SLICE OF ROME
Tauranga’s Stassano Deli proves you don’t need a plane ticket to savor an authentic European deli escape.
WORDS HAYLEY BARNETT / PHOTOS BEN PARKINSON @ PABLO CREATIVE
If, like me, you haven’t set foot in Europe in over a decade and you’re craving a dose of that effortlessly cool European culture, Stassano Deli is the place to go.
Taking over the stunning art deco building next to Barrio Brothers on Grey Street, this eatery couldn’t have picked a better spot. The light streams in through those huge heritage windows, and suddenly, you could be in Milan instead of Tauranga.
Noel and Kim Cimadon, the couple behind Tauranga favourites Picnicka, Clarence Bistro and Alpino, have once again struck gold. Stassano perfectly blends classic Italian style with a fresh, modern twist. And to top it off, they’ve found a charming young Italian named Edwardo to serve your espresso and deli sandwich, transporting you straight to the streets of Rome.
Admittedly, it feels almost surreal stepping into such an authentic Italian deli right in the heart of Tauranga’s CBD. What did we do to deserve this little slice of heaven?
When I asked Noel where the inspiration came from, his answer was simple: “We’ve just gone back to basics with Stassano. We really enjoy the simplicity of Italian hospitality rather than the over-complicated general hospitality at the moment.”
Noel describes it as “a little place that anyone who works in the city can go to,” whether that’s one of their loyal Clarence regulars or, as he puts it, “the office worker on a small salary.”
The goal was to create something approachable yet still affordable, even for the drinkers. “We’ve got very thoughtful wines and beers on tap with a very simple concept. Like in Italy, it’s just a carafe and a glass and that’s it.”
The menu is a mouth-watering mix of Mediterranean and Italian-inspired dishes, with a clear focus on classic deli sandwiches. The UNO team ordered a generous spread — the Ciabatta Mortadella, Chorizo Mozzarella, Sourdough Pastrami, Tramezzino Smoked Snapper, and a Brioche Ham and Cheese Toastie — and all promptly slipped into a glorious carb coma.
Take my advice and maybe just stick to one (though good luck choosing).
Noel told me his personal favourite is the same as mine: “I love mortadella. I love ciabatta. It just reminds me a lot of my childhood.”
His Italian roots give the place its heart, but he’s still keeping things evolving. “We just added the afternoons so we do after-work drinks and snacks… and the next thing is our gelato offering. My cousin is coming over from Italy to help get it started. He has been a gelato master over there for over 30 years.”
Another must-try is the naturally f lavoured Berry and Basil Soda, and of course, the decadent Tiramisu and Cannolo with Choc Nut Filling, which is the perfect sweet finish to an Italian escape.
As Noel says, “The vibe’s good, and it’s great to see people sitting on the street. It was just a dead corner, and now it kind of feels like a movement.”
107 Grey Street
