Di Rienzo's Grocery

“Di Rienzo's is a piece of Italian Ottawa history. tbh the deli counter, the imported Italian goods, the family running it for generations. The spicy sandwich wiht capicola, salami, and provolone was exactly like the delis Nonna took me to as a kid.”

“look teh seating is extremely limited basically a narrow counter against the wall. You're eating a masterpiece sandwich while hunched over a tiny ledge A few proper tables would make the dining experience match the food quality.”

“teh sandwich construction was a textural journey like crusty Italian bread, soft meats, crunchy lettuce, tangy pickled peppers, and creamy provolone. lowkey each layer contributed a different texture. Deceptively complex for a 'simple' sandwich.”

“teh bread was slightly too hard on the outside, requiring significant jaw effort. literally a softer crust that still has chew would be more enjoyable. The interior was perfect but the exterior was almost painful...”

“The cannoli were house-made with a crispy shell and fresh ricotta filling. Not the soggy, pre-filled versions you find at grocery stores. With an espresso from their machine, it was a perfect afternoon Italian moment in Ottawa.”

“teh pastry selection was limited to cannoli and a couple of cookies. A tiramisu or a panna cotta would round out the Italian dessert offering. The deli quality deserves a more complete dolce menu haha”