Piccolo Panini Bar Hawthorn — Restaurant in Melbourne

I had a horrible experience at the panini bar feeling unwelcomed and humiliated. There was loud clubbing vibe music outside and I struggled to hear the staff. As it was my first time there, I asked a couple of questions, the girl at the bar was initially patient enough to answer my questions but the man making the sandwich stared at me as if I was a trouble maker and wasting his time. There were only a couple of people behind me at this point 2.30pm. After the man stared at me with cold and warning face, the girl became impatient as well. After I got my sandwich and about to walk out I noticed they were giving away free donuts. I saw two sandwich customers got the free donuts and one people who didn't get the sandwich also got the free donut. At this point the man who works at the sandwich bar holding the donut saw me with my sandwich and he walked past me and went to give free donuts to someone who was even not a customer. I feel excluded and ignored by the staff. By the way, I was rather disappointed with the sandwich, bread is not soft, lots of rocket only a couple pieces of prosciutto. I had to get the banh mi next door for only 10 bucks. It loaded with way more protein and veggies. AND taste way better. These people were pretty good at marketing. They stopped a car of a pretty girl and asked her to spell pistachio to get a free donut and the whole thing was filmed. I was just standing next to them and no one even bothered to ask me to give me freebies. People who got the free donut saw my disappointed look and even offered to give the donut to me. They said they don't like the donuts. Very fake business both people and food! They looked smiley and friendly on social media but in real life, they make you feel unwelcomed and threathened. I will never ever come to this...

A highly coveted spot for “deli sandwiches” Piccolo Panini Bar did not disappoint.

For the last couple of months Piccolo has gained a lot of traction over the internet and today we were able to find out why.

We ordered a total of 3 paninis across their menu of 6. The ‘Caprese’ , ‘Salami’ , and ‘Mortadella’. On the menu they also include a variety of options as “add-ons” to which the server recommended what he thought was best for our options.

To start we open up the neatly wrapped caprese. We are greeted by a well baked foccacia, crunchy outer layer and pillowy inner layer. (Consistent across all 3 paninis) The caprese was a slow start but not entirely just a little underwhelming. The pesto had a great taste and overall was really fresh to each bite but would love to see more of a layer to it.

The salami is the next one we tuck in to. Amazing all across the board. The fillings worked so well with each other and everything was so fresh. The panini was stacked well and with every bite we were able to collectively introduce all the flavours available. Great pickup and would greatly recommend. (Tip, add the honey and chilli oil to this, it will greatly enhance the flavours)

Last of all the mortadella. Something light to end with and still good nonetheless but it was still lacking a little something and that something to me was a bit of salt. The flavours overall were well balanced and provided a mellow palate but unfortunately it was too mellow. Maybe some roasted pickled peppers would give it the kick in the right direction.

Overall we’d still greatly recommend Piccolo if you’re a deli enthusiast! A lot of possible...

Finally tried the hottest panini place in town 🤩

We were lucky enough to receive our orders within 5 minutes during lunchtime, even though other reviewers mentioned it can take up to 45 minutes! I think we just missed the crowd since plenty of people started lining up right after we placed our orders.

We had the Mortadella (with stracciatella, pistachio, and honey) and the Cotoletta (with rocket, pickled onion, and salsa verde) as recommended. Both were surprisingly filling! The focaccia was crispy on the outside but bouncy on the inside; however, it was a bit too oily for my liking.

I wish I had eaten the Mortadella later since it was sweet, though the stracciatella was very fluffy. I enjoyed the Cotoletta but didn't appreciate how the staff suggested adding chili oil and something else, which made my order about $4 more expensive. The chili oil alone was $1.50, so I’m not sure what else was added. I wish the pricing was more transparent.

I think I could have enjoyed the Cotoletta without the chili oil just as much.

Overall, it was a very filling lunch at AUD$16 per panini (if no other add-ons are purchased), and we weren’t hungry for the next 6 hours! However, I would probably skip it if the line is super busy.

P.S. My friend said she’s heard good things about their...