With the dazzling lit up sign soon to be a fixture on King William Road for years to come, it’s hard to miss the new renovations that Cotto Espresso have undergone, as they press reset on their growing cafe chain. In fact to use the term “cafe” effectively misses the mark, as Cotto is re-branding entirely as panineria as they make traditional Italian paninis their core offering. This is a clear point-of-difference from the other well known chain cafes around the state.
Following the success of their Rundle Mall panineria the owners have installed similar set ups in their newly renovated and redecorated Hyde Park and Prospect stores. The concept allows customers to choose all the elements of their panini, from the breads, to the meats, vegetables and sauces. Whilst in writing this may seem like a glammed up version of a deli or Subway outlet, the sheer deluxe nature of ingredients is tailor made for an increasingly discerning market, yearning for more authentic cuisine. Even so, the food remains affordable and accessible with prices starting from $7.90.
As the base of the panini, the breads are unique, diverging from your standard sandwich, brioche or baguette, but instead presenting an offer of panini, piadina or foccacia. The meats range vary from traditional roasts to traditional Italian sandwich meats like prosciutto, a glistening rustic salami and a traditional mortadella. The choice of cheeses are especially unique with the familiar mozzarella and provolone, accompanied by fontino and an especially delicious asiago. The range of vegetables are where things really get interesting with a separate subsection of marinated vegetables. The varied sauce range include an intriguing salsa piccante, while the truffled mayonnaise is created with a base paste using real truffles. A word to the wise, we’d suggest skipping cutlery for the more appropriate hands on approach.
The most significant aspect of Cotto’s panini revolution is their adherence to the two owner’s traditional Italian upbringing and respect for core ingredients. The only food that isn’t made from scratch is imported from Italy and the extra effort put into the choice of panini components, from the cured meats, unique cheeses, sauces and marinated vegetables, is a welcome addition to this city’s rich Italian-Australian food culture.
Also launching from tomorrow, Friday, 3rd June, patrons can indulge themselves in a delicious Nutella Marocchino – the perfect mixture of Coffee, Coco, Nutella, steamed milk and chocolate powder. Or for those really obsessed, you can add Nutella to any coffees for only an extra $0.80.
Cotto Espresso is located at 173 King William Road, Hyde Park. To keep abreast of their food creations, follow them on Facebook. Photography from Girl About Town.
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