Meda Deli is the brainchild of Damian Dzuderija, who grew up kicking around the suburb of Mermaid Beach, back when the cinema, the double-storey McDonalds and Sizzler were the places to hang. As much as he loved the beach life, his career and passion for food took him to Melbourne. After a stint at Bathers’ Pavilion in Balmoral, Damian’s path crossed with Barbara Jeffery’s for the first time. Barbara ran The Cheese Shop, which was formerly based in Mosman Junction, and while it might sound dramatic, this meeting changed Damian’s whole outlook on food. Over the years, Barbara’s tutelage has taught Damian that food needn’t be so regimented and to value quality, above all else. While quality may cost you a little more in the short term, it will ultimately cost you less as you will use less of it or won’t need to replace it. A sentiment that can be succinctly demonstrated by knives. Sure, you can go to a shop and buy four steak knives for $20 that will become blunt and make food prep tiresome (and dangerous). Meda stocks two brands of knives, Saito and Perceval. Both are world-class and will last a lifetime. “You’ll never need to buy another knife,” Damian says. “That’s our point of difference. We ultimately want people to buy less.” Before you ask, no – there’s no online store. A bold move in today’s tech-driven world but, according to Damian, people have lost the ability to talk to each other. “This store is about getting people through the door, talking, planning meals for loved ones, and ultimately offsetting the damage from Covid.” That’s the thing about Meda, it’s the kind of place you can wander in with a vague idea and walk out with all of the ingredients for the charcuterie board of your dreams, or the base of a gourmet meal and a coffee.

Meda Deli is a reflection of the things that Damian loves. You won’t find 20 different varieties of the same product lining the shelves, rather, it offers one, but that one is the best in the business. Meda is filled with products and brands he’s procured and aligned with over 30 years in the food industry. You’ll also find Barbara’s influence peppered around, from the impressive selection of cheese to the recipes in the sauces and pesto. The cabinets are brimming with the best of the best, including Spanish salami from Barossa Fine Foods and Salumi small goods from the Northern Rivers. As for the cheese, well this is the exception to the ‘one of everything’ rule as there’s a plethora of cheese to please every taste. “We tried to cover hard, soft and washed rinds,” Damian says, but also regions are represented, “the Italians will find taleggio and gorgonzola, the Swiss can have their gruyere, but there’s also a large range of Australian cheeses.” You may have deduced by now that Damian is passionate about produce but also the social aspect of dining. “It’s time to start having Sunday lunches again.” Damian says.

If all of that browsing has left you a little peckish, you’re in luck as Meda Deli offers a range of drool-inducing sandwiches showcasing the store’s delectable inventory. First, choose your bread and then choose your country – The Italian is a vibe (mortadella, provolone, marinated artichoke and kalamata olives), while classic tastes will appreciate The French (ham on the bone, port salute, cornichons, dijon mustard). Those with an appetite bigger than Ben-Hur can chow down on The Hungary (roast lamb, roast pork, roast beef, kalamata olives, marinated artichokes, sundried tomatoes, pesto, pickles, gruyere, goat’s curd). You’ll also find Proud Mary’s coffee beans flowing through the machines.

Meda Deli is now open! Head over to our Stumble Guide for opening times.