Smith and Deli has been a staple of the vegan food scene in Melbourne for a decade. It currently resides in Collingwood, on unassuming Cambridge Street just off the more familiar Smith Street.
While it’s not a coffee shop, this café/deli operation still serves up a worthy brew. My oat latte was very chocolately, smooth and consistent to the last tasty drop. The café stalwart Alternative Dairy Co‘s oat milk certainly helped here. The small La Marzocco machine was kept very busy during late lunchtime service. The wait time was more than acceptable, though, and the resulting coffee was served at a good temperature in a decent mug.
A moreish Winter menu drink option is their Smores Hot Choccy which comes topped with toasted meringue and a cinnamon cookie. It’s sweet and decadent and wonderful.
The focus continues to be on dishing up quick and tasty vegan fare, mainly through its sandwich offerings these days. There are of course still plenty of cakes and pastries, as well as a small range of deli items.
The space is large and split between the deli and the dining area. The industrial feel of the building has been kept and it’s a relaxed, friendly and welcoming vibe. There’s no obvious vegan messaging here so it’s a comfortable place for non-vegans too.
Most patrons will be coming for the food here (especially the vegan clientele), but the coffee is decent too and it’s a funky spot to hang for a while to enjoy a brew.
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