DeFalco&#x27;s Italian Deli &amp; Grocery

https://phoenix.eater.com/maps/best-italian-restaurants-phoenix

390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

The Best Italian Restaurants in Phoenix, Arizona | Eater Phoenix

"A true Scottsdale institution, DeFalco’s is the kind of old-school Italian-American deli that’s always packed — whether it’s a Tuesday at 10 a.m. or a Friday at 6 p.m. Tucked into a South Scottsdale strip mall, this family-run spot has been serving Midwest-style Italian comfort food since 1972. The pasta can be hit or miss, but the sandwiches are where DeFalco’s really shines. The Italian beef comes piled high, dunked in au jus, and finished with hot giardiniera, while the Il Purista keeps it simple with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, and a drizzle of balsamic. A small but well-stocked Italian market carries fresh bread, homemade sausage, and imported staples — everything needed for a proper Sunday sauce. Still family-run after 50 years, DeFalco’s proves you don’t mess with a good thing, just don’t count on finding an empty table." - McConnell Quinn

https://phoenix.eater.com/maps/best-classic-phoenix-restaurants-iconic

390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

The Best Classic Restaurants in Phoenix | Eater Phoenix

"Cramped, crowded DeFalco’s has been famous for its eggplant parmigiana, meatball sandwiches, and classic Italian American subs since 1972, moving twice to accommodate its ever-growing clientele. The center of the shop is crammed with Italian foodstuff — dried pasta, olive oil, San Marzano tomatoes, all the ingredients needed to make an Italian dinner at home — but good luck getting out of the store without ordering something to eat right there on the spot. Go light (the restaurant offers half sandwiches) or settle in with a full meal of arancini, lasagna, pizza (including Sicilian deep-dish), and tiramisu. The menu is gigantic, so the hardest part is simply deciding." - Nikki Buchanan

https://defalcosdeli.com/

20,018 Postcards · 1,278 Cities

More market than scene, this family‑run Italian deli turns out legit pies, Sicilian slices, and calzones using scratch dough and San Marzano sauce. A South Scottsdale classic beloved by locals and visiting Italians alike.

Best Pizza in Scottsdale (2025)

View this post on Instagram

https://phoenix.eater.com/maps/best-classic-phoenix-restaurants-iconic

20,018 Postcards · 1,278 Cities

A Scottsdale staple since the 1970s, known for Italian American classics, housemade sausages, Sicilian-style pies, and a packed market. Celebrated by Eater Phoenix as a classic, enduring deli with serious sandwiches and pastas.

Italian Restaurants in Scottsdale (2025)

View this post on Instagram

DeFalco's Italian Grocery

@cielo

21 Postcards · 7 Cities

Food in AZ

S T

Google

Nestled in an unassuming exterior, this Italian eatery might not catch your eye at first glance, but stepping inside reveals a delightful surprise. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with a notable presence of homemade dishes that reflect a genuine passion for Italian cuisine. The staff, a friendly mix of locals—some of whom I believe are Italian—create a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. I decided to try the fettuccine Alfredo with grilled chicken, and I was pleased with the dish overall. The pasta was well-prepared, infused with a medley of spices that elevated its flavor profile. The grilled chicken, while tasty, was slightly on the dry side, albeit packed with spices that complemented the dish nicely. The garlic bread served alongside was a bit dry as well, but its flavor was quite enjoyable. For the fettuccine Alfredo, I’d give it a solid 4 out of 5 for flavor—though I do recommend upgrading the chicken quality for a better experience. Next, I sampled a Caprese sandwich. While the bread didn’t quite suit my taste, the combination of fresh cheese, ripe tomatoes, and tangy balsamic vinegar was delicious, earning it a respectable 3 out of 5. To accompany my meal, I ordered a glass of wine and a fountain drink (Dr Pepper). Unfortunately, the wine, though fragrant, fell short in taste, suggesting it was a budget option. The cleanliness of the utensils left something to be desired, possibly due to steam stains, but this didn’t detract too much from the overall experience. In summary, this restaurant is a fantastic choice for a quick bite or a satisfying dinner that delivers authenticity in flavors typical of a genuine Italian spot. While there are areas for improvement—such as the quality of the chicken and the cleanliness of utensils—the overall experience is quite positive, making it a place worth visiting when you're in the mood for hearty Italian fare.

