Arenas Deli Cafe e Cucina Mosman

Tucked away in one of Mosman's main strips of shops on Military Road is one of the North Shores' best delis. Arena's Deli Cafe e Cucina looks small and unassuming from the outside, but it is so much more than that. Part deli, part cafe; it is the kind of place that foodies will love to visit.







I had walked past Arena's many times without going in. I finally decided to check it out when some visiting relatives found some great goodies in there. I only wish I had gone in sooner. Arena's has so many gourmet goodies that I almost didn't know where to start. Being a Coeliac, I decided to look first for gluten free options. And I was definitely not disappointed.





Arena's has a great range of both sweet and savoury gluten free options. There are multiple cupcakes, like fruit and nut, chocolate, and red velvet; the latter of which I'd gladly recommend. The cupcakes are sweet and soft, and they offer to heat them up just a touch if you would like. I sometimes find that cupcakes have way too much icing on top, overpowering the taste of the cake itself; but these have the perfect amount. A great sweet treat when you're in the need for one.





Other gluten free items include friands, chocolate brownies and savoury almond crackers. At one end of the deli counter there are also dips that can be bought, and these are clearly labelled with which ones are gluten free (options include hummus, and garlic dip). For those who don't have dietary restrictions, the options are even more endless: Italian doughnuts, lasagna, sandwich rolls, wraps, salads and more. It's the perfect place for a snack with a coffee or a full lunch.





Arena's is also a deli, with an entire wall of the long, skinny store being lined with shelves holding gourmet goods. You can find imported olive oil, vinegars, crackers, flour, pasta, herbs and spices...just about every food item you can think of, you'll find high quality versions of it here. Towards the back is also a restaurant, but I'm yet to try it out so can't comment. You can expect an article here when I do though.





In the refrigerators there are also a variety of cheeses, cured meats and olives. Hanging above them in a way that makes you feel as if you're in someone's Nonna's kitchen are a variety of flat breads. I'm also pleased to say that the customer service matches the quality of the food, with the staff being very friendly and accommodating.



The next time I have people over for a party, I'll be headed straight here to buy every kind of nibbly item that I need. And in the meantime, I'm going to work my way through each and every gluten free item, because they all deserve to be tasted.







Rating: 10/10

Where: 908 Military Road Mosman NSW
Why: For high quality deli foods and gluten free options.
Cost: Prices start very low for those who just want a Lindt ball, and go up in price depending what you purchase.
When: Head in for a mid-morning or afternoon snack and coffee, or lunch.

Good for kids: There's certainly items they'd enjoy eating, but the long shelves full of breakable jars might make some parents nervous.
Take away: Yes

#mosman
#delis
#cafes
#italian_restaurants
#gluten_free

%sydneyfoodlovers