South Yarra’s go-to casual eatery for Italian focaccia and spritz

Italian focaccias are here to shake up Melbourne’s sandwich scene and we’re all about those carbs: Zita’s serve up slices of Italian heaven. Easily spotted by its sunny yellow and white awning, Zita’s adds a cheerful touch to Toorak Road. Fluffy Ligurian-style focaccia isn’t exactly a rarity in Melbourne, but Zita’s brings a fresh twist. Owners Sara Pestarino and Riccardo Guglietti are serving up a focaccia feast that’s a bit of a departure from the norm. This little gem is an intimate space which means that the queue often stretches down the street, so most folks grab their goodies to go. But if you’re sticking around, there’s a spritz menu featuring Tommy's Booze with refreshing options like a berry spritz with house-made strawberry syrup and vodka, or a zesty limoncello spritz. It’s the perfect spot to indulge in Melbourne’s love affair with sandwiches and soak up the vibe.

Bringing Nonna's Italian to the streets of Melbourne

Sara’s from Genoa and Riccardo’s from Rome—so forget the usual fluffy slabs. At Zita’s, you’re in for a treat with a taste of both worlds: soft and thin Genovese-style olive focaccia and a thick, stuffed Roman version brimming with all the good stuff. Their filled focaccias are a game-changer, fermented for up to 38 hours to give a light, crisp bite that holds up to fillings like mortadella and ’nduja, or stracciatella and squid. Try Nonna’s Favourite with capers, roast sauce, and vitello tonnato; the Roman Empire, stacked with stracciatella, artichoke sauce, mortadella, and pistachios; or my personal favourite, Luigi, made with Parma prosciutto, truffle cheese, mushroom cream, and rocket.