The Roundup News » Review: Cavaretta’s Italian Deli, Topanga and Sherman Way

Review: Cavaretta’s Italian Deli, Topanga and Sherman Way

Authentic deli meats, freshly baked rolls, crisp and delicious vegetables and a tasty blend of mustard, mayonnaise and Italian dressing; these are the ingredients that you will find in a Cavaretta’s sandwich.

The capicola sandwich from Cavaretta’s is sure to be a treat for any aficionado of Italian deli food. The perfectly spiced and thinly spiced deli meat pairs very well with the Italian dressing on the sandwich. A deli decorated with Godfather posters, this Italian staple is a meal fit for Don Corleone.

If it is a hot sandwich you are craving, the meatball sandwich from Cavaretta’s is one of the best in the San Fernando Valley. Their “famous” cannoli is also a perfect desert to accompany the sandwich. It is topped with chocolate chips and powdered sugar.

Cavaretta’s is fairly crowded during the lunch hours of the day, so service is based on the take a number and wait format. Fortunately, since you don’t have to stand in line, you can walk around the market and see all the authentic Italian food it has to offer.

The shelves are stocked with items such as cannoli shells, gnocchi, sauces, herbs, and other things of that nature. Their bread and deli meats used to make their sandwiches are also available for purchase.

One of the aspects of Cavaretta’s that helps legitimize the authenticity of the deli is their rare products for sale. These include their imported provolone cheese which is a necessity for any Cavaretta’s sandwich, Stella Doro cookies, Illy espresso, fresh water mozzarella, and many more.

Due to the crowded nature of the deli, it is recommended to order a meal to-go or go later in the day. Seating is limited.

Cavaretta’s stays true to their “if you can’t smell it, we don’t have it” motto. The aroma of fresh bread, lasagna, deli meats, and any food consisting of cheese, garlic, and marinara sauce consumes the air. The scent of Italian cuisine compliments the classic deli vibe.

Upon entering, there is a wall filled with Kodak pictures of satisfied customers. They also sport a coveted San Fernando Valley landmark plaque from the City of Los Angeles.

There is a plethora of possible meal combinations. With a wide variety of deli meats and specialty sandwich, you could probably go every day for a month eating a different sandwich.

This deli offers quite a few options for sides and drinks. Along with typical soft drinks such as Coca-Cola and Seven-Up, they also offer Arizona Iced Tea and some classic glass bottle sodas and a wide variety of beer. There are racks of assorted chips by the register as well as different deserts available. Get the cannoli!

Cavaretta’s has been open since 1959 and run under the same management since 1983. Even with their longevity and vast amount of customers, this little shop on Sherman Way manages to keep their integrity with fair prices and high quality.

A meal at Cavaretta’s will cost $8-$11 on average. This includes a sandwich, side and a beverage. The sandwiches stand at a fee similar to other delis in the Los Angeles area.

Living in the West Valley, it is likely that someone will recommend that you eat at Cavaretta’s in your lifetime. This deli delivers quality that will embarrass any surrounding sandwich chain such as Subway, Quizno’s, or Jersey Mike’s. This is not just another overhyped Los Angeles based hole-in-the-wall restaurant.

Cavaretta’s Deli is located on 22045 Sherman Way in Canoga Park, California. It shares a parking lot with adjacent businesses such as the Cobalt Café, Canoga Billiards and Canoga Camera.

The closest intersection is Topanga Canyon and Sherman Way.

Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (818)340-6626. www.cavarettasdeli.com.