The Art of Slowing Down: Tradition in Every Bite
In a world that is always in a hurry, there is something sacred about a dish that refuses to be rushed. At Paninnis Italian Restaurant & Woodfired Pizza, we believe that the best flavours aren’t just "made"—they are coaxed out through patience, tradition, and a deep respect for the craft.
If you’ve visited our cozy corner in Mount Gravatt East, you’ve likely seen the Polpette on the menu. To some, they are simply meatballs. But to our kitchen team, they represent a 25-year-old legacy of Italian soul food.
A Secret Passed Down
The story of our Polpette doesn't begin in a modern cookbook; it begins over two decades ago in the back of a traditional Italian kitchen. It was there that a Nonna—the true gatekeeper of Italian flavour—shared the secret to a meatball so soft it practically melts: Sourdough and Milk.
Instead of using dry breadcrumbs, we use matured sourdough soaked in milk and carefully strained. It’s a labour-intensive process that takes our chefs hours of hand-prepping before the woodfired oven is even lit for the evening.
The Craft of the Sear
We use a premium blend of grass-fed beef and pork to ensure a rich, balanced flavour. The secret to that succulent texture our guests love is the initial sear - a shallow-fry process to create a delicate, golden crust. This doesn't just add texture; it locks the moisture inside, ensuring the meat stays tender throughout the next stage of the journey.
Seven Hours of Soul
A great Polpette is only as good as the sauce it sits in. Our signature tomato sugo is a labour of love, simmering on the stovetop for seven hours. This long, slow cook allows the acidity of the tomatoes to transform into a deep, velvety sweetness that coats the meat perfectly.
The Final Touch
We serve our Polpette the only way they should be: accompanied by our handmade focaccia, baked fresh in-house to soak up every last drop of that seven-hour sauce. Whether you enjoy them as an entrée to share or as a comforting main course, they represent the heart of Paninnis—Craft, Quality, and Connection.
The next time you’re looking for a "hidden gem" in Brisbane for a cozy date night or a family Sunday lunch, come join us. Pull up a chair, slow down, and taste a recipe twenty-five years in the making.
Visit Paninnis in Mount Gravatt
Ready to secure your table? 👉 https://paninnis.com/
Find Us: 📍 4/28 Carrara Street, Mount Gravatt East (get directions)
📞 Call: 0480 258 248
🕒 Dinner: Wed–Sun from 5 PM | Lunch: Sat–Sun 12 PM–2 PM