Appy Eatery Panini Bar in Carlton
Appy Eatery is a joyful panini bar in Elgin St Carlton within walking distance of Lygon St. Adrian the owner is living the dream offering diners the kind of panini experiences he grew up on as a child. His Nona would fill panini with delicious fillings on a lazy Sunday for family.
Adrian believes there's a market for made to order panini with gourmet fillings; that you can get say a chicken and avocado sandwich for eateries but customers are wanting more interesting and delicious fillings these days.
The World Loves Melbourne was invited along to experience the panini and sandwich goodness. Appy Eatery lives up to its name with a bright cheerful restaurant with large windows and natural light. A selection of treats on the counter are baked on premises and a re tempting. The house made muffins look amazing.
A big deal that we need to emphasise is that there are MADE TO ORDER paninis. In other words they are not made at the start of the day and sitting around all day on a cabinet. When you order the panini they spend a few minuy=tes making it from fresh quality ingredients - the difference is significant as you have a super fresh melt in your mouth panini. It gives the paninis a quality edge.
Paninis are named after Carlton streets; a nice local touch. The range of paninis is impressive catering for a wide range of tastes.
The fit out is modern and appealing with chic booths, a plethora of greenery and chic wooden decor and tables.
I love that there's a dedicated panini bar with Italian influences in Carlton. Years ago I worked nearby in Rathdowne St and was on the lookout for breakfast and lunch places. This is the perfect place to go for reasonably priced breakfast or lunch (or in between).
Highly impressive paninis; each with a distinctive gourmet filling that is delicious. Elgin 156 features Slow braised lamb ragu, pickled baby beet salsa, feta salsa verde, radicchio and rocket on a Ficelle baguette. This is a sophisticated panini with so much going on in a cacophony of flavour. A great example of how Appy Eatery elevates the usual deli sandwich around Melbourne to something next level. Delicious.
The grattan is a showstopper and a must eat in Melbourne right now. Miso pumpkin, smashed peas and haloumi starring in a Turmeric panini. The bread is super soft and a taste sensation in itself and the filling compelling, if not healthy. Some regulars are addicted to these. I'm not vegetarian but this panini is out of this world. Your culinary week needs this!
Daniel loved the Southern fried chicken sandwich with apple slaw, sriracha, mayo and cheese on sourdough. A special featured at Appy Eatery that excited with crunch and juicy fried chicken.
Rathdowne with porcetta, tri coloured peperonata, rocket, dill pickled cucumber, bits of crackling and garlic aioli, on a Ficelle baguette. Red pepper, yellow pepper, and green pepper perfectly pairs with the porcetta, with added crunch of crackling. Every element means something and the dill pickled cucumber gives extra tang as does the garlic aioli. I enjoyed every mouthful of this.
Another look at the Grattan. Something that belongs in the NGV, so pretty and tasty.
Bright, vibrant and super tasty. I want something reasonably priced and a gourmet hit for lunch that is also not junk food. Something super fresh with quality ingredients. Appy Eatery ticks so many boxes.
Another look at the Southern fried chicken sandwich. The specials here look awesome, including a previous meatballs panini. Adrain likes to keep his signatures but provide a range of specials that change regularly.
Appy Eatery also stocks an impressive range of beverages.
I was impressed by the salads. They were a meal in themselves.
Brownies and slices are a hit. Baked on site.
Sit at the communal table or even outside, or at tables along the wall.
Breakfast? Plenty of options at Appy Eatery including this Almond chia pudding with fruit and nut bircher and passionfruit.
Fairy bread topped with fairy floss is a whole lot of fun and not just for adults.
Hot chocolates are top notch. Appy Eatery is also recommended for kids and families.
White chocolate hot chocolate is a delight, with sprinkles on top.
We devoured this brownie.
Check out the Petite Friture Vertigo Pendent Light.
Remember the panini gourmet creations are made to order and super fresh! Adrian is doing his Nona proud with this modern panini bar and evoking his childhood with all of us as the beneficiaries. Highly recommended.