This Family-Owned Grocery Store In Arizona Makes Homemade Sandwiches That Locals Can’t Get Enough Of
The first time I walked into DeFalco’s Italian Deli and Grocery in downtown Mesa, I wasn’t just looking for lunch. I was chasing a memory.
The kind of memory that starts with the scent of toasted bread, fresh basil, and garlic drifting through the air like an old family recipe come alive.
I’d heard friends rave about this unassuming corner grocery run by the same family for over four decades, but nothing prepared me for the warmth of the place.
The kind that wraps around you like a kitchen hug from Nonna. Behind the glass counter, thick-cut meats are stacked like works of art, and the staff knows regulars by name, their sandwich orders memorized down to the last olive.
I ordered the “Mama Rosa Special” and took that first bite standing at the counter. My eyes closed.
I was back at my grandmother’s table in Sicily, where food wasn’t just food. It was love, history, and home.
Little wonder, then, that locals line up before noon, some driving from across the valley, just to taste that same feeling. At DeFalco’s, every sandwich is remembered.
A Cheesesteak That Uses Real Shaved Ribeye
Forget those thin, flavorless steakumms you find at most sandwich shops. DeFalco’s cheesesteak is built with honest-to-goodness shaved ribeye, and you can taste the difference from the very first bite.
Rich, savory, and perfectly seasoned, the meat alone is worth the trip across town. Melted cheese hugs every crevice of that tender beef, all tucked into a soft yet sturdy roll that holds up to the gooey goodness without falling apart.
People rave about how the flavors come together in a way that feels both indulgent and comforting.
Some folks even say it’s the best cheesesteak in the valley, and honestly, that’s not an exaggeration.
I grabbed a half sandwich on my last visit, thinking it would be a light snack, but I was wrong. Even the half portion is generous enough to satisfy a solid appetite.
If you show up hungry, spring for the full size and prepare to be amazed.
The quality of the ribeye shines through in every single bite, making this sandwich a standout on an already impressive menu.
Chicken Parm Sandwich That Lives Rent Free In Your Head
Some sandwiches you eat and forget. Others haunt you in the best possible way, popping into your thoughts at random moments until you find yourself back at the deli counter.
DeFalco’s chicken parm sandwich falls firmly into the second category.
Breaded chicken cutlets are seasoned to perfection, then smothered in tangy marinara and blanketed with melted cheese. The bread is soft enough to bite into easily but strong enough to hold all that saucy, cheesy goodness without turning into a soggy mess.
Every element works in harmony, creating a flavor experience that feels both nostalgic and exciting at the same time.
Guests consistently call it one of the best chicken parm sandwiches they’ve ever had, and the praise is well deserved. The chicken itself is tender and flavorful, never dry or bland.
Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a warm hug from an Italian grandmother. Once you try it, you’ll understand why people keep coming back for more.
Fettuccine Alfredo With Breaded Chicken That Steals The Show
Creamy, dreamy, and downright decadent, the fettuccine alfredo at DeFalco’s is everything you want in a classic Italian pasta dish. Thick ribbons of fettuccine are tossed in a rich, velvety alfredo sauce that clings to every strand.
But the real star here is the breaded chicken.
Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, the chicken is seasoned so well that it could easily stand alone as its own dish. Instead, it sits atop a mountain of creamy pasta, adding texture and flavor that takes the entire plate to the next level.
The portion size is generous, easily enough for a full meal or even leftovers if you can resist finishing it all in one sitting.
I remember watching someone at the next table dig into their alfredo, eyes closed in pure bliss, and I knew I had to order it next time. When I finally did, I understood the hype.
The combination of that luscious sauce and perfectly cooked chicken is pure comfort food magic. Whether you’re a longtime alfredo lover or trying it for the first time, this dish won’t disappoint.
Italian Beef That Comes With A Sample While You Wait
Standing in line at DeFalco’s is never boring, especially when the staff offers you a taste of their famous Italian beef. Tender, slow-cooked beef is piled high on a fresh roll, and the flavors are bold enough to make you forget about whatever else you were planning to order.
Guests love the richness of the meat and the way it’s seasoned just right, with spices that enhance rather than overpower.
Some folks order it plain, while others load it up with peppers and onions for extra flavor. Either way, the sandwich delivers on every front, from taste to texture to sheer satisfaction.
