Italian Cafe Cool. New York Style.

Just when you thought Little Italy had moved out of Leichhardt, Dom Panino, came to town.  Dom Panino is all about the sandwich, Italian style, of course. It’s classy, contemporary and family owned. In fact the Ruggeri husband and wife team run the kitchen themselves. They cook fresh pasta too. Their son, Domenico, runs the restaurant area which includes the tables outside, the front food bar and the family room at the back, where people gather to socialise in groups, or sit on their own, soaking up the atmosphere.Dom’s nona is a regular visitor to the family room too apparently. In fact there are photos of the whole family, including nona Ruggeri, adorning the walls, going right back to when she and Dom’s grandfather, moved to Leichhardt from Sicily. You can almost feel the love coming through the frames when you look at them. 

We can talk about the wonderful food, already covered by articles in the Sydney Morning Herald and other popular papers, or we can concentrate on the service, which in my opinion is excellent.  But don’t just take my opinion, there are people lining up for a whole block, waiting to get in of a weekend because they know, they will be rewarded with a friendly smile and a dedication to making them feel welcome. They will also be serenaded with Frank Sinatra and freshly made doughnuts. If you’ve ever been to New York, you’ll know that, a great mocha, latte or cappuccino served with sizzling hot doughnuts and the sound of Frank Sinatra crooning in the background makes for a pretty cool dining experience.

None of this came about by accident. Dom Ruggeri and his family have paid great attention to marketing and have planned everything down to the last detail, in order to deliver that wonderful, lively, old style Italian family cafe with a modern twist. When yours truly remarked on the fact that one side of their cafe awning was back to front, Dom grinned and replied, ,,,,” It got your attention, didn’t it.”  They have certainly researched their paninos. I had, The Serafina, and can highly recommend it. Delicious vegan sandy with eggplant and tomato and lots of other veggies. Just the right amount of olive oil and we have a winner. Served by Tony Benvenutto, Hmmm? Maybe a pun. Me thinks he’s a funny guy. Great waiter though. Full of charm, wit and enthusiasm. Sorely needed in this mixed up world.

I’ve also tried their sugar coated, custard filled Italian pastries and their cannoli, a staple of any true Italian Cafe.

Sitting on a bar stool inside the cafe is a man in a suit. Look closely and you’ll see him checking out his phone. He has a view of boxed hedges, traffic lights, a skin clinic and a petrol station opposite. Now imagine that’s Frank Sinatra drinking his coffee and just being cool. Not hard is it? Just like some film noir hangout even Frank would would approve of.

By Renee Lou Dallow

Bourgeoise Reviews And Banter.