Josh Allen

Google

Finally, a good rival to Ray's Pizza. I wasn't expecting much, due to my past experiences with Italian-type food in Scottsdale; but DeFalco's really came through. While the pizza isn't exactly like Ray's, it's close enough for me to compare the two. The type of pizza is exactly the same, the size is very similar, and the toppings amount is close. The one major thing that is different is the amount of cheese. Ray's puts about 25% more cheese on their pizza, so the cheese pull is much more satisfying. One thing I really appreciated about this pizza was how crispy and balanced everything was; like they really care about what they are making for each customer. I also tried the stuffed shells, which look as good as they taste. I have no complaints or critiques on that dish. I will definitely be returning, and I may even purchase some of the ingredients that they store in their readily-accesible public refrigerators.

Angel Rodriguez

Google

I ordered the chicken pesto sandwich they were offering as a special and it was amazing! It was a good size sandwich and so flavorful. I also had a salad and a dessert, both were good. It’s a cool little spot inside. If I’m on this side of town again I’ll make sure to go!

Roberta Peek

Google

Visiting my uncle and he suggested we go here for lunch. They do get very busy so plan accordingly but you'll want to wait in line because this is some good eating. You'll also find Triple D has visited this establishment as well with the picture of Guy on the right side as you walk in. As we waited they offered us a taste of their Italian beef. OMG yum! I had the Chicken Pesto Sandwich, Macaroni and cheese, a lemon mascarpone cake and an Amaretto Cremosa (Italian soda with cream). All were fantastic. Friendly service. Just sad they were out of the White Truffle Cheese Steak Sandwich that they had on special and the fact that I don't stay nearby so this experience will just have to live in my dreams until we meet again.

Michelle Flores

Google

I came to this little gem and let me tell you the food is amazing. The set up is small, seating is horrible, and the deli style line I’m not a fan of . It was super busy and no seats available inside so had to sit outside in the summer heat and the misters didn’t work so those are the negatives. I had the veggie lasagna and the flavor was great. I got the full portion size. I also had a side of the cheese and tomatoes which are my favorite. The chicken pesto monthly sandwich was soooooo good. I will definitely go back despite the negatives because it is worth it but it is pricey. For three to eat it was 80.00

Brian Tran

Google

DeFalco's was one of the first restaurants to make it to my "try when I move to Phoenix" list, and it did not disappoint. The only reason we haven't gone sooner is because we try not to eat out or order dishes that we feel we can make at home. But after months of beating around the bush, we came here on a random Saturday afternoon to finally try it. Parking was easy and the restaurant itself is easy to find. When we walked in there was about a 5-10 minute long long, but it moved quickly and gave me enough time to look at their expansive menu. We opted for the fettuccine with marinara + meatball, as well as their chicken fettuccine alfredo. The marinara sauce was very nicely seasoned. It truly tasted like it was freshly made with fresh ingredients. My partner, who is not usually a big red sauce fan, said they would get it again, and I think that speaks volumes. You get one meatball when you add it as an option, and I while it's a big meatball that is beautifully seasoned, I wish I got more for the price I paid. The garlic bread was also very nicely seasoned and paired well with the marinara sauce. The alfredo was thick, creamy, and everything you'd want in an alfredo pasta. The star of this was the chicken, which was breaded and seasoned to perfection. You get a few big pieces that definitely felt more worth it compared to the meatball. If I had to go back and do it all over again, I'd probably try two of their pastas instead of getting two fettuccine dishes (this was on me, I was given the other options but opted for this). That being said, since moving here, this was one of the few restaurants so far where my partner and I both agreed, we'd be back.

Wendi Murray

Google

I have wanted to try for a year or so but it's far from our home. We finally made it over and I got the Alfredo and it was ok. Hubby got a sandwich and enjoyed. The pizza was so bad! Like so so bad. Worst we have ever had 🫤 The lemon bar was too tart. No good. The Cannoli was good. Overall it's far for so/so food but not disappointed in try it.

