3701 Chesswood Dr, North York, ON M3J 2P6, Canada
We are a family operated Italian sandwich shop that has been in business since 1967. We offer classics favourites like veal and chicken parmigiana served on a fresh kaiser with our classic tomato sauce and all the fixings. We also have vegetarian options like our eggplant parmigiana on a fresh kaiser with our classic tomato sauce and a sautéed veggie sandwich that is a vegan option. We accept cash and debit at this location. If you are interested in delivery, then you can find us on UBER Eats now. If you our making a larger order feel free to call in ahead of time to keep you in store wait time to a minimal.
2 words. Shrink flation! I used to love California sandwiches. You used to get 2 chicken fillets that were thick and they were bigger than the bun. It used to be delicious. Now the chicken slices are so thin and small that all you can taste is the breading that they dip the chicken before being fried. Not worth the $20!!! For that price you might as well go to McDonald’s. But McDonald’s is also a rip off.
Kinda felt like a cafeteria more than a restaurant. I had a veal cutlet, and while it was cooked well, the peppers were most of the taste
Food was what I usually expect and enjoy, however, I walked in and was not greeted. I stood there for maybe around a minute before asking a staff member if they were open after being blatantly ignored whilst they were chatting. If they weren't open they could've just let me know and I would've Gladly waited. Definitely feel there is room for improvement with the service, the food is unreal and I have no criticism on that. After spending around $50, you would at least expect average service at the bare minimum.
I’ve been going to California Sandwiches for decades even back when it was just the original on Claremont. Generally the food is decent and can vary a bit from location to location but Chesswood seems to have gone downhill in quality and certainly low in value. For $14 you’re basically getting a giant bun with a couple slivers of heavily breaded meat. These are very very thin pieces of meat almost paper thin. So it’s breaded meat on a hunk of bread with sauce and hot or medium peppers or none at all if you want “sweet” or mild. Years ago you actually got sweet peppers. Now if you order sweet you get nadda. Just sauce. Unless you’re desperate for a sandwich and like a thick bun with little inside or have deep pockets then I’d pass. I’ll never go back and I’ve been here since they opened!!! You’re getting very little for your money . Sorry never again.
Just as good as I remember it, it's been over 8 years. If anything changed, it's the price. Be ready to pay up and enjoy.
You haven't had a sandwich until you've had a California Sandwich! We stopped in for a quick bite after a ball hockey game, and they didn't disappoint. My veal on a bun with tomato sauce, provolone, and mushrooms was just like I remembered, absolutely delicious 😋
Hands down best veal sandwich I’ve had in 10 years🔥🔥🔥 don’t change anything you guys are doing it just right I’ll be back again with friends 👌
THE BEST veal sandwiches in the city, bar none! Even when compared to other locations of California Sandwiches, Chesswood stands head and shoulders above the rest. Only the original store down on Claremont is even close! HUGE sandwiches, not swimming in a hot-table, getting soggy and overcooked, but freshly fried veal and made to order, heaped onto gigantic kaiser-style italian panini, ask for either 'Hot Veal', Medium, or 'Sweet' based on how much roasted chopped jalapeño you enjoy. Their zesty marinara sauce is so perfect, I could drink it! Add toppings if you like for a couple bucks more, from, provolone, onions, peppers, sauteed rapini, or even fried eggplant! Meatball, chicken, steak, sausage or veggie sandwiches, you can't go wrong! Giant drink selection from Brio to Beer, plus sides like olives, salads, and new pasta too! Say hi to the lovely ladies for me who have run this place for decades, and trust me, get extra napkins, I PROMISE you're gonna need 'em!
Delicious as always! Amazing staff
The veal sandwich is fantastic!
This is the best California Sandwich restaurant of all. Some of the other locations can be hit or miss. Sometimes the meat is tough and the bread hard. But this location is always consistent.
Not like the original California on Clairmont. They are very lite on the chicken and veal.
Read the instructions on my UBER order ! ! The veal sandwich was supposed to be made to order: Plain, NO SAUCE, with rapini. The cutlet was soft, soggy and drenched in overly salted sauce (tomato & cream) - California HOT TABLE
As expected gets busy so be patient
This place makes good sandwiches the employees are very friendly and nice the food is very good here and fresh.
Was at this location today, the women preparing the sandwiches were very nice. but the two women working the front, one on cash the other serving the sandwiches were very rude and miserable. Not very good customer service!
