Best Delis in Sydney

If you are a true, bona fide foodie, there are few better places to visit outside of a cafe or restaurant, then a well stocked gourmet deli.

There is something quite satisfying and exciting about browsing through shelves filled with bottles and jars of pickles, preserves, sauces and other providore delights.

Then of course there is the incredible selection of meats and cheeses on offer too. All of which can make up a fantastic charcuterie board, or epicurean feast, for you to enjoy at home, or on a picnic.

Showcasing foods from all over the world, the best delis in Sydney are a veritable Aladdin's cave of gastronomic nutriments.

Next time you are in mind to treat your taste buds, here are 10 excellent venues for you to check out.

Pistou

Situated in Newtown, Pistou is a quaint French-influenced delicatessen with rustic pink, rosewood walls and a massive cabinet full of top-quality charcuterie items.

Also showcasing a delightful range of pickles, dips and wines, this is a great place to stock up on items for your charcuterie or cheeseboard. With everything from charred leek, rare vinegar and anchovies to spiced nuts, salmon gravlax and a wide range of mustards being available.

Run by Jules Bouillon, the deli also offers plenty of baskets of fresh bread too. While those with a sweet tooth will be very happy with the chocolate selection they have here.

  • Address: 601 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
  • Phone: 0404 463 221
  • Hours: Mon ' Closed, Tues to Thurs 5.30 pm ' 10 pm, Fri & Sat 11.30 am ' 10 pm, Sun 11:30 am ' 5 pm

Gourmet Life

Considering its name, it is not unreasonable to expect 'Gourmet Life' to be one of the best delis in Sydney.

Thankfully it lives up to such billing with a boujee offering of fine foods that you will struggle to find anywhere else in the city.

Everything they offer is premium quality ' and priced accordingly. But if you believe you get what you pay for then you should be happy. Expect to pay almost $100 for a top-of-the-range jar of baby artichokes. Or upwards of $70 for a jar of French olive oil.

Whilst this might seem a tad decadent for some, if you are looking to treat yourself then you won't be disappointed.

Other offerings include truffles and caviar, as well as exclusive cheeses and fois gras from France, and some very rare wild chanterelle mushrooms.

  • Address: 52-60 New South Head Rd, Edgecliff NSW 2027
  • Phone: (02) 9363 0775
  • Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am ' 5 pm, Sat 9 am ' 5 pm, Sun 10 am ' 5 pm

Paddington Alimentari

If Italian inspired foods is what you are looking for in a deli then Paddington Alimentari is a great option for you.

Operating as a deli-cum-cafe, the venue serves up a hearty menu of simple dishes that champion the best in fresh produce. Their toasted paninis ' especially the one that comes with buffalo mozzarella and crispy prosciutto ' is sensational, and best enjoyed in their stunning leafy courtyard.

The deli section is very good too. It is quite small compared to others on this list. But its glass cabinet features such delights as truffle pecorino, prosciutto di San Daniele and a fabulous range of sheep, cow and goat's cheese, which you will absolutely love.

  • Address: 2 Hopetoun St, Paddington NSW 2021
  • Phone: (02) 9358 2142
  • Hours: Mon to Sat 6:45 am ' 3 pm

Tamaleria and Mexican Deli

If you are big into tacos, nachos, burritos and chimichangas, then the Tamaleria and Mexican Deli is the place for you.

Situated over in Dulwich Hill, this venue started life as a small pop-up foodie zone. But under the leadership of owner Rosa Cienfuegos, it has evolved into a fully fledged all-day eatery and deli that stocks an extensive selection of authentic Mexican edibles.

As well as a delicious range of traditional meals that you can order to eat straight away, you will also be able to pick up the likes of frozen Tex Mex meals.

In addition, you can also get many different types of tortillas, a myriad of chili and spices, antojitos and their signature hot tamales.

  • Address: 463 Marrickville Rd, Dulwich Hill NSW 2203
  • Phone: 0450 585 478
  • Hours: Mon to Wed Closed, Thur 11 am to 4 pm, Friday 11 am to 8.30 pm, Saturday 11 am to 8.30 pm, Sunday 11 am ' 4 pm.

Small's Deli

A real favourite in Potts Point, Small's Deli is a European influenced deli and sandwich shop that had the misfortune of opening just two weeks before the Covid pandemic hit.

Far from being defeated, owners, Ben Shemesh and Emily Van Loon set about creating a loyal customer base. Targeting those who want exceptional produce from Italy and France to enjoy during lockdown.