Brett Berry

Google

Con te partiro... I wasn't really looking to come here, but momma, I'm sure happy I did! Nobody likes saying goodbye to friends, but hearty Italian fare helps to ease the sorrow. I thought the large bowl of ravioli was gonna take the prize, but the football sized calzone filled with toppings ands ricotta had other plans. Very happy to have experienced this wonderful eatery before we left.

Bob M.

Yelp

I've been going there when they were on Thomas and 68th St in the early eighties. The food is still the same. Love that place.

Kate F.

Yelp

I ordered takeout and it maybe took around 10 minutes for them to prepare my order. They do have tables inside to eat but it seems like more people order food to go. Their cheesesteak was amazing. I also liked their artichoke salad. The stuffed peppers were just meh to me.

Maryanne S.

Yelp

Damn, man! Good! I mean, really!! Good food. Tonight. I had a taste for lasagna. Coulda gone 5 places, and most a lot closer than DeFalco's was to me. But I knew the flavor would be the best there and so I drove to DeFalco's. Got a "whole" order of lasagna and a half order of fettuccine with marinara. Both were rub-it-on-your-face good. SO GOOD. Very good. Sweet, sweet tomato flavor, but not sugary-- just delicious. Nice zing, on its own, I added pepper flakes. Now: one complaint. Sir: your prices are now high, got higher, and I get it: you gotta survive. But now, I got the 20-30% added higher prices -- AND-- NO SALAD? Wow! Added together, that's 40%-fukcing percent increase, pre Covid! know what I mean? Starting to smell greedy. Rethink it, maybe? Pick one...

Erica S.

Yelp

I cannot stress how amazingly good these sandwiches are. So many options you get that are kind of unique in AZ too. I love that you can pick between several different breads to get your sandwich on, my favorite is focaccia. The Maximus was very meaty, I probably would've picked a different bread than the baguette but it was great, my favorite is the chicken pesto sandwich I unfortunately didn't get a pic of. It's really the best chicken sandwich I've ever had. I love how they carry a lot of Italian grocery and dessert items that I don't really see anywhere else. It's nice to pick up a little treat for my mom when I'm there. And their cheesecake is really good too.

Joe P.

Yelp

Its Scottsdale Time! For my 100th review this year, I want to share with you, DeFalco's. My meal here was the best meal for the money during my trip to Scottsdale. I ordered the Maximus, and a meatball sandwich (ate half of each at two sittings). DeFalco's also sells pasta, sides and dessert. The Maximus made you feel like a Gladiator, bc it was packed full of delicious Italian deli meats. Likewise, each half of the meatball sandwich had two fat meatballs. It was the best meatball sandwich I've had in a long time. The cashier, Jackie was super nice and friendly. The sandwiches came out in less than 10 min, although I was told it would take 20 min. Regarding the ambiance, its casual here. You order at the counter, and your food is brought to you for dine in, or there is a pick up window for take out. DeFalco's also sells San Marzano tomatoes, pasta, homemade sides and desserts. You can see many of the items in the display cases. I wish there was a DeFalco's where I live. I'd be here every week and weigh 100 lbs heavier - LOL.

Kambiz K.

Yelp

I'm not sure what all the fuss is about DeFalco's. For nearly $30, I expected a lot more than two half sandwiches and a lengthy wait. The bread was stale, and the fillings were incredibly basic - provolone, mayo, lettuce, and tomato. It was a pretty standard sandwich, nothing special. The ambiance and service didn't do much to elevate the experience either. The grocery section is tiny, and the seating area is cramped. The ordering process is a bit chaotic... Maybe there's something I'm missing, but DeFalco's didn't live up to the hype for me. It was overpriced and underwhelming.

Valerie A.

Yelp

DeFalco's! You have redeemed yourself from my last visit! Our food came out on time and was delicious!!! Service was quick and friendly. Easy order at the counter and no wait when we arrived. By the time we found a seat, filled our drinks, our food arrived within five minutes or so. My husband and I ALWAYS get the beef cheesesteak and this was probably one of the first times our bread was super soft and consistent in always order the full so that I have leftovers. Our kids came during this visit and they had the penne mac and cheese and the Italian sub. The half sizes are perfect for the kiddos. We haven't been here since March but the space has been drastically upgraded since our last visit. New chairs and benches and upgraded wall menu. They got rid of the big shelving that wrapped around the order line area and the retail is all to the right as you enter. It definitely feels more open and updated. Highly recommend and worth the wait. I just wish they were bigger for more seating or another location in the east valley!

