Scozzafava's Deli — Restaurant in Calgary

I live barely a block away and have been awaiting this place's opening with anticipation. I've also met Joey and his enthusiasm for the art of the Italian deli is inspiring. So I'm happy to see it open and to have enjoyed both a sandwich (that had to wait for the second day) and, on day 1, since by the time I got in (4:30p) all the food was sold, an espresso. Both were outstanding.

The sandwiches I really wanted to try- either the eggplant or the chicken parmigiana- were both sold out, so I got the veggie one. It was amazing- first, because that bread, THAT BREAD, is one of the best breads I've had in this city. It's encrusted with sesame seeds and is fresh and tender and just miraculous. The fillings were ample and perfectly seasoned- eggplant, zucchini, red onions, peppers, just a beautiful melange with a sort of burrata. It was HEAVY, so not a huge sandwich but a beautifully dense one.

I wish there were a veal sandwich on the menu is the only thing I'd like to see- oh and I'd like to be able to have both the chicken (or veal) cutlet with the fried eggplant; that was always my go-to sandwich when I lived in Toronto and would get my favourite Italian sandwiches at Mustachio in St Lawrence Market- as of now, the menu at Scozzafava's is quite focussed with, I think, 7 sandwiches on the menu and I can understand why they want to keep it that way, but it'd be nice to be able to customize a bit.

I got that sandwich on Sunday the 29th- on Saturday afternoon (the 28th) the crowds had died down and a sign on the door indicated that they had no more food, but I wanted to see the interior and they were still serving drinks, so I ordered an espresso. Coffee isn't an afterthought here- they have a very capable set-up, with a quality Eureka grinder and, I'm VERY impressed to see, a one-group La Marzocco Linea for the espresso machine. That's serious. The espresso was a fantastic 30-second shot and was one of the finest I've had in memory: all of taste, temperature and texture were perfect. One thing I'd wish for is that their retail bags of coffee provide more detail: no roaster or source indication, and no roast dates. That's my only note on the coffee- it's...

Our chicken parm sandwich was good, but we both felt it was missing seasoning and finesse. First, we eat with our eyes, and while this is a beautiful sight, it may need a bit of tweaking on the taste.

It was cheesy and had a nicely cooked chicken cutlet, but it really just needed a bit of salt and care during the preparation to take it over the edge to make it a damn good sandwich. The flavor was lacking and the sandwich was sloppy, and while I would have seasoned it myself, we were on the road.

Hot sandwiches are definitely best eaten on site, so I will say this may be my own fault for ordering out. Mind you, we did eat it in the car right outside the shop so not much time had passed from receiving the sandwich to eating it. I don't know. This may be something to consider for those looking to try it out.

I'm not sure if we just got our food on an off night but we kind of expected a bit more for a place that has been so recently hyped up on social media.

We will come again to give it another shot as we love the vibes and concept, but maybe we will try a cold sandwich or other...

Been twice to Scozzafava and super impressed. This is a small sandwich shop in the spirit of a big city street food eatery. Ingredients are fresh, the hot is hot and the cool stays cool, and ingredients keep it different and interesting. After reading some of the reviews here, I understand why such shops don't open that often in Calgary. If you're looking for Tofu, quinoa and broiled chicken, head to a place that serves it. Scozzafava is about flavor, and that comes with salt, spice, and even some fat in the right places (mortadella and fresh mozzarella, etc). I know when people are making comments like it's too salty or too much - I'm in the right spot and they're doing it right. This IS a home made sub shop from top to bottom. Only a few of these even exist in Calgary. While I was noshing a Meatball Parm, Nick the owner came out and asked how everything was. We chatted about our respective street food experiences while I sipped my drink. IMO, this place is special. Spend a little time around Calgary's sub offerings, and when you think you're "learned", come here and see...