Find spanakopita toasties, curly fries and more at this sandwich shop in Niddrie

Cafe$$$$

Pumping tunes bring the vibe as much as larger-than-life co-owner Joey Sleiman at this new sandwich deli on a north-west shopping strip, a few doors down from sibling cafe Mister Hoffman. It’s named like every second Melbourne sanger shop, but Charlie’s holds its own in a crowded market. Most punters are after the steak frites sandwich, filled with wagyu rib-eye and curly fries. And for dessert? Chonky choc-chip cookies, or acai.

Star sandwich: Spanakopita melt ($18, pictured above right). What this toastie take on Greek spinach pie lacks in traditional filo pastry, it more than makes up for in flavour. Golden-crusted light rye encases feta double trouble, both Persian and Danish, which ooze out of the melt’s cross-section. In the mix: baby spinach, braised leek and onion, and enough dill to help herb it up. House-made “Chilli Lips” dip is a spicy, smoky reprieve from the cheese.

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