Dalila V.

Yelp

I love this place! So far everything we have tried has been delicious! It is also the only place I like cheesecake from!

Mabel R.

Yelp

Are you Italian? Is your husband Italian? Have Italian roots? Then this is your place! It's a classic Italian deli with limited indoor and outdoor seating. The ambiance is casual and it's a good place for lunch. The service is great considering how busy they can get. My husband is a second generation Italian and his family loves this place. We often get deli meats, sausages, cheeses, and antipasto salads from here. Additionally, he meets his brother here for lunch quite regularly and orders the Maximus sandwich. It's the closest thing that reminds him of home back in Wisconsin (go Packers!). If you're near Old Town Scottsdale, then be sure to check this place out!

Jamie O.

Yelp

Cool little Italian place. Staff was friendly and the place is clean. I got a Maximus sandwich, Meatball sub and Geek salad. The bread was so soft and flavorful. Maximus was beyond delicious. One of the best I've ever had. The meatball sub was very good. Meatballs were very garlicky but still good. I wish it came with a side of extra sauce. I also bought gabagool and soppressata from the deli. There's no prices on meats so I wasn't aware they even sold it in bulk. DeFalco's is the second Italian eatery I've been to in the Valley. I will be coming here from now on.

Mezan G.

Yelp

This was a good causal spot. The ambiance is very relaxed and family friendly. They do have a patio but around dinner time, this place quickly filled up. The service and time it took to receive our order was good. As for the food, I heard many people rave about this chicken Alfredo. I got a half order for about $18, and added chicken. This was flavorful, I just wish it had a little bit more sauce. I also ordered the tiramisu cake which was tasty. Overall, this was a solid pick. I'd love to try the sandwiches next time.

Victoria O.

Yelp

Found out about this place through a viral instagram post and I'm so glad I tried it. This place was solid! Got the meatball sub as well as THE MAXIMUS sub (with everything on it). It was solid reminded me a lot of Jersey mikes. Cute little side Italian store. Simi fast service. If I were in the area I'd eat it again!

Alex E.

Yelp

I've wanted to try DeFalco's while visiting and it did not disappoint. We shared a few dishes and some sandwiches and everything was delicious. We had the tuna pasta salad, pesto penne, and antipasto salad for sides, but the highlights were our sandwiches and Arancini. I ordered the Maximus sandwich on soft bread and it was one of the better Italian sandwiches I've had. Sandwich was fresh and a good value for the price. Already thinking about the next sandwich I'm going to try here! Service was great and love the deli and Italian market part of the restaurant. Lots of good stuff. Plenty of parking out front as well. Will definitely return.

Abigail W.

Yelp

This has to be one of the top subs I've ever eaten. Italian Combo- Ham, Salami, Mortadella, Pepperoni & Provolone Cheese. With everything but mustard. Absolutely stellar sub. We happened to arrive around lunch time during the week, so they were busy but the line was moving. The whole sized sub, plus a small pasta salad, my friend getting olives, and 2 fountain drinks, came out to about $39 bucks. I felt like it was taking a little long for the order to come out, but again, we were in the middle of a lunch rush and I was beyond starving at this point. Well worth the wait and highly recommend coming here. Side note, they have a cute little dried good section of pastas, candies, and a refrig full of fresh cheeses. Dessert looked good but we were traveling out of town right after here.

Lala H.

Yelp

As legit as it gets for an authentic Italian deli!!! So worth the wait...20 min in line, 30 min for food -- but oh so worth it!!! We had the MAXIMUS (Prosciutto, Capocollo, Genoa Salami, Mortadella & Provolone) on a baguette and it was pure heaven on earth!!! The large fed our family of 3 and we were all stuffed and satisfied. Probably one of the best sandwiches I have ever had! Seriously! It's a shame we don't live closer (San Diego resident here!), but we will most certainly make a point to return next time we're in town. Highly recommend!

Steve B.

