Sì Roma — Restaurant in Glendale

Look, every once in a while, you stumble upon a place that cuts through the bs. A place that isn't trying to be the next big thing, just the real thing. In the sprawling, often soulless landscape of L.A. strip malls, finding a spot with a genuine pulse is a minor miracle. Let me tell you about a miracle I found in Glendale, of all places, tucked away like a secret worth keeping. It's called Sì Roma, and it's a full-throated, passionate "YES!" to what a real Italian sandwich should be.

This isn't just another sandwich joint. Forget it. Sì Roma is one man's fanatical obsession with authentic Italian street food, playing out on a canvas of fresh-baked stirato bread. It's a ghost kitchen with the soul of a Roman rosticceria, operating out of a Pokitomik in the Glendale Marketplace. You read that right. You go for raw fish, you stay for the prosciutto. It's the kind of beautiful, chaotic logic I can get behind.

The man behind the counter is Johnny. He's not some corporate suit who saw a gap in the market; food is in his blood, passed down from a restaurateur Nonno. This whole thing was born from a pandemic-fueled pilgrimage. Johnny sold his house, flew to Sicily, and immersed himself in the coastal traditions of his heritage. He even did a stint at a Buddhist monastery--not for enlightenment, but because it was cheap--all in the relentless pursuit of the perfect panino. He wrestled with a cursed food truck that seemed to break down on principle before finding his current home. That struggle is important. It's a story you can taste.

And that story gets real on the menu--a tight, focused collection of hits built on a foundation of impeccable ingredients. The meats are sliced to order. The cheeses, like the glorious, creamy stracciatella, are imported straight from Italy.

Start with the Sì Roma Deluxe, the one people whisper about. It's a masterpiece of salty Prosciutto di Parma, the dual-threat creaminess of fresh Mozzarella and Stracciatella, bright tomatoes, and then the curveball: grilled peaches. It sounds wrong. It feels wrong. But your first bite tells you it's so, so right. The sweetness cuts through the fat and salt, creating something sublime. Don't sleep on the rest of the lineup, either--creations like "The Hungry Terrone" showcase gods of the cured meat world like Prosciutto Cotto and Pistachio Mortadella, each one a testament to the fact that simplicity, when done with perfect ingredients, is unbeatable.

Forget that green sludge in a jar you call pesto. Johnny makes three distinct, nut-free versions from scratch: a classic Genovese, a fiery Calabrese, and a deep, earthy Olive. They're revelations. And if you walk out of there without a chocolate shell cannoli, you've failed the mission. It's the perfect endnote: a crisp, dark chocolate shell giving way to a rich ricotta filling that isn't sickeningly sweet. It's balanced. It's honest. Just like everything else here.

"Sì Roma" is more than a name; it's an affirmation. "Yes, Rome!" It's a nod to doing things the right way, the old way. Johnny's odyssey--from selling his home to bunking with monks--isn't just a quirky backstory. It's the spirit of the place. It's the dedication that separates a good sandwich from a truly great one.

So, here's the final word. If you're tired of limp, overpriced sandwiches and you crave something made with passion and integrity, you need to find this place. It's a culinary "Yes!" in a world full of "maybes." It's proof that sometimes, the best things are found where you least expect them.

Just go. You...

Updating my original post bellow, after resolving a small communication issue I went back yesterday and this time I was able to get one of the most delicious sandwiches (and cannoli )I’ve had in a long time. It was definitely worth the wait. The sandwich was constructed with fresh ingredients and the flavors all married well in every bite. Johnny was a gracious host and I’m looking forward to bringing my family back for lunch very soon Continued success to Si Roma

I live a few miles away so I called to make sure they were open. I got the answering machine saying I reached them after hours, so first assumption was they were closed. But I decided to call back and this time they answered. I was immediately put on hold and when they came back on the line, the woman said they weren’t taking phone orders and I’d have to order in person. Now I know they’re open, so I drive over there and they tell me “ sorry , we’re sold out for the day ! And that was that ! Under those circumstances I would have expected some type of nice gesture on their part, perhaps a small discount or a cannoli on my next visit. I got nothing, and I was late for my afternoon poker game because I had to find another place to pick up lunch I’m sure the food is good but I was left with a bad...

I’ve visited Si Roma a few times now, and it has quickly become my go-to spot for authentic Italian sandwiches. The quality of the ingredients is top-notch, from the fresh bread to the flavorful meats and cheeses. Each bite feels like a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the cozy atmosphere adds to the overall experience. Whether you're in the mood for a classic Italian combo or something more unique, Si Roma has something for everyone. Highly recommend this place for anyone craving a delicious,...