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Federal Delicatessen (The Fed)
Al Brown's take on an old-school New York Jewish deli on Federal Street, serving bagels, pastrami, Reubens and matzo ball soup from breakfast onwards.
At a glance
- Type
- New York-style Jewish deli
- Area
- Auckland CBD, Auckland, New Zealand
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- thefed.co.nz
Good to know
- Walk-in only
- All-day brunch at weekends
- Bottomless coffee
Why we recommend it
Federal Delicatessen, usually called The Fed, is chef Al Brown's take on an old-school New York Jewish deli, and it is one of the most enjoyable casual places to eat in central Auckland. It shares its Federal Street address with Depot, Brown's other city restaurant, and is part of the same Al Brown and Company stable, which also includes Best Ugly Bagels.
The menu is built around deli classics. The house pastrami is smoked brisket served with pickles and mustard, and the toasted Reuben piles pastrami on rye with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, mustard and Russian dressing. Matzo ball soup, with shredded chicken and bagel dumplings, comes in two sizes and is billed on the menu as Jewish penicillin. Bagels range from The Best Ugly, with salmon lox, cream cheese, dill, capers and red onion, to a falafel bagel for vegetarians, and there is a New York-style street hot dog. Desserts are another reason to visit: the New York cheesecake is a house favourite, and there are banana and toffee, pecan and, at weekends, lemon meringue pies. Coffee is bottomless.
The Fed is a good-value option by city-centre standards, which makes it a sound choice for budget-conscious travellers who still want food with personality. Menu items are subject to availability.
Opening hours are split by meal. From Monday to Thursday breakfast runs from 8am to 11.30am and lunch from 12pm to 3pm. On Friday lunch runs until 3.30pm and dinner is served from 4pm to 9pm. Saturday has brunch from 8am to 3.30pm and dinner from 4pm to 9pm, and Sunday is an all-day brunch from 8am to 4pm.
There are no bookings, so simply walk in. Larger groups are limited to 14 people and may face a longer wait, so smaller groups and off-peak times work best.
The Fed suits solo travellers, families and friends looking for a hearty, informal meal. Federal Street is also home to the Sky Tower, which stands at the corner with Victoria Street, so the deli is a convenient stop before or after a visit. Contact the team by phone on +64 9 363 7184 or by email at [email protected].
Federal Delicatessen (The Fed) FAQs
Can you book at The Fed?
No. It is walk-in only, and larger groups are limited to 14 people.
What should you order?
Deli classics such as the house pastrami, the toasted Reuben, matzo ball soup or a salmon lox bagel, followed by New York cheesecake.
Is The Fed open for breakfast?
Yes, breakfast is served from 8am Monday to Friday, with brunch at weekends.
Is The Fed open for dinner?
Dinner is served on Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 9pm.
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, including a falafel bagel.
Is the coffee bottomless?
Yes, The Fed offers bottomless coffee.
Who is behind The Fed?
Chef Al Brown; it is part of Al Brown and Company, which also runs Depot and Best Ugly Bagels.
How do you contact The Fed?
Phone +64 9 363 7184 or email [email protected].