There’s more than a nod to New York when you step into stylish Ruben’s Deli, the newest addition to High Street Armadale’s growing food scene.
It’s there in the stunning marble-finished counter, the staff uniforms, the classic light boxes promoting the dizzying array of food, the intricately patterned tiled floor and the beautifully old-fashioned lights hanging over the benches.
And if that doesn’t whisk you to the Big Apple, then check out the house-smoked fish cabinet, the chicken soup or the mouth-watering Reuben sandwiches flying out of the semi-open prep kitchen as quick as the team can make them.
Ruben’s Deli is the latest venture of Amanda Ruben who started High Street’s much-loved Cooper and Milla’s more than 18 years ago. She returns to Armadale after a spell from her Ripponlea store Miss Ruben and after authoring her successful cookbook, Feasting.
Amanda is joined in store by Chris Watson, former head chef of Cutler & Co and Marion Wine Bar and General Manager of Meatsmith, who is on hand to run an extra fine eye over the food and to manage operations.
“I wanted to pay homage to those amazing, bustling New York delis while at the same time create something that was signature Armadale – warm, welcoming and stylish,” said Amanda. “Rueben’s was the name of the original New York deli and it just so happens to be my maiden name, so the two have come together.”
Ruben’s is all about using the best seasonal produce to produce great-quality food for dinner, functions and on the run.
The fish, seasonal salads, warm meats (including pastrami of course) and desserts are all prepared in-house. Along with traditional deli staples and dry goods, a liquor licence means you can also pick up a selection of bottled cocktails, local and Italian wines, and limoncello, making Ruben’s a one-stop shop for filling your table with beautiful food and drinks.
Meanwhile, the made-to-order sandwich bar caters for High-St shoppers, residents and nearby workers at lunchtime, with pastrami, fish and bagels featuring prominently. An exclusive catering menu for large groups or special occasions is available for orders, online and instore.
Ruben’s Deli is prominently situated at the front of Kings Arcade in High St, in the strip west of Kooyong Road which is fast developing as the go-to upmarket food and drinks destination.
The store is designed by Melbourne interior architects Hecker Guthrie in conjunction with branding and creative agency Projects of Imagination.
The menu includes:
- Signature reuben sandwich, filled with house smoked Cape Grim pastrami, home made Russian and mustard sauce, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese.
- Braised brisket, turkey meatballs, roast free-range chickens displayed in a custom warming oven ready for the dinner table.
- Selection of seasonal salads made fresh each morning, such as chicken Caesar with bagel crisps; broccoli, orzo and parmesan; house chopped salad; and an iceberg wedge with home-range ranch and watermelon radish.
- Wheels of cinnamon babka with cream cheese icing, or Nutella and chocolate babka, available individually, or as a whole.
- House made choc chip brown butter or tahini caramel choc cookie, choc brownie with dulce de leche, olive oil citrus cake and more.
Ruben’s Deli, Kings Arcade, 978 High St, Armadale
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 6:00pm
- Saturday: 8:30am – 4:30pm
- Sunday: 9:00am – 4:00pm
