Despite only opening nearly one year ago today, you would think Dante Italian Sandwich had been operating for years at its Robson location just by the line of dedicated sandwich fans come lunch time.
The sandwich shop, brought to us by Dom and Frank Morra (who also own Via Tevere Pizzeria, Il Saltimbocca, and Straight Outta Brooklyn Pizza), has become an overnight sensation, and now the chain is gearing up to open its second location on Commercial Drive.
But expansion was not originally part of the plan when the team opened its Robson outpost, according to Frank.
“The demand for it was there, and we thought, ‘okay, let’s try another neighbourhood and do what we love doing.’”
The 1,000 sq. ft. space, designed by Marianna Tomlenovich, is meant to embody what Frank described as “a little Tuscan sandwich vibe,” which she absolutely achieved. Inside feels like an escape to a little Italian lunch spot with 14 seats to sit back and relax, along with plenty of room for those ordering to go.
Rich Won
Similar to its Robson location, Dante on Commercial features the same signature pictures depicting “Italian” hand gestures.
“I love the hand gestures, because Italians talk with their hands,” said Frank with a laugh.
You’ll also find all the stars on Dante’s menu, including its classics Mortazza, which features a pile of mortadella alongside stracciatella cheese, house-made basil spread, pistachio crumble, and arugula.
Other heavy hitters include the Italiana (prosciutto crudo, prosciutto cotto, stracciatella cheese, truffle spread, and arugula) and the Inferno, a sandwich made for those wanting to spice things up with capicollo piccante, soppresata, stracciatella cheese, bomba spread, fresh tomato, and arugula.
From left to right: the Italiana, Inferno, and Mortazza (Marco Ovies/Dished)
These handhelds are all served up on a special kind of bread called schiacciata.
“It’s a little different than your typical focaccia,” explained Frank. “Schiacciata is named after basically the method and how it’s made. Schiacciata in Italian means to smash or squish, and that’s the method in which it’s made. It’s very simple, a few ingredients: salt, water, yeast, Italian flour, and extra virgin olive oil.”
This bread is made fresh daily, with Frank promising you’d never find day-old bread here.
Dante is also serving up some killer grilled sandwiches as well, including one that might have the most impressive cheese pull in the Vancouver sandwich game: the Formaggi x4.
Mozzarella, provolone, stracciatella, and grana padano are all combined, alongside some red onion, to create this cheese-filled wonder.
Formaggi x4 (Marco Ovies/Dished)
And it’s not just sandwiches to get excited about here. You’ll also find sweet options like cannolis and its Espresso Frappe (which tastes like an espresso milkshake).
Dante Commercial Drive will start slinging sandwiches on Nov. 20.
Address: 1110 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
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Dining and Cooking