Hector's Deli

Wanted to try the chicken sandwich but wasn’t available. Ended up going with the pork sandwich which was great. Loved the seeded bread. There’s definitely a slight attitude from the serving ladies with the tattoos (as a few have mentioned below. I wonder if it was their business would they act and behave the same). Was pleasant enough serving but wasn’t sure why the need for pulling faces and rolling eyes in between customers. We were watching from a distance and it was actually quite entertaining but sad at the same time. Good preparation time was quick. I couldn’t fault anything else. Luckily we came for the food and not the service. Will be back ❤️

I recently visited Hector's Deli at 1/94 Buckingham Street in Richmond and was thoroughly impressed by the experience. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, making it a perfect spot for a satisfying meal. I ordered the rare beef sandwich, which featured tender slices of rare roast beef complemented by horseradish mayonnaise, parsley pesto, and pickled onions, all nestled between perfectly toasted bread. The combination of flavors was exceptional, creating a harmonious balance that delighted my taste buds. To accompany the sandwich, I chose the small potato salad. It really was a tiny amount for $2.50 so not recommended in the future. Despite its modest size, it was packed with flavor and so delicious that I finished it in just two bites.

The toasted sandwiches here live up to the hype. I ordered the beef and pickle toasted sandwich, which was incredibly flavourful and had a generous filling. Expect a golden, crispy and crunchy outside, with a juicy and filling center. Arrived at around 9am on a Friday (no queue) and only waited around 15 minutes for my order. The service was also very welcoming and efficient, and I saw many locals come and go with both their kids and dogs to grab a coffee and a sandwich. It was heartwarming to see how the staff would say hi to the regulars and ask about their day. Located in a cosy suburban area in Richmond, the people who came by were also incredibly friendly. Would highly recommend and come again to try their other sandwiches.

I’ve always had great experiences at Hector’s Deli in South Melbourne — even when they’re slammed with lines out the door, the staff are friendly, understanding, and happy to accommodate requests. Sadly, my first visit to the Fitzroy location was the complete opposite. As we were about to walk in (through the wide-open door), a staff member (with tattoos on her arms) yelled at us to order from the side instead. I now understand that inside is for pick-up and outside is for ordering, but at the time we didn’t know. Even if we had stepped inside, it really wasn’t a big deal — she could’ve politely said, “Do you mind ordering from the side?” Instead, she shouted at us in a rude, unnecessarily loud tone that immediately set the wrong mood. We then asked for a simple modification to avoid pork contamination — such as using baking paper or the wrapper to toast the sandwich, or even wiping down the toaster. Each time, she cut us off with a loud, condescending “NOOOO SORRY.” The chef, Chin, was the complete opposite: polite, friendly, and clearly willing to help. But she wouldn’t even let him get a word in. Because of this, we ended up with cold tuna melt and cold meat sandwiches. Being from out of town, we didn’t have enough time to find other options, which made the experience even more disappointing. It’s a shame that one staff member’s attitude can drag down the whole experience for the team. I won’t be returning to the Fitzroy store, especially knowing how much better and more accommodating the South Melbourne team is.

I ordered the tuna melt and beef pickle at Hector’s Deli in Richmond. The tuna melt was warm with a balanced mix of tuna and melted cheese. The beef pickle was tangy and tender. Portion sizes were reasonable and the food was served quickly. The setting was simple and casual.

Absolutely loved it! I got the fresh salami with hot honey, and it didn't disappoint. It's not cheap but I'd still buy it again. I also got a glazed donut and chocolate chip cookie. All were amazing.

Great local sandwich shop. The service is fab, food is delicious but slightly overpriced and there’s limited seating. I do recommend the beef and pickle sandwich and mushie melt :)

Hector’s Deli take on a Rueben is the best. You’ll want to ask for the Beef and Pickles (with cheese and sauce) hot sandwich. It’s the perfect balance of beef brisket, mustard pickle spread, dill pickles and kraut on roasted light rye. Added cheese and sauce is a must (I’m not sure, but I think the sauce was the Hectic)! It has just the right amount of everything. It’s not too dry or sloppy/soggy aaaand my liver wasn’t crying out for help because it wasn’t a heavy/greasy toastie. Very flavourful but not over the top. Do yourself a favour and grab one. You won’t regret it ✌️

I had the Reuben. It was tasty. Toast was a bit too crunchy. I added Swiss chess when I got home as no Reuben on the menu just beef and pickle with sauerkraut. If you want a true Reuben order in the deli or call vs online order.