Pastrami & Rye

Overview

Despite the deliciousness of the concept, New York-style delis are hard to come by here in Auckland. Fans of American sandwiches will be thanking the sweet mother of cured meats that Pastrami & Rye has popped up on the main drag in Ellerslie, in all of its comfort food, cheese-cutter-wearing glory.

This place looks beautiful, exactly how you'd imagine a New York City sandwich bar, only a little bit more upmarket. Golden letters announce its name on the shop window, all the staff wear cheese-cutters and suspenders, and a wall full of sour pickles greet you as you walk in. It's a narrow room taken up by a white marble counter, topped with all manner of cabinet goodies and fresh baked breads.

All of Pastrami & Rye's meats are house smoked and cured, and their bread is baked fresh daily at La Voie Francaise down the road. This shows through in the sandwiches which are all mind-blowingly delicious, from the amazing lobster roll with dill and mayo to the reuben with roast beef, sauerkraut and pickles. Rather than just being the bit that holds the meat and sauce together, the bread really shines— it's buttery, warm and just a little crispy.

The meats are incredibly tender and flavourful, while the pickles cut through all the savoury with a delicious sourness that'll make your eyes water. We guarantee if you try one of these beauties it'll rank up there with the best you've ever tasted. The impeccably brewed Supreme coffee, house made smoothies and cold pressed juice are the perfect accompaniments to anything on the menu, and their barista clearly knows his way around a cuppa.

Truth be told, it's hard to fault Pastrami & Rye and from what we've seen it's going to be around for many years to come, keeping Aucklanders in phenomenal made-to-order sammies.