We explore the four corners of the Valley to find the best Italian sandwiches.
Scottsdale
Andreoli Italian Grocer
At this cozy, Old World market-restaurant, Giovanni Scorzo makes wood-fired focaccia and baguettes, sausages and salumi in-house, importing the rest from Italy to make 10 deliciously straightforward sandwiches containing oomph-y extras such as toasted artichoke and spicy house-made giardiniera. 8880 E. Via Linda Dr., Scottsdale, 480-614-1980, andreoli-grocer.com
Phoenix
Pane Bianco Central
Wood-fired focaccia is the foundation for pizza maestro Chris Bianco’s rustic sandwiches, which include an ever-changing market sandwich as well as specialty sandwiches for every day of the week. The house-made mozzarella sandwich, combined with local tomatoes and basil, is a menu constant for good reason. 4404 N. Central Ave., 602-234-2100, pizzeriabianco.com
East Valley
Source
Claudio Urciuoli’s dad was a flour salesman and his uncle a baker – which partially explains why his moist, chewy focaccia and crackly, za’atar-sprinkled flatbread make exceptional vehicles for the menu’s four Mediterranean-inflected sandwiches, including a rosemary ham and salami with cabbage slaw, Manchego and romesco sauce. 3150 E. Ray Rd., Gilbert, 480-687-7732, eatatsource.com
West Valley
Fabio on Fire Panini & Gelateria
Fabio Ceschetti comes from a family of pizza-makers, as evidenced by his fabulous la puccia – hollow bread made of pizza dough and baked in a wood-fired oven. His menu features 16 sandwiches, some filled with imported meats, others with wood-roasted pork belly or wood-roasted vegetables. 24775 N. Lake Pleasant Pkwy., Peoria, 623-238-3664, fabio-on-fire-panini-gelateria.square.site
