuts of meat or they wont cook properly. So Im sure you will find all places have thinner cuts.

[Enza]

I wouldn't even imagine going to eat at Colombo's again, I have tried his sandwiches and I had a very hard case of heart burn. The sauce is just out of the can and the bun was surely frozen before and it crumbled when I was eating it.

[domesticgodess]

ciccio sanwiccio on yonge north of lawrence....yum yum yum (I think I use that word a lot..LOL) is my favorite.
However there is a small joint that i use to go to at the south west corner of hwy 400 and 7..in a one of those strip malls....3 Italian women in the kitchen who serve fantastic Italian Sandwiches. They seem to have a following in the neighborhood!!! Cant remember the name of the place...perhaps that means I should visit again!!!

[kungfugecko]

Angelo's Hot Table in east york on Bermondsey has the best meatball sandwiches around. The meatballs are huge and the sauce is incredible. Onions, peppers and mushrooms all included for $6. Veal and sausage are also really good and customer service is great- they remember my name every time I go in!

[vealmaster]

Yes its called Parmigiana Sandwiches

180 Winges, Woodbridge, ON L4L6C5
Phone: [phone]

Good Choice!!

[mariecollins]

Colombo's has changed hands now and is much better.

[TdotFoodKing]

California Sandwiches is the best, but only a the original Dundas and Claremont location. I dont bother with the other locations. Will definitely give Vinnie's Panini a try though.

[Scary Bill]

The Queensway location of California's is as good as the original and very consistent. The place is always at least half full, so this isn't just my opinion.

Vinnies is superb, however if you get the veal and like it saucy, order extra sauce.

[czthemmnt]

La Rose Bakery! Oh my god- Beany, you have no idea the memories you've just brought back to me! I lived in that area as a young girl and once a week my mother would treat us to their veal sandwiches. It was heaven on a bun. I can't believe they are still around. Wow. I think it's time I went back to visit the old neighbourhood...

[beany]

You know everytime I hear of another good veal sandwich I try it but honestly nothing is as good as a La Rose sandwich...such a nice shop to browse in too :)

[pancake]

I grew up in the area as well, and recall a time when La Rose had the best hot food counter in town.
Unfortunately, the prices have gone up and the quality down. I don't think you will be able to relive those childhood memories.
With that said, they still have tasty fresh bread, and a great antipasto/deli counter.

[deelicious]

which sandwich should a newbie try there?

[chungry1]

Has anyone tried the veal sandwiches at Santino's Bakery on Keele and Highway 7? They serve their veal on a fresh baked crispy baguette with juicy sweet and spicy peppers and an awesome tomato sauce. It's where I had my first veal sandwhich, so I might be biased. Still, it was light years ahead of Calif Sand.

[callitasicit]

I believe Dante's has the best italian steak sandwich I have ever tasted. It is huge and on a great roll, packed with whatever you want on it. It is expensive but really good.

[Moimoi]

Ciccio Sanwicchio on Yonge, just north of Lawrence - very authentic, real Italian owners - you'd swear you were in Italy. Toppings are spectacular. Onions are carmelized, mushrooms sauteed well, peppers are legitimately roasted... I went to Mustachio in St. Lawrence today - had never been - it was awful! Those free toppings seemed like a deal, but the fried veal and eggplant lacked flavour, and the toppings weren't well cooked. Onions were almost crispy, mushrooms, thick and under-cooked - same with peppers. Won't go again.

I must however give Mustachio credit where it's due. Seems there are many homeless people who frequent St. Lawrence for food hand-outs, and one such guy showed up while I was eating at their counter. While one of the male owners was a bit of a jerk to the poor guy, the matriarch of the shop gave him his veal sandwich without any grief. I give them credit for being kind to those less fortunate.

[Franchise]

California Sandwiches is awful

[xtal]

I definitely second Ciccio. I tried it for the first time a few weeks ago and was very impressed.

There's small shop called Sweetpepper near Bay and Wellesley that looks promising, but I haven't had the pleasure.

[jillvis]

Ciccio Sanwiccio is the absolute best. It's in the area that I live in, and we absolutely love all of their authetic offerings. Great veal sandwiches, and if you prefer a vegetarian offering, try the eggplant parmesan sandwich. Very generous portions. The additional toppings are great - I usually do mushroom and mixed peppers. As far as their pastas are concerned, great meat sauce, tomato sauce, pink sauce (if you prefer)...and the salads are also fresh and ample. Great value, great taste and a feeling like you're sitting in someone's real Italian kitchen. Friendly service too. Can't beat it for eat in or take out. Da best.

