This Arizona Hoagie Shop Is So Loved Locals Call It The Closest Thing To Philly
If you’ve ever wondered how a sweltering Arizona afternoon could be salvaged by a single sandwich, make a beeline to DeFalco’s Italian Deli and Grocery at 2334 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale.
Tucked into a quiet corner of Phoenix, this hoagie haven isn’t just a stop for lunch—it’s a love letter to Philly, bite by bite.
Locals swear the moment you sink your teeth into their hero (we’re talking crispy-on-the-outside, melty-on-the-inside magic), you’ll forget you’re 2,000 miles from South Street. Sure, the desert heats up your car like an oven, but DeFalco’s?
It’s the culinary equivalent of an air conditioner: cool, comforting, and universally necessary.
Real Deal Cheesesteaks That Transport You East
Forget everything you think you know about Arizona cheesesteaks. DeFalco’s uses actual shaved ribeye, not those flimsy steakumms that haunt lesser sandwich shops across the valley.
The difference hits you with the first bite. Rich, beefy flavor mingles with perfectly seasoned onions and melty cheese, all tucked into a soft Italian roll that holds up to the juicy filling without turning into a soggy mess.
People who’ve tasted the real thing in Philly nod their heads in approval after trying this version.
One customer couldn’t stop raving about how the meat alone told the whole story, packed with flavor and cooked just right.
The sandwich comes in half or full sizes, and trust me, if you’re hungry, go full. I remember watching them build my cheesesteak behind the counter, the ribeye sizzling on the griddle, and thinking it smelled better than any cheesesteak I’d had in years.
Worth every penny and every calorie, this sandwich earns its reputation as one of the valley’s absolute best.
Chicken Parm Sandwich That Lives Rent Free In Your Head
Some sandwiches you eat and forget. Others follow you home, sneak into your dreams, and refuse to leave your thoughts until you return for another round.
DeFalco’s chicken parm falls firmly in the second category. The bread strikes that perfect balance between soft and sturdy, cradling breaded chicken that’s seasoned so well you might actually tear up a little.
Marinara sauce and melted cheese coat every bite without overwhelming the star of the show. Customers describe it as possibly the best chicken parm sandwich they’ve ever encountered, and that’s not the kind of praise people throw around lightly.
The chicken comes out crispy on the outside, tender inside, with just enough sauce to make things interesting without turning your lunch into a laundry emergency.
My cousin visited from New Jersey last spring and insisted we try this place after hearing the hype. Even with his East Coast standards, he admitted the chicken parm here could hold its own against anything back home.
That’s high praise from someone who grew up eating Italian sandwiches every weekend.
Homemade Pasta That Tastes Like Nonna Made It
Walking into DeFalco’s feels like stepping into an Italian grandmother’s kitchen, and the pasta dishes prove that feeling isn’t just atmosphere. Fresh fettuccine alfredo arrives at your table thick, creamy, and loaded with flavor that tastes nothing like the jarred stuff.
The marinara sauce gets made with ingredients so fresh you can taste the difference in every forkful. People who normally skip red sauce find themselves ordering it again, which speaks volumes about the quality.
Add a giant, beautifully seasoned meatball or some of that perfectly breaded chicken, and you’ve got yourself a meal that justifies the drive from anywhere in the valley. Portion sizes lean generous, so come hungry or plan to take home leftovers.
The pasta cooks perfectly, the sauces hit all the right notes, and everything arrives looking like someone actually cares about what they’re serving you.
One reviewer mentioned their partner, usually skeptical about red sauce, couldn’t stop talking about the marinara. That kind of conversion doesn’t happen by accident.
Italian Beef That Makes You Close Your Eyes And Savor
Sometimes they’ll offer you a sample while you wait in line, and if that sample happens to be the Italian beef, consider yourself lucky. Tender, flavorful, and seasoned with the kind of care that separates good delis from legendary ones, this sandwich deserves its own fan club.
The meat gets piled high on fresh bread, and you can customize it however you like.
Some folks order it with peppers and onions, others keep it simple and let the beef shine on its own. Either way, you’re in for something special.
