There’s a sandwich epidemic that’s taking over Adelaide as of late, which means funky delis are popping up all over the place – it’s Melbourne-esque, it’s retro-esque, and it’s a taste of yesteryear with groovy twists. And the latest sanga specific shop to plonk itself on the outskirts of the city is Pinco Deli in Eastwood.
Pinco pays homage to the simplicity of Italian cuisine, while sporting a casual dining space with a fit-out that screams slick, artsy, and old school all in one. That’s with thanks to co-owners from creative backgrounds, Elijah Makris and Saba Maghsoudi of Studio Mazi, and Willow Bend Coffee owner and roaster, Ben Pankhurst. Pops of colour catch the eye not only from the intriguing decor and interior design, but from the fresh ingredients that burst from Pinco’s buns.
Tables of two line the wall of the shotgun-shaped shop where you can comfortably devour the classic, but innovative nosh. Pinco’s menu sees focaccias, sourdoughs and baguettes complimented by a basic, but essential coffee and tea list. And although the sangwich selection is minimal, the eight glutenous goods certainly do not lack in irresistible flavour combos. Pinco’s numbered menu presents:
- Fresh focaccia with prosciutto, fior di latte, tomato, radicchio, agrodolce, and basil
- Fresh baguette with ham, piccalilli, cheddar, mayonnaise, and dressed watercress
- Fresh focaccia with artichoke cream, mortadella, stracciatella, and basil
- Fresh focaccia with mortadella, salami, provolone, mayonnaise, tomato, pickled giardiniera, and basli
- Fresh focaccia with marinated vegetables, feta, artichoke cream, dressed herbs, rocket, and tomato
- Toasted sourdough with ham, mozzarella, and napoletana
- Toasted sourdough with piccalilli, pastrami, dill pickle, pickled onion, Swiss cheese, burger cheese, and burger sauce
- Toasted sourdough with tuna, mayonnaise, burger cheese, pickled onion, and cos lettuce
Pinco Deli’s chef, Jarrah Gardener (formerly cheffing in The Scenic Hotel’s kitchen) is well versed on the Italian dining scene and knows a banging combination when he sees, hears, tastes and makes one – employing fillings from Barossa Fine Foods and Schinella’s, who are also supplying the focaccia. While the sourdough is carefully created by Spectrum Bakery.
And atop the head-turning, blue counter perch pastries by Prove Patisserie, and zeppole (fried dough balls) from Schinella’s – enticing the eye whilst mid-coffee order.
Pinco Deli brings a new approach to the humble Adelaide cafe scene, and with a focus on impeccably fresh ingredients, these sandwiches have what it takes to change the way we dine. Heading out specifically for a sanga with a few mates sounds like a mighty way to spend a day.
Monch one from 7am until 4pm every dang day.