By Cary Horning on Thursday, 22 July 2021
Category: Saskatchewan

Italian Star Deli - Best Sandwich Experience in Regina

Sandwiches, who doesn't love a good sandwich?

Best Sandwiches in Regina Saskatchewan Canada

My visit to the Italian Star Deli in Regina, Saskatchewan. While on a business trip to Regina l stopped at the front desk of the Quality Hotel to ask for directions. The hotel manager that was on duty offered to draw me a quick map. While he was doing this for me my stomach growled loudly and my faced flushed red. The manager just smiled at my embarrassing moment then handed me a map and said, "I added another stop on the map. After your meeting l highly recommend you check out our famous Italian Star Deli. It's just a couple of doors down and besides having sandwiches to curb any size appetite, they are the best in the city!"

"Little did l know, this recommendation would lead me down Victoria Avenue to the best sandwich experience of my life."

by Cary Horning

 Family Owned Italian Star Deli

Italian Star Deli in Regina, Saskatchewan is a family-run business since 1966 and is a busy, busy restaurant.

As soon as you enter, the atmosphere is vibrant and electric and you feel something special about this place, more than just their sandwiches.

Boy was l right. When my turn came at the deli counter this smiling curly-haired gentleman said "Hi! You're a new face, what's your name and where are you from?" I replied, "My name is Cary and l am from Ontario!"

He extended his hand over the counter for a handshake and said "I am Carlo. So Cary from Ontario what brings you in today?" I excitedly exclaimed, "I hear you have the best sandwiches in town!"

Carlo grinned from ear to ear and asked "What can l make you?" and l replied, "Make me what you are famous for."

"MILD MEDIUM HOT OR DISRESPECT YOUR COLON?"

by Carlo Giambattista

Meet The BC Lions Football Team

Reaching for a giant bun Carlo laughed and said "How would you like your sandwich? Mild, medium, hot or disrespect your colon?"

Laughing out loud l replied that l would respect my colon today and take a medium, please. The Disrespect Your Colon is just super spicy so if you like hot stuff, this would be the sandwich for you.  

While my sandwich was being built a group of very big guys came up to the deli counter. Carlo knew every one of their names and in a booming voice said "Cary from Ontario, meet the B.C. Lions Football Team."

Wow-what a lunchtime treat, l come for a famous sandwich and get the bonus of meeting the B.C. Lions. This is a very cool place.

I waved goodbye with a giant sandwich in hand and said l would be back tomorrow. 

 Sandwiches  Creating Friendships in Regina

My sandwich? It was indescribably delicious, like a party in my mouth. 

I could only eat half at lunch and had the second half for dinner. They are HUGE sandwiches and oh so good.

The next day l went back to the deli to tell Carlo how much l enjoyed his sandwich and the warmth of his welcome. We took photos together, became instant friends, and l, an Italian Star Deli addict for life. 

Business had me flying to Saskatchewan many times and each time a stop at Italian Star Deli was mandatory. Always a warm greeting, always time to chat, and Carlo is always happy to get a photo with you.

The walls of the deli are decorated with photos of hundreds of famous people and a few tourists like me with Carlo and it feels like a huge family.

In fact, Italian Star Deli is all about family and their community.

In the mid 60's Carlo's parents Frank & Gina Giambattista purchased a confectionary store that would become Italian Star Deli. Once a small grocery store providing goods for the local Italian community, it has since grown and today carries a wide selection of fine imported products as well as the amazing deli in the back.

The store has expanded and there is a beautiful mural on the exterior of the building, a tribute to Frank & Gina.

What makes this business stand out from others? Well, whether you are walking in their door for the first time or your thousandth time, you will be welcomed like family, always. 

Sandwich To Go Please... lots of them!

Some folks take t-shirts home as souvenirs, l take Italian Star Deli sandwiches. Not kidding.

I would call Carlo the day before my flight home and place my order for a duffle bag full of famous sandwiches. Carlo always made an extra one l could eat on the plane which always made fellow WestJet passengers jealous. Guaranteed l would be asked 'Where did you get that?' and even had passengers ask to buy them off me. Each time l was heading to Saskatchewan my family's request was to bring home Italian Star sandwiches. And every time l did.

Life brought me to live in Saskatchewan for 4 years and Italian Star Deli became a destination to take anyone that came out to visit us as well as anytime the craving hit. They never disappoint.

Now l live in Alberta and longing for a road trip to the Land of Living Skies and my all-time favorite Deli.

Italian Star Deli Contact Information

1611 Victoria Avenue, Regina, Saskatchewan

Tuesday - Friday 9am - 5:30pm

Saturday 9am - 5pm

Closed Sundays & Mondays

Check them out at www.italianstardeli.com

When you go please say Hi to Carlo from Cary! 

 Italian Star Deli

Sandwich Restaurant in Regina Saskatchewan 

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