[EPIcureanTO]

Good to hear about Vinnies- starting to think that Dupont has more hidden gems than I realize...

[beany]

We have tried Tre Rose on Kipling and La Rose Bakery at La Rose and Royal York among others , and we always go back to La Rose. Better than Mustachios, and California Sandwiches on Queensway.

[superizzy]

Vinnie's is fantastic. far and away the best place for veal Sammies and i have tried Mustachio's, San Francesco, Commiso, Calif, etc.

They make it from scratch so it is sloooow. esp around lunch time.

Always best to phone your order in

416-531-9454

[TaCk OnE]

are you talking about vinnies paninni just west of christie?

if so I just moved into the neighbourhood and noticed it the other day, have to stop buy if that's the case.

[Scary Bill]

yes

[orangewasabi]

I like the veal sammies from Sweet Pepper on Bay just south of Wellesley and the meatball sammies from Scaccia in Manulife when in that area.

Do get a Mustachio's craving periodically, but I do add salt, extra sauce and hot peppers to the whole thing.

Am going to get my tail out to try Vinny's soon though, as I haven't tried it yet.

[demeen25]

There is a small family owned place in Richmond Hill, that I always go to, called Hollywood Panini. I prefer this place over California. Haven't tried San Fran or Vinny's yet.

[dautcalm]

THE ABSOLUTE BEST IS Mustachios located on the lower level of the St. Lawrence market. The sandwiches are huge!!!!! You can order your sandwich on a bun or foccaccia and any combination of their veal, eggplant and chicken.

[HarryLloyd]

.com,

Which other ones have you had? Why are they not as good as mustachios?


Chow!
HL.

[dautcalm]

I've only had California's and I find the meat tough and chewy (one could almost argue it's veal at all - pehaps only thinly sliced beef).

At Mustachios I do have to admit that I usually order the veal and eggplant with extra sauce (perhaps seems more to me than those that order straight veal) - regardless I personally find it a much superior product than California's.

[acd123]

I totally disagree. The veal sandwiches at Mustachios may be huge, but they lack flavour, big time. For a real tasty veal, go to California, San Fran, or perhaps the best, Vinny's on Dupont.

[galambo]

i love mustachios. and yes i also like California as well.

[brutt]

Sorry, if my experience there is any indication then Mustachio's is not worth any mention. One sliver of veal topped by about 5 layers of eggplant breaded to look exactly like veal does not a veal sandwich make. Leave this place for the worktime lunch crowd with no taste buds.

[Yongeman]

Have you tried the sandwiches from Trezzano Bakery at the corner of Dufferin and Wilson? They have veal and meatball, but I also love the sausage. I always have it with sauce and a mix of sweet and hot peppers. They serve them on the best crusty panini too, not like those mushy kaisers that you get at, say, California. Don't get me wrong, I love California Sandwiches, but the bread at Trezzano is special. I think they're closed on Sundays.

[torontovore]

I live close to Dufferin and Wilson and I've passed by the Trezzano Bakery many times without noticing it at the south end of the strip mall. I made a special effort the other day and stopped in for a sandwich. I tried their meatball sandwich with sweet and hot peppers for $5. Very yummy! And yes, the bun was superior and excellent. The inside table area is a little dreary and rundown looking, but the few afternoon customers I saw were quite enthusiastic about the food. I'm sure I'll be back real soon to try another sandwich. Thanks for the tip!

[food face]

I went to Trezzano Bakery today and really loved the meatball sandwhich. The bread was crusty and very fresh. The tomato sauce was also really authentic and homemade. The meatballs were nicely seasoned and huge. Thanks for recomending the peppers too. I also got the mushrooms. Something also I thought was great was the way they assembled it. The meatballs where split and crushed and just the right amount of toppings and sauce was lovingly placed on top. Lot's of topping but not too much that it was sloppy and frustrating.

Atmosphere at Trezzano- Depressing and quiet. Working class folk. More tables than I expected. I'm curious about their Porchetta special. It's only available on Fridays I think? At any rate, it is indeed a Chow find.

[Yongeman]

Glad you enjoyed the authentic experience at Trezzano, food face. I've never found it 'depressing' there, just plain and simple 'decor'. It's very popular at lunch with staff from the surrounding businesses.
About the porchetta, I've had it once and it was good. Basically, the pig sits on the table behind the counter and the meat is cut from it for your sandwich. At least that's how it was when I had it a while ago.
Prices have risen somewhat, but the quality has always remained the same.

[Poorboy]

It has been "years" since I had a drive by veal at Commisso brothers. Are they still as good as they were 20 years ago?
If you folks say they are, I will check them out again. Honest.
I have heard that they had fallen off a bit.

