Saluministi Flinders Lane

Overview

Brothers-in-law Frank Bressi and Peter Mastro took out a place in the 2012 Melbourne Salami Festa — and the rest was history. They opened their first Saluministi salumi bar in North Melbourne in 2015, and a bit of expansion and many signature porchetta panino later, the pair now has two stores, in Docklands and the CBD.

Paying homage to the duo's shared heritage, Saluministi is all about celebrating proper Italian flavours, renowned for its stand-out offering of made-to-order panino and tramezzino (an Italian white bread sandwich). Come breakfast, the fillings might run to pork and fennel sausage with scrambled egg and peperonata ($11), or tomato with a fried egg, asiago and Sicilian oregano ($9).

That legendary porchetta number is a clear favourite for lunch breakers, loaded with free-range slow-roasted pork, artichoke paste, rocket and Pecorino Romano DOP ($14). Though there are plenty more tempting options among the rest of the panini crew — like one teaming mortadella with stracciatella and green olives ($11.50); another starring baked eggplant lasagne ($14); and the fried calamari with lemon tartare and salsa verde ($13.50). Stay on theme and match your pick with an espresso, an Italian soda or the 'caffe freddo' ice coffee ($5.50).

Appears in:

Where to Find the Best Sandwiches in Melbourne for 2023