When you think of a deli, sandwiches, coffee, and pasta, do you also think you’ve actually found heaven on earth, or is that just me?
Meet Mortadeli – where a mix of New York deli vibes and European charm awaits you in Torquay.
Mortadeli is an authentic Mediterranean restaurant that celebrates local seasonal produce, imported Italian DOC ingredients, and freshly homemade pasta. Their weekly changing menu offers options for vegetarians, gluten-free eaters, and pescatarians.
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Owner Jake Cassar, a former Melbourne Travel Agent of 14 years, made the bold move to Torquay at the beginning of the pandemic. As a self-proclaimed coffee snob, he longed for the flavours of Europe, prompting him to create Mortadeli – a haven for all things European right here in Torquay.
From a coffee shop to a deli, Mortadeli embodies the essence of a Torquay-style bodega but elevated. It’s a home away from home, brimming with European products, vibes, and people.
Jake’s vision of a small dining space with salami hanging overhead and the aroma of fresh pasta became a reality after a trip to Rome. He knew it had to be the next part of Mortadeli.
Located across the piazza from the original sandwich deli, customers can now dine in for lunch from Fridays to Mondays, and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays, savouring the delectable dishes prepared with care or enjoying an aperitivo in between.
Mortadeli’s pasta bar has been placed in the careful, yet extremely capable acclaimed chef Glenn Laurie and front of house/venue manager Lolo Hanser. The new space has been architecturally designed by Melbourne-based duo Fowler and Ward, providing a warm and professional service with a dining room that is intimate and evokes the cosy vibes of neighbourhood trattorias.
Mortadeli’s front window showcases the art of fresh pasta-making, and you can take home some fresh pasta, alongside the small alimentari offering, or explore the shelves stocked with imported and local deli goods, cured meats, cheeses, wine, and amaro.
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Jake’s Maltese heritage finds expression at Mortadeli, with a selection of Maltese-made products and dishes on the menu. One of the most popular dishes is the Hobz Biz Zeit – a special Maltese tuna sandwich – among the many more Maltese delicacies customers can taste. As for the products used and sold, they are a sourced combination of local and overseas: if it tastes and looks amazing, you will find it here.
The essence of Mortadeli extends to their own coffee blend, roasted in Collingwood, and available for you to enjoy the Mortadeli experience in the comfort of your own home.
Come and relish in the flavours and warmth of Mortadeli, where European delights beckon.
Mortadeli is located at Shop 8/4-6 Gilbert Street, Torquay. Find out more here.
Opening Hours:
Diner: Mon – Sun 9am–3pm,
Aperitivo & Wine Time: From Midday in the diner and between service in the Pasta Bar
Pasta Bar: LUNCH ~ Fri – Sat 12pm – 2:30pm, Sun – Mon 12pm – 4pm
DINNER ~ Fri – Sat 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Grocer/Deli: Mon – Sun 10am – 5pm,
