Set in a snug, tile-fronted shop in Ellerslie, Pastrami & Rye is a New York-style-deli-meets-suburban Tāmaki Makaurau cafe. At the very centre of their universe are deli sandwiches, including signatures like the Reuben, Pastrami on Rye, the Cuban and the Roast Beef French Dip. If you snag one of the counter seats you’ll have a front-row view of the action as your sandwich is being put together, with house-cured and smoked pastrami, bacon and salmon. Add to that their homemade pickles and preserves (available to take home in jars, too), and most sandwiches come paired with a side of chips — either to eat as a side or be stuffed into your sandwich for crunch. As for the pastries, breads, doughnuts and pies which inhabit the glass counter, they’re all made in-house and wholly delicious. We really like the ready-to-go fresh juices stationed near the counter in a big pile of ice, which do a very good job of washing it all down.

While you’re in the area: Mercy Hospice Shop Ellerslie