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Small Axe Deli swings into Brunswick

Anna Webster

Small Axe Deli in Brunswick.
Small Axe Deli in Brunswick.Joe Armao

The husband-and-wife team who introduced Melbourne to breakfast pasta have opened Small Axe Deli, an Italian-leaning deli, wine and pasta bar on Sydney Road, Brunswick.

It's the second venue for chef Adam Pruckner and Kirstyn Tate, who also have Small Axe Kitchen a few blocks down Sydney Road. The deli has a long terrazzo-topped bar and counter, polished concrete floors and shelves and fridges bursting with mostly-housemade Italian produce and pantry items.

During the day, it's mostly a grab-and-go situation with about five panini on rotation, with fillings such as chicken cotoletta and slaw, or pork and veal meatballs with basil and provolone cheese, along with four changing salads. If you can't choose, you can order a lunch box packed with half a sandwich and a small serving of salad.

Squid ink spaghetti with 'nduja, calamari, prawns, chilli and tomato.
Squid ink spaghetti with 'nduja, calamari, prawns, chilli and tomato.Joe Armao
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In the evenings, it's mostly carbs. The breakfast pasta made famous at Small Axe Kitchen won't be on the menu, but in its place will be gnochetti sardi with cime di rapa, anchovies, chilli and olive oil, or classic fettuccine carbonara.

There's also a selection of snacks, and take-home meals such as lasagne, risotto and porchetta, sold in glass containers, which customers are encouraged to bring back for reuse, and grazing boxes packed with bread, cheese and charcuterie.

To drink, there's a selection of Italian wines (available to drink in or take away), plus cocktails and beers, and Code Black coffee is available all day.

Open Mon-Wed 10.30am-7pm, Thu-Sat 10.30am-9pm, Sun 10.30am-4pm at shop 1, 625 Sydney Road, Brunswick.

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