Dave’s Deli, Wynyard

Casual work lunch options in the Sydney CBD usually revolve around food courts, cafes or pubs, so when Dave’s Deli opened up in the Tank Stream Hotel promising “fast fine food”, we had to check it out to see how the blending of those concepts works.

Dave’s Deli is a Malaysian chain started over 30 years ago with roots in Kuala Lumpur, with a signature quarter roast chicken dish that they’ve brought over to their new Australian venture. The ordering is done at the ground floor deli which is accessible from the alley next to Australia Square and the actual dining is upstairs in the classy French-style bistro (also home to the Le Petit Flot restaurant at night) so that their diners can enjoy an elegantly casual atmosphere.

Of course, we tried out their Roast Chicken when we visited, and were rewarded with tender meat and skin that was flavoursome from the brining and marinating techniques that Dave’s Deli is known for in their home country. The roast chicken is served with coleslaw, some roasted vegies and a truffle mash which didn’t exhibit much of the distinctive aroma and needed some gravy to liven it up.

Roast Chicken, $15

We also had the Beef Lasagna, which was full of hearty, home-cooked flavours and made for a solid meal, since it was also served with a selection of roasted vegies, coleslaw and gravy.

Beef Lasagna, $13

While Dave’s Deli’s menu is not extensive, they have curated a careful selection of dishes of a quality that will leave you feeling more satisfied than the standard food court fare, served just as quickly and in a comfortably chic environment too. We think they’ve hit their brief of “fast fine food” at a reasonable price point and we will be keeping it in mind for more relaxed lunchtime catch ups with friends than the busier lunch spots around the city where we have to jostle for a table during rush hours.

Excuse Me Waiter dined as guests of Dave’s Deli