Overview
Therry Street, on the southern end of Queen Vic Market's Dairy Hall, has become a mini food and drink hub of its own. It recently welcomed a St Ali outpost, Brick Lane Brewery's new site overlooking the market, and the Japanese-inspired brunch spot Operator San.
It's a really short street, but more shops are still popping up — most notably, Romanello. This Italian takeaway spot is baking Tuscan-style bread (schiacciata) and pizza by the slice from Tuesday–Sunday.
The schiacciata bread is similar to focaccia, but it's thinner, airier and crispier. When used to make loaded sandwiches, it's a whole lot easier to eat and isn't quite as heavy. It's also baked fresh every day on-site. Be sure to watch the bakers do their thing through the street-side windows before heading in.
The schiacciata slabs are then sliced up and stuffed with a stack of produce that's mostly sourced from the Queen Vic Market. The cotoletta sanga is a fan-favourite, coming with breaded chicken, creamy red peppers, pistachio pesto, onions, spicy provolone and rocket.
The Cheeky Beef is another winner, loaded up with handmade beef carpaccio, stracchino soft cheese, truffle paste and rocket.
Then come the pizzas, served on a very similar base to the sandwiches. Instead of being really doughy like your usual pizza, these are on the crispier side (but not super thin).
Our favourite has got to be the Mortazza, topped with mortadella, pistachio paste, crushed pistachios and a mini burrata ball — that you rip open yourself. This is so satisfying to eat. Other classic pizza toppings and seasonal creations also grace the cabinet each day.
You can grab these bites to go or sit at one of the tables on Therry Street, right across from the busy market. These might be pricier than your $5 market boreks, but these fresh sandwiches and pizzas are generously loaded with top-notch produce. Check Romanello out next time you pass by QVM.
You'll find Romanello at 93 Therry Street, Melbourne, open 8am–3pm on Tuesday–Thursday and 8am–4pm on Friday–Sunday. For more details, visit the venue's Instagram page.