Robin’s Deli

THE VERDICT

Melbourne is unapologetic about its current sanga craze, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. Down in the south-east, Cheltenham has a fresh face on the scene in the form of Robin’s Deli, fittingly from the team behind Merrymen in Hampton. Head Chef Cristina Kelly’s menu is designed to balance unique flavours, marrying classic sandwiches with more modern combinations. 

Sandwiches take front and centre stage at Robin’s, with the menu offering up eight variations. The perfect hangover cure comes in the form of their brekky muffin, with homemade pork sausage patty, fried egg, chilli jam, American cheese and Robin’s signature sauce. If you’re looking to elevate a childhood classic, they serve up Vegemite on sourdough, with Mozzarella, Gruyere, Cheddar and Parmigiano Reggiano. 

Their magnum opus takes form in the ‘F*cked Up Meatball’ toastie, which sees pork and beef meatballs doused in Napoli sauce, and generously drizzled with honey cumin yoghurt and chimichurri. On the lighter side you’ll find their fresh sandwiches, like their salad sanga which holds carrot, beetroot, tomato, cucumber, picked onion, and green sauce on rye bread. 

An afternoon sandwich is hardly complete without a drink alongside it, so take your pick from regular coffee to cold brew, chai to a deluxe hot choccy. They even serve up beers after 11am, so that’s a picnic feed sorted. The space itself is bright and sunny, with wide windows to let in as much light as possible. An outdoor deck is attached so you can chow down outside, but the interior has plenty of mirrors and neutral tones to make you feel at home. 

Image credit: supplied

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