PIAZZA 96

Words & Photos By local foodie Bec Thexton @bec.bites on Instagram

We all know that moment – you unwrap the sandwich, inspect it’s perfect structure and feel the warmth glowing from the fluffy-yet-crusty bread. You size up which corner to take the first bite of, and then it’s all on.

When I saw Piazza 96 had begun down the panini path, launching the new menu in March, I had a strong feeling they’d be able to create the aforementioned moment for me. Having enjoyed their textbook perfect pizza, I knew the Piazza 96 maestros had the talent and knew their way around a dough.

Being a passionate, punctual Reservoir Foodie, I had the new menu launch date marked in my diary and hotted down Hughes Parade on Saturday midday. Appetite raging, excited and curious on how the panini would go – would they opt for a condensed, flattened toasted panini or branch out and let the bread roll be the textural delight element?

We chose the classic chicken Cotoletta Della Nonna and the Porchetta roll (living with an Italian means they have a soft spot for the classics that remind him of Nonna’s cotolette and anything pork-related).

The Cottoletta Della Nonna was a standout, with the crispy, herby crumbed cotoletta and mozzarella melting on a bed of fresh cos lettuce and mayonnaise encasing this sandwich in simple creamy flavours of nostalgia.

The Porchetta panini had slow roasted rolled pork, with a delicious herb seasoning and crispy pancetta, rocket and seasoned potato slices on the sandwich which was a stroke of genius. The crispy texture of the panini crust was softened by the moreish and delicate potato slices. I’ve always had a thing for carbs on carbs and this delivered that craving.

The only difficult thing about this perfect panini experience was the menu was so appealing, it was hard to navigate which one to pick. I will certainly be visiting time and time again to make my way through the whole menu. You can add a side of fries to any panini if you need a little somethin’ extra.

Seeing a local favourite Rezza joint iterate and offer gourmet lunchtime sandwiches has filled a panini-shaped hole in the neighbouring area of North Reservoir, and I am so happy they are.

Get ‘em while they’re hot and fresh!

Piazza 96, 96 Mcfadzean Ave Reservoir

Panini hours are Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10am – 3pm.