Downtown Eustis’ newest restaurant, Valentina’s Sandwich Factory, has been open about three months and offers fun, fresh dishes. Fusing together Italian, American and Mediterranean cuisine, owners Araceli Iujan and Nino Perisic have made it their goal to bring freshness to a whole new level. “The best feeling in the world is to make people happy through food,” Iujan said. “I love what I do, coming up with different recipes and bringing a smile to people’s faces with our eclectic little menu.”

In order to ensure the freshest taste, Iujan planted an herb garden at the front of the building that she uses in her dishes. Everything is handmade and nothing is fried. Classic sandwiches come in choices of ham and cheese, turkey pastrami, turkey breast, Argentinian roast beef, prosciutto and Argentinian empanadas. Plates average $8. Homemade soups are Iujan’s specialty and include black bean soup, potato leek, lobster bisque and Aztec chicken. Grab a cup for $3.50 or a bowl for $4.50, served with crackers.