Paper-thin prosciutto, queue-worthy hot sopressa sandwiches, nonna-approved lasagne… we’ve rounded up a mouth-watering list of all your favourite local delicatessans.
We’re wonderfully spoilt for choice on the Beaches with old fashioned delis and modern food emporiums. Northern Beaches Living members recently gave their top recommendations, and here they are:
Wilburs, Manly – and their new store at Brookvale!
Named after the friendly pig in EB White’s 1952 children’s novel Charlotte’s Web, Wilburs isn’t your average deli. It’s where the humble sanga gets elevated into an Instagram content opportunity. Stacked with fillings, and seemingly impossible to finish (but you will), their Hot Sopressa sandwich has reached cult status, and the Mortadella with pistachio crumb isn’t far behind. Many of the fillings feature Serva’s pickles and relishes, and you must wash your sanga down with Wilburs’ famous lemonade.
While you’re waiting for your lunch, you can pick up some fancy groceries, browse the cool merch, and probably end up in a chat with the legends behind the counter. It’s the kind of spot Anthony Bourdain would’ve written love letters about; simple food done ridiculously well.
They’re already legendary in Manly, and now Brookvale’s gotten lucky with their new store as well!
Address: 89 Pittwater Rd, Manly 7am-2pm Everyday and the newly opened 10-12 Roger St, Brookvale 7am-2pm Weekdays
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilburs.deli
Blatchford’s Kitchen, Elanora Heights
Speaking of sandwiches, if you happen to be in the Elanora area, stopping by Blatchford’s for one of their epic sandos is a must. With names like The Italian, The Senorita, and The Beef, these creations will leave you with sauce running down your chin and a happy tummy.
Owned by Chris Blatchford, he’s the third generation and operator of the deli, which was established in 1928 by his grandparents, Eric and Doris. If you’re lucky enough to be a local, chances are Chris knows you by name and your coffee order. It’s that kind of warm, welcoming place.
Go for the gourmet groceries, go for the cold cuts, go for their picnic boxes or grazing platters, but leave time for a chat. Blatchford’s is one of a kind.
Address: Shop 2/55 Kalang Rd, Elanora Heights NSW 2101
Website: https://www.facebook.com/blatchfordskitchen/
Astin Min Fine Foods, Collaroy
This Collaroy gem is everything a neighbourhood deli should be, and then some. Sure, you could just pop in for your morning coffee, but good luck leaving without a home-baked treat from the counter or a container of their house-made truffle gnocchi. Their next-level grazing platters and picnic boxes turn any beach day into a feast (and make you look like a hosting genius).
If it happens to be lunchtime when you drop in, grab one of their epic rainbow salad sangas. They’ll remind you of the old school milk bar sandwiches, just levelled up with premium ingredients and will ruin regular sammies for you forever.
Address: 2/998 Pittwater Rd, Collaroy
Website: https://www.astinmin.com.au
Instagram: @astin_min_fine_foods
Normas, Manly
This big fat Greek deli is where sandwiches stop being just lunch and become an experience – we’re talking stacked-to-the-sky foccacias that’ll have you planning your return visit before you’ve finished today’s feast. But, of course, Norma’s isn’t not just about the sandwiches. Their dishes are the real deal: glistening seasonal tarts, tomato salads that taste like summer in Greece, and the kind of vibe that makes you want to kick off your thongs and stay awhile.
The tables are prime real estate on hot days (and every day, really), and trust us, that first visit won’t be your last.
Rose’s Continental Deli, Narraweena
A visit to Rose’s Continental Deli transports you straight to Italy, where freshly roasted coffee mingles with the sight of hanging salamis and huge wheels of aged cheese. Maria, Matt and their passionate team have created a warm and friendly community atmosphere that keeps locals coming back. Peek into their gleaming display cases and you’ll discover a treasure trove of marinated vegetables, imported cheeses, and traditional Italian sweets that would make Nonna weep with joy.
Address: 91 McIntosh Rd, Narraweena
Quattro Stagioni Deli, Mona Vale
Quattro Stagioni is where local chef and cookbook author, Silvia Colloca heads when she needs her prosciutto and mortadella sliced “properly thin” aka, the Italian way. Owners Baz and Kiki have that rare gift of remembering faces, even if you haven’t popped in for a year. Between the carefully curated shelves stocked with Croatian specialties (a nod to the local community) and Italian groceries, you’ll find yourself plenty of goodies to take home.
Address: 1/1767 Pittwater Rd, Mona Vale
Website (order online): https://menuweb.menu/restaurants/mona-vale/quattro-stagioni-deli/o/order-now-online
Balgowlah Heights Deli, Balgowlah Heights
Balgowlah Heights Deli is the real deal, a proper family-run institution that’s been feeding the neighbourhood for over two decades. The Macri family (Sam, Steve, Angela, Frank and their mum) are keeping the art of traditional Italian food alive in this part of the Beaches.
While their glass cabinets are loaded with glossy olives, salads, cheeses and premium deli meats, it’s their take-home meals that have locals hooked. These aren’t your average frozen dinners. We’re talking proper lasagne, eggplant parmigiana, and spinach ricotta cannelloni that taste like they’ve come straight from an Italian family kitchen (because they have). Hang around long enough and you might just end up getting invited to a backyard pizza night, it’s how the Macris roll.
Address: 122 Beatrice Street, Balgowlah Heights
Website: www.balgowlahheightsdeli.com.au
Instagram: @balgowlahheightsdeli
If there are other fabulous delis that should be on the list, email northernbeaches@thelivingcollective.com.au and let us know!
