Hot Mess Deli Varsity Lakes: The Toastie Spot Locals Will Be Talking About
Hot Mess Deli in Varsity Lakes is the sort of place you walk into once and immediately plan your next visit. We went along, ordered widely, and ate far more than we should have. The verdict? The toasted sandwiches are next level.
Who Is Matt? The Chef Running Hot Mess Deli
Matt Sidoti has spent years running cafés across Sydney and the Gold Coast. First came Milk Money Espresso, the Robina café he opened with his wife in 2021. After selling it, he took charge of the kitchen at Hidden Gem Coffee in Tugun. Now he has finally hung his own sign in Varsity Lakes. As a result, Hot Mess Deli draws on years of cooking for Gold Coast locals. You can taste that experience on the plate.
What It Looks and Feels Like
The white brick building gives it a classic deli look. You can grab a seat out front or settle onto the covered deck in the sunshine. It’s casual and relaxed, so it works equally well for a quick takeaway or a long coffee.
What to Order at Hot Mess Deli
Hot Mess Grilled Cheese: Smoked provola, mozzarella and pecorino melt together between crisp, toasted bread. A bowl of spicy ‘nduja vodka sauce sits underneath for dunking every bite.
The Italian Foc: Thick layers of sopressa and peppercorn mortadella meet creamy Byron Bay stracciatella, juicy ox-heart tomatoes, peppery rocket and pickled peppers. Fresh basil pesto, made in house, ties it together inside a soft focaccia.
The Brisket Barbacoa: This is the top seller at Hot Mess Deli. The brisket is dry-brined, then braised slowly in citrus with pasilla, guajillo and ancho chillies. It’s served on sourdough with jalapeño salsa, pickled red onion, chipotle aioli and three kinds of cheese.
Finish with a Butterboy cookie. You won’t regret it.
Coffee, Cold Foam and Fresh Drinks
Paradox Coffee Roasters supplies the beans, roasted locally on the Gold Coast, for cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites and long blacks, plus rich hot chocolates and mochas.
The cold foam coffees steal the show. Try the Tiramisu Cold Foam, an indulgent iced coffee inspired by the Italian dessert.
For something different, there’s a Caramel Milkshake, cold-pressed juices and fruit smoothies blended to order.
Getting There
Hot Mess Deli sits close to Bond University and nearby bus stops, so it suits students, locals and anyone passing through Varsity Lakes.
Address: Suite 4/23 Main Street, Varsity Lakes
Hours: Monday to Friday 5:30am to 2pm, Saturday 6am to 1pm (check Instagram for any changes)