Regulars swear by this sandwich, ordering it weekly and never getting tired of it. The beef melts in your mouth, the bread soaks up just enough juice without falling apart, and the whole experience reminds you why Italian delis became an institution in the first place.
Guy Fieri featured this place on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and you can bet the Italian beef played a starring role. When you taste it, you’ll understand exactly why the cameras showed up.
Calzones The Size Of A Football And Twice As Satisfying
You know a calzone means business when it arrives at your table roughly the size and shape of a regulation football. DeFalco’s doesn’t mess around with wimpy portions, stuffing these beauties with ricotta, mozzarella, and whatever toppings your heart desires.
The crust bakes up golden and crispy on the outside while staying tender enough to bite through easily. Inside, cheese stretches and pulls with every bite, mixing with sauce and fillings that taste fresh and flavorful.
One customer mentioned their pepperoni calzone had plenty of that oozy, melty mozzarella that makes calzones worth eating in the first place.
These aren’t quick snacks. Plan to settle in and enjoy, maybe share with a friend if you’re not feeling particularly ambitious.
The calzones come out hot, properly seasoned, and satisfying in that deep, soul-warming way that only good Italian food can manage.
Last time I ordered one, I made the mistake of thinking I could finish the whole thing myself. Three slices in, I admitted defeat and saved the rest for dinner.
No regrets though.
Cannoli And Desserts That End Meals On A High Note
After tackling one of those massive sandwiches or pasta dishes, you might think dessert sounds impossible. Then you spot the cannoli sitting in the case, and suddenly you find room.
DeFalco’s makes their cannoli in-house, filling crispy shells with sweet, creamy ricotta that tastes exactly like it should.
No weird aftertaste, no skimping on filling, just straightforward delicious Italian pastry done right. The lemon mascarpone cake gets rave reviews too, light and tangy with just enough sweetness to satisfy without overwhelming.
Some folks go specifically for the desserts, grabbing a cannoli or slice of cake to go. Smart move, honestly, because these treats hold their own against any fancy bakery in town.
The tiramisu comes out creamy and delicate, the perfect finish to a hearty meal.
Even customers who found some menu items too tart or not quite to their taste admitted the cannoli hit the mark. When dessert saves the day, you know the pastry chef knows their stuff.
Authentic Italian Grocery Experience Under One Roof
DeFalco’s isn’t just a sandwich counter. Walk past the ordering line and you’ll find shelves stocked with imported Italian ingredients, fresh pasta you can take home, homemade sausages, and all the fixings for your own Italian feast.
Refrigerators hold fresh mozzarella, specialty cheeses, and prepared items ready to heat and eat. The market section lets you grab olive oil, pasta, sauces, and all those ingredients that turn a regular dinner into something special.
Some customers come for lunch and leave with bags full of groceries, planning their next homemade Italian meal.
The deli counter slices meat fresh for your sandwiches, and you can order the same quality meats and cheeses by the pound to take home. It’s like having a little slice of an old-school Italian neighborhood market right here in Scottsdale.
My friend mentioned picking up ingredients from the readily accessible refrigerators, impressed by the selection and quality.
When your deli doubles as a legit Italian grocery, you’re doing something right.
Warm Family Atmosphere That Makes You Feel At Home
Some restaurants feel corporate and cold. DeFalco’s feels like visiting relatives who happen to make incredible food and genuinely want you to enjoy yourself.
The staff greets customers with real warmth, often sneaking extra treats into orders or offering samples while you wait. Lines move steadily even when the place gets packed, and somehow the crew manages to stay friendly and welcoming through the lunch rush.
People mention feeling at home the moment they walk in, welcomed by a mix of locals and family members who clearly love what they do.
The outdoor patio offers shaded seating perfect for nice weather days, and inside you’ll find photos from the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives visit alongside Italian decor that sets the mood.
Sure, seating can get tight during busy times, but the atmosphere more than makes up for any wait.
Customers become regulars here, returning week after week because the food and the people keep them coming back. That’s the mark of a true neighborhood spot.