Pesto's Deli & Italian Specialties

They have recently switched to pre made sandwiches that sit in a cold display case. The bread was cold and hard and nothing like the delicious sandwiches pestos used to make. Will not return unless they go back to making fresh sandwiches

There's a reason why this deli is one of the only eateries in the area having a 4.7+ rating with well over 300 reviews. Pesto's deli is in a class of its own.Their sandwiches will redefine what a good sandwich is for you. We had the Chicken sandwich and it was fantastic. The chicken was tender and exquisitely seasoned without being spicy, the vegetables were the freshest I've had anywhere, including the eggplant. You can add artichokes (extra), which we did and we loved how they blended with the relative simplicity of the rest of the ingredients.The bread was simply the best way to wrap this magnificent and great balance of protein and veggies. The bread was fresh, soft and delicious in a way that other chain restaurants can't replicate.I will be coming back to Pesto's deli again and again...and again.Sandwich lovers, do yourselves a favor and try a good sandwich...you won't be able to go to the big sandwich chains anymore.

Absolutely fantastic! I can't remember the last time I was this excited about a new restaurant.I had the Italian combo sandwich (spicy), a Nutella cannelloni and an espresso. The sandwich was perfect; fresh, crusty bread with fresh flavourful sliced meat. The cannelloni was to die for too.This is a great place to grab lunch, dinner, a coffee or just a beer. Part cafe, part bar, part deli and part grocery store.I'm going to become a regular!

Used to be the best spot in Ottawa for an Italian sandwich, was a regular. They switched to junk pre made sandwiches that are half the size and not nearly as good quality. Will not be returning

Not only are they no longer made to order but you can't even anticipate what sandwiches will be available before you get there. Would've preferred a price increase to keep the previous setup.

Amazing experience and value. Visited for a sandwich for 5he first time on Tuesday, and it was beyond delicious. it may have been my first, but it will not be my last visit.

This place has sadly gone downhill. Everything is pre-made, no longer made fresh to order. Bread is rock hard, food is all ice cold.The guy working the cash also seems really overwhelmed, yelling at the guy in the back to work faster and told me to slow down asking questions (I asked one question - can I have a bag?).Really disappointed with how this place turned out. Won’t be returning.

I got the mild Italian. It was a decent sandwich but thought the size could be a bit bigger, with more meat. I will probably try their house made porchetta next time.

I write this review with a heavy heart, and respect for what used to be one of my favourite places in the city.If you're good with 'whatever is available,' give them a try. If you like specific ingredients or sandwiches, it's sadly not worth the trip.Until late 2022, they made sandwiches to order. Now they pre-make them, and they sit in a case. What you see is what you get.Even with this change, I managed to find one that I liked. However, they don't make the same ones every day (and there's no way to know what will be waiting for you before you go), so if you like certain sandwiches, you're out of luck if they don't decide to make them that day.I've still enjoyed the food since the change, but only when I was able to find a sandwich in the case that I actually wanted. It's a business model that doesn't work for me, but I hope it works for enough people to keep the place afloat and/or fix whatever problem they were trying to solve with the change.

The best sandwiches and takeout food to enjoy at home. The chicken parmigiana is too die for and the cannolis are awesome with a slight hint of citrus like I remember as a child when my Nona and mom made my family highly recommend that you give them a try you will not be sorry it’s worth the drive