[Connoisseur]

Thank you I will try Vinny's and Commisso's they both sound up to the challenge. CS and SF are Definitely coasting. lol

[pinstripeprincess]

i've only had the sweet sausage at commisso's and it was pretty juicy with a nice crunch on the skin at like 10pm at night. if you can catch them while they're super fresh ie crunchy, love the canoli at commisso brothers. the ricotta has a wonderful sweet cheese flavour and matches so perfectly well with the tasty shell.

[usra]

I second Vinny's Panini. They have the best Veal Sandwich that I've tried in the city, hands-down. Veal is crisp on the outside but not tough. Loads of sauce and cheese. Bread is fresh. San Francesco's used to be amazing but their quality has definitely gone down (a great reputation seems to result in that all too often it seems). If you can do it, go for an extra spicy, with cheese. They oil and grill their own hot peppers and the result is to die for. Check that they're open first, though - they keep shorter hours than most restaurants in Toronto.

Vinny's Panini - 416-531-9454
787 Dupont Street, Toronto, ON M6G 1Z5

[Finnegan]

Commisso's is very good...open 24hours I believe

[Trice]

Yep. Great place to go when you want a veal sandwich at 2am.

[Trice]

Commisso Bros Bakery
8 Kincort Street, York, ON M6M 3E1
Best veal sandwich ever

[Poorboy]

It's been a few years for me. If they are the same as several years ago, I would agree.

Kirk

[itryalot]

We and other friends have tried several times. We were less than impressed. Nothing in particular, just not great overall. However, convenient after a night of drinking.

[Yongeman]

Exactly! I used to stop in there 40 years ago, after a night on the town. My brother went one night to find the front blown out by a bomb. Ahhhh, the good old days--who needed the Sopranos back then?

[toukolou]

Commisso's prepares an extremely lame veal sandwich. There are several very good ones north of the city. Dino Panino on Langstaff east of Weston rd., all of Dantes sandwiches are good (if bit pricey), there's also a sandwich place on the s/w corner of Weston rd and hwy 7 in a plaza that have very tasty ones. California Sandwich has become pedestrian except for the original location. I find the issue with veal sandwiches is they tend to be underseasoned, the nonas need to remember to add salt.

-----
Dino Panino
3600 Langstaff Rd, Woodbridge, ON L4L9E7, CA

[Finnegan]

California Sandwiches at 244 Claremont (dundas/Bathurst area)...there are a few other locations throughout the City, but I find the original location is still the best...lineups out the door every lunch hour...best to phone your order in ahead of time and pick it up.

[Davwud]

It most certainly is.

I like Dorio's on Weston or in Kettleby.

DT

[acd123]

Veal sandwiches at Vinnie's on Dupont (next to Universal Grill) are AMAZING.

[Scary Bill]

Went to Vinnies on Saturday for a veal, but the wait was 40 minutes. They had a breakin the night before and were backed up, so we settled for a steak which we were told would be ready in 15-20 min. It was ready in 5. It was a basic medium steak with onions.
I was glad the veal took 40 min otherwise I never would have had the best steak sandwich in my life. The meat is a pile of thin char-grilled mechanically tenderized cutlets, slightly chewy in a good way, with intense beef flavour, the onions sweet and soft, and the pepper a gigantic mutant ja-la-pa-no, sweet and smoky. The bun is one of the best kaisers I've ever had. It was also huge, and a great deal for 6 bucks.

Soooooo, try the steak.

Looking forward to going back for the veal. 3 out of 4 people who came in to order the veal when we were there were willing to wait the 40 min.

[acd123]

Looking forward to hearing what you think about the veal. By far the best I've had in TO.

[HarryLloyd]

Was the steak or the pepper "smoky"? Do they smoke their steaks?


Chow!
HL.

[Scary Bill]

They don't smoke anything per se, the smokiness comes from what I assume is grilling on a somewhat greasy gas grill at a temperature to ensure that the grilled items become carmelized.

I've noted the rave review of Mustachio and I have to disagree. The quality varies. They're very good if you get one with onions and peppers that have been cooked long enough and they put enough sauce on the sandwich. The meat is very thin typically and the batter therefore relatively thick. They always look good though.

[acd123]

I agree about Mustachio. They are okay, but lack flavour, IMO. Not even in the top 5 best in TO.

[pescatarian]

Mustachio's was better about 10-11 years ago when it first opened. Different owners and different chef.

[TaCk OnE]

they need hot sauce BAD.

but once you get some on there they're great.

although, that's my idea of good eating in general, spice me up.

[galambo]

ditto. the spicery the better