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Di Rienzo's

4.6 (102 reviews)
InexpensiveSandwiches, Grocery, Delis
Closed 8:30 am - 7:00 pm

Di Rienzo's Photos

Business Info

DI RIENZO'S ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for groups
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Di Rienzo's

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Reviews With Photos

Turkey and Hot Capicollo Sandwich
Arnold L.

Upon my recent visit to Ottawa, Di Rienzo was always on my list to revisit from my Carleton University days, especially if you are on a student budget. \ Di Rienzo is a nice small staple in Ottawa that offers humble and delicious sandwiches that will keep you full and satisfied! From a variety of deli meats to pick, you can pick and choose your sandwich combinations depending on what you are craving. I had to get the #1 special with Turkey and Hot Capicollo which starts with freshly baked bread serving as the base from the thick slices of meat with the right amount of lettuce, tomato and mayo. Be prepared to wait in lines as locals and many working professionals will queue in line and for good reason during the lunch hour! I can't wait to revisit Ottawa again just to have a sandwich from Di Rienzo's!

Roasted lamb sandwich $7.
Jennifer P.

Omg! I can't believe I have never reviewed Di Rienzos before! So my first time there was about 15 years ago when I was living in Little Italy (where Di Rienzos is). My landlord told me about the place, she said and I quote "the place is dirty, but the sandwiches are delicious!" Well, she didn't work in marketing, that's for sure, lol. So I didn't exactly run there after she told me about it, but one day I did decide to check it out, and let me tell you, the sandwiches are in fact delicious! As for the sanitation, I wasn't entirely thrilled with the fact that at the time they had open containers of different types of bread and you would stick your hand in the container pick a roll and hand it to the staff member who would use it to make your sandwich. Fast forward 15 years and we are now in the midst of the Covid-19 Pandemic, and this practice is no more, all the bread is behind the counter now and only the staff handle the bread. They also used to have all their desserts in open boxes on the counters, which in the summer attracted a lot of flies that would land on the desserts. So I can see why my former landlord held the opinion that she did. So Di Rienzos is a convenience store that sells a lot of Italian products. They have hot and cold sandwiches, pasta, and Italian desserts. They also sell samosas, which seem a little out of place, but hey, that's what's awesome about Canada, right? Cannoli and samosas side by side! Over the years I have tried many of their items. My favourite remains their hot Roast Beef sandwich (which I haven't seen in a while, hope they haven't discontinued selling it). It's a thick piece of oh so tender roast beef with a slice of mozzarella cheese. It's so good! All their hot sandwiches are pre-made and wrapped in plastic wrap. There's a limited amount made every day. Their Chicken Parmigiana sandwich is also delicious. Their cold cuts sandwiches are good as well. My favourite is #6, Turkey, Prosciutto and Harvarti Cheese. So 15 years ago, their sandwiches were $3.50. Now they are $7. Their desserts are fantastic. I love their Sfogliatelle Ricce (Lobster tail pastry), and Cannoli. And their samosas aren't bad either ;) Paulo is the owner and he's very friendly. He always calls me Signorina ("Miss" in Italian). Every single person who I have taken to Di Rienzos loves their sandwiches. This place is very popular. If you go around lunchtime be prepared for a lineup. There's a small private parking lot, but there will only be available spots during off-peak hours. Otherwise, there's street parking nearby. Di Rienzos is an institution here in Ottawa!

Sandwich #1 - turkey havarti lettuce tomato salami with spicy eggplant
Shayna S.

Best sandwich! Fresh bread, quality ingredients - best salami I've had at a sandwich place. The sandwich is extremely big and I had to split it into two meals. Authentic Italian for sure. The staff is kind and chatty. The price for a sandwich is around 8.50. 10/10 recommend, make sure to add the spicy eggplant

$7 sandwich bigger than a small football. Been coming here since 2004. Same delicious Italian subs
D'Arcy L.

Still so awesome. Prices are up to $7 a Sandwich now. Still the best Italian subs in Ottawa. Nothing has changed since my previous review. More warm to go pasta offerings. A true hidden gem!

Hot eggplant
Daniel M.

Best sandwiches in Ottawa. I eat here at least once every time I come to Ottawa. My cousin showed me this place a few years ago, I compare every sandwich to their sandwiches and nothing comes close. Their buns are amazing and the ingredients are top notch. Make sure you get the hot eggplant in oil. And if you want some more kick ask for the spicy Italian oil. They also have a great selection of products. I always get meat and buns to take home to try and recreate their sandwiches. I also got a large bottle of the hot eggplants in oil and hot Italian dressing they threw in(I bought a lot of stuff). Do your self a favor and go try one, you be a life long customer. PS. The staff are awesome and go out of their way to help.

At home before cutting in half

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10 years ago

This place needs someone to come in and clean it up. Shelves are covered with dust. Vats of olives seem unsanitary

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10 years ago

Best of the bunch. Great sandwiches If you can get em before they are all gone. They go fast. Be an early bird. Nice owner and staff too.

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District Deli - Side of the deli. It's where Bismallah Pies used to be, and it was Charlie's Groceteria before that.

Side of the deli. It's where Bismallah Pies used to be, and it was Charlie's Groceteria before that.

District Deli - Build your own sandwich 2 meats, 1 cheese, choice of vegetables. $13.99.

Build your own sandwich 2 meats, 1 cheese, choice of vegetables. $13.99.

District Deli - Build your own sandwich 2 meats, 1 cheese, choice of vegetables. $13.99.

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Build your own sandwich 2 meats, 1 cheese, choice of vegetables. $13.99.

Good Eats - Macaroni and cheese with bacon and green beans.

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Good Eats - Counter

Counter

Good Eats - Baked goods

Baked goods

Good Eats - Inside the cafe

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Inside the cafe

Paninaro - Cross section of the Tacchino Tricolore $15.

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Paninaro - Inside the restaurant

Inside the restaurant

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Paninaro - Front of the sandwich shop.

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Gooney's Sandwichworks - Black bean, egg and shredded beef arepa!

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Gooney's Sandwichworks - Pabellon arepa

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Di Rienzo's - sandwiches - Updated May 2026

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