Ellerslie-based deli and sandwich house Pastrami & Rye — which has been on our radar since it opened in 2017 — is known for serving up truly drool-worthy sandwiches and complimentary American fare. Inspired by the bustling delis of New York City, Pastrami & Rye proudly cures its own meats and churns out homemade preserves and pickles, and now, those local to Ponsonby can get their satisfying fix, as founder Dave and his team open the doors to an expansive pop-up in Ponsonby Central.
Dave, who has spent the past two decades in hospitality between New Zealand and New York, conceived Pastrami & Rye as a quintessential American deli — a concept he fell in love with overseas, and felt no one here was yet doing justice in New Zealand.
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A fundamental aspect of this — and the deli’s key point of difference — is the ‘from scratch’ approach. Pastrami & Rye butcher, cure, and smoke all of their own meats (including their award-winning namesake pastrami), as well as bake all of their own bread and pastries, and hand-craft the pickles and preserves, “We make the lot!” Dave tells me proudly.
The menu is immense, running the gamut from made-to-order hot sandwiches off the griddle with generous fillings to a host of tasty grab-and-go sandwiches, bagels, and pastries from the cabinet, as well as soups and salads, bacon butties, and beautiful (albiet very decadent) ‘sweets’ — from cherry pie to NY cheesecake.
The reuben deserves a special mention, as it’s likely the best take on the go-to classic you’ll find in the city. It’s brimming with house-made pastrami, sauerkraut and cheese on rye, served hot, with the option to add Russian dressing on the side. Simple, sublime.
The vibe of the space is lively and bustling, the food comes out fast, and you’re always guaranteed to leave satisfied. A true American-style deli in every sense — from the bottomless filter coffee to the food, made with love and respect for its origins, to the space itself — reminiscent of a typical corner deli, right down to the staff uniforms.
Opening hours:
Monday — Sunday, 7am until 3pm
Pastrami & Rye Ponsonby
Ponsonby Central
136/146 Ponsonby Road
Ponsonby
Auckland
