Every so often, I head out to grab a lunch with my parents. They always ask me to take them to a new place, so that they can discover different types of food options around town. The funny thing is that my mom and dad both have completely different preferences when it comes to what they like to eat. My dad is more meat and potatoes, and my mom likes to eat on the healthier side. The last time that I took them out for lunch, I opted to go to Dalfonso’s Italian Imports in the Five Points neighborhood.
I initially wrote about Dalfonso’s back in March, when I spoke to owner Jeff Dalfonso, who at the time told me that he had given up on the crazy restaurant life to open up a relaxed and inspired Italian deli-style sandwich shop and market.
“I want to bring Rome to Buffalo,” Jeff told me. “Food is my passion. There’s more to life than cooking in a restaurant, at least for me, at this time. I was burned out and exhausted. At the same time, I miss the action and the food. I wanted to stay in that world. Italian food is where my heart is. That’s why I decided that I wanted to create a European-style market bar, where people can come in and grab a sandwich, an espresso, an Americano, and enjoy something that resembles an old world Italian deli.”
At the time of the interview, I was not able to try out any of the sandwiches, which is why I wanted to bring my parents along for a newfound discovery. I had been hearing some really positive reviews on the sandwiches, but I had not had the opportunity to try them until that fortuitous day. I knew that my dad was going to have an issue with some of the ingredients on his sandwich (marinated red peppers, banana peppers, arugula, etc.), and I also knew that Jeff was not hot on making substitutions, but I felt that he might accommodations in this case, since my dad’s order was more about “subtractions” than “substitutions.” And I guessed right, thankfully.
My mom and I both ordered the mortadella, with provolone, cherry peppers, tomato, arugula, and extra virgin olive oil. My dad ordered the hard salami, sans everything but provolone cheese (bless your heart, Jeff).
My mom and I both agreed that the mortadella sandwich was one of the best sandwiches we ever had in Buffalo. Not only were all of the ingredients expertly assembled with lots of arugula, we loved the rustic rolls. We also felt that the Dalfonso’s atmosphere was outstanding. There’s really no other place like this in Buffalo, which is why we have added it to our list of priority lunch outings.
While it was tempting to sit at one of the few quaint tables in the eatery, we decided that we wanted to take full advantage of the weather, so we ate at one of the tables on the front porch. Sitting outside, watching the world go by on Rhode Island Street, munching on our sandwiches, while sipping a Lurisia Il Nostro Chinotto (carbonated citrus beverage) and a Stappi coffee soda, we agreed that life really didn’t get any better. Simple. Delicious. Local. Owner-operated. Dalfonso’s had all of the necessary ingredients.
At Dalfonso’s, the made-to-order sandwich selections and the deli case options are always on rotation. They feature classic, old world ingredients such as hand pulled mozzarella, macaroni pie, and pickled eggplant. Plus, the market shelves are always being restocked with all sorts of wonderful surprises, including Barbera Frantoia Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Scamorza (an Italian, spun paste cow’s milk cheese), Felicetti Kamut Spaghetti, Burrata con panna from Lioni Lactali, Bitter Red Stappi, Colatura di Alici (an Italian fish sauce made from anchovies), Lorenzo #5 evoo, Pane Di Musica crackers, illy cold brew, Lurisia sparkling water, DiMartino mafalde from Napoli, and Colatura di Alici.
Be sure to spend some time browsing the market items while you’re waiting for your sandwich to be made, or stop on in to grab your favorite Italian deli selection whenever inspiration strikes. You might even end up sitting down for a hot second with a yummy cannoli in hand. It’s not a bad way to break up the day.
Dalfonso’s Italian Imports – 445 Rhode Island Street, Buffalo, NY | Italian import shop selling fresh and dry goods from 10am-6pm Tuesday-Saturday. Sandwiches from 11am-sold out.
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Dining and Cooking