Tonolli’s Deli
Address: 6991 East Saanich Rd, Central Saanich, Victoria, BC
Location: 20 min drive North of Victoria, beside Pat Bay Hwy
“A perfect excuse to stop for a morning or midday meal on the way to the ferry!”
Halfway between Sidney and Victoria is a charming little European-feeling café that specializes in fabulous breakfast and lunch meals, as well as decadent desserts, cookies, bars and mouthwatering scones (cheese please!)
The pesto eggs benny is probably the most popular meal item and for good reason! Farm fresh eggs, served with tomato, Irish ham, and a delicious double cream brie and pesto sauce on a light, fluffy scone makes for an incredibly satishying meal. The paninis are also second to none. My favourite is the Versailles Panini - a seriously yummy choice with thinly sliced roasted pear, delicately roasted walnuts and creamy brie. The extremely flavourful soups and salads options change daily and are organic, vegan and gluten-free. My personal favourite soup is the carrot ginger; and my ultimate favourite salad is the butter bean.
Accessibility Factors
What it lacks in space, Tonolli’s makes up for in delicious offerings, sure to please any appetite, including the gluten-free gang. The space in the deli and seating area is not overly roomy, but be sure to check out the extra room just around the corner from the main area. In the summer months, there is a lovely sunken outdoor garden patio with table and chairs that is located down a few stairs, but it is not wheelchair accessible. The servers and staff working behind the counter are pleasant and helpful, and the restaurant is clean and tidy with a cosy and very welcoming feel.
If you are navigating Tonolli’s with a mobility aid, it’s not possible in anything larger than a compact mobility scooter or wheelchair. But if you can, I highly recommend making the effort to pop by. That said, parking may be your first challenge. Finding a cream puff of a parking spot is not going to be easy, especially at busier times like coffee or lunch. Located on busy East Saanich Road, pulling into and out of the limited parking area can be a bit tricky as it is difficult to see the oncoming traffic. There is a large lip at the front door with a ramp, and if you are using a scooter, I would suggest getting some momentum and a good running start, if possible. Amazingly, my scooter seems to be up to the task for a lot of seemingly insurmountable things, and this is no exception!
Given that the restaurant is a refurbished cottage, it is surprising that the bathroom is so large. It is always clean; the only downside is that the door itself is narrow.
Gorgeous treats and cakes abound!
VERDICT
If you survive the parking situation and live to darken the door of Tonolli’s, imagine how exceptional the food will taste then! All kidding aside (and forgive me for having a little bit of fun), Tonolli’s is truly fantastic - and I firmly believe worth risking my life for! Just get there and see for yourself!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Sandwich-Shop/Tonollis-Deli-266829650083256/
Pesto Egg Benny: crowd favourite!
Versailles Panini: but I asked for twice the walnuts and half the cheese - delish!
Best cheese scones on the peninsula!
Delightful tea room with decent space to manoeuvre.
Sunken patio, stairs make it inaccessible but a great spot for families on a sunny day!
Selections change daily.
Threshold has a 3/4 inch lip, I can clear it in my scooter with some momentum.
The bathroom is clean and accessible, the door is quite narrow however.