Yelp

How many others have driven up / down Scottsdale road and seen DeFalco's and thought "I really need to try that place"! Well this was the day that I finally made time to stop by after reading the menu Great little market / restaurant with amazing fresh meats, cheeses, salads and authentic Italian dishes. So happy we made the time and stopped by to have our "linner" (lunch / dinner). IYKYK when you're over 50 lol

Marianna F.

Yelp

It's been a couple of years since I've been back here, and they rearranged the store so that it's more open and flows a little better. The grocery's to shop for are on the right side and seating to dine in is all on the left. When you come in there's a deli counter for pickup or if you want to just order meats and cheeses, then the regular line forms towards on the left. We came in at lunch time and got lucky with a table for four since someone was leaving as we got there. We snagged the table and and I jumped in the line, that moved pretty quickly, to order our pizza, past, and arancini. We ordered the 16 inch "The Romulus" Diavolo style with hot giardiniera for $28.99 and the pizza came out great. You can also opt to order it with jalapeños instead of the giardiniera. The crust on the pizza is perfect and holds all the topping pretty well. My only meh thing about it is the pizza comes out dripping wet because of the veggies in the hot giardiniera. Other than that, it was really good. When you take a slice, it looks like you're filming a commercial because it's so beautifully stringy and tastes so great. The arancini was $8.99 for a ball the size of my husbands fist and came out super crunchy which contrasted so well with their house marinara sauce. The filling to rice ratio was perfect and the filling was so good with peas and ground beef. My daughter had a whole order of the fettuccine Alfredo for $17.99 and came with a side of garlic bread. They must have done away with the side salad it used to come with, which was a disappointment. The pasta was so good and the sauce was amazing. All in all a great meal, but the prices have gone up significantly but worth it if you want some Italian food that tastes like it was from a grandmas kitchen. Perfectly tasty!

Mitchell L.

Yelp

After having passed by this place for years, finally made the decision to try them. Wise decision! Ordering just a little confusing, first time here. On entering there is a pickup/ take out station. For take out/ eat in another station ahead. Anyway, counter girl very nice and professional. Ordered a couple of sandwiches, sit down and they bring to you. We both had The Maximus, but with different bread and fixins. 5 star for these delicious sandwiches. Fantastic fresh, crunchy bread and top quality meats and cheese. TIP... order the whole sandwich, not 1/2. Best value and you'll have some for later. After eating to looked around the small grocery Italian specialty items. Found a box of cookies ( delicious) . Went back through the line and ordered a pizza to take home. Most everything said about this place is true. And...it was on DDD! Look forward to returning and enjoying the delicious quality..no B.S. food.

Brian B.

Yelp

I have heard so much about the this deli and marketplace, we finally made it it. Unique little spot with imported groceries and authentic food. I really enjoyed my sandwich and cannoli. The staff were kind, patient and answered all of our questions about the menu, which is pretty big.

Kristy A.

Yelp

Who knew such an amazing Italian deli existed in Arizona? This deli and shop is super cute, with very friendly and helpful employees. Their menu is big and has so many choices! Hot sandwiches, cold sandwiches, salads, deli salads, and pasta. Pizza, and calzones. They have a big drink selection and nice dessert and pastry case. I had an Italian sausage sandwich with peppers and onions topped with mozzarella. (Their sauce and sausage are house made.) I also had a cannoli, which was delicious, and the filling was smooth, and the shell was just perfect as it should be. It definitely compares with the cannolis in Bostons North end. The chicken parmesan was the best I've EVER tasted.. the cheesesteak was divine as well. The seating area was nice, especially outside. If I were local, I would be a weekly regular.

Jaquay R.

Yelp

I don't know where to begin with this updated review. I am so overwhelmed by how awesome the manger Art and the staff are at Defalco's. The opportunity and offer to try their pizza again has blown me away. For dinner I ordered the Pizza Bianca with extra cheese and it was perfect. I could taste every ingredient the mozarella, garlic, ricotta, and basil. The EVOO definitely made the flavors pop. I was really impressed with the crust which was fluffy and had such a fresh buttery taste. I loved it. If you haven't had the hot sandwiches they are fantastic. The Chicago Beef, Cheese Steak with Beef or Chicken taste so good. Everything was fresh and made to order, full of flavor, and perfect temperature. Art and team I cannot thank you enough for such an amazing experience this time around. There is no doubt that the Italian ingredients are quality and authentic. The hospitality has been exceptional. If you haven't dined here, you don't know what you are missing. From the inside of the store/restaurant that gives you a little feel of Italy to the phenomenal staff and delicious authentic food. This is one of my favorite Italian restaurants and I'm looking forward to many more tastey food and great service experiences. Thank you!

