Zita’s Focaccia

16 Toorak Rd
South Yarra, VIC 3141
https://www.zitasfocaccia.com/

Big call, but Zita’s Focaccia does the best focaccias in Melbourne. With their house-baked bread that pulls the right balance between chewy and crispy, fillings both classic and innovative, and fun-loving atmosphere complete with a spritz menu, Zita’s is built for good vibes. The only caveat? They don’t have a coffee machine. I know. An Italian place in Melbourne that doesn’t have a coffee machine. But they’re working on it, with plans to expand next door, so I’ll forgive them just this once.

Rating: 14.5/20 – best sammies.
Must-order: too hot too last. hopefully it does actually last.
ONCE AGAIN: they do not have a coffee machine yet, so do not stake your happiness on that latte like I almost did.

The Roman Empire ($18) is the classic of the classics, and it is just so effortless. The light, bubbly focaccia packs buttery slices of garlicky mortadella, milky stracciatella clouds, and a subtle aromatic crunch from the chopped pistachio. The only deviance from tradition (and it’s a pretty minor one, so don’t get too hot and sweaty) is the addition of artichoke puree, which provided a clever touch of acidity and earthiness. It’s a simple sandwich, but it’s just so scrumptious and well-done.

If you’re after something a bit more off the beaten path, but still distinctly Italian in flavour, you want the Too Hot to Last ($18). With chewy poached octopus in an oily slick of fiery nduja, this bold concoction of flavours and textures leave nothing to the imagination. Thank goodness for the cool, mellow creaminess of the stracciatella, and the sweet crunch of fennel. This is not an everyday sandwich, but as a treat, it’ll knock your socks off, even if you weren’t wearing any in the first place.

There may not be coffee, but on a summer’s day, the list of spritzes and beers is a lovely alternative. I really enjoyed the non-alc Fruit Mocktail ($14), which boasted delicious tropical flavours tasting of quality ingredients.