Jo's Italian Deli — Restaurant in Vancouver

I like this place! I tried their vegetarian sandwich back in the spring and just came for a quick dinner and got the rosé pasta. As I recall, the sandwich was very tasty with lots of filling. It was on the oily side for my taste, but there's definitely an argument to made that you shouldn't order an Italian-style sub and not expect it to be oily, so take my criticism lightly. I really liked the pasta! The rose sauce wasn't too heavy but it wasn't watery at all either, and there were lots of bits of sun-dried tomatoes and onions and another green vegetable (maybe celery?) that helped fill it out as a meal. There's black pepper and red pepper shakers available so you can season to taste which I did. So nice that they cook the pasta fresh for you. The focaccia that it was served with was, like the sandwich, a little too buttery for my taste, but otherwise it was nice. Very soft and absorbent of the sauce, but also topped with herbs that made it perfectly tasty on its own. It felt like something I would get in a nicer restaurant but with the convenience (and lower price point) of the cafe setup. Their dessert bars are average - I’m glad I tried them but I wouldn’t go out of my way to get them again. The addiction bar is their take on a “healthier” dessert bar and has pieces of nuts and dried apricot, and they also have a lemon bar. I liked all the “bits” in the addiction bar. They store them in plastic wrap which I don’t care for, besides being wasteful it also crushes the crumb topping in the lemon bar. The staff I've dealt with have been friendly and helpful with menu questions, and the overall feel of the place is bright and fun. The food is priced reasonably as well. The grocery market has the basics for Italian cooking like good-quality pastas and sauces, but not really any specialty items that you couldn't find in a large grocery store. Prices are avoid the same as mid-level grocery prices, so it's worth buying it from them if they have...

I’m so happy to be introduced to another gem out in the Kitsilano area. Jo’s Italian Deli is family owned and focuses on classic Italian sandwiches and pastas. They also have a section offering imported Italian grocery items. All their pastas and sandwiches are family recipes and it would be the same food you would see in their home!

🍝Spaghetti & Meatballs reg $9.49 🍝ROSÉ reg $9.49 🥪Prosciutto reg $8.29 🥪Italian reg $8.29

Their pasta menu is concise with spaghetti & meatballs, Rose, Bolognese, Alfredo, and Gnocchi. The regular size is extremely well priced at only $9.49. This is the best plate of pasta for under 10 dollars in Vancouver. You can order a family size as well

The spaghetti and meatballs were generously portioned. The trio meatballs were tender and seasoned well and very delicious with Jo’s homemade red sauce. I would order extra meatballs next time! The Rose had radiatori in a very creamy classic pink sauce. It was also delicious and had good flavours. All their pastas come with a side of toasted garlic bread and it had a lovely garlicky aroma and fluffy texture.

I love how their pastas and sandwiches were made fresh to order! It makes a huge difference in freshness. My favourite sandwich was the prosciutto. There were good portions of Italian prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, lettuce, tomato and perfectly paired with Jo’s vinaigrette. It was savoury and satisfying. I could seriously have this sandwich everyday. The Italian sandwich had yummy classic cold cuts and Parmesan. The cold cuts were sliced thinly and that’s very important as an airy texture is everything to the Italian sandwich!

The dining area is bright with big windows and the tables were spaced out quite well. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly. I would definitely recommend Jo’s Italian Deli for delicious and affordable pastas and some of the best...

Quaint family-owned deli with amazing classic Italian sandwiches and handmade pastas. There is seating indoors, but I dined on the tables outside. They make almost everything from scratch, and the quality is phenomenal. Very friendly staff, and quick wait time for the food. I honestly can’t pick a favourite dish, as everything was so good. Generous portions at very reasonable prices.

My order:

Italian Sandwich: These sandwiches are huge and loaded with meat, they definitely don’t cheap out. Many slices of assorted cold cuts, and my favourite was the Jo's Vinaigrette on the lettuce. Even the tomato slices were thick and fresh (no end pieces here!). Onions were sliced super thin, so it isn’t overwhelming, and adds an extra crunch and flavour to the sandwich.

Prosciutto Sandwich: Generous portion of Italian Prosciutto, thick slice of creamy fresh mozzarella, and the amazing vinaigrette here as well.

Spaghetti & Meatballs: 3 tender meatballs in their homemade tomato sauce. Love their meatballs, you can taste the mixture of fresh herbs. I would order extra meatballs next time, they’re that good. The tomato sauce isn’t too sour, and it is super flavourful. The pasta is also handmade in house, and you can really taste the difference – the pasta texture is amazingly bouncy/chewy. I had takeout and re-heated it the same night, and it was still delicious. They have a family sized option available for their pasta’s as well.

Rosé: Radiatori in a creamy tomato sauce. Again, I love their hand-made pasta’s, and this shape really locks in the sauce. No meat in this dish. All pastas come with a slice of house-made herb garlic bread.

Overall, best sandwiches and pasta...