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La Grotta Del Formaggio

1791 Commercial Dr, Vancouver BC V5N 4A4 · Food Service Establishment 1

Official record from Vancouver Coastal →View on Google Maps →

Details

Google rating
4.6 / 5 (8)

Opening hours

  • Friday9 AM–6 PM
  • Monday9 AM–6 PM
  • Saturday9 AM–7 PM
  • Sunday9 AM–6 PM
  • Thursday9 AM–6 PM
  • Tuesday9 AM–6 PM
  • Wednesday9 AM–6 PM

Contact details, hours and reviews from Google Maps

Inspection summary

La Grotta Del Formaggio has been inspected 29 times by Vancouver Coastal Health since June 29, 2015. The most recent inspection, on July 31, 2026, recorded 1 infraction.

4 of 29 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 4 inspections with 13 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Pests and Protecting food from contamination.

Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded 17 times across 13 separate inspections, most recently on June 25, 2026. For example: The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded 12 times across 10 separate inspections, most recently on July 31, 2026. For example: The premises is free of pests.

  • Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

    This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

    Recorded 12 times across 9 separate inspections, most recently on July 30, 2025. For example: Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded 5 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on November 26, 2024. For example: Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on August 31, 2022. For example: Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.

About this data

These results come from Vancouver Coastal Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

29 inspections

  1. Routine Follow-up

    1 infraction

    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of rodent activity.
  2. Routine Follow-up

    1 infraction

    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of rodent activity.
  3. Routine Follow-up

    4 infractions

    • Operation and maintenance of premises is in accordance with approved floor plans and specifications.
      • Equipment or materials not required for the operation are stored on the premises.
    • The Permit to Operate a food service establishment is valid and is posted in a conspicuous location.
      • Permit to Operate is not posted in a conspicuous location.
    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of rodent activity.
    • The premises is free of conditions that lead to harbouring, breeding and entry of pests.
  4. Routine

    7 infractions

    • Operation and maintenance of premises is in accordance with approved floor plans and specifications.
      • Equipment or materials not required for the operation are stored on the premises.
    • The Permit to Operate a food service establishment is valid and is posted in a conspicuous location.
      • Permit to Operate is not posted in a conspicuous location.
    • The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
      • The premises is not maintained in a sanitary condition.
    • All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
      • Sanitizing solution is not present or at an improper concentration.
      • Mechanical dishwasher does not provide sufficient washing and/or sanitizing action to remove contamination.
    • Operator of a food service establishment has developed, maintained, and followed approved written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of rodent activity.
    • The premises is free of conditions that lead to harbouring, breeding and entry of pests.
  5. Routine

    3 infractions

    • The Permit to Operate a food service establishment is valid and is posted in a conspicuous location.
      • Permit to Operate is not posted in a conspicuous location.
    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is in contact with un-sanitized surfaces or utensils.
    • All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
      • Sanitizing solution concentration is too high.
  6. Routine Follow-up

    0 infractions

  7. Routine

    3 infractions

    • Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
      • Potentially hazardous food is not stored, displayed or transported at a temperature of 4°C or below.
    • All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
      • Sanitizing solution concentration is too high.
      • Mechanical dishwasher does not provide sufficient washing and/or sanitizing action to remove contamination.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
      • Test strips are not available to monitor sanitizer level.
  8. Routine Follow-up

    0 infractions

  9. Routine

    2 infractions

    • All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
      • Sanitizing solution concentration is too high.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
  10. Routine

    1 infraction

    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
  11. Routine

    0 infractions

  12. Routine Follow-up

    3 infractions

    • The Permit to Operate a food service establishment is valid and is posted in a conspicuous location.
      • Permit to Operate is not posted in a conspicuous location.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
      • Sanitizer levels are not being monitored and recorded.
  13. Routine

    3 infractions

    • Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing stations are not properly supplied and maintained.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
      • Sanitizer levels are not being monitored and recorded.
  14. Routine Follow-up

    0 infractions

  15. Routine

    6 infractions

    • The Permit to Operate a food service establishment is valid and is posted in a conspicuous location.
      • Permit to Operate is not posted in a conspicuous location.
    • A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
      • No employee present holds a valid FOODSAFE or equivalent certificate while the Owner/Operator is absent.
    • All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
      • Sanitizing solution is not present or at an improper concentration.
      • Mechanical dishwasher/glasswasher does not provide sufficient washing and/or sanitizing action to remove contamination.
    • Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing stations are not properly supplied and maintained.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
      • Sanitizer levels are not being monitored and recorded.
  16. Request

    6 infractions

    • Maximum number of patrons that can be accommodated on the premises has been determined
    • Maximum number of patrons allows for 2m separation between patrons of different parties at all times
    • Maximum number of patrons and staff on premises is monitored at all times
    • Physical devices or markers are used to assist patrons in maintaining physical distance
    • COVID-19 Safety Plan developed and in use
    • COVID-19 Safety Plan contains the maximum number of patrons that can be accommodated
  17. Routine Follow-up

    3 infractions

    • A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
      • Sanitation plan is not developed.
  18. Routine Follow-up

    3 infractions

    • The Permit to Operate a food service establishment is valid and is posted in a conspicuous location.
      • Permit to Operate is not posted in a conspicuous location.
    • A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
    • Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
      • Potentially hazardous food is not stored, displayed or transported at a temperature of 4°C or below.
  19. Routine

