Nonna’s Deli

Mister Paganini had been living his independent life cooking crowd-pleasing Italian food for South Brisbane since 2015. Then in January 2018, his Nonna moved in out back.

Nonna’s Deli is by Olé Group (Mister Paganini, Olé, Mucho Mexicano, Downtown Istanbul). And it’s a cafe and deli serving Italian comfort food. It’s a homey and approachable al fresco space hung with draping plants and bowler hats recognisable from Paganini.

The cafe’s menu leans on classics such as bacon-and-egg rolls, corn fritters with smoky tomato relish and avocado toast. Piadinas (Italian flatbread sandwiches) are rammed with prosciutto, grilled eggplant and flaky mozzarella. Nothing is over $12, so it’s perfect for a guilt-free grab-and-go lunch.

You can enjoy it with an Italian-inspired milkshake, with Nutella, tiramisu and cookie crumble all present and accounted for. The shakes are syrup-free, made on malt or strawberry coulis, for example. There are also frappes, smoothies and house-made cold-pressed juices.

Coffee comes from Campos; Nonna’s is using the Sydney roastery’s Supreme blend. Bonsoy, Zymil and Macamilk from Byron Bay are the alternative-milk options.