Its been a while since my last visit, no particular reason. Great sandwich as usual. Hot steak with onions...ooh yes! Hot veal and a medium chicken ... just fantastic... for dinner with my wife. Food
the best
Hands down best Italian sandwiches in T.O
Food always on point Everything is fresh Always consistent!!!! Personal favorite: steak w/ onions medium Eggplant sandwich is very good for those who dont eat meat.
Not bad, but expensive
I took advantage living around the corner from this place. I now live in Barrie with their own location that quality is no one near this one. I miss this place. Best veal sandwich.
Arrived just before lunch rush. Solid food in quality, and the place was busy, but clean. Service was prompt and curt. Have been to other locations in the franchise, and they are consistent.
Great sandwich, as always!
Cashier is rude and short tempered
If I could put 0 stars on this review then i would. The server lady was rude and seemingly hated her job. There is absolutely no option to add anything to the burger unless its a 1.50 dollar upcharge. Every burger has one sauce and cannot be modified. So NOTHING on the bread besides the patty unless you pay more. AND, the price for the sandwiches START at 10 dollars! and the cherry on top of this lovely cake is that they dont accept tap in the year of our lord 2024.
Best sandwich in town. I have never been disappointed going for any sandwich here
Fast service great tasting food
My husband and I just picked up two sandwiches and were very surprised to say the least. The food is good but the girl behind the counter really soured our experience. We get better service going through a drive through! Her demeanor was very rude as she took our order and completely lacked attentiveness. When our order was ready, she dropped our bag with the sandwiches on the counter and walked away without a smile or a thank you. We dont expect much but theres something that precedes customer service , and thats simple human decency. She also screwed up our order and we only realized this after we arrived home and my husband bit into his sandwich. This mistake is forgivable but its the extremely unpleasant manner in which she served us that is not. We definitely wont be returning to this establishment, at least not this location.
Amazing sandwiches and we like coming here after hockey as it s close to Chesswood and Scotiabank Pond. Sandwiches are always made fresh and consistently delicious. 5 stars.
This location is the best location. For quality of food. Food
Great food
The #1place to get Veal, Chicken, Steak Sandwiches
The cashier was very disrespectful
Most of the bad review is about the employee. I actually had a bad experience with the staff here the lady who prepare order in the front is rude.
The veal sandwich was very bad.It lacked in flavour poorly seasoned and horrible bun.Veal portion was very disappointing.
We arrived at the lunch hour. It was busy. The service was quick, the food was great and the location was updated and modern. There were plenty of tables to eat in. The only complaint that I would have for this location was they do not offer mini sandwiches it is getting harder for me to eat one of their regular sized sandwiches!
Food was just ok waited 20 minutes for my sandwich to go other locations food is much better had a veal sandwich
The veal sandwich was decent. Considering how many people were lined up for lunch, the staff got you your food quickly and efficiently.
The place is clean, the sandwich overpriced, the customer service is awful.
Terrible service. The workers are rude and not at all nice, lots of miscommunication and this location is not good at all. I love the yorkmills location with the great staff, but this staff oh boy Service
The food is just as expected, but why the ladies behind the counter are so visibly obnoxious? If they dont want to be here, get other people, who want to work here. And the wait, as always, is forever. Not coming back here.
Freshly made the way you like it.
Always a great sandwich
Best veal sandwich in town every time!
Best sandwich ever. Love this place.
Let me start by saying I Love California sandwiches. The dufferin location is excellent. Despite being to this location before, it s shocking that they don t accept credit cards. And then ontop of that; the younger girl behind the counter doesn t even have enough respect to look at the customers when taking orders. As if she s too busy lol. Get it together . Wont come back here
Been going to this one for years. They have the best sandwiches. Love them. Parking: It is a strip mall so there is parking Recommended dishes Veal Cutlet Sandwich with Rapini Cheese and Mushrooms, Breaded Veal, Sweet Veal with Mushrooms and Cheese, Steak and Onions Sandwich, Steak Sandwich Parking space
Devious veal and chicken sandwiches. 8nstitituon for a reason
Best sausage sandwich in Toronto
Always 10/10 very impressed
The food here is good. Actually more than good. The service here is just obesity! Lady at counter was busy talk roomers with cook, the other come back from washroom without wash her hands then start grab ice from machine. Third one looks like a zombie, definitely weed too much. Wish everyone enjoy your meal here.
