3.5 Good
This Italian cafe is designed for quick and convenient meals to have in or takeaway. The tables spill out and since there was some decent weather, we chose to soak it up. I wasn’t disappointed nor impressed by my latte, it did have sufficient strength to it though.
As the sandwiches were cut in half, I shared a ciabatta crudo with my workmate. It’s hard to get wrong really so long as the bread and fillings are fresh. Nice crusty bread with the salty fatty prosciutto coming through. We also shared a piadina caprino which is a nice toasted flatbread filled with goat’s cheese, pumpkin and leek which gave it a pleasant sweetness.
Simple yet tasty food as Italian food should be. They also do a variety of pasta dishes which we did not get a chance to try.
I came here for lunch and the pasta is usually my chice as they also offer both chilli oil and very fresh parma.
I must admit that the tomato based sauce I ordered was very tasty however I think it is a little too expensive for a work lunch meal.
I love that this place supplies chilli in oil and parmesan with grater at each table. Gorgeous Italian touch. Fresh and simple express lunch. The hearty pasta and lentil soup was a great winter warmer while my friend enjoyed his risotto.
Lovely selection of food. Fast friendly service. But be prepared to pay a heavy $17 for plain pasta with some eggplant. This was a shock price tag for a simple lunch. After all the place is jut a cafe not a speciality Italian restaurant.
Better than your usual express lunch cafe in the city. Coffee can be a bit hit and miss but the pastas and panini's are much better than you find close by.
Great place for lunch. Great food. great service. take cash as have to spend over $20 to use eftpos.
Great Breakfast. This place ticks all the boxes for an inner city cafe.
Great coffee, traditional italian food, friendly staff and terrific service.
Tried the Breakfast Piadina and its on the money.
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Cute. A cute authentic Italian cafe in Madame Brussels Lane. You will be friendly with your neighbours as the tables are wedged (probably a touch too many in my opinion) in the small space.
On reflection I should have ordered the pasta. But I was tempted by a mushroom risotto on the specials board. It came out quickly and the grains were completely soft which was a bit disappointing. But the flavour of the mushroom stock was delicious, as were the pan fried mushrooms on top.
My companion had the zucchini and mint soup and commented very favourably.
This cafe is a clear favourite with the office crowd - it was bustling for both sit-in and take away orders.
The selection of little cakes near the counter (and I also spied Italian doughnuts and only just managed to resist) look fantastic.
A really good risotto in a cafe setting is hard to accomplish, and I understand that they have to pump out the meals to accommodate the lunch crowd and so obviously can't cook risotto from scratch. The problem is when the rice is quite mushy it just isn't very enjoyable. I'd be very happy to go back but I'd definitely order the pasta next time.
Like walking into Italy. An authentic Italian cafe. Great service, food & atmosphere. Can't fault it. Well done.
I found a really nice and friendly staff..and a really italian food experience with the special pastas i tried..good place guys!;)
We came in on thursday and had the home made sweet potato gnocchi with gorgonzola and walnuts and it was awesome !!! Will be back great buzz good lunch venue !!!
Always super fresh, perfectly cooked simple Italian fare. I would happily eat lunch here everyday. Like a home away from home.
The best in the area. Great.... The best in the area.
Great pasta, excellent coffee
Well done
Great value, huge fresh portions for the price and the staff are just lovely. My new daily place!
Simply delicious pasta and great value! Good coffee too.
Just a great amazing location food is really made with love. Give them a try !
Great lunch spot for a fast but good quality meal. Always buzzing at lunchtime. Simple and good pastas, soups and panini. Lentil and veg soup a winter standout. Good coffee. Great little spot.
Melbourne Lifestyle Blog
+4.5
The orecchiette was delicious. The pasta was homemade and fresh, the texture perfect. The pesto of fresh basil, garlic and oil was topped off with a large chunk of ricotta. It did not need the parmesan and chilli oil that the waitress placed on our table without being asked, but I could not resist all the same. Bread was obligingly served as an accompaniment.
They have $20.00 lunch deal (pasta and house wine) during business days... And I love my pasta. They normally have about 4-5 special menu for the day. ✌️
Super coffee and food with great service and an atmosphere with an Italian vibe. Italian is spoken here. The indoor/ outdoor arrangement is perfect for Melbourne's changeable weather. The lunch specials were worth a look.
I miss Babbo coffee and almond and orange biscotti. The friendly Italian atmosphere of the bar. I cannot wait to get back to the city.
Best coffee in CBD, using the top of the range Lavazza blend. Daily specials are always authentic italian dishes and prepared superbly and aperitivo Friday is the best way to enjoy after work drinks with complimentary italian bites. Grazie Babbo!
Friendly staff, good quality coffee - be prepared to pay city prices for your latte though
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