Before you go
★★★★☆ 4.6 · 56 Google reviews
Photos by Brandon Robbins · Hero Sandwiches & Deli · Jan Lim · Brieanne Elise via Google
I was excited to visit this new shop that opened in my neighbourhood. I learned it’s original and had to try it for myself. I wasn’t the only one with…I was excited to visit this new shop that opened in my neighbourhood. I learned it’s original and had to try it for myself. I wasn’t the only one with that idea there was a line out the door. It did not disappoint. I got their classic sandwich, it was the best sandwich I’ve had in a long time. I look forward to going back and trying another sandwich.
I’ll be honest from the jump. The incredible person behind Hero is a pal. So, am I biased as to how amazing Hero is? Sure. But hear me out. I’m…I’ll be honest from the jump. The incredible person behind Hero is a pal. So, am I biased as to how amazing Hero is? Sure. But hear me out. I’m also a foodie who has travelled extensively to just eat at a cool restaurant. A huge fan of the hospitality industry. And even more than both those things, a massive supporter of community. Have you ever travelled or gone somewhere cool and ate at, got a coffee at, toured around, or had a great experience ans thought to yourself: “damn, i wish we had this at home!” And then never thought of it again? There are people who say that and do nothing, and then there are people who say that and do *something*. Hero is the direct outcome of someone who saw, appreciated, and admired other people who had ideas and built something for their community and decided to bring something they loved to life in their own home town. So, my review of the food? 10/10. My panino was insanely delicious. Perfectly, paper-thin sliced meat, delicious balance of fat, spice, and acid. The bread? Pillowy. My review of the service? I saw the (very new) team working insanely hard to make your delicious sandwiches as fast as humanly possible. Did I have to wait? Yeah. They’ve been open for 3 DAYS Y’ALL. CHILL. My review of the atmosphere? Charming. Cute. Warm! My review of the real person who is actually DOING the work to bring something awesome to life in her home town (rather than just say “I wish we had that at home, and then leave a lame Google review)? They’re incredible. If you want cool stuff, support cool stuff. Especially in the beginning.
Delicious sandwiches! I’ve tried two sandwiches (number 6 and 12), both were so flavourful! Cannoli was out of this world!! Can’t wait to go back and try more sandwiches and…Delicious sandwiches! I’ve tried two sandwiches (number 6 and 12), both were so flavourful! Cannoli was out of this world!! Can’t wait to go back and try more sandwiches and desserts!
As a huge fan and supporter of Hero going back to the very first pop-up, I really can't express just how thrilled I am that they finally found a brick…As a huge fan and supporter of Hero going back to the very first pop-up, I really can't express just how thrilled I am that they finally found a brick and mortar location of their own. It's been such a pleasure getting to know Julie and watching her dreams turn into reality. The amount of work she has put into creating this space with these amazing sandwiches is so incredibly admirable, and I feel spoiled to now be able to eat them any time I want! Looking forward to exploring the new and expanded menu, but for today? It's back to the basics with an OG Spicy Hero! Thank you, Julie and team! You all were fantastic today.
People need to be more understanding — they just opened and are still figuring a lot out. Leaving a one-star review because they sold out isn't kind. Give them some…People need to be more understanding — they just opened and are still figuring a lot out. Leaving a one-star review because they sold out isn't kind. Give them some time to find their rhythm, and try the food before you judge. It's a hard business out there. We can all be kinder and support local businesses trying to live their dream. Their sandwiches are great, and the staff are working hard and doing their best. Be better, people.
Reviews shown as returned by Google, sorted by relevance. Unedited.
YumYak's take
Julie Gauthier’s Italian sandwich pop-up, now a shop and deli in Quadra Village.
Hero Sandwich Bar opened its first permanent shop on Oct. 2, 2026, at 1002 Hillside Ave., the former Gigi’s Cafe. Owner Julie Gauthier started Hero as a pop-up in 2022, building it around the Italian sandwiches she missed from Ottawa. The menu has grown from two sandwiches to 14.
- Order: The Classic Hero or the Mort Pesto Panino
- Best for: A weekday or weekend lunch in Quadra Village
- Skip if: You are arriving late in the afternoon; sandwiches sell until they run out
The background
Victoria Buzz reports lineups around the block at the first pop-up in 2022 and sell-outs on opening weekend. Gauthier plans to open at 9 a.m. with melts, cannoli and coffee and bring the full menu on at 10:30 a.m. She also plans to add deli counter sales, including mortadella by the pound, olives, fior di latte and burrata.
What to order
- Classic Hero or Spicy Hero, the two pop-up originals, on a semolina roll
- Mort Pesto Panino: mortadella, stracciatella, Castelvetrano olives and peperoncini, on ciabatta
- A melt, such as the Hot Honey Salami Melt or Spicy Turkey Melt
Menus change, so treat these as examples, not promises.
Plan your visit
Melts, cannoli and coffee start at 9 a.m., and the full menu comes online at 10:30 a.m. The owner sold out on both Saturday and Sunday of opening weekend, so go early.
FAQ
When does Hero Sandwich Bar serve its full menu?
From 10:30 a.m. Before that, it serves melts, cannoli and coffee, per the owner.
Is Hero Sandwich Bar open Monday?
No. The Google listing shows Wednesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sources
Show 3 sourcesHide sources
Hours and prices were checked against these sources on Oct. 31, 2026. Hours may change, so call ahead to confirm.
- Victoria Buzz, Oct. 8, 2026 (accessed Oct. 31, 2026)
- Hero Sandwich Bar (accessed Oct. 31, 2026)
- Google Maps listing (hours, phone) (accessed Oct. 31, 2026)
Related on YumYak
YumYak curates from public sources, press releases and community reviews. We haven’t visited these spots ourselves — always check the restaurant’s own channels for hours and prices.
