LA GROTTA DEL FORMAGGIO

"This charming old-world deli is typical of Commercial Drive's distinctly Italian flavour. It's got delicious cheeses, both imported and local, cured meats and just about anything you'd want serve up on a rustic slab of wood to your dinner guests. But perhaps what L.G.d.F. is best known for, and creates line ups out their door, is their made to order panini (yes, that's already a plural). Thick stacks of meat, cheese and veggies held together by your choice of bread and always served with a dollop of continental sass from the staff behind the counter (I once asked which cheese had the least fat and got the response I deserved)." - Asterios Moutsokapas

"La Grotta del Formaggio, Commercial Drive by Asterios Moutsokapas. This charming old-world deli is typical of Commercial Drive's distinctly Italian flavour. It's got delicious cheeses, both imported and local, cured meats and just about anything you'd want serve up on a rustic slab of wood to your dinner guests.But perhaps what L.G.d.F. is best known for, and creates line ups out their door, is their made to order panini (yes, that's already a plural). Thick stacks of meat, cheese and veggies held together by your choice of bread and always served with a dollop of continental sass from the staff behind the counter (I once asked which cheese had the least fat and got the response I deserved)."

"GO HERE: for La Grotta’s legendary sandwiches, some of which are large enough to feed four. ORDER THE: full focaccia with the works, grilled (unless you are alone, in which case ask for a half, grilled). Choose your own meat from the packed deli case. If you can’t make up your mind, the salami and roast beef are tops (the latter is a $2 upgrade, but you’re worth it). Yes to the pesto mayo, yes to the oil and vinegar, and heck yes to the banana peppers and pickled eggplant. THE VIBE IS: just what you’d expect from a well-established deli run by Italian immigrants for decades: no-nonsense service; shelves packed with European imports of every kind, including hundreds of panettone around Christmas; a ceiling painted to look like the sky; and a large tub of Baci chocolates next to the register. PRACTICAL STUFF: Open every day: Monday to Thursday and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit midmorning or slightly later in the afternoon to avoid the lunchtime rush (which includes many hungry construction workers). Hot tip: You can also call your order in! —Lindsay Anderson" - Condé Nast