Arno Deli
Experience authentic Italian deli delights in Newcastle, from amazing paninis to artisanal meats and exquisite desserts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Arno Deli
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience authentic Italian deli delights in Newcastle, from amazing paninis to artisanal meats and exquisite desserts.
"This is one of the best sandwiches not just in Newcastle but in Australia."
Go Early to Avoid Waits
Arno Deli is popular and gets busy. Visit early to avoid long waits and secure your preferred items.
Warm Up Your Desserts
For an enhanced experience, try warming up the delicious desserts from Sweet Splits.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian Deli
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Legendary Sandwiches
Discover Italy in Newcastle with artisanal sandwiches featuring house-made bread, unique meats, and classic flavors. A true culinary gem.
Authentic Italian Deli & Wine Bar
A bustling daytime deli with gourmet sandwiches and coffee, transforming into a cozy evening wine bar with an alleyway vibe.
Sweet Splits Desserts
Indulge in highly recommended desserts from Sweet Splits, especially when warmed up for an enhanced sweet treat experience.
Plans like a pro.
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Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Go Early to Avoid Waits
Arno Deli is popular and gets busy. Visit early to avoid long waits and secure your preferred items.
Warm Up Your Desserts
For an enhanced experience, try warming up the delicious desserts from Sweet Splits.
Call Ahead for Orders
To save time, especially when busy, consider calling ahead to place your order.
Enjoy Your Meal On-the-Go
If seating is limited, take your meal to go and enjoy it by the water or at scenic spots nearby.
Tips
from all over the internet
Go Early to Avoid Waits
Arno Deli is popular and gets busy. Visit early to avoid long waits and secure your preferred items.
Warm Up Your Desserts
For an enhanced experience, try warming up the delicious desserts from Sweet Splits.
Call Ahead for Orders
To save time, especially when busy, consider calling ahead to place your order.
Enjoy Your Meal On-the-Go
If seating is limited, take your meal to go and enjoy it by the water or at scenic spots nearby.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Arno Deli is celebrated for its incredible Italian-style sandwiches, praised for their flavorful ingredients and perfectly textured house-made bread. The atmosphere is lively and the desserts are a must-try. However, some diners have noted issues with rushed service and a feeling of being pushed to order more expensive items, with one review detailing incorrect orders and poor handling of complaints.
"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 feeling as well."
Mike Yee
"Beautiful and authentic Italian deli in King St Newcastle. The paninis are so packed with flavour. I had the rare roast beef which was dripping with salsa verde, red pepper and rocket. Delicious. Coffees were very good. We’ll be back."
Brett Cameron
"The food was amazing – fresh, tasty, and beautifully presented. The staff were friendly and the atmosphere was lovely. I really recommend it if you’re looking for a good sandwich with great quality at a fair price."
Alessia Moretti
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Roast beef sandwich with vodka sauce and peppery rocket is a standout, as is the marinated salami with mortadella qualities.
Yes, they offer some vegetarian options on their panini menu.
Many customers feel the wait is well worth it for the exceptional food quality and taste.
It's best to visit early in the day to avoid long waits, especially during peak hours.
Yes, Arno Deli offers a breakfast menu that runs until 10 am.
Yes, calling ahead to place your order is recommended, especially if you want to avoid waiting.
Arno Deli features desserts from Sweet Splits, with cannoli and tiramisu being popular choices.
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Where To Eat, Drink & Stay
First up, head straight to Euro-inspired Arno Deli for cracking sambos, ace coffee and textbook cannoli (and come back in the afternoon for a glass of vino). Alfie’s Italian pumps out flavour-packed plates, house-made pasta, and refreshing Spritzes in a relaxed and cool setting. Get around the creative snacks and impressive pastas at Humbug, which is also home to one of the most exciting wine lists in town.
Ultimate guide: The best restaurants, cafes, bars & foodie tours in Newcastle
Other noteworthy cafes include Good Brothers Espresso Shop where caffeine culture is taken very seriously; Local Customs, for its famous bacon and egg roll wrapped in a woodfired panini; Fairmont Diner for an Australian diner-style brunch; Uprising for some of the best sourdough and viennoiserie in the city; Spur for creative drinks with a laid-back neighbourhood vibe; and Arno Deli for Italian-style sandwiches, charcuterie and wine.
Newcastle restaurants
Arno Deli is located in downtown Newcastle and is the deli everyone wished they had near them. Part the red chain curtains and enter a treasure trove of goodies with pastas, pastries, cheeses, salumi and a selection of conservas or tinned items. The coffee is also excellent so sit back with a cannoli and a coffee or if you're looking for something more substantial explore the panini menu.
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The top five include Arno Deli, Lock’s Paddock, and Bagus’ Coffee Bar, all of which share high ratings and loyal followings.Arno Deli’s 4.9-star rating makes it a favourite for its artisanal deli offerings, while Lock’s Paddock is celebrated for its creative menu in a relaxed, rustic setting. Bagus’ Coffee Bar rounds out the list with its expertly crafted coffee and welcoming atmosphere.
Discover the Newcastle Foodie Destination
While exploring the city's sights, carve out time to visit Arno Deli. This unique deli bar, steered by a former Merivale chef, is renowned for crafting what might be the most authentic porchetta paninis outside of Italy. The star sandwich is generously filled with house-made porchetta, marinated eggplant, crisp cos lettuce, rich garlicky aioli, and a sprinkle of fennel pollen.
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Tiny in stature and big on character, Arno Deli is all about bringing a taste of Italy to Newcastle. During the day, the deli serves loaded panini, excellent coffee and a range of Italian sweets. Come night time, the pint-sized space is transformed into a wine bar that wouldn’t be out of place in an alley in Rome, serving snacks made for boozing with.
Guide to the best breakfast spots in Newcastle
The panini masters of Newcastle can be found at Arno Deli on Hunter Street. This ultra cool, ultra petite deli, has an ever-evolving menu of breakfast rolls and panini's packed full of the most inventive ingredients. This is a first-in-best-dressed type of deal, with many of the most popular choices selling out quickly.
Where to eat and drink in Newcastle in NSW
Vera Wines and Bistro Penny join a growing cohort of Newcastle businesses (including hatted restaurants Humbug and Flotilla, Arno Deli, and new cocktail bar Roxanne) operated by hospitality professionals who spent several years learning the trade in Sydney and Melbourne.
Top 30 Cafes In Newcastle
Arno Deli is a modern take on an old-school Italian deli and bar and has some of the best lunch options in town. Think premium cheeses, meat, wines, and artisan produce sourced from around the globe. Savour the flavours of Italy at Arno Deli.
Things to Do in Newcastle: Eat, Drink and Stay
If you’re searching the city for a great sandwich in between site seeing and swimming, a stop at Arno Deli is a must. The deli-cum-bar is led by an ex-Merivale chef who might just make one of the finest porchetta paninis outside of Italy.
Best Italian Restaurants – Newcastle
Arno Deli serves up unreal panini, snacks, and wine alongside its deli offering. Try one of the paninis and you will quickly develop a religious-like devotion to Will's sandwich skills.
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