However, centuries earlier, the roads of ancient Rome were filled with kiosks that sold delicacies called panis ac perna, none other than sandwiches stuffed with a ham cooked in the water of dried figs.
The ancient Romans would eat these sandwiches, early iterations of “fast food”, while walking through the city.
Ever since, this practical meal has become a culinary icon throughout Italy.
More recently, Australian foodies have been trading in the traditional “sanga” for Italian panini, which have been imported from the Belpaese.
Claiming stakes to being home to the best panini outside Italy is Melbourne’s very own Luigi Paninoteca & Bar.
Nestled just off Chapel Street in the heart of Windsor, the intimate panini bar has won the hearts and stomachs of locals since opening in November 2021.
The eatery is the latest venture of restaurateur Charlie Sirianos, who had dreamed of opening an authentic Italian paninoteca for years.
Sirianos secured the talent of head chef, Luca Colombo, to bring Melburnians homely Italian dishes, coupled with relaxing vibes, from brunch until dusk and beyond.
Luca Colombo working his magic in the kitchen
Originally from the Lombard city of Varese, Colombo boasts an impressive CV and has cooked in kitchens all over the world, from the UK to New Zealand.
Following his arrival in Melbourne 10 years ago, he worked in some of the city’s best restaurants, such as Caffe e Cucina, Thirty Eight Chairs and Cucinetta.
“I wanted to do a less demanding type of cooking, without compromising the quality and freshness of the ingredients,” Colombo said in an interview with Rete Italia.
Colombo oozes passion and authenticity in everything he cooks, from made-to-order panini to Italian classics.
With a strong focus on fresh and seasonal produce, Colombo’s signature panini include the Italian pork sausage with a homemade peperonata and the delicious crispy slow-roasted porchetta accompanied by Tuscan kale, house-roasted tomatoes and Luigi’s salsa verde.
Luigi Paninoteca & Bar also offers meat, seafood and pasta dishes with an authentic Italian flavour, as well as a carefully curated cocktail selection, an Italian-leaning wine list and freshly brewed coffee no true Melburnian could pass up.
“Now that we’re approaching the colder months, the menu will be updated,” Colombo said.
“Since I’m from northern Italy, I can’t wait to introduce dishes such as pork cheek with fried polenta, porcini mushrooms and a truffle sauce that we import from Italy.”
With Colombo at the helm, Luigi Paninoteca & Bar boasts an indoor and outdoor Italian dining experience for up to 40 patrons, where you will feel wined, dined and relaxed all in one.
