As far as delis with men’s first names go, Melbourne already has Hector’s,
Nico’s and
Stan’s. But Matteo’s has recently joined their ranks – serving sandwiches, like the rest, but also most of what you’d expect to find at a traditional Italian deli.

Co-owner Jayden Costello decided it was time to give Altona, where he’s lived for close to 20 years, another option on the sandwiches and smallgoods front. So, with the help of fellow west-sider Matthew Defina and hospitality consultant Sam Pinzone, he launched the mint-green Matteo’s Delicatessen on Pier Street.

Floor-to-ceiling shelves are impressively jam-packed with tins of fancy fish, packets of gnocchi, jars of bright-red passata, bottles of balsamic glaze and more. Meanwhile, the fridges are stocked with deli meats (all sorts of salami, mortadella and ham), cheeses and marinated veggies – ready to be stacked on grazing platters or in panini, which you can take away or eat on a street-side table, post-lockdown.

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The sandwich menu is short and sweet, with just a handful of options. The Cold Cuts is just as meaty as you think, with the addition of provolone and house-made condiments; the Real Italian is Matteo’s take on the Caprese; and the SPS is a molten, Reuben-ish situation –developed by Pinzone – that’s loaded with pastrami and cheese. The team also does rotating specials – most recently a classic, sugo-doused meatball sub.

Beyond the deli, Matteo’s also serves pies from Wonder Pies and flaky pastizzi from The Original Maltese Pastizzi Co. There’s also Sicilian cannoli by Cannoleria, pastries by Ned’s Bake and a selection of Mediterranean biscotti, ideal for dipping in your Industry Beans coffee.

Matteo’s Delicatessen is takeaway only during Melbourne’s lockdown.

Matteo’s Delicatessen
30 Pier Street, Altona
(03) 9078 4441

Hours:
Mon to Fri 8am–4pm
Sat 7.30am–4pm
Sun 8am–4pm

matteosdelicatessen.com.au

Melbourne is currently in lockdown. Masks are mandated in public spaces, public gatherings are banned and minimal social contact is recommended. If you have concerns about visiting businesses or public spaces, or questions about self-isolation or coronavirus testing, check out the latest updates from the Department of Health and Human Services.