    7 infractions

    • Operation and maintenance of premises is in accordance with approved floor plans and specifications.
      • Equipment or materials not required for the operation are stored on the premises.
    • Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
      • Potentially hazardous food is not stored, displayed or transported at a temperature of 4°C or below.
    • The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
    • Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing stations are not properly supplied and maintained.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
      • Food safety plan is not developed.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
      • Sanitation plan is not developed.
    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of rodent activity.
  20. Routine

    4 infractions

    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
    • The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
  21. Routine

    7 infractions

    • A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
    • Contaminated food is not stored, displayed or offered for sale.
    • The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
    • Each employee washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
    • The premises is free of pests.
  22. Routine Follow-up

    1 infraction

    • The premises is free of pests.
  23. Routine

    7 infractions

    • Contaminated food is not stored, displayed or offered for sale.
    • The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
    • All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
    • Each employee washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
    • The premises is free of pests.
  24. Routine

    3 infractions

    • All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
      • Sanitizing solution is not present or at insufficient concentration.
      • Manual dishwashing procedure is not sufficient to remove contamination.
    • Each employee washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing station is obstructed or being used for other purposes.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
  25. Routine Follow-up

    1 infraction

    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
  26. Routine

    6 infractions

    • Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
    • The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
      • Equipment or materials not required for the operation are stored on the premises.
    • All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
      • Sanitizing solution is not present or at insufficient concentration.
    • Each employee washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing stations are not properly supplied and maintained.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of a rodent infestation.
      • Premises is not protected from the entrance of pests.
  27. Routine

    4 infractions

    • All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
      • Sanitizing solution is not present or at insufficient concentration.
    • Each employee washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing station is obstructed or being used for other purposes.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of a rodent infestation.
  28. Routine Follow-up

    1 infraction

    • Each employee washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing stations are not properly supplied and maintained.
      • Hand washing station is obstructed or being used for other purposes.
  29. Routine

    6 infractions

    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is not properly covered and protected from contamination.
    • Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
      • Potentially hazardous food is not stored, displayed or transported at a temperature of 4°C or below.
    • The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
      • The premises is not maintained in a sanitary condition.
    • All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
      • Sanitizing solution is not present or at insufficient concentration.
    • Each employee washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing stations are not properly supplied and maintained.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.

Nearby inspected facilities

Reviews

Reviews provided by Google Maps
  • Kevin Fong

    Stopped by La Grotta del Formaggio and tried the Classico sandwich. It was fresh, packed with quality Italian deli meats. The store also has a great selection of imported cheeses, cured meats, dried pasta, and other Italian groceries, so it’s worth browsing while you’re there. The sandwich was $18, which is on the pricier side, but the ingredients were high quality and the portion was satisfying. I find the olives and artichoke too sour for my liking which overpowered the other flavours.

  • danielle loranger

    Stopped in today for a quick panini to go! Had many to choose from or a make your own feature. All ingredients were so fresh tasting and I’ll definitely be stopping again when I am in the area! Inpark lot right around the corner which was super convienent!

  • Pegah Nezhad

    I had La Grotta Del Formaggio on my list for a long time until I finally decided to go and try their famous sandwiches. It was a 40-minute drive for me just to have a sandwich! I know standing in line for 15–20 minutes for a sandwich might not be something everyone enjoys, but while I was in line I was checking out the other products on the shelves, so it wasn’t bad for me. We also grabbed a pack of coffee that looked really high quality. I also enjoyed watching the sandwiches being prepared. I got a large Classico, and my partner got a large Calabrese Piccante since he loves spicy food. It comes with spicy salami, spicy capicollo, and hot banana peppers. Both sandwiches were fresh, but the Classico was a bit too olive-heavy for my taste (which is just a personal preference). Next time I would probably ask for fewer olives. The ingredients were fresh and overall it was a good experience. However, since many people in the reviews say this is the best sandwich they’ve ever had, I should say that it wasn’t the best sandwich I’ve ever had — but it was definitely a fresh one and worth trying. I think 4 stars would be a fair rating.

  • Thanh To

    I really enjoyed the Fresco sandwich on the focaccia. Very delicious. However, the Chicken Parm sandwich was a little soggy. The line was long but it moved quickly. Only took 20 minutes total to get our food.

  • C E

    Stopped by La Grotta del Falmouth during a break on our bike ride along Commercial Drive, and it did not disappoint. The sandwiches were absolutely worth the stop—fresh, flavorful, and exactly what you want after some time on the road. The place was busy, with a long lineup and a bit of a wait, but honestly, it just speaks to how good it is. Despite the crowd, everyone working there was incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. Yes, you’ll probably have to wait—but it’s 100% worth it. A perfect spot to refuel and enjoy a great sandwich.

  • Kevin Fong

    Stopped by La Grotta del Formaggio and tried the Classico sandwich. It was fresh, packed with quality Italian deli meats. The store also has a great selection of imported cheeses, cured meats, dried pasta, and other Italian groceries, so …

  • danielle loranger

    Stopped in today for a quick panini to go! Had many to choose from or a make your own feature. All ingredients were so fresh tasting and I’ll definitely be stopping again when I am in the area! Inpark lot right around the corner which was super convienent!

  • Pegah Nezhad

    I had La Grotta Del Formaggio on my list for a long time until I finally decided to go and try their famous sandwiches. It was a 40-minute drive for me just to have a sandwich! …

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