The yellow deli restaurant and bakery shop is located near the Katoomba station and three sisters of blue mountain.
The Yellow Deli chose its name because yellow symbolizes light, hope, and new beginnings. Yellow is the most luminous color, often associated with sunshine, happiness, and creativity. Drawing from the biblical story of creation—where light was the first solution to darkness—the founders see yellow as the color of that divine light.
In 1973, amid societal struggles, they opened the first Yellow Deli in Chattanooga, Tennessee, as a beacon of hope and community. Rather than curse the darkness, they chose to “paint some yellow” and create a welcoming space. The Yellow Deli isn't just a restaurant—it's a response to the world's troubles, offering warmth, light, and a sense of purpose. A Vision for Community and Restoration In 1972, a group of passionate believers envisioned a welcoming space where people could find refuge, ask questions, and reflect on life’s deeper meaning. Inspired by Galatians 5:22 and the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and more, they created the Yellow Deli, which opened in Chattanooga in 1973. Their motto: “We serve the fruit of the Spirit. Why not ask?” More Than a Deli—A Way of Life The Yellow Deli became a place of warmth and connection, not driven by marketing but by a desire to bring light and healing to their neighborhood. Over time, it expanded globally, supported by a communal lifestyle where members live and work together, echoing the early church described in Acts 2 and 4.
✝️ Living the First-Century Church Today They strive to emulate the unity and shared life of the original disciples, believing that communal living is not a relic of the past but a model for today’s believers. Their goal is to restore the spirit of togetherness and purpose that marked the early...
Read moreAs a walk in on a Friday night, we were asked to wait approximately 20-30 minutes for a table which was totally fine! ⏰ The waiter was very accomodating and checked in on us once every few minutes 🧑🏻🍳 The interior and exterior was definitely very Hobbit/cottage core style which I really enjoyed! 🏠 Overall, was a great experience however would definitely recommend doing some research before coming down! 🔬
Order: 🥪 Deli Rose ($15) - roast beef, corned beef, hot pepper and provolone cheeses, onions, tomato, butter, mustard, and a special sauce on an onion roll. Probably the highlight of my visit! ⚡️The Deli Rose did not disappoint! The roast beef and corned beef were super juicy and was complimented super well with the cheese, onion and tomato! 🤤 Definitely a must-try if you are planning to visit The Yellow Deli! 🍞
🍖 Deli Lamb ($15) - lamb, onions, lettuce, tomato and cucumbers with honey garlic sauce on a wholemeal egg roll. We decided to give the Deli Lamb a go as I really love a good honey garlic sauce! 🧄 Overall, the Deli Lamb was quite standard, the sauce was very overpowering and it definitely wasn’t as good as the Deli Rose! 😳
🌶️ Chilli Bowl ($13) - hearty kettle cooked bowl of chilli with jalapeño bread. Strangely, this was the first time I ever tried a chilli bowl and I was not disappointed! 😎 It was super hearty with little chunks of meat which was honestly really nice after a long hike! 🥾 Definitely a good meal on a gloomy winters day! In terms of spice, it wasn’t spicy at all which was quite upsetting! 😵💫
Note: At the time, I was unaware that The Yellow Deli is run by Twelve Tribes, a cult which is known to use child labour and promote homophobia. However, it is entirely up to you to decide whether it's worth trying! I have deducted a star from the rating as a result of...
Read moreIt is with a heavy heart and an aggrieved palate that I pen this missive, for what ought to have been a pleasant repast at the so-called Yellow Deli turned, most unexpectedly, into an ordeal of such grievous inconvenience and culinary insult that I am compelled to caution fellow diners with utmost urgency.
Upon entering the establishment—quaint in appearance though not in execution—we were made to wait, and wait we did. An hour or more passed, the minutes dragging as if the very clock hands resisted participation in this sorry affair. One might presume such a delay hinted at meals crafted with loving care. Alas! Such optimism was swiftly and unceremoniously dashed.
When at last our orders did arrive, they were—not to mince words—woefully incorrect. It appeared the staff, having already taken great liberties with the timeline, decided to do so again with our selections. The sandwich bore no resemblance to what had been requested, and instead of a side of house-prepared crisps, we were met with the ignoble sight of Lay’s potato chips, tossed without ceremony onto the plate as if in cruel jest.
As for the beverage—Heavens! I do not know what manner of concoction they claim to serve, but I would wager my boots it was little more than a supermarket-bought bottle from Coles, uncorked and poured as though none might notice. But I did notice, and I was offended in both taste and principle.
In sum: the food was uninspired, the sides an insult, the drink a disappointment, the wait interminable, and the order itself—wrong. One would do better to dine at a railway station vending machine than endure such folly.
I give Yellow Deli one star, and that only because the roof...
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