Chiara H.

Yelp

Truly good food, and the people who are working, there are nice. Sufficient parking, and I love the fact that there is basically an Italian grocery inside the restaurant. I do have to say that the food takes forever, as many other people have stated. It is worth the wait, but just know that before going in. The chicken cutlet sandwich, the prosciutto sandwich is great, and all of the salads are really good.

Alyssa T.

Yelp

When you walk in, you order at the counter and then wait for the food at a table. They have a good amount of both indoor and outdoor seating available and the dining area is very open. The service is fast and everyone that works there is very friendly. The food here never fails to impress me. The bread is always fresh and the dishes are packed full of flavor. The portions for even a half sandwich are very generous and there are a lot of different options on the menu.

Daniel D.

Yelp

Great sandwiches, good customer service. This place came highly recommended and it did not disappoint. The last day we were in town, before driving back to Colorado, my son requested DeFalco's again. Looking forward to going back when we are in Scottsdale again.

Caleb R.

Yelp

It was so good pizza it was delicious. It's bomb. Yummy it looks perfect. I want to come back.

Brittney W.

Yelp

Absolutely amazing. I've never been to any type of deli. I wish so Much that I had a place like this. Everything was amazing. The garlic bread is a must. The calzone is huge. I got the macaroni side order and it is well portioned size.

Ksthy Z.

Yelp

I ordered the calzone and was completely disappointed. Took 40 minutes to come to my table and it was big enough to feed five people! It pretty much was a large pizza crust flipped in half. It hardly had any of the chicken or jalapeños that I requested inside. Fair warning to anyone ordering the calzone ... it's overpriced, all bread crust, and skimpy on the additional items. Going forward I will stick to the usual sandwich, which is safe and always good.

Loralee B.

Yelp

We've heard great things about DeFalco's, so we finally stopped in. Our sandwiches were delicious! The employees were helpful, the place is casual and has a nice market to look through. We enjoyed ourselves!

Edna C.

Yelp

We are visiting from California and looking for a good place to eat. We found this hidden gem! This Italian deli has some of the best sandwiches we've had in a long time! We ordered 3 sandwiches to dine in and it did not disappoint! The way they layered the meat and the bread was good proportion for the sandwiches. I like the lettuce being shredded in the sandwich because you can really taste the flavors. We loved everything we ordered! I even got an extra sandwich to go so we can have it for dinner! The ciabatta bread is so good! We tried the Arancini and it was delicious! Can't wait to come back to try some more items! I really want to try their pizza and pasta but there's only so much we can eat. Until next time...

Emily C.

Yelp

Very delicious food! I love the little shop in the front. They have a good variety of Italian staples as well as lots of different kinds of meats, cheeses and wines. There was kind of a long line to order but that's to be expected at dinner time and it went fast. You can order to go or sit down and they'll bring it out to you. There is a decent amount of seating both inside and out and the patio is in the shade in the afternoon. I got a lemon italian soda and it wasn't creamy. Maybe all flavors aren't the typical creamy kind you think of when you think of Italian soda but I was a little bummed about that. We got the vodka penne pasta, garlic bread, chicken parm, warm spicy italian sub, chicken pesto salad, and cold Italian meats sub. The chicken pesto, garlic bread, and vodka penne pasta were amazing!!!!! The warm Italian sub was also really good. Too spicy for me cause I'm a baby but my husband who likes spicy stuff loved it. I didn't care for the sauce on the chicken parm and it was a little dry. The cold Italian meat sub was great!

Katie D.

Yelp

Our first time at this spot and we will definitely be back! We got the Maximus and purista sandwiches. So good!!! Fresh ingredients, and I almost beg to say the best bread we've found out west (we are hard East coast critics!). Fun authentic vibe, friendly staff and a nice outdoor eating area. Loved it!

