Quick Bites:
🍝 What I ate: Chicken shnitzel hot panini
🍷 Best for: Lunch and a treat
🌅 Location perks: City centre and near newcastle beach
⭐ Vibe: Effortlessly hip and no fuss
📍 Where? King st., Newcastle
💰 Price: $$ – $$$
Come with me to Arno Deli Newcastle — one of the best sandwich shops and delis in town, and an absolute gem for anyone on the hunt for a next-level lunch.
I have to admit, I was very excited for this one! I had some alone time planned and decided it was the right time to try this local deli out. I’d been hearing rave reviews about this place for months, so I finally made my way to King street to see what all the fuss was about. The line out the door was a good sign — turns out, when it comes to where to eat in Newcastle, Arno is high on the locals’ list. It’s a small, cosy spot with a few tables inside and out, but most people grab their order to-go. It’s quick, it’s casual, and it delivers. It’s right at the city centre, so parking is a bit tricky especially during peak hours. I managed to snag one inside Woolies, which was in a building a few metres away from Arno.
What I ordered
Arno deli’s food choices: See their full menu on their website
I was on my own and saw that the sandwiches were a decent size, so I stuck with just one, though choosing which one was the hard part. The menu is stacked with options that all sound so good but in the end, I went for a hot sandwich. I ordered the hot gourmet panini with chicken schnitzel, smoked provolone, vodka tomato sugo, aioli, salsa verde, calabrian chilli, basil, and parmigiano reggiano. It sounds like a mouthful because it is, but in the best possible way. The schnitzel was golden, crunchy, and juicy, while the combination of cheeses and sauces brought just the right amount of heat and richness. If you’re looking for one of the best sandwiches in Newcastle, this one’s it. The price to pay is a whopping $20, but it’s made fresh, packed with flavour, and feels like a proper treat. I don’t think I’ll be eating everyday here, but I also wouldn’t mind having this as a special lunch every once in a while. I now get what all the buzz is about — it’s definitely one of those Newcastle lunch spots that’s totally worth.
PSA: If you’re around this April, Arno Deli is jumping in on Newcastle Food Month with a $30 Plate Date — any panini from their menu paired with a glass of First Creek wine. It’s part of a city-wide celebration where local restaurants, cafes, pubs, and bars offer special deals all month long. Honestly, it’s the perfect excuse to finally try that sandwich you’ve been eyeing (or go back for your favourite) and make a proper lunch of it. Great food, good wine, and a little love for Newcastle’s hospitality scene? Sounds like a win all around.
Pesto Penne – $30
Veal Saltimbocca – $38
Salsiccia – $25
Should you eat here?
I’m already scheming my next visit, so yes! Next time, I’ve got my eye on the Hot Honey Pepperoni and the Panino Verde — both come highly recommended and seem to have a bit of a good following. I honestly want to try the whole menu, one sandwich at a time.
So if you’re after Newcastle food recommendations that go beyond the usual, run and try out Arno Deli. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, there’s no doubt this beloved Newcastle institution deserves all its accolades. It’s one of those spots you just know have its local regulars, and a spot that genuinely brings the community together. Rest assured, Arno Deli totally delivers on the hype. I’ll say it again: Run! Don’t walk. Happy eating!
Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Friday: 8:00 am-2:30 pm
Saturday: 8:30 -3 pm
Sunday: Closed
Website: https://www.arnodeli.com.au/
Phone: (02) 4926 1698
Email: info@arnodeli.com.au
