From Forest Lodge to Zetland, a panini breakout is riding a wave of success, Winsor Dobbin reports.
Forest Lodge panini hotspot Delisia Panino & Espresso is expanding, opening its second venue in Zetland on February 17.
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Lena and Ray Raslan,Delisia has built a loyal following by doing one thing exceptionally well: nostalgic, European-style panini.
What began as a small neighbourhood deli in January 2024 has quickly become a Sydney-wide favourite, known for fluffy paninis stocked with prosciutto, fresh buffalo mozzarella, pistachio pesto, mortadella and more.
Located on Botany Road in the inner south, the new venue will be a café-style venue with seating for 20 indoors and 28 outdoors.
“We built this venue with our customers in mind,” says co-founder Lena Raslan. “People wanted somewhere they could sit, relax, meet friends, enjoy their panini, and feel at home, so that’s exactly what we created.”
Signature sandwiches include the Bellini ($21.50) with stracciatella, prosciutto, parmesan, fresh pear, rocket and honey, and the Figaro ($23.50) with prosciutto, burrata, fresh fig and rocket.
For a classic hot panino, the Sinatra Supreme ($23.50) has spicy salami, Napoletana sauce, fior di latte, provolone, olives, parmesan, and olive oil.
The Zetland venue will also introduce an expanded drinks offering, including matcha on tap (Earl Grey, strawberry, and mango), fresh iced teas, and Italian-inspired café options.
Delisia venues also offer a selection of sweet treats from Butterboy and Sweet Split Cookies.
“A sandwich isn’t just a sandwich,” says Ray Raslna. “It’s care, consistency, culture, and the energy of the people behind it.”
Check out https://delisia.au/