Ruben’s Deli

THE VERDICT

18 years in the game, two beloved southside venues, and a cookbook that’s captured the hearts of many a home chefs can’t be wrong. The latest project from southside hospitality gem, Amanda Ruben, is Ruben’s Deli—a nod to the Big Apple and its buzzing delicatessens. 

For the latest venture, Ruben is pulling out all the stops, bringing former Cutler & Co and Marion Wine Bar head chef Chris Watson into the fold.

Together, the duo will offer up a take-home and to-go menu. Sandwiches take front and centre with the signature Rueben number already bringing in repeat customers, meanwhile, the house-smoked fish cabinet is a sight to behold in its own right—sitting comfortably by a grip of seasonal salads, cold cuts and deli staples lovingly prepped under the roof of Ruben’s Deli.

“I wanted to pay homage to those amazing, bustling New York delis while at the same time create something that was signature Armadale—warm, welcoming and stylish,” said Amanda.

Just as savoury is squared off, so is sweet. Dense wheels of cinnamon babka, available as a single or a whole, can’t be overlooked, just as the cookie and cake selection can’t, either. 

Along with Amanda and Chris’ homemade goods, Ruben’s Deli features a healthy stock of dry goods and fine booze, crossing a spectrum of Italian and local wines right through to limoncello. 

Image credit: Elisa Watson

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