Arno Deli — Restaurant in Newcastle-Maitland

Considering all the pizza yarns in previous posts, you think one would’ve taken out the coveted honour of the Sopranos theme song. I’m thankful I waited for the penultimate Gabagooling to crown Arno Deli as the Undisputed Champion of Waking Up This (*Every) Morning for the eats here.

Every Newy local I ever met told me you HAVE to go to Arno’s… and I’m ashamed to say after 10 odd visits I finally made it to this legendary establishment. A brick and mortar deli in every sense of word, this spot is stocked to the gills with house made bread, meats and cures, childhood fare (classic lolly shop products, an underrated sub class of a deli), solid coffee all over marble bench and glass displays amidst a bustling atmosphere. If it were in a metropolitan city, you might be cynical in thinking the window dressing is faux passé. But this is real deal Holyfield with Chef/Owner/Auteur couple, Will and Bri O’Brien wearing their inspirations from their time in Florence, Italy on their sleeves and no doubt aprons and chef whites too.

The results can be seen at the heart of the shop, with their famous paninis being a revelation of composition, flavour and texture. The bread is house made, an ASMR wonderful with a beautiful tap-crunch on the outside and an airy, almost BIGA-like dough centre. Layman terms? Little pockets of holes in the the dough making for an awesome chew to the bite. We went one of the roast beef and one of the marinated salami. The beef with peppery rocket and the house vodka sauce might be one of the single best tasting sandwiches I’ve had on these fair shores. It’s a MUST with Calabrian chilis. I’m also still mystified by the marinated salami which has a mortadella quality to it unlike any salami you’re like to have had before … unless one been to Florence?

Dessert selection by Sweet Splits and yes, these cookies are fantastic. Definitely take the House’s recommendation to get them warmed up or DIY if they make the journey home. Arno’s also has a breakfast menu which we will have to go back for as it’s from open till 10am. Remember when you used to miss the Maccas breakfast run? Arno’s is here to restore that...

Went here two months back but only just got to posting a review.

Ordered at the counter for takeaway and went outside to sit at a table to wait. After waiting about 5 minutes or so (not long), my 2.5 year old started asking where his babycino was. The server came out a few times and heard my toddler and we laughed together about it.

We continued to wait. The server came out more times. Our order didn't eventuate. I went back inside after 25 minutes of waiting to ask where our order was.

I was told 'oh you ordered when our ticket machine broke, so your order didn't print'. 'I could make it quickly straight away'

No apology, no sorry.

It's not like I was the forgotten person in a corner because my toddler spent 20 minutes telling all and sundry he was waiting for a babycino.

And it's not that the machine broke and there was a cock up, it's that the staff didn't apologise immediately when it came to light.

I did not get the drinks made. We got a refund which the staff issued no problems but no 'sorry'...

When planning my nuptials, Pinterest told me that I needed a silver platter of cannolis- and I couldn’t have agreed more. So begun the hunt for local cannolis. I was stoked when I stumbled upon Arno Deli. This was my first order, but after lurking their socials, seeing the pictures and their vibe- I knew I would be in safe hands. When I placed the last minute order, they rang me straight away to discuss the prime cannoli conditions, making sure that I understood that they are best served within a particular timeframe and not too refrigerate as to avoid going soggy. At this stage, I was all in, and while I appreciated the time they took to go through it all with me, I was willing to risk it for the biscuit/pastry. I am so glad that I did. They were EPIC. So crispy and delicious- I didn’t eat any wedding cake the night of, as I was too focused on the cannoli platter. They looked great and our guests raved about them. Can’t wait to visit in store and relive the cannoli magic. Thank...