Smith + Deli — Restaurant in Melbourne

My friend and I love going to Smith and Deli and make a special trip every few months or so as we are not local and it always gets us super excited. Today we went for the first time since the renovation was completed, and while the store looks aesthetically great (as it did before), the changes to the process and menu are disappointing. Apart from the fact that our favourite item has been removed from the menu (the delicious Hail Seitan sandwich), the menu seems to have been cut down and not all options are available all the time. Unless we are mistaken - for fresh (cold) options, it's only what is left in the fridge and for toasted sandwiches, they're made to order however, are only from the options displayed at any given time. While I understand the convenience of the ready-made sandwiches for Smith and Deli as well for time restricted customers, the changes are a bit limited for a deli in my opinion - from having been previously able to choose fillings, bread type and whether you want it fresh or toasted etc.

There wasn't any clear signage as to the options/process and out of the 5+ staff members that were working, nobody asked if we needed any help or even said hello - the enthusiasm from previous visits was missed and while staff were friendly enough once approached, we felt as though they just wanted us to hurry up and order.

I found a hair in my toasted sandwich which was remade and I was given a cinnamon doughnut as an apology. Several pantry/frozen goods have been removed from sale also. Smith & Deli is a great initiative to encourage a plant based and cruelty free diet for many who still believe vegans only eat lettuce. Although with an increasing social awareness of vegan foods that are readily available, Smith and Deli and it’s high priced items are no longer a must stop eatery. While the food was still tasty, as well as the frappe my friend had and very much enjoyed, we sadly left underwhelmed and disappointed compared to the joy felt...

Smith and Deli used to be a really special place. It was the one spot I religiously ate at once a fortnight, despite the round trip taking 2 hours. I would have spent thousands on takeaway, and spent many hours eating at the park on the corner of Moor St. Years ago Smith and Deli was my absolute favourite place in Melbourne, but now it wouldn't even come close to making the top 20. It might still have the same name, but it is certainly not the same deli. If you were also a regular prior to 2019 I'm sure you know exactly what I mean when I say that it is a shell of what it once was. This new venue feels soulless.

I am not sure why Shannon is so completely anti-sandwich, especially when the refusal to make a fresh sandwich has cost them many customers. Instead of listening to customers' feedback, they have instead continued to whittle down the options, whilst also significantly increasing the prices of everything. The handful of sandwiches still available are cold and soggy from sitting in the cabinet all morning, and asking $15+ for one is insane. I know that running a cafe/restaurant is expensive, but the vegan tax here is exorbitant across the board. $28 for a meal that's not made to order is just too much. It feels like they are trying way too hard to shake their previous easy-going, relaxed vibe, and become something much more pretentious. And whilst I'm certainly not against the new concept, it's not exactly clear how to order and what to do. Staff seemed aloof and unhelpful, despite many people in front of me looking confused. My last few visits to Moor St were sorely disappointing, but checking out Cambridge St has just sealed the...

Smith & Deli was my most fun stop in Melbourne. I was visiting from Seattle WA, USA and checked out at least 3 restaurants each day for two weeks. Smith and Deli had all my favorite foods. Since I like to start a meal with dessert, Smith & Deli makes it wonderfully easy. Each scroll, cookie, slice, and treat was so good it was hard to leave room for “nutrition.” Having met the team, it is very clear why the food tastes so good. From the food creators who work so hard to perfect each recipe, to the food preparers who are on a mission to make each and every food item perfect, to the faces of Smith & Deli who brighten your day when you walk in their door, everyone is dedicated to helping you enjoy your experience. Love is the key ingredient in each food item they make. You just taste it in every bite. The deli concept encompasses both food they prepare, ingredients for foods you prepare, and side items, including chips, beverages, and prepared foods to complete a take-away breakfast, lunch or dinner. They even offer the Smith & Deli Cookbook with recipes to make the foods of the deli. As I said in my review of Smith & Daughters, the sit down full service restaurant sister of Smith & Deli, Mo Wyse is my daughter. Along with Shannon Martinez, chef and her partner, they create, manage and inspire the Smith &’s. Smith & Deli is the second important step on the road to opening all of our eyes to making this world a better place in which everyone and everything is respected. Check out the pix I took. You are very lucky if you live in Melbourne. If you don't, make sure to stop in on your next visit to Melbourne. It will be...