A Victoria institution, Italian Food Imports provided us with southern European specialty items long before every corner bakery stocked $60 balsamic vinegar.

Their lunch counter has long been considered among the best in town, by the downtown lunch crowd. Bankers, lawyers, hairdressers and bike messengers all stand shoulder to shoulder in the quick paced queue at the deli counter. A simple menu made up of one daily pasta, one daily pasta salad and a soup special, along with a variety of panini and other sandwiches.

The staff hustle to serve their crowd efficiently. Chatting with the very-Italian owner, we discovered that on this day they had served roughly 400 people between 10:30 and 2pm. The service however, does not suffer from the high volume. Quick and friendly, with a familiar atmosphere.

Seating is limited inside and outside, but most customers are taking the food away. At any but the busiest times, you should be able to get a seat.

Today, we had a pasta salad, with chickpeas and pesto, a rosemary ham panini and a couple of sodas for a whopping $10. For the quality of the food it's a bargain. 

Value of Food: 8/10

Quality of Food: 9/10

Speed and quality of service: 8/10 (counter service)

Ambiance: 7/10

 Reviewed: November 7 2005