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If you’ve been to Italy, you’ve probably been to All'Antico Vinaio, the famous Florentine sandwich shop, which now has more than 30 stores dotted all over the world. Will O’Brien vividly remembers trying his first one in Florence when he and his wife were travelling around Europe for six months. He reckons it was the best sandwich he has ever had. On that trip, they were always drawn to local delis, where locals linger over hot espresso in the morning sun and pop in the afternoon for an aperitivo. During that holiday, his dream to open an Italian-style deli serving Florence-inspired panini was born.
Fast forward a decade, and Will, who spent years working as a chef at top Sydney restaurants, moved up the coast with his family to Newcastle. And in 2022, Arno Deli opened up inside a building the colour of whipped butter, located on 181 King Street.
I’ve been a fan of Will’s sandwiches ever since I first tried them back in February 2023. Every time I’m in the area, and really, even when I’m not, I make sure to drop in.
Florence may have David, but Newcastle has Arno. Add it to the top of your hit list.
The vibe
Arno isn’t big, and it’s often filled with couples on a morning walk, friends catching up, and road trippers. There’s an exposed brick wall on one side; the rest are white-tiled with forest-green accents. There are a couple of tables for two inside, but if you’re lucky, you’ll score one outside under the umbrellas with tomato-red stools. A glass cabinet is stocked with cheese and charcuterie, with a shelf lined with Ortiz anchovies, Perelló olives and more. It’s also likely to be busy when you arrive – if you’re short on time, order online ahead of time and pick up when it’s ready.
The food
Arno’s sandwiches rival those found in Sydney – and, indeed, Florence, and I’ve had lots from both. They’re made on fresh schiacciata, a Tuscan-style bread similar to focaccia but not as thick. It’s got a perfect crust and is soft and fluffy on the inside, and not too dense.
Choose from porchetta with eggplant, cos lettuce, aioli and fennel pollen; mortadella with pistachio crema, stracciatella cheese and pistachio; prosciutto with mortadella, finocchiona, provolone, guindillas and mustard mayo; and more. My partner always goes for the chicken parm featuring schnitzel, smoked provolone, vodka tomato sugo, aioli, salsa verde, Calabrian chilli, basil and Parmigiano Reggiano.
My go-to, however, was first recommended by Will – and I’m yet to deviate from it. It’s a vegetarian panini – #23, Panino Verde – layered with creamy avo, cucumber and lettuce for freshness and crunch, slivers of sweet-tart green apple, guindillas for zing, and finished with a gorgonzola ranch dressing and aioli for extra flavour. Plus, I add buttery mortadella and Calabrian chilli for a final punch. It is my favourite sandwich in the world.
Arno nails the balance, proportions and flavours in their paninis – and that’s what makes them worth-a-road-trip kind of special.
Plus, there’s cannoli and other sweet treats for your drive home – or enjoy them later at the beach. Arno is open later on Friday and Saturday nights, serving panini, drinks and snacks like gildas, and crisps topped with prosciutto and guindillas.
The drinks
Arno sources their coffee beans from Little Marionette, and they have a cracking wine list for when an espresso won’t do (after midday, we’re looking at you). Arno's wine list has been awarded three glasses at Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards – that's the highest you can get. Not bad for a 'lil Newy deli.
Time Out tip
Having a party or event, or keen on a delicious beach-side picnic? Arno also sells takeaway charcuterie grazing boxes filled with all your favourite snacks, and there are even cannoli platters for dessert.
Plus, keep your eyes peeled – Arno is opening a second, bigger store. Can’t wait.
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