Delicatessens Across B.C.: More Than Just High-End Grocers

Whether you’re in the mood for burrata with fresh fig, a charcuterie board loaded with cured meats and specialty cheeses, or artisanal preserves and spices for your kitchen, then a stop at the local delicatessen is in order. More than a high-end grocer, these businesses specialize in serving their community gourmet products rooted in tradition, whether it’s authentic imported Parmigiano Reggiano or housemade European style meats. 

A stop at your local delicatessen not only supports the business and their family, but also supports each and every local farmer and other B.C. businesses showcased on the shelves. This is truly the best place to discover what B.C. has to offer.

Here’s just a sample of some of the local delicatessens you can find across the province… 

 

1. Birch and Boar Charcuterie and Provisions (birchandboar.com)

Prince George

With a dream to sell the best local cured meats and delicious products they can find in a farm-to-table fashion, the Birch and Boar more than delivers! “We know every product that comes in here,” says co-owner Warren Sunstrum. “There’s thought that goes behind every item that we purchase.” Stop by for their famous 16 hour smoked sweet and sticky brisket, a 4 hour roasted pork-loin porchetta, or pick up a rotisserie chicken made with lemon and herb brine. All meats and products locally sourced.

 

2. Charcuterie Tatoche (charcuterietotoche.com)

Nelson

Ever dream about a crunchy, chewy, country style baguette made from sourdough starter that’s been going strong for fifteen years? Then you need to visit Charcuterie Totoche. The owners hail all the way from the French Alps but set up shop in the Kootenays to offer a wide range of cured meats, European and domestic cheeses, grab and go lunches, and did we mention the baguettes? When it comes to charcuterie, Guillaume Tatoche approaches it like art—and we are fans.

 

3. The Dirty Apron Delicatessen (dirtyapron.com)

Vancouver

“It all started by, ‘What does the neighborhood need on our street as a deli?’” says co-owner David Robertson. Known as a culinary playground, this delicatessen offers up countless artisanal treats and gourmet pantry staples that liven any kitchen. Enjoy a fresh prosciutto, fig, and brie sandwich while you peruse their wide selection of spreads: try their staple Calamansi Vinegar, house-made Fig & Orange Marmalade, White Truffle Oil, or the Dirty Apron Fleur de Sel. In the giving mood? Grab one of their delicious gift boxes loaded with snacks. Want to spice up your kitchen skills? Enroll in their classes on everything from popular regional cuisines to the basics on ingredient-focused cooking.

 

4. Erwin’s Fine Baking & Delicatessen

Kamloops

If you’re in search of the best sausage roll Kamloops has to offer, look no further—Erwin’s makes them fresh everyday. Stop in for a selection of sweet and savoury treats like Cornish Pasties and Chicken Curry Pockets, or take home some of the specialty items they stock from local producers. And don’t forget to grab one of their take home meals for nights you want a touch of home cooking, but without the cleanup!

 

5. Illichmann’s Meats, Sausages & Gourmet Foods (illichmanns.com)

Kelowna

For four generations the Illichmann’s have served a wide range of artisanal imported foods and European inspired meats. Equipped with a deli, butcher, bakery, and sandwich bar, this is a one-stop-shop for premium handmade sausages, roasted garlic bratwursts, and even rosemary smokies. And on those extra busy days, they feature pre-made meals to take home and warm up for the whole family. “Eat local,” says Judith Illichmann. “It’s good for the economy, it’s good for the environment, and it’s good for your plate.”

 

6. La Grotta Del Formaggio (lagrottadelformaggio.com)

Vancouver

Translated to “The Cheese Cave” it’s no surprise that this deli ranked one of the most popular sandwich spots in the city! Their paninis are loaded with premium cuts of prosciutto, mortadella, and capicola, and don’t even get me started on the house made pesto mayo. Stock up on fresh made pastas like hand-rolled cheese-stuffed Sicilian Arancini or fresh egg Pappardelle—or better yet grab the ingredients to make your own at home. Picture an Italian cantina serving the community since 1979 and that’s what you get at La Grotta Del Formaggio. Or as they say, “The Italian Way Every Day!”

 

7. Ottavio Italian Bakery & Delicatessen (ottaviovictoria.com)

Victoria

Known as a bit of Europe on this side of the Atlantic, Ottavio is a foodie’s dream for in-house products—everything except the dry goods is made by hand. Stop by their licensed terrazzo and enjoy a panini made from their house focaccia, check out their selection of specialty cheeses and local and imported cured meats, or shop for Italy’s finest brands of teas and high quality, hard to find spices like barrel smoked whiskey salt. And the best part? You can finish your visit with their in-house gelato!