Sanguiccio Deli-Cafe — Restaurant in Ottawa

What makes good food? Quality ingredients. Well made dishes. Flavour, freshness, love and more. Sanguiccios has this all. I stopped by on a Friday afternoon and the smell was delightful as I came into the shop. Like stepping into an Italian home kitchen. The atmosphere of the shop may not seem like much but it has a quaint air of home about it. The owner was kind and you can tell he loves making fresh, quality food for people. No compromises. Just food that is fantastic and fresh. I had a sandwich, honestly I can't even tell you the name of it. I asked the owner what he had and he mentioned the sausage sandwich, and I asked for it. It took a short while for the owner, Genio, to make the food as he had other people to serve, but good food is always worth the wait. The sandwich was delicious. The sausage was well prepared, the tomatoes and other toppings fresh. I'll be back to try more food, perhaps to dine-in, relax and slow down in a little slice of Italy that's been dropped...

Places like this are the reason the term “hidden gem” exists. Feels just like Italy, and like you’re lucky to have found it. I’ve never looked at a menu, I always let Genio, the proprietor, choose based on what’s fresh and each time is better than the last. The value is unbeatable, the flavours unmatched - espresso, wine, food - it’s all simple, yet absolutely perfect. Once I asked for the tomato salad that I’d had the week before, and he wouldn’t do it because the tomatoes weren’t good enough. THAT is the kind of pride he takes in his work. Hands down my favourite place to take clients, friends, family visiting from out of town. If you’re looking for a trendy insta spot this isn’t it, but that’s my favourite part about it. It’s authentic and family run and so, so special - truly,...

One of Ottawa's hidden gems for lunch that only those with some time to soak in a casual Italian experience should enjoy. The owner makes everything fresh to order which can take upwards of 25 minutes to arrive in your hands. Although, in your hands might be the best sandwich you've ever had.

Grab one of small handful of seats while the owner shares with you his love of Italian food through casual conversation and spoonfuls of his latest culinary joys like freshly made hot sauce (grown from peppers in his garden) and nibbles of appetite-spiking imported prosciutto. It's a good distraction as you narrow in to one of Sanguiccio's humbly delicious sandwiches to order. Get the meatballs when they're available made by the owner's Italian grandmother......