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is my local, and what an amazing little cafe it is. It is
located at 33 Hornby St, Windsor, about a block behind the popular Chapel Street, where there's nothing else but residential homes. It sits in the corner providing comfort and convenience to those who know it's there. A place where one can always grab a well made coffee and freshly made toasted sandwiches amongst other things.
With one owner and ten years at its location, all the weekend revellers who flock to Chapel street would not even know it was there in the back blocks. Yet, this cafe that used to be a delicatessen in its past life, not only survived, but thrived throughout all Covid lockdowns, and got more business than they'd ever had. It was opportune that the place had just been renovated, and all service could be made through the window without customers having to walk inside. It was a beacon of light and delicious offerings for those desperate to get out of the house during lockdown. It was somewhere to go.
There's nothing really pretty about Windsor Deli. It's functional and practical, but not outstanding in its decor. There's probably enough room to seat around 18 people inside this small cafe, but its main business is through the service window, which is probably what it's set up for. Grab and go, takeaway. You can walk or drive past anytime and there's always customers milling around, especially on the weekends. It's like the catchup place for friends/locals on weekends.
Everything is made on the premises eg. the cakes, slices, tarts etc. and the sandwiches are made fresh when you order it. They're a little pricey but they're not your regular size bread sandwiches. Cut in half, it's like holding a 'whopper' in each hand. I shared with a friend, and a half sandwich packed to the rafters between three slices of bread and the most delicious chai latte later, it was a perfect size for lunch.
Open from 7am to 3.30pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to 3.30pm on a Sunday, there's the usual beverage menu with specialty coffee by Niccolo Melbourne and Tea by Tea Drop Melbourne. A variety of hot drinks, alternative milk, smoothies, shakes, cold pressed juice, soft drinks etc. they have it all, including juices by Emma and Toms.
You can have eggs your way for breakfast with added sides, a breakfast roll with a variety of fillings options or toasted sandwiches numbered from 1 to 14 varieties. I had the number 10 toasted. It was turkey, tomato, tasty cheese, bacon, lettuce and mayo on three slices of bread. Heavenly. Their newest addition is the number 4, British curried egg sandwich with piccalilli, lettuce and tomato. On the menu there's also a falafel salad, a jerk chicken salad, a house-made sausage roll with Windsor Deli chilli chutney, and the other one I tried, the quiche of the day served with the chilli chutney.
On the weekends, Fri-Sun until 1.45pm, the chimichurri scrambled eggs, avo toast, French toast, and baked eggs kick in, in addition to eggs your way, the breakfast roll and so on. Currently getting ready for the festive season, they are
taking orders until 23 December 2022 for a housemade carrot cake with a creamy lime or chocolate icing, now fully vegan. You just need to DM them to order or visit the window. See their
Facebook page for updates and food porn. I do believe even more people need to know about Windsor Deli as they offer such fresh and tasty food generously served. I of course came home with their freshly baked Amaretti Tart and Basque Baked Cheesecake (my new favourite). So if ever you're in the area, support the small guy and check them out. They let the food do the talking.