One thing to note is that if you have specific preferences, like no peppers or onions, make sure to communicate clearly when ordering.
The kitchen can get busy, and occasionally orders get mixed up. But when everything comes together as it should, this sandwich is pure heaven.
The meat is never stringy or tough, just melt-in-your-mouth tender with every bite. If you’re a fan of Italian beef, this version is worth every penny.
Calzones Stuffed To The Brim With Ricotta And Toppings
Picture a golden-brown pocket of dough, crispy on the outside and soft within, bursting with creamy ricotta and your choice of fillings. That’s the calzone at DeFalco’s, and it’s about the size of a football.
Seriously, these things are huge.
Each calzone is packed with oozy, melty mozzarella and plenty of ricotta, creating a rich and satisfying bite every time. Whether you go for pepperoni, sausage, or veggies, the fillings are generous and flavorful.
The crust is perfectly baked, with just the right amount of chew and crispness to hold everything together without feeling too heavy.
Sharing one of these bad boys is a smart move unless you’re really hungry. The portion size is no joke, and you’ll likely have leftovers even if you think you can tackle the whole thing.
I watched a guy at the next table devour half of his calzone and still had enough left to take home for dinner the next day.
The quality and size make it a great value, especially if you’re feeding a couple of people or just want a hearty meal that lasts.
Homemade Cannoli That Taste Like They Were Made In Italy
Crispy shells filled with sweet, creamy ricotta filling make DeFalco’s cannoli a must-try dessert. These aren’t the sad, soggy versions you sometimes find at grocery stores.
They’re made fresh in-house, and you can taste the difference with every bite.
The shell has just the right amount of crunch, while the filling is smooth and lightly sweetened, never overpowering or too rich. Some people say it’s the best cannoli they’ve ever had, and that’s saying something considering how many Italian bakeries are out there.
The balance of textures and flavors is spot-on, making it the perfect way to end a meal.
Last time I stopped in, I grabbed a cannoli on a whim, thinking it would be a nice little treat. I ended up savoring every single bite and wishing I had ordered two.
Whether you’re a dessert person or not, this cannoli is worth trying. It’s one of those simple pleasures that reminds you why homemade food will always beat mass-produced options.
Pair it with a cup of coffee or an Italian soda, and you’ve got yourself a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Chicken Pesto Sandwich That’s Worth The Monthly Special Hype
Monthly specials at DeFalco’s are always a big deal, and the chicken pesto sandwich is one that people still talk about long after it’s gone.
Tender grilled chicken is slathered in fresh, herbaceous pesto and layered with crisp veggies, all tucked into a soft roll that holds everything together beautifully.
The pesto is bright and flavorful, with just the right amount of garlic and basil to make your taste buds sing. The chicken is juicy and well-seasoned, never dry or bland.
Every bite feels balanced and satisfying, like someone actually cared about putting together a great sandwich rather than just slapping ingredients on bread.
People who tried this special raved about the flavor and the generous portion size. Even a half sandwich is enough to fill you up, though you might be tempted to order the full size just so you have leftovers.
I heard one person say it was so good they came back three times during the month it was available, and honestly, I get it.
When a sandwich hits all the right notes like this one does, you want to enjoy it as many times as possible before it’s gone.
An Italian Grocery Store Where You Can Shop For Ingredients Too
DeFalco’s isn’t just a place to grab a sandwich and go. It’s also a full-fledged Italian grocery store, stocked with imported pastas, sauces, cheeses, cured meats, and all the specialty items you need to recreate authentic Italian dishes at home.
Walking through the aisles feels like a mini adventure, especially if you love cooking.
Refrigerators are stocked with fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, salami, and other deli meats that are sliced to order. Shelves are lined with olive oils, vinegars, jarred sauces, and dried pastas imported straight from Italy.
You can even find homemade sausage and fresh pasta made right there in the store, giving you access to ingredients that are hard to find anywhere else in the area.
I love grabbing a sandwich for lunch and then browsing the shelves for dinner inspiration. Last time, I picked up a jar of arrabiata sauce and some fresh rigatoni, and it made for an incredible meal at home.
The staff is always happy to offer recommendations or answer questions about the products, making the whole experience feel personal and welcoming.
Whether you’re a serious home cook or just curious about Italian ingredients, this grocery section is a treasure trove.