Great food
Carm and Anna make the best sandwiches in the whole world. Its a must to try their sandwiches Food
Clean place, nice restaurant just not a fan of their menu
Great tasting sandwiches
Best sandwich
Veals all day
Good sandwiches and good selection of non alcoholic drinks. Minus one star for the prices. Minus one star for not accepting tap payments.
Very small sandwich compare to other locations. Very cheap veal portions and very little toppings which you pay a fortune for. Warden and original downtown location best.
Not Welcome in when walking in. But overall the food was great
Some outlets are not impressive. This one is a star. Tasty, fresh and generous portions. Recommended.
Haven t been to this location in years, food was very fresh and flavourful, definitely a top California Sandwiches location! Staff was friendly and restaurant was kept very clean with plenty of seating
Ordered the chicken sandwich with mushrooms. The cutlet was hard and overcooked, the sauce had a sour aftertaste and the only a tiny scattering of mushrooms which I paid extra for. In addition as I asked for my bread on the side, they charged me an extra fifty cents. The service is rude and hostile. Try the Woodbridge location next to La Paloma, so much nicer, cleaner, friendlier, tastier and they make a great espresso.
Been here several times in the past, sandwiches still taste the same. It can get messy, but its a happy messy when youre eating the sandwich. Food : 5/5
I have been to many California which were great. This location was the worst, Waited 40 Minutes for one Sandwich to take out, it was cold when I got home. Worst service ever. Service : 1/5
they are delicious and I love going there
Staff are rude, somehow ordering ahead means you wait longer than people walking in and they mess up the order....wont be returning to this location
I hadn t visited the shop in 15 years and admit that I forgot the menu. Even though I had made a mistake in my order, the staff graciously replaced my sandwich no questions asked and was it ever delicious! This establishment set the bar for sandwiches that I know for sure that no other restaurant can compare to, so I have to now come here everytime me and my family craves a delicious sandwich!!!!! They are literally the best with uncompromising service. Thank you California Sand!!!!
Getting too pricey to eat there..$48 dollars for 3 sandwiches is expensive.
Expensive, poor quality, over pounded veal. $19 a sandwich. Service with a scowl. They should be grateful people are willing to spend almost 24 dollars for a sandwich and drink . But they are not grateful at all. They will get business just because of the area.. maybe that s why they are so nasty.. no value, unacceptable service. This day February 26 at 2pm. Tre Rose Bakery Veal Sandwich-is half the price and double the value California will NEVER get my business again. .
Got a veal sandwich with toppings, it was okay. Been to other California sandwiches and tasted way better. The lady with the false lashes and pink/purple eyeshadow was rude. Asked how big the sandwiches were and she looked so annoying. Ended up responding with they re big in the most monotone voice ever. Work somewhere else if you re so miserable.
Amazing Italian sandwiches
I go to California sandwiches on cheese wood at least twice a week the food is great yes the price is alot but u get ur money worth sandwiches are big you will leave full thats for sure, the customer service is amazing all the staff is amazing ,the cashier is always smiling and nice when I come even when she has a line up, I watched her do order on the phone and uber and deal with customers at the same time ,I will always choose this location over all the other locations because I have a great experience here
Amazing sandwich as usual ... but sometimes they served with a bad attitude DNY
45 minutes for 6 sandwiches?? The process here needs to be refined. Food : 4/5
The sandwiches are one of the best in TO.
So good. So worth the price
Rude staff!
Hi i went there yesterday and i had a good meal and also a very clean environment. I was served by two young girls in the front they were serious but they served me with kindness and smiling all the time .As a Friday night i thought i would wait a lot but i did not . I love going there once in a while .
This is still the best location for California sandwiches and I wouldnt go anywhere else. But I have noticed that the chicken cutlet sandwich.... because I get no toppings, is now paper thin and literally has one cutlet..they used to be stacked with at least 2 ... Itd be great if they could just throw an extra cutlet on there and go back to the way it used to be. Thats the only thing to criticize given the cost... But other than that this place is still the best by far!!!
California Sandwiches delivered an outstanding experience with their amazing Chicken Parm sandwich. The flavors were exceptional, and the quality of the ingredients truly stood out. If youre a fan of delicious and satisfying sandwiches, the Chicken Parm from California Sandwiches is a definite winner. Highly recommended!
Ive tried Veal sandwich which was so huge and yummy
We love this place. The food is phenomenal, second to none. The ladies in the back are quick and efficient. But the service, at the front counter OMG get the cashier some customer service training, stat! Despite customers smiling and being generally happy and pleasant, she is beyond unpleasant, bordering on rude. I know everyone has bad days. But this is a regular occurrence! I m sorry that you are in a job that you may not like. If that is the case, do something about it. And, try smiling with your customers. You may see an improvement in your mood!!!
