When Paddy Barry’s announced its impending closure, its dedicated regulars mourned its passing. Among them was Saba Maghsoudi, who co-owns Pinco Deli, Pastel and Jumbo. Keen to see the site remain a neighbourhood meeting place, he and Elijah Makris have flipped the beloved cafe into a second Pinco site, which opened on Monday. The relaxed, rustic vibe of Paddy Barry’s remains (“It’s still got that Paddy rawness but we’ve added some Pinco spice,” says Maghsoudi) but on the menu you’ll find Pinco’s fresh focaccia, baguettes and toasted sourdough filled with the likes of salami, whipped ricotta and fermented chilli honey; and pastrami, piccalilli and pickles. The bigger kitchen has allowed the team to elevate some of their existing sandwiches and add a new CBD special, the Cotoletta. There’s also Willow Bend coffee; pastries like zeppole and cinnamon scrolls; and a liquor licence, so you can end your lunch with a digestif.
Since opening on Prospect Road in 2021, The Big Easy Group’s beloved deli and cafe has earned a loyal following for its elevated brunches and focaccia sandwiches (including a crumbed eggplant sando one writer couldn’t stop thinking about). Now it’s brought its winning formula to the CBD, at the base of new development 60 King William (entry via James Place). The city site comes with a micro-bakery attached so the team can pump out even more focaccia and pastries to supply baked goods to both Bottega sites and other Big Easy venues. (The dough is made using executive chef Shane Wilson’s sourdough starter, which he’s been taking care of since his days at Bistro Dom more than 10 years ago.) The new spot also has a greater focus on sandwiches, with new additions like a meatball sub, and porchetta with kimchi and American cheese.
The former Zen House space off Rundle Street just got noisier – not least due to the Wednesday metal nights. The newly opened cafe and wine bar by operators Baylie Day and Josh Kleeman is selling sandwiches by day (think mortadella with fior di latte and chilli honey; spiced chicken with greens and maple bacon; and a tuna melt with pickles and two cheeses; plus monthly specials like their riff on a Big Mac) and wines and snacks by night (including drops by locals Unico Zelo, Good Intentions, Hey Diddle and Longview). The AM crowd can also enjoy coffee supplied by local roaster Blk Mrkt, while PM visitors can graze on charcuterie boards, croissants, and a rotating sandwich selection among playful surrounds with vintage charm (cue chesterfields, scalloped lamp shades and heritage green walls) and tattoo art.
