Hector's Deli — Review by Jack's Dining Room
Melbourne, Australia — Sandwiches
Hector's Deli, started by a former two Michelin star chef, lives up to its reputation as Melbourne's best sandwich shop. Everything is made from scratch including bread and house-made sauces, with quality local farm ingredients throughout. The reviewer was impressed by multiple sandwiches, particularly praising the beef and pickle, roast pork pesto, tuna melt, and fried chicken sandwich.
What was great: Exceptional bread with great crunch, house-made sauces, high-quality local farm ingredients, beef and pickle sandwich, roast pork pesto, perfectly melted cheese in tuna melt, fried chicken sandwich with excellent meat-to-bread ratio and juicy thigh meat with chili seasoning
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The beef and pickle sandwich opened the tasting with an impressive crunch from the house-made bread paired with their special sauce that left an immediate positive impression. The roast pork pesto topped with red pepper vinaigrette showcased the strength of their sauce program, with delicious pork that the reviewer noted would be unstoppable if the bread were toasted and crunchy like the beef sandwich. The tuna melt demonstrated perfectly melted cheese, which the reviewer emphasized is crucial for the dish to work properly. The standout fried chicken sandwich featured an exceptional meat-to-bread ratio with a juicy thigh cutlet seasoned with chili, offering a substantial and flavorful bite that exceeded expectations based on appearance alone.
The Experience
The reviewer was immediately captivated by the bread display upon walking in, indicating an inviting atmosphere where quality ingredients are on display. The establishment clearly prioritizes craftsmanship and attention to detail in every element of sandwich preparation.
Value and Pricing
Pricing information was not specified in the transcript, though the quality and craftsmanship suggest premium pricing befitting a restaurant started by a two Michelin star chef.
Notable Moments
The crunch from this bread and the special sauce they use. Phenomenal.
This is one of the better meat to bread ratios I've seen in a long time.
This cutlet tastes so much better than it looks.
The Verdict
Hector's Deli deserves its reputation as the best sandwich shop in Melbourne. The chef's commitment to making everything from scratch, from the bread to the sauces and sourcing quality local farm ingredients, creates sandwiches that are well-executed and memorable. This is ideal for anyone seeking exceptional sandwich craftsmanship and quality ingredients prepared with precision.