Malibu Sydney

Malibu is a little hole-in-the-wall sandwich bar that defies its size and unassuming location in being somewhat of a lunchtime institution in its neck of Surry Hills. Its biggest selling point? Sandwiches have a 'big' size option and they are enormous! Patrons compare them to the size of 'your head' or 'a small child' and they aren't wrong - easily the equivalent of two sandwiches at most venues in the area. There is no shaming here if you have to take the second half home for later. Better still, all this comes in at a price point of around $10-12 (less for 'small' size - which is still a generous option).

The positives by no means stop at the size, however - owners Marcella and Marc take their food seriously and show great pride in the meals they prepare. Ingredients are sourced fresh from the farmers' market, including those used to make their tasty homemade potato salad, celeriac coleslaw and crowd-pleasing herbed mayo (which some customers ask to take home in jars!)

Malibu opens up every weekday to serve a calm yet constant stream of customers their choice from the sandwich/salad bar. Sit down at one of the little tables and you'll notice how many people are recognised, often by name, and engaged in a friendly conversation by the staff while their lunch is being prepared. 

The chicken schnitzel appears a real favourite, whipped up in salad form as well as between bread, and not uncommonly selling out before the lunch rush is over. Keen-eyed consumers also spot the grilled tomatoes that have recently left the oven and add them to their order. Other are partial to a Polish pickle or a generous layer of avocado.

In a nod to their multi-European cultural background, Marcella and Marc offer up some hearty soup options as well in the cooler months, and it is definitely worth the extra $4 to have a side of borscht or goulash with your sandwich. A few dollars more sets you up with a main-sized serve.

Quality food is in the family. Marcella's father opened a sandwich store in Surry Hills in the 1940s. Her Malibu Sydney site has been operating many a year in its own right, and the loyal line of customers is evidence of its success.

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62 Foster Street
Surry Hills
+61 2 9280 2233

Mon – Fri 7am – 2.30pm