Spotlight on Al’s
The city’s hidden gem for coffee & stacked sandwiches
On Alinga Street near the bus interchange, Al’s Deli & Diner has cemented itself as the city’s go-to spot for serious sandwiches and some of the best coffee around. It is a space that feels familiar from the moment you walk in, with a relaxed energy and the kind of confidence that only comes from knowing exactly what you do best.
The fit-out nods to classic New York delis with a Canberra twist. Green and white chequered tiles lead you past a busy counter to booths lined with warm timber and walls covered in framed photos. Each photo tells a story from the crew or friends of the venue, a quiet reminder that Al’s has been built with a sense of community and history at its core.
Outside under the arches. Coffee, sunshine and the city buzzing around you.
The menu is simple but exceptional. Sandwiches are made fresh to order and built big, with quality produce and no shortcuts. The pastrami is sliced in-house, the bread is always fresh, and every combination is balanced to perfection. From the loaded chicken salad to the classic beef & pickle and the rotating specials that keep regulars coming back, every sandwich feels like a labour of love. Add a side of fries and you have the perfect lunch that hits the mark every time.
Coffee at Al’s is as much of a drawcard as the food. They pour Redbrick Coffee, one of Canberra’s best roasters, known for smooth blends and a consistently clean cup. Whether you are here for an espresso or a batch brew, the quality is unbeatable. And yes, the batch brew refills are free, a nod to the old-school diner hospitality that regulars love.
Al’s chicken salad sandwich is arguably the city’s best. Fresh, generous and built big, the way a proper deli sandwich should be.
The crew is what keeps the place humming. New head chef Liam, hailing from the Bar Rochford kitchen, brings sharp skills and creative flair to the menu, refining the classics while keeping their soul intact. Carla, who has been with Al’s from the start, creates pastries every morning that are worth the trip alone, from perfect croissants to imaginative specials that change with the seasons. Behind the machine, Fisho is a familiar face in Canberra’s coffee scene. After years at Teddy Pickers, his laid-back style and technical precision make every cup smooth and every interaction easy.
Whether you are sitting outside under the arches or tucked into a booth while the city hums around you, Al’s delivers every time. It is simple, consistent and confident. Great sandwiches, Redbrick coffee done right and a team that makes the whole thing feel effortless.
For more, visit alsdeli.com.au.
Get a small insight into Al’s crews past, with the walls adorned with photos of family past & present