Slices Cafe Deli - Gladesville

Profiled by de groots media: A laidback suburban caff with a chic urban twist, Slices has built up a formidable reputation over the years. Kelly Centellas and her team have raked in a swag of local business awards, and earned themselves a loyal following of “VIP members” who receive regular invites to theme nights (think an evening of pasta tastings with a little Miles Davis or Billie Holiday in the background).

Gazing through the vast windows and the leafy sprawl of Gladesville and Hunters Hill below, it’s apparent Slices has both embraced its location and risen above it. The place buzzes from breakfast till close, with socialite mums forking up rocket and sweet potato salad while kids cavort in the play corner, with older residents genially sipping coffee. Everything is freshly made: soups, sandwiches, frittatas, lasagnes and tarts. Breakfast is blindingly popular, (especially the eggs Benedict and omelette with the lot) so they keep serving it till 2pm. Deluxe take-home-ables fill shelves and counters, from antipasti and imported cheese to Better Than Sex chocolates in Strawberry Stiletto and Orgasmic Orange. And if that late-running squash game will mean you won’t have time to cook for your own family, Slices even delivers. Convenience doesn’t always go hand in hand with care and personality, but Slices has found that fine balance and serves it up with style.

Fiona Davies