Tabitha C.

Yelp

My husband and I have this habit where we find an Italian deli wherever we travel to. And DeFalco's did not disappoint! There are soups, salads, hot and cold sandwiches, pizzas, calzones and pastas to choose from. Plus, plenty of sides and desserts. There's no way a person should leave here hungry! We shared the Italian Combo on Ciabatta and Marinated Artichoke Salad. We also each had a Birra Moretti L'Autentica Italian lager. Our meal was pure perfection! The sandwich and salad were both bursting with flavor. Also, the sandwich was loaded with meat and cheese, and that bread was the ideal combination of crusty outside and chewy inside. Service was fast and friendly. We didn't wait long at all. We also enjoyed looking around the grocery. If our bags weren't packed full, we would have bought a few things to take home with us. We will definitely be back the next time we travel to the area!

Liz F.

Yelp

The bread here is SO good! I ordered the Italian sandwich, which was fine on flavor. Felt like standard ingredients besides the bread. They were busy for weekend lunch. But we still got our food pretty quickly. You order at the counter then sit. Portions were generous. And vibe was laid back.

Trent M.

Yelp

Stopped in here for lunch and ordered the Italian beef sandwich it came loaded with toppings. Great flavor

Paalika B.

Yelp

My husband's sandwich looked delicious but because I'm pregnant, I had to stick to a veggie sandwich. I was excited for it until I realized I would be getting large chunks of cucumbers/bellpeppers, and whole cherry tomatoes - they also didn't put lettuce in it, and when I asked about it, they gave me a side of it to stuff in there myself, which made the whole sandwich fall apart. Everything would've been better chopped up into the sandwich but oh well. I'll wait to try the meat sandwiches for another time. Super packed during lunch!

Aryana M.

Yelp

Absolutely amazing authentic Italian deli and eatery. Every time I've been here it's beyond busy which tells me everything is great. I decided on dining in to try their food and was able to find a table no problem as well as food came out within 15 minutes. The broccoli cheddar soup was some of the best I have ever had and I still talk about it. The Baked Ziti was super amazing. The Chicken Parm with extra crispy. The anti-pesto was so fresh and delicious I had to take some to go. It feels so authentic to dine in I highly recommend the experience.

Jordan S.

Yelp

Very nice, cozy deli. Not the traditional Italian grocery layout if that is what you are looking for as we were, but a great deli nonetheless. The staff is friendly and helpful if you are a first-timer as we were. Very casual, counter service, seat yourself dining area. Outside dining is available, too. Food is fresh, but brought out fast. The muffuletta and cannoli in particular were very good. We'll definitely be back to try other menu items when we're in the area again

Grace C.

Yelp

My family and I went on a road trip to the Grand Canyon recently, and DeFalco's was highly recommended among many platforms in Scottsdale for lunch, so we decided to give it a try. It's located in a small strip mall, but the many cars parked around there assured us it was good food. Inside, on the right, there is a small Italian market with Italian products. There is also a little deli as well. My family ordered spaghetti and meatballs, gnocchi with pesto, a spinach and goat cheese salad, and a small pizza. The service was good, the server got our order in and out very quickly, and was very helpful. The food came fast, and they made sure that everything came efficiently. All of the food was delicious and very filling. The creamy goat cheese on the salad melted in your mouth and was addictive. The reason for only the four stars...my only criticism would be the pesto gnocchi. It was, as mentioned, only gnocchi and pesto...it was soft in my mouth, but it could've used a nice crunch of pine nuts or tomatoes to help balance out the squishy gnocchi texture. Otherwise, the pesto was nice. As we left, it was very busy! It seems to be a very popular place, and for good reason too. The food filled us until dinner and was quite tasty!

Sherry H.

Yelp

DeFalco's gets a from me!!! The food is always so fresh! You can order anything off the menu and it will be outstanding! Everyone is always happy and inviting. If you are at a loss on what to order just ask anybody who works there what they recommend and I'm sure it will be top notch. DeFalco's is my go to for original grinders!! Keep up the amazing job you all do to keep this place amazing!!

Michael F.

