Coming Soon: You'll Be Able to Get Loaded Schiacciata Sandwiches at La Panineria's Hole-in-the-Wall Spot Off George Street
Infusing Sydney's sandwich scene with Italian traditions, this tiny family-run eatery will specialise in a thinner, crisper and more-stacked Tuscan staple.
It's no secret that toasties are having a moment, with just about every cafe in town serving up its version of a grilled cheese — not that we're complaining. However, if you're keen to try something just a little different, La Panineria is setting up shop in a hole-in-the-wall spot along Curtin Place, giving you the chance to indulge in loaded Tuscan schiacciata sandwiches.
Set to open in June, La Panineria is led by the same family-run outfit behind Tessuto, the easygoing trattoria that recently opened in the CBD. For their latest venture, expect loaded Tuscan flatbread, pizza by the slice and pistachio-stuffed lobster tail pastries, all served from a smartly designed laneway venue that echoes Italy's charming piazzas — just with more colour.
While only 30 square metres in size, La Panineria will offer top-notch coffee, sweet treats and savoury sarnies throughout the week, starting from 6am. That's good news for early-rising office workers needing a stellar bite for a more satisfying morning. It might even be the ideal time to indulge in a schiacciata — the thinner, crispier alternative to its more famous Italian bread cousins.
Although it might look like focaccia on the surface, La Panineria's Head Chef and co-owner Mattia Senesi explains that schiacciata's time-consuming process — the dough can rest for up to three days — makes it lighter, more flavoursome and easier to digest. With this in mind, each slice is primed for stacks of toppings. "It also has special meaning to me as it's the bread of my childhood and my family," says Senesi.
This love of Italian cuisine was a major motivator for opening La Panineria, with the team on the hunt for the perfect venue for the past three years. Having secured its Curtin Place location, co-owner Anthony Arienzale is keen to add a few more Italian traditions to Sydney's bustling sandwich scene.
"Schiacciata bread is still relatively unknown in Sydney, but we want to continue to shine a spotlight on it," says Arienzale. "Name something better than classic fillings like prosciutto, mortadella, fresh mozzarella and polpette alongside olive-oil-washed crispy bread with a soft and fragrant underbelly."
La Panineria is expected to open in June in Curtin Place, off 280 George Street, Sydney. Head to the website for more information.
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