Mano Deli makes its mark on the community

The Shannon Ave deli, café, bar and grocer has become a hotspot for locals.

Shannon Avenue is not just a peak-hour panic for local traffic. Connecting the north to the south of Geelong the main road is littered with strip shopping sections to service the pockets of suburbs.

From major supermarkets to small specialist grocers, homeware and decor delights like Frankie Say Relax, and the famous kids castle of the former Toy Kingdom, now Toy World, Shannon Ave has long been a destination for shopping, dining, and day-to-day essentials. Within walking distance for Manifold Heights locals, Geelong West residers and surrounding suburbs of Newtown, Herne Hill and Hamlyn Heights, Shannon Ave has grown and adapted with the locals.

Adding to this exciting offering is Mano Deli. Nestled in the heart of the Manifold Heights and Geelong West intersection sandwiched between the aforementioned Frankie Say Relax and Toy World, Mano Deli has become a popular foodie spot for the local community.

Mano Deli

• Where: 137 Shannon Ave, Manifold Heights VIC 3218
• When: Monday-Friday 7.30am – 2.30pm, Saturday 8am – 2pm, Sunday 8am – 1pm

Keep up to date with the latest in food and drinks across regional Victoria here.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by MANO DELI (@mano.deli)

From the street, the giant brown and gold logo heads the floor to ceiling street facing windows branded with “Sandwiches”, “Good Vibes” and “Tasty Treats” whilst a white picket fence sections off the footpath to the cars. Inside you with find a Havana haven with bold posters, hanging greenery, wooden panelled sections offset by white brick walls, and a warm welcome from either owner Benji or front of house member Jimi.

Formerly known as Iberia, Mano Deli took the café model of the established hospitality spot, and divided and conquered. Mano Deli houses a deli, café, bar, grocer, bakery and catering business, built on community. Specialising in continental gourmet sandwiches using Zeally Bay sourdough, Mano Deli have made a name for themselves as the best sandwich and toastie chefs in town. From their conti to the tantalising tuna melt, the beef and pickle to the ham and three cheese – these sandwiches are full of fresh goodness. The rolls are equally as explosive with the pork roll packed with jalapenos for a little punch. For something sweet, try a house made delight or indulge in the their pastry supplies from Noisette and Zeally Bay.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by MANO DELI (@mano.deli)

In addition to a vibrant menu, the coffee and condiments are a focal point. The deli doubles as a grocer of locally sourced products and their favourite brands. Coffee Cartel roasts are used in-house and they are a stockist of the beans to take home. Mano Deli merch lines the walls behind the counter and a fridge is stocked with take home drinks. The vibes are indeed high in the space, which also provides bar service for those Saturday and Sunday sessions or a midweek pick-me-up.

But the real heart of Mano Deli is outside of the food, and the drinks, and the deli, and the grocer. The venue has become a safe space for the community. Though becoming regulars to the cafe, the Geelong remit of disability program Buddiup have become a part of Mano Deli’s purpose. Buddiup offers structured, purposeful and fun disability support programs and services for young men, including a health and wellness program, social activities and through building a basketball team under the Geelong United Basketball League. Mano Deli have become proud sponsors of that team, championing the players both on and off the court.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by MANO DELI (@mano.deli)

In a referral on Australian Good Food Guide, Buddiup representative of the Geelong chapter comments, “They don’t just serve amazing food and drinks—they create a space where everyone, especially our Buddiup boys, feel seen, heard, and truly valued. The warmth, energy, and genuine love Jimmy, Benji and the team bring makes this place more than just a café with great food and coffee—it’s a true community hub.”

The Mano Deli team are further embedded in the local surrounding community through providing lunches for students in the area. Both Ashby Primary School and Roslyn Primary School students enjoy the Mano Deli menu as part of their canteen program, with a choice of sandwiches, burgers, ploughboxes consisting of ham, salami, cucumber, carrot, celery, cheese, crackers, and hummus, and snacks and treats on offer.

Using the tagline “Powered by Community” is not just a statement for Mano Deli – it’s a spirit and the team are sharing it beyond their Shannon Avenue home.

To find out more about Mano Deli and to explore their delectable menu, head here.