Post-Taste: Vittorio’s

VITTORIO’S

16646 Marquez Ave., Pacific Palisades • (310) 459-3755

A slightly disgruntled Palisadian recently called our Two Cents line and said she was unhappy that one could not have a lunchtime sandwich for less than $12 to $15 in the Palisades. Well, I have good news for her.
Vittorio’s in Marquez offers a variety of sandwiches at lunchtime for only $8, and for $1.50 you can add a small green salad. The fresh Italian sub sandwiches are $9.50, and come with a small green salad. Furthermore, an octet of fresh salads are priced at $8.50, along with pizza by the slice for only $2.50.
Since 1984, Vittorio’s has been serving tasty Italian food and their excellent garlicky “little balls of joy,” which added a unique touch to their popular reputation. These started off our lunch and were, as usual, utterly irresistible. We enjoyed having lunch on the street-side patio, with a welcoming breeze and trees that sheltered us from noise. The interior is equally attractive, with paintings of Italy decorating the walls, burgundy tablecloths and an open kitchen.
My fresh baby greens salad with roasted walnuts, cran-raisins and pieces of grilled chicken tossed in a fine balsamic vinaigrette ($8.50) was delicious. This salad was generously portioned, and along with the zesty garlic balls made a perfect lunch.
Other salads include grilled shrimp with spinach salad; grilled squid salad with green beans tossed with garlic, oil and lemon dressing and a Caesar salad. Chicken can be added to any of these salads for $2, or $3 if you desire shrimp.
When ordering his sandwich, my friend asked if it could be heated, and happily it was. He had ordered the buffalo mozzarella with tomato and basil served with a pesto sauce. The $8 sandwiches vary from chicken or sausage with mushrooms and peppers, to chicken or eggplant Parmigiana, to the vegetarian delight with lettuce, cucumber, onion, pesto and Swiss cheese.
The Italian subs come on fresh Italian rolls with lettuce, tomato, mustard and mayonnaise, and feature the Big V: ham, turkey, salami, Swiss cheese and red onion, along with a small green salad ($9.50).
Vittorio’s serves wine and beer, and offers both eat-in, takeout and delivery service. Lunch is served Tuesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dinner service is Tuesday through Sunday, 4 to 10 p.m. Closed on Monday.