Reminiscent of Italy’s famed All’Antico Vinaio sandwiches, these Canberra locals have brought the traditional Tuscan schiacciata bread and authentic Italian ingredients to the heart of Queanbeyan.

The creation of Joshua and Melinda Kosteski, whose family is behind local Queanbeyan Italian restaurant Pronto, Fresca has opened around the corner in the QPRC building and specialises in seasonal Italian sandwiches that we’re told will constantly evolve.

With what took two research trips to Italy to perfect, Fresca’s schiacciata dough recipe takes about 24 hours to make and is much more complex than a pizza or focaccia dough. But the result is the perfectly balanced bread, soft and moist on the inside and crispy on the outside, with just the right amount of chew.

“We don’t just throw any dough together—this is made at Pronto by our Master Pizza Makers, who use traditional techniques passed down through generations,” explains Melinda.

Once the bread is baked to golden perfection, it is stuffed with delicious Italian meats, cheese, vegetables and sauces. The menu includes flavours like the Mortadella Schiacciata, which is filled with crema di pistachio, mortadella, stracciatella, and crushed pistachio, and the Mediterranean with basil pesto, arugula, fior di latte mozzarella, prosciutto di parma, mixed Mediterranean vegetables and balsamic. However, Melinda’s personal favourite is the Tartufo, complete with melted tartufo di pecorino, capocollo and truffle oil.

“The menu at Fresca is all about flexibility and creativity. We will have our standard schiacciata menu, but we also love working with what’s fresh, what’s in season, and what catches our eye at the time,” says Melinda.

“Soon, we’ll be experimenting with Nonna’s figs, and we’ll have specials like pasta and Roman-style pizza,” she says.

In addition to the signature schiacciata sandwiches, Fresca serves a range of delicious coffee, fresh cold-press juices, and sweet treats.

“Most of the sweets come from the kitchen of my Italian Mum. We also work with Sonoma Bakery for some of our other favourites, so there’s something for everyone,” says Melinda.

Fresca is now open inside the Nellie Hamilton Centre in the QPRC building, Monday to Friday from 7am-2:30pm.

Visit Fresca’s Instagram for more.