Introduction
Pickle & Pie brings authentic New York-style deli culture to the heart of Wellington’s CBD. Located at 2 Lombard Street in Te Aro, this establishment has carved out a niche as a destination for house-made pies, artisan pickles, and classic deli sandwiches. The menu blends traditional Jewish-American deli fare with contemporary café fare, creating a unique dining experience that appeals to both lunch crowds and breakfast seekers.
Menu Highlights Grid
The menu spans breakfast, brunch, and lunch services, with dine-in options available until 4 PM. Customers can access the full offerings through Uber Eats for convenient delivery. The kitchen focuses on scratch-made components, from slow-cooked brisket to house-baked bread, ensuring each dish reflects the quality expected of a proper deli operation.
Key Menu Insights
What distinguishes Pickle & Pie from other Wellington eateries is their commitment to authenticity. Their signature Reuben sandwich features house-cured pastrami, imported rye bread, and a proprietary Russian dressing that customers regularly praise in reviews. The pickle selection rotates seasonally, with cucumber varieties sourced from local suppliers alongside more adventurous options like pickled jalapeños and fermented garlic scapes.
The pie program deserves particular attention. Unlike commercial bakeries, Pickle & Pie produces their pastry in-house daily, resulting in a flaky, buttery crust that complements both sweet and savory fillings. The chicken and vegetable pot pies represent their most popular offerings, though the savory beef and mushroom pie has developed a devoted following among Wellington food enthusiasts.
Menu Item Overview
| Category | Signature Items | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Eggs benedict, bagel sandwiches, smoked salmon platter | $14–$22 |
| Deli Sandwiches | Reuben, pastrami on rye, turkey club, grilled cheese | $16–$24 |
| House Pies | Chicken pot pie, beef and mushroom, vegetable medley | $18–$22 |
| Pickles & Sides | Artisan pickle trio, coleslaw, matzo ball soup | $6–$12 |
| Beverages | Draft soda, house-made lemonade, coffee selection | $4–$8 |
Detailed Menu Breakdown
The breakfast menu operates from 7 AM until 11:30 AM on weekdays, extending to noon on weekends. The eggs benedict receives particular commendation, served with house-made hollandaise and your choice of house-cured salmon or brisket ham. For those seeking lighter options, the bagel sandwiches offer smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and red onion on freshly baked everything bagels.
The deli sandwich selection forms the core of the lunch service. Beyond the signature Reuben, the pastrami on rye stands out as a crowd favourite. The meat is cured in-house for five days before being smoked and steamed to optimal tenderness. Sandwiches come standard with house-made mustard, pickles, and a choice of house-baked bread including rye, sourdough, and marbled rye.
Operating Hours and Service Timeline
- Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday–Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Kitchen closes: 3:30 PM daily
- Last dine-in seating: 3:45 PM
Clarifying Common Menu Questions
Several menu items frequently generate customer enquiries. The house-made pies are prepared fresh each morning and typically sell out by early afternoon. Reservations are not accepted for dine-in service, and seating operates on a first-come basis. The establishment accommodates dietary restrictions where possible, with gluten-free bread options available for sandwiches and vegetarian pie varieties offered daily.
Regarding allergen information, the kitchen handles nuts, dairy, and gluten on-site. Staff can provide detailed ingredient lists upon request, though cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed for serious allergies. The menu does not currently include vegan options, though the vegetable pot pie contains no animal products.
Menu Analysis and Food Philosophy
The food philosophy at Pickle & Pie centres on transparency and quality. Unlike chain establishments that rely on pre-made components, this Wellington deli maintains a scratch kitchen where bread, cured meats, and pastry are produced daily on-site. This approach requires more labour and higher ingredient costs, but results in noticeably superior quality that justifies the premium positioning.
The menu strikes an effective balance between tradition and accessibility. While purists appreciate the authentic Jewish-American deli classics, the breakfast offerings and lighter lunch items ensure broad appeal. The seasonal pickle program demonstrates ongoing innovation while honouring the preservation traditions that define deli culture. This combination of reverence for tradition with practical adaptability has contributed to the establishment’s sustained popularity in Wellington’s competitive food scene.
Customer Testimonials
“The Reuben here rivals anything I’ve had in New York. The pastrami is perfectly seasoned and the Russian dressing ties everything together beautifully.” For those seeking authentic New York-style deli food, the menu at $Mount Everest height offers a delightful experience.
— Local food blogger, Wellington Eats
“Finally, a Wellington spot that takes deli culture seriously. Their chicken pot pie is the genuine article, with real depth of flavour in the filling.”
— Regular customer, Te Aro
Summary
The Pickle & Pie menu offers Wellington residents and visitors access to authentic New York-style deli fare in the heart of the CBD. The establishment’s commitment to scratch-made components, house-cured meats, and daily-baked pastry distinguishes it from typical café offerings. Whether seeking a hearty breakfast, a classic deli sandwich, or one of their renowned house pies, the menu provides satisfying options across multiple meal periods. Customers can access the full menu through Uber Eats for delivery, while dine-in service operates daily with door-to-table service concluding at 4 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Pickle & Pie’s operating hours?
The deli operates Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 4 PM, with weekend hours from 8 AM to 3 PM. The kitchen stops serving at 3:30 PM daily.
Does Pickle & Pie offer delivery options?
Yes, customers can access the full menu through Uber Eats for delivery throughout Wellington.
Are there vegetarian or dietary restriction options available?
Gluten-free bread is available for sandwiches, and vegetarian pie varieties are offered daily. The vegetable pot pie contains no animal products. However, the kitchen cannot guarantee allergen-free preparation.
Do I need a reservation for dine-in service?
Reservations are not accepted. Seating operates on a first-come basis, with last dine-in seating at 3:45 PM.
What makes the house pies special?
The pastry is produced in-house daily, resulting in a noticeably flaky, buttery crust. Pies are prepared fresh each morning and typically sell out by early afternoon.