Always great paninis, they always make them fresh. Ask for hot sauce if you like it spicy.. My favorites are veal and chicken sandwiches. Also I get their olives becauae they are great as a snack, they come with onions and jalapenos. Whenever I get the everyone eats them before me.
Great sandwich. Fast and pleasant service.
Been coming here for 25+ years and the food has consistently been great. Good service, lots of seating. Its a pleasant surprise when a business doesnt decline in quality after being operating for so long. Food : 5/5
Best sandwiches! Very messy and be prepared to leave with spaghetti mouth. But so worth it!
Probably the best breaded chicken sandwich I ever had
The Veal with mushrooms, cheese and rapini- mmmmm mmm mmmmm. If this place had warm snow it would be my version of heaven. I m still salivating while glowing in my post sandwich glory. This is a staple in our house, a craving that is satisfied monthly!!!
Great food always delicious
delicious as always
Always delicious!!!
Always good
Chicken parm sandwich with deluxe veggies was the best! Highly recommend!!
The food is OK (not much more ) prices are somewhat high, but the tip encouragement at the time of payment (before you get your food !!) is outrageous!! 15% and up for what?!? No waitress, no real service, it s fast food !! It s true that you can skip it, but why even having it in place?!?! I won t return as long as they have it !
California Sandwiches provide the best Sandwiches in the city ! Located right in the heart of North York , near Sheppard Avenue West, California Sandwiches will fill up your stomach to a tee. My go-to Sandwich at California Sandwiches is the Veal Sandwich as its cooked to perfection, and has enough base tomato sauce , along with the healthy dose of vegetables. At California Sandwiches, you do get a chance at a variety of Sandwiches including Chicken, Meatball, Sausage, Veal, Eggplant, and Vegetables. You do get the ability to choose your own toppings and these come in handy when customizing your own Sandwich. Its definitely worth every dollar spent and Ill be back at California Sandwiches to try something new.
Really delicious and generously portioned veal and chicken sandwiches. The rest of the place is nondescript, but its worth stopping in for the food!
These sandwiches are overrated lately. The sauce is sub par compared to other veal sandwiches across the city.
I liked beef and chicken sandwiches.
Pretty tasty Italian style sandwiches and reasonable prices. I wish they used a fresh bun!
Great sandwiches and great service
Great food. Very nice ladies who make the best veal sandwiches. Good parking
Best artery clogging sandwich you will ever have!
Always a hit with the group for tasty, quick and hearty food
The tastiest sandwiches I have ever eaten here in Toronto, Canada, they taste like they should be known, the truth is that I highly recommend them, I hope they never change their menu and excellent seasoning
Visited this location after 10 years or so....food is good as ever and with reno the restaurant looks amazing
Staff is absolutely Brutal! Rude, fight amongst each other, and no customer service, especially the blonde lady that was preparing the sandwiches today between around noon. She belittled the older lady packaging the sandwiches and overall created an uncomfortable environment. Very disappointing, and the food isnt that great....just unfortunate theres not much food options close by, so we have to settle for this kind of service.
Chicken parm sandwhich was AMAZING! However 4 stars because they only put one piece of chicken on mine and I later found out it s meant to be 2 pieces.
Ordered the Veal sandwich with cheese and onions. The sandwich was large and very filling on its own. Veal wasn t dry and the sauce was really tasty. I opted for the provolone cheese ($1.75, well worth) and onions ($1.00). The mushrooms ($1.75) and sweet green peppers ($2.00) were things I would have added on, however I did not want to pay $19 + tax for a sandwich. I would not blame you for adding them though, as the green peppers would definitely fit well with the cheese and onions I purchased. Lots of seating indoors and lots of parking in the industrial area. Overall, I was going to give this a 4.5/5 for the additional cost of toppings, but the base price of the sandwich is reasonable for the size and rising menu costs are more common than not. Also no tap to pay, only insert or slide and cash.
Great food, and even better hospitality! Thank you for another lovely meal! You ladies are awesome! Recommended dishes
California Sandwiches on Shepard and Chestwood make the best veal sandwiches in Toronto. Tender veal, soft bun, you can ad cheese and mushrooms if thats what you like and it turns to magic. If you love veal then you have to try that place. Believe me you will not regret. Parking: Huge open space so there is plenty of parking for anyone. There is Office building and Coffee Shop so so if you drive on Sheppard Ave its right on the corner of Chestwood. Kid-friendliness: Belive me your kid will eat the whole sandwich without any kids menu. This place is friendly for anyone. Try it and you will not regret. Wheelchair accessibility: Yes its wheelchair accessible.
