Piccolo Panini Bar

Picollo Panini Bar doesn’t reinvent the wheel; it just does the classics really well. You’ll find fillings like house-crumbed chicken cotoletta with a secret herb and spice mix, salsa verde, rocket and pickled onions, and mortadella with Stracciatella and pistachios sandwiched between Rustica’s pillowy focaccia.

But the crowd favourite? The prosciutto with fior di latte, rocket, pesto and fresh basil. Head in early and you might also get your hands on the breakfast-ready pancetta panini with fried eggs and Stracciatella – Piccolo’s take on an egg and bacon roll.

Parmesan chips are a great add-on, and for something sweet there’s cannoli from small wholesaler Yummy Cannoli and a selection of Italian pastries. The drinks fridge is also stacked with Italy’s Galvanina soft drinks and Coca-Cola. Plus, there’s a range of Italian juices and espresso drinks.

The shop was built and designed by co-owners and childhood best mates Damian Iaconis and Stephen Hatzikourtis (with the help of friends and family). The small spot has a house-party energy – but one where everyone is invited. Its minimalist fit-out features only the necessities – with the exception of a red neon sign that reads “No panini no party”. There are tables out the front if you’re planning on eating in, or you can always take a panini to nearby Glenferrie Oval to enjoy.