Now that restrictions have lifted, business is booming! With a steady stream of locals coming in every day to order everything from baguettes, and cured meats, to items like Ortiz sardines, and Taluca Park eggs, which they'll never be able to source from your regular supermarket.

  • Address: 166 Victoria St, Potts Point NSW 2011
  • Phone: (02) 8592 5597
  • Hours: Mon closed, Tues to Sat 8.30 am to 2.30 pm, Sun 8.30 pm to 2 pm

Lamia Super Deli

Offering a delicious taste of Greece, the Lamia Super Deli is undoubtedly one of the most popular delis in Sydney.

Located in Marrickville, you could easily be forgiven for thinking you had stepped into a deli in Athens, or a Greek Island like Karpathos or Amorgos.

Featuring endless rows of olive jars, massive tubs of dips, a huge variety of Greek cheese, ready-to-bake tyropitas, frozen spanakopita and ready made charcuterie boards, the deli even makes their own toum, hummus and tzatziki.

If you are hungry and can't wait, their delicious ready-to-eat falafel wraps and chicken schnitzel rolls are legendary in town.

  • Address: 270 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
  • Phone: (02) 9560 1011
  • Hours: Mon to Sat 8 am to 5 pm, Sunday 10 am to 2 pm

SOUL Deli

A popular foodie haunt in Surry Hills, SOUL Deli should be on the radar of all Sydneysiders who enjoy fine gastronomy.

Falling somewhere between a Korean cafe, a hardware store and a charming deli, this is another business which survived during lockdown, thanks to innovation and a 'can do' attitude.

When it comes to their deli, SOUL boasts an in-house kimchi bar that incorporates everything from traditional and vegan kimchi, to that which is stir-fried in sesame oil. They also offer up a fabulous selection of pickles and fermented sauces (try the chilli, it's awesome!) and snacky items like crackling seaweed.

You can even takeaway Korean BBQ kits with you as well. Including a beef short rib that comes with a galbi jus, which is absolutely delicious.

  • Address: Shop 1&2/185 Campbell St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
  • Hours: Mon to Sun 7 am ' 4 pm

Fourth Village Providore

If you are looking for a providore who offers some of Australia's finest produce then look no further than Fourth Village Providore.

Run by husband and wife team Peter and Annette Quattroville, this fantastic store in Mosman boasts not only a delicatessen, but also a walk-in fromagerie, a fully fledged fruit and vegetable market, and even a pizzeria!

You could spend hours here, checking out the floor-to-ceiling shelves that are overflowing with preserves, spices, dry goods and condiments that are sourced from all over the country, as well as internationally.

Arguably what steals the show here though is the fromagerie. A haven for cheese lovers, it showcases a huge amount of labels that you'd be hard pressed to find elsewhere in the city.

  • Address: 5A Vista St, Mosman NSW 2088
  • Phone: (02) 9960 7162
  • Hours:  Mon to Tues 8 am to 6 pm, Wed to Sat 8 am to 9 pm, Sun 8 am to 5 pm

Paesanella

Another successful deli in Sydney that is based in Marrickville, you'll find Paesanella on Ramsey Street (no not that one!).

A popular Italian deli that offers premium cheeses, meats and small goods, this is an especially welcome spot for those who have gluten intolerances. As they offer a fabulous selection of gluten-free items specifically for those who have that affliction.

Their cheese is a major selling point here, taking the form of differing types of cow and buffalo varieties, they make themselves in their nearby factory. (Try their ricotta or burrata and thank us later).

Other delights you can get include wonderful puff pastry, delicious pasta sauces, a huge range of stuffed olives, and a terrific selection of deli meats that come vacuum sealed.

  • Address: 150-152 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
  • Phone: (02) 9519 6181
  • Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am to 5. 30 pm, Sat 7 am to 5 pm, Sun 7 am to 4 pm

Continental Deli & Bistro

For an army of loyal customers the Continental Deli & Bistro is the best deli in Sydney!

Much loved in Newtown, this acclaimed venue takes the form of a bistro, bar and European delicatessen.

Particularly well known for its fantastic range of canned goods, it offers up its own brand of olive oil, hot sauce, charcuterie XO and chilli.

They also have a great selection of ready made hampers, that contain gourmet treats like Oritz sardines, Pepus mussels and even tins of salmon, mackerel and octopus. The latter of which is accompanied by XO sauce.

If you love good cheese, you won't be disappointed here too. As there are 15 different types available including 'poisses, Holy Goat Skyla, and Tunworth, which are all exceptional.

  • Address: 210 Australia St, Newtown NSW 2042
  • Phone: (02) 8624 3131
  • Hours: Mon to Sun 12 pm to 10 pm