Childhood favourite of mine but I must say that the original locations downtown are much better. The Chesswood location has the rudest staff i ve ever encountered and the smallest portion sizes (meat) out of all the locations. Will never return.
Very good food but asked for cheese on my chicken sandwich and they forgot. I did not ask for it back but I should have as they even shouted it out when I ordered it and I thought I would especially because I paid for it. Service was also slow and some of the toppings were very expensive like the breaded eggplant
Saturdays we call ahead and order before the lunch rush. Sandwiches are consistently good. Sauce great. It has been difficult getting there because of the road closures recently especially when the Canadian open golf tournament was on.
Ordered over 20 sandwiches and asked for the steak ones to have onions on the side. They forgot.
Unfortunately, went in to pick up 2 sandwiches, specifically told the lady at the counter today at 1pm, cheese and steak medium for the first sandwich. I drive 30 min to deliver the sandwhich only for the person who ate their sandwich to say that there was No cheese, peppers, and meat was not medium would like a free sandwich!
Best location... always a treat...so good
Incredible sandwiches! Not much else to say.
No matter how many times I visit the chesswood location, Im always greeted by the most miserable employees known to mankind. Today I asked for a toothpick and the girl rolled her eyes at me. I thanked her and she sighed in disgust. And its the only location that short changes you on the veal. They cut 1 in half. Every other location gives 2 pieces. They look like theyre in an internment camp.
Not as good as other locations. Less veal than other locations. Bunch of miserable ladies working.
California sandwiches is quite consistent across their many locations. My go to place to get Italian sandwiches. I usually order hot chicken with cheese and mushrooms. I dont think I have ever been disappointed by their food. The prices are a bit high for a sandwich shop and all toppings are extra. So my chicken sandwich with cheese and mushrooms was about $18 after tax. I would still eat it, but would eat it more often if priced better.
I got a veal sandwich, which was good. Not nearly as good as the other locations Downtown, and at the Queensway. Though this spot is convenient. Unfortunately that is where the positives end. The staff, particularly the two young ladies at the front, one blonde, one brunette completely turns the experience sour. Youre treated as complete burden and are very unprofessional. Which is a shame because they have a good product, Its the front of house staff that really takes away from the experience. Hope this helps someone hungry.
Very slow service. Food is delicious though
Taste different
Unfortunately its not the same quality as i remember, its clean friendly just mot what i remember the taste or quality i remember to be
It was a good experience. Very lovely staff
It was expensive for some vegetables on a bun. It was tasty, though. I wouldnt be going back soon. The total value for money isnt there. It is a popular and well established place, though.
The best place in Canada for a good Italian sandwich nice people clean place love it I go there all the time I dont seem to get enough of that people are friendly they welcome you and always with a smiling their faces even though God knows how hard it is to carry a job on your feet all day long theyre always smiling good job girls keep it up
Really large sandwich - slightly messy to eat but delicious!
The food was very good, but the cashier was in a very bad mood, that was what I didnt like anymore.
The Veal sandwich was incredible
Good food but very rude staff. I was at the cash waiting to order and she kept answering the phone and taking orders instead of serving me. She did this twice and didn t acknowledge my presence at all.
Thanks giving close :(
This place is good for food and service, my only disappointment is that when asked for a hot sandwich, meaning spicy hot, make it hot! Dont give me a mild sandwich in return! It has happened multiple times...not to mention Ive asked for extra hot in hopes it will be more than mild, still not hot! Dont be cheap in providing what the customer request. Im sure Im not the only one to mention this. Add the hot when people request it, simple!
had veal chicken here which was pretty huge. i think ill get the toppings next time as i feel thyed make a difference
Consistent sandwiches and timely service. Vegetarian options: Eggplant sandwiches Food : 5/5 |
Great service
Good quantity plus quality I had first time I had chicken burger good
They know what they are about. Service is quick and efficient. The location isnt beautiful but its clean and spacious.
Didn t think the lasagna would amount to very much, but it was really good!
Great sandwiches and wonderful, friendly staff.
Amazing sandwich, so big and delicious.
Love this place
Was looking forward to having a sandwich here, but they don t have tap, and I use my phone for purchases. If you want to pay by card, bring the physical card!