The bar and bistro are paused for now, but Zsa's Bar Bistro Deli owner Zowie Minchin says she's been busier than expected with the deli since opening in Northcote in late July.

Locals have developed a taste for the deli's porchetta rolls, fish-and-chip panini (baguettes filled with whitebait, French fries and celeriac remoulade) and muffalettas, with queues forming down High Street.

They are also making use of the fully stocked cheese and charcuterie cabinets.

"I live locally and was working from home so I knew there was a need for it," says the Perth-born hospitality veteran.

When dining-in goes ahead, Zsa's will serve bistro-style dishes at lunch and dinner, along with aperitivi from 3.30pm-5.30pm.

Licensed to seat 100 in COVID-normal times, when stage-four restrictions ease Minchin hopes to serve 20 indoors and up to 30 outdoors.

202 High Street, Northcote, 03 9482 1318, zsas.com.au