Yelp

Ate there yesterday. Arrived right at 11 and the doors were just being unlocked. Ordered a specialty calzone and a fountain drink which set me back 28 bucks and some change! The calzone was mostly bread. Very skimpy on the filling. Supposed to have soppressata in the filling. I think I counted 5 little slices. The line was out the door. I guess they'll just keep raising their prices and cutting down on ingredients until people stop coming? I normally order a sandwich, but decided to try something new.. This experience left me feeling like a sucker. I probably wont be back anytime soon.

Vincent T.

Yelp

I am not easily blown away when it comes to Italian food but man this was definitely a trip to remember. When you first walk into the restaurant you are greeted by fresh baguettes and ready to buy tomato sauce. The customer service and family friendly atmosphere is unmatched. Our food took a while to come out but it was worth every minute of waiting. We'll definitely be back. I can confidently say this will be my favorite Italian Deli!

Jerry D.

Yelp

For a displaced New Yorker this place is Xanadu. Had the chicken Parm and eggplant Parm sandwiches and saying that they were awesome doesn't do justice. Everything thing that was coming out of the kitchen had my mouth watering. Italian beef, chopped cheese, you name it. The cannoli was the cherry on top. Also picked up some in house made pizza dough and sauce that I used tonight for homemade pizzas. Oh yeah, picked up some guanciali for some carbonara later this week. Not sure who bakes their bread but it is critical the deliciousness of the sandwiches. Just like NYC

Carrie S.

Yelp

The portions were gigantic and price for each item very reasonable. I had to take half of my salad home. My son had a sandwich that was huge. He had to take home. Unless you are ravenous- share each item..

Daron D.

Yelp

First place I ate at in Arizona/Phoenix area/scottsdale. I tried three things from them: Italian combo (freaking excellent...too 5 Italian sub I done ever had), Italian beef (has peppers and onions instead of giardiara, taste more like a pepper steak dipped...was good not great), lasagna with meat sauce (bland ok, nothing special about it). More of a 3.5 star but good service, despite the long line, food did come out fast (and I do wanna try there pepperoni pizza next time).

Livia F.

Yelp

Delicious and reasonable. They have hot foods as well as sandwiches. They have a good assortment of Italian imported groceries.

Steven F.

Yelp

Tasty! I've heard a lot of hype for this restaurant. Ordered on DoorDash (or was it GrubHub, hmm) for lunch. I ordered an Italian Soda, Meatball Sandwich and Tiramisu. Food came pretty quickly and was still warm-ish. Everything was good. The Tiramisu especially. I would order from DeFalco's again.

Grace K.

Yelp

Family owned local business with a selection of pastas, sandwiches, salads, ready made deli foods, and desserts. Their meat ravioli is simple and good. The spaghetti pasta marinara with homemade italian sausage is solid. My favorite is their pasta with clams, no shells, and their sauce is light. I like the combined space with a grocery store, deli and dining. Don't forget the cannoli!

Bryce H.

Yelp

I have been coming to DeFalco's for some time now and everything on the menu is amazing. The service is always welcoming and the chefs are very friendly. Lunch service is always busy but the wait time is never more than 15-20 minutes. They have a new menu item called the alla vodka chicken parm sandwich with extra sauce, cheese and pepperoncini's. This is probably my new favorite menu item and it hits the spot everytime. I definitely recommend it and this place will consistently be on my favorite list of places to eat.

Joe S.

Yelp

Ordered Cheessteak, as recommended by the neighboring business owner. Can't go wrong with that sandwich, nice and tasty! Huge place to dine in, with clean bathrooms

https://phoenix.eater.com/maps/best-italian-restaurants-phoenix

390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

The Best Italian Restaurants in Phoenix, Arizona | Eater Phoenix

https://phoenix.eater.com/maps/best-classic-phoenix-restaurants-iconic

390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

The Best Classic Restaurants in Phoenix | Eater Phoenix

https://defalcosdeli.com/

20,018 Postcards · 1,278 Cities

Best Pizza in Scottsdale (2025)

View this post on Instagram

https://phoenix.eater.com/maps/best-classic-phoenix-restaurants-iconic

20,018 Postcards · 1,278 Cities

Italian Restaurants in Scottsdale (2025)

View this post on Instagram