Classic delicatessens and food halls are like what Harrods and Selfridges are to shopaholics; once you’re in there’s no way you’re not flashing the cash. From giant cheese wheels to hanging meats, fluffy continental breads to the best olives this side of the Mediterranean, how can we foodie-loving residents resist? We definitely need that 1kg tub of handmade baba ghanoush.
Looking for the best deli in Brisbane is not a one-size-fits-all task. You might find a place that does the best haloumi, but another that stocks your favourite hams or biscuits, perhaps. Variety is key, and Brisbane has some absolute crackers you need to explore, pronto.
Check out our picks of Brisbane’s best delis, and start making that shopping list.
Pennisi
Woolloongabba
Home to ALL of the European and Latin American goodness, is a treasure trove of rare condiments and unusual sauces, breads, cheeses, and a whole host of goodies that would sit pride of place in any discerning foodie’s pantry.
The Stores
West End
Like a spacious and airy European-style food hall, is a wonderland of inspiration for food-lovers of all kinds. There’s fresh, local bread and produce, an artisanal butchery and fishmonger, a delicatessen and fromagerie with a tremendous range of local and imported charcuterie, smallgoods and—wait for it—and entire room filled with cheeses from all over the world.
Tognini’s Café Deli
Milton
The stuff of your jamon dreams, Tognini’s Cafe Deli is the place to top up on all your pantry needs (read: delicious snacks that you won’t be sharing). From stuffed Sicilian olives, feta cheese varieties and house made dips, to gourmet olive oils and balsamic glazes, imported chocolates and delicate sweet treats, you will want for nothing!
New Farm Deli
New Farm
A Brisbane institution for brekky and lunch, the New Farm Deli counter is worth a drop in post-meal. Filled to the brim with dozens of continental cheese and meat varieties, stock up on their impeccable varieties of Parmeggiano Reggiano, prosciutto, salamis and olives, or grab a pre-made lasagne, arancini balls or ravioli to pass of as your own.
Mega Continental Food Wholesalers
WEST END
A West End stalwart, ask any local where to find great fresh bread or the best deli meats, and they’ll point you to . A literal Aladdin’s cave of European and Middle Eastern treats, this split-level market place is jam-packed with delicious goodies. Make sure to stock up on hand-made baba ghanoush, Greek baklava and don’t leave without checking out the self-serve olive oil and coffee beans.
Welcome Fresh Food
Sunnybank
Step in to and prepare yourself for a food education. Specialising in all things Asian, this is a must-do if you’re looking for authentic sauces, seasonings, and ingredients to add to your cupboards. Make sure to pay a visit of a morning, to get your hands on freshly made Chinese bread buns, sticky rice dumplings and a whole host of Asian cakes and breads that need devouring immediately.
Black Pearl Epicure
Fortitude Valley
Black Pearl Epicure’s retail store is a gold mine of luxury imported goods and fine foods. This is your go-to if you’re on the market for caviar (they are the largest importers in Australia, FYI), but stop in to drool over their 300-strong variety of cheeses, their vast selection of meats (anything from quail to wood pigeon to pork, oh my) French butters, olive oils, luxury teas, confectionary, even kitchen utensils. Note to self: don’t shop on an empty stomach
Rosalie Gourmet Market
Rosalie
This much-loved local food hall is the perfect pit stop for picking up rare and tasty pantry fillers. Stocked with an array of cheeses, cured meats, condiments, and an impressive confectionary display (gives us ALL of the Belgian chocolate!), is an oldie but such a goodie.
Hawthorne Garage
Hawthorne
The team at are all about sourcing the best local produce and international intricacies, and they don’t skimp on the details. It’s a certainty your mouth will water and you’ll go weak at the knees perusing their selection of characuterie, olives, cheeses, oils, jams, chutneys, and deli meats. Together with an organic grocer, florist and barista, you’ve got everything you’ll ever need under one roof. Handy.
The Standard Market Company
Newstead and Fortitude Valley
Yes, it's probably pricier than the rest, and you may spend a small fortune on one green bag's worth of snacks, but for the delicious goodies you'll find on the shelves at , it's worth it. Home chefs will be in gourmet ingredient heaven or, for the non-culinary minded, the options for pre-cooked and easy to prep meals here almost endless.
While we're at it, here's Brisbane's best butchers.
Image credit: Ariana Gillrie