Panini Brothers

If you're after an Italian bakery and café in Newton, South Australia, Panini Brothers has been at it for 19 years, and it's a family enterprise that locals clearly rate. It's the sort of place people mention to friends, and several folks who've since moved interstate say it's one of the things they miss about Adelaide.

The tagline says it plainly: wood oven style Italian breads, pizza, focaccia, continental cakes and good coffee. The bread gets a lot of love, and we hear the paninis are what draw the lunchtime crowd. One newcomer from Melbourne reckoned the bread left them speechless and understood why the line can stretch out the door. Locals also talk up the cannoli, the quiche, the pizza and a schnitzel focaccia that sets a high bar for any other sandwich. On the pastry side, people like that the sweets aren't sickly, with the flavour balanced rather than sugary.

It's a proper bakery and café in one. You can dine in, sit outside, take away, or order catering for a special occasion, and the coffee has its fans too (one soy cappuccino drinker called it the best they'd had). There's a gluten-free cake on offer, and the team is upfront that it's made without gluten ingredients but in the same kitchen as everything else, so those with strict needs should ask at the counter.

Welcoming staff and good value come up often, including how welcoming the team is with kids. A first-timer tip: when it's busy, regulars will happily show you the ticket system, so don't be shy about asking. We've heard one grumble about a slip in coffee-counter service and a hand-washing reminder, but the overall picture is warm.

There's free parking nearby and a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park. Hours run most of the week, including weekends, but check before you head in if you're timing a lunch run.