Alfie's Sandwiches & Market is one of the latest sandwich spots popping up across Toronto this spring.

Located in Baldwin Village, they're serving up a wide range of seasonal, Italian-inspired, gourmet handhelds, all on their signature sourdough.

Picture thin slices of Prosciutto Di Parma, creamy burrata cheese, and fresh basil pesto, or tender, slow-roasted savoury porchetta with a punchy slaw, all stuffed between warm, pillowy pizza-style bread (is your mouth watering yet?).

Started by Chef and Restaurateur Alex Rad, the force behind popular BBQ spot SmoQue N' Bones, Alfie's began three years ago as a passion project with the simple goal of bringing fun, delicious food to the city.

And for Rad, there's no better way to do that than with a great sandwich.

Working with select suppliers to secure their Italian meats, artisanal cheeses, and specialty items, everything is of the freshest quality. The Mozzarella di Bufala and Burrata arrive straight from Naples every Thursday.

Beyond their premium ingredients, it's the house-baked sourdough that sets Alfie's apart. The team uses a 72-hour fermentation process to achieve its unique taste, chew, and airiness, and the bread is baked in small batches three to four times a day.

"We became passionate about sourdough. We weren't bakers, so we had a lot of challenges learning how to work with sourdough. The name Alfie comes from that - it's the name of our starter," explained Rad.

Sourdough enthusiasts will know the dedication to maintaining a healthy, bubbly starter, but for those who missed the pandemic-fueled sourdough craze, starters are like newborn babies. They need plenty of regular feedings, love, and care.

In line with the shop's concept, which blends Tuscan and Canadian cuisine, the bread uses a blend of Italian and Manitoba flour.

This celebration of both international and local ingredients is showcased throughout the market. Imported Italian tomatoes, pasta, olives, and cookies sit alongside local Ontario wines, beers, non-alcoholic beverages, and specialty condiments. 

The rotating menu features 16 offerings. While the prices skew slightly higher, each sandwich is hearty enough to split.

The Mozzarella Caprese ($21) is one of three veggie-forward options available. A nod to the classic salad, it's made with thin slices of tomato, creamy mozzarella, zesty lemon basil pesto, plenty of baby arugula, and balsamic reduction. 

Rad's favourite sandwich is the Truffle Affair ($19). A dreamy combination of prosciutto cotto (Italian cooked ham), marinated pickled artichokes, peppery baby arugula, and house-made truffle cream, it's full of umami without being too overpowering. 

For something with a kick, the Salame Inferno ($20) features a crispy chili oil so good I suggested they sell it by the jar. It's paired with roasted eggplant, layers of salami, bright artichoke cream, and Parmigiano cream. 

With Caesar salad continuing to have a moment, the Chicken Caesar ($20) at Alfie's is sure to be a hit. Made with tender chicken breast smoked from SmoQue N' Bones, cured pork belly bacon, and chopped romaine tossed in a house-made Caesar dressing, every bite is crispy, crunchy, and irresistibly creamy. 

The Monalisa ($27) is the most expensive of the bunch, but for good reason: it comes with an entire burrata cheese. Rich and buttery, it's the ultimate indulgence. Complementing the velvety burrata are ribbons of 24-month Prosciutto Di Parma, lemon basil pesto, savoury truffle cream, chopped pistachio, and baby arugula. 

The space itself is bright and airy, with an open-concept kitchen. I had a perfect view of the sandwiches being prepared and the aroma - not much can compare to the smell of freshly baked bread.

And while the eating area is limited to two bar-height counters, there are a few benches just steps away outside.

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., I'd recommend going early as Chef Rad's coveted sandwiches tend to sell out fast.

Alfie's is located at 36 Baldwin Street.