20-05-2025
'Outrageously good': Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson loses her mind over $19 sandwich at little-known Sydney deli
Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson has officially crowned what she believes to be the best sandwich in Sydney.
The British food icon, 65, took to Instagram on Tuesday to wax lyrical about a $19 creation from Smalls Deli in Surry Hills, known simply as the 'Toto'.
"I've been in Sydney for a while now, and so it was past time for my customary pilgrimage to @smallsdeli," she wrote alongside a snap of the sandwich in progress.
"Delayed gratification is not really my thing! But my patience was rewarded by this gorgeous creation, the Toto- or maybe it should be the Totò, since it's named for the mononymous Italian actor- sandwich."
Nigella described the sandwich in mouth-watering detail: "Spread with lemony butter bean purée and pesto, it's bulgingly stuffed with mortadella and mozzarella, exuberantly sprinkled with chopped toasted almonds, and topped with peppery rocket.
"Though it looked so beautiful as it was being made I had to photograph it like this, before the rocket went on and this epic sandwich was closed up.
"Then, of course, the only thing on my mind was eating it!"
While it might be delicious, the Toto doesn't necessiciarly come cheap- priced at $19.
Smalls Deli was clearly thrilled with the celebrity nod, resharing Nigella's post with a heart emoji and the caption "PINCH ME".
Fans were equally enthused.
"It really is the best sandwich in Sydney!" one follower commented, while another said: "love love love @smallsdeli".
The renowned British chef and author has been zipping around Australia since early May, sharing her favourite foodie finds from coast to coast, and keeping her three million followers hungry for more.
"I can never stay away from Australia for long," she told fans in March, ahead of her visit.
After touching down in Western Australia on May 5, Nigella headed straight to Margaret River's iconic Cullen Wines.
"What does any wise person do on arriving in Margaret River? Why, go straight for lunch at @cullenwines, of course! That's my cure for jet lag and my recipe for deep joy," she said.
She also raved about Perth's acclaimed Italian eatery Lulu La Delizia, which came recommended by former MasterChef judge Matt Moran.
"Last year when I was asking for Perth restaurant recommendations, @mattscravat sent me to @lululadelizia where I plumped for their 6-course feast menu, and left full of fabulous food and immense gratitude towards both Melbourne Matt and the Perth Prince of Pasta @joelvalvasori!" she wrote.
Her glowing review included a special mention of the restaurant's prawn orecchiette: "I've been feasting on the memory… ever since."
Once in Sydney, Lawson made a beeline for Potts Point favourite Fratelli Paradiso.
"Walking through the doors after a year away just felt like coming home," she said.
"I love everything about this place: great people, great mood, great food.
"…Purring with pleasure, and planning when I can come back for more."
