Upon arriving at Don Floriano in Gatineau, we were greeted by a large menu displayed outside, giving us the chance to browse through a tempting selection of sandwiches, pizzas, meatballs, pasta, and desserts. It was our first visit to this restaurant, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. As soon as we entered, my eyes were immediately drawn to a bottle of Apricot Necart, one of my favorite drinks. I was already thrilled! My husband and I approached the counter to place our order, and the young man serving us was cheerful, polite, and, as first-time customers, he even offered us the juice for free. It only got better from there! We each ordered our sandwiches and sat down at an empty table, eagerly awaiting our meal. As we waited, we noticed the pizza at the table next to us, and it looked absolutely delicious. The staff here are incredibly friendly and welcoming, making me feel right at home. Honestly, I was so excited, I felt like a kid in a candy store, eagerly anticipating when they would call our names. Finally, our sandwiches arrived, and I was amazed at how generously loaded they were. I had the Carlo #10, a fantastic sandwich filled with Mortadella, Genoa Salami, Capocollo, ham, provolone, pickles, onions, lettuce, and spicy mayo. My husband went for the Tony #2, which came with ham, provolone, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayo. These were no ordinary sandwiches—they were packed with flavor, fresh, and absolutely delicious, just melting in your mouth. Then, the chefs walked by and surprised us with some of their homemade tomato sauce. I’ve never tasted anything like it before— it was as if I’d been transported to Italy (though I’ve never actually been there, I imagine the sauce would taste just like this!). Dipping my sandwich into that sauce was a true culinary experience. For dessert, we tried their freshly baked cannoli. They were smaller, which allowed us to indulge without feeling overly full, and they were incredible! The lady behind the counter even packed two more for us to take home and enjoy later. The hospitality at Don Floriano is truly remarkable. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt so warmly welcomed at a restaurant. By the time we left, my husband and I were already planning our next visit. We can’t wait to try their pizza and gnocchi. Oh, and by the way, you can buy their tomato sauce, which we’re definitely planning to do next time we’re there! 2 sandwiches for 22 dollars. Thank...
Read moreForget everything you thought you knew about meatball subs. Cast aside your preconceived notions, your pedestrian expectations, and prepare to be reborn. Because Don Floriano's meatball sub isn't just a sandwich; it's a religious experience.
Let's start with the foundation, the very bedrock of this edible masterpiece: the bread. Forget your spongy, forgettable rolls. This is a symphony of flaky, golden perfection. A crust that yields with a gentle crunch, giving way to a soft, airy interior that soaks up the glorious sauce without surrendering its structural integrity. It's the kind of bread that whispers sweet nothings of artisanal baking in your ear.
And then, the meatballs. Oh, the meatballs. These aren't the rubbery, pre-fab spheres of sadness you find elsewhere. These are handcrafted orbs of pure, unadulterated meat bliss. Freshness isn't a buzzword here; it's a tangible reality. Each bite bursts with the savory, perfectly seasoned flavor of quality ingredients, cooked to tender, juicy perfection. It's like a tiny, carnivorous cloud melting on your tongue.
The sauce? A tangy, robust elixir that clings to every crevice, every meatball, every flake of bread. It's the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the meat, creating a harmonious balance that dances across your palate.
This isn't just a meal; it's a culinary pilgrimage. It's the kind of sandwich that makes you close your eyes and momentarily forget the trials of the world. It's the kind of sandwich that makes you want to write poetry, compose sonnets, and sing its praises from the rooftops.
Don Floriano's meatball sub isn't just amazing; it's a transcendent experience. It's a testament to the power of simple ingredients, expertly crafted. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most profound pleasures in life come in the form of a perfectly executed meatball sub. Go. Now. Run. Your taste buds...
Read moreI have been suggested to go to Don Floriano from friends as they know I love good food. Today, I have been to the restaurant at 831 Boulevard Saint-René Ouest in Gatineau for lunch and I have to say that it was a wonderful experience I was not expecting at all. First, we received a outstanding warm welcome from the Manager - owner Carlo and the staff. We where greeted and welcomed like we where family. We where their guests and they where happy to receive us and proud of what they do. Everyone was so nice and ultimately made us feel comfortable and happy. Carlos Made us taste their famous meatballs and I have to say, I was floored as it was the best Italian meatballs I had ever eaten. my friend and I almost wrestled for the last piece... I had not even ordered lunch and already I was amazed by the place, the people and food. My friend ordered a Diavolo Italian sandwich and I ordered a peperoni Pizza. Sandwich was ready in no time and it looked amazing. Mike the cook, took my pizza directly to our table. Again, personalized service and served with so much happy vibes it was unbelievable. The pizza I had took me directly to Naples in Italy. Authentic and true Italian pizza. I have eaten pizza before like anyone but never as good and true as the pizza I had for Lunch today. Don Floriano is a go to must. I recommend very strongly that you encourage such positive and great local...
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