Sydney's Best Italian Delis
Prosciutto, porchetta, tallegio, pecorino, if your mouth waters at the thought of these then you're a foodie after my own heart. I'm a confessed deli food lover and if you're anything like me, no doubt you have searched far and wide for that authentic Italian deli experience the likes of which you only tasted back in Rome. Well I'm pleased to share the closest equivalents I have found right here at home in Sydney that I will happily share with you.
First off, you simply cannot go past Lamonica IGA at Haberfield in Sydney's inner west. The deli counter here is divine. A huge variety of cold meats, cheeses, antipasto and olives means you'll never leave empty handed. Best of all everyone that works here knows just how to slice the meat perfectly thin. Just be warned if visiting on a Saturday you could be queuing for up to 40 minutes at the deli counter just to get served! But it really is well worth the wait. After you've visited the deli counter, have a browse around the aisles and stock up on some Italian pasta or check out their fresh meat or fruit & veg sections for some more yummy produce. And don't forget to stop into the bakery a couple of doors up from the Lamonica for some fresh Italian bread to go with all those delicious deli goodies.
Whilst you're in Haberfield, you really may as well make a day of it and check out Paesanella cheese for some of the freshest ricotta and Bocconcini you can find in Sydney. By the time you're done with all that shopping, you'll no doubt want to rest your aching legs at Pasticceria Papa for an Italian espresso and custard cannoli.
Now onto the other deli on the list; it is arguably one of the best and oldest in Sydney, and perhaps most authentic Italian delis, it is Ranieri Continental Delicatessen at Five Dock. Visually this is more your typical cramped, aromatic, family run Italian deli just like you would expect to see back in the old country. But don't be fooled by the tiny shop, they still sell all the deli goodies you would expect. The staff here is very knowledgeable, so don't hesitate to ask them which pecorino cheese they recommend. They're more than happy for you to taste test before you buy so go on and indulge your taste buds. They also sell fresh bread rolls, so why not stock up on all the essential ingredients you need for a yummy picnic, then head off to enjoy it at one of the many picnic spots around the inner west.