Federal Delicatessen, or “Fed Deli”, is Al Brown’s take on a classic NYC Jewish deli. In my opinion, anything Al Brown touches turns to gold. I love his food, cookbook and interviews. However, NYC-style Jewish delish treats were gold to begin with.

Fed Delis meals are comforting, no-fuss and hit the spot every time. If you’re here for breakfast, you can expect to find cinnamon scrolls with maple glaze and a bagel stacked with salmon and cream cheese. Plus, they serve unlimited filter coffee (a rarity in New Zealand!)

Lunch and dinner are pretty similar. I dream about their salmon latkes, and if you’re a meat lover, the toasted Reuben sandwich is often called “the best I’ve ever eaten”.

How to get there

The Federal Delicatessen is near SkyCity and in the heart of Auckland’s CBD. If you're catching the bus or train, Britomart Station is around 10 minutes away. If you're driving, there's paid parking at SkyCity.