Cafe Cino

Mietta's Eating & Drinking in Melbourne 2000

Contributors' Choice
Page 140

This little café opposite the South Melbourne Town Hall is a year round drawcard to an eclectic mix of people from the local area - students from the National Academy of Music over the road, shoppers and business people from the Clarendon St shopping centre, architects, designers and Channel 7 employees. In summer, the loose covered canvas dining chairs at the pavement tables are a standout attraction for streetside lounging. In winter, the back room with its big pine table and open fire is a warm refuge for a cosy chat or quiet moments over the cappucino the name of the place implies. There are posters of music and arts events round the walls, magazines and newspapers to browse.

Owner/chef Tobi Dikstein's combined youth and background in the business gives the place its relaxed air. She was brought up in restaurants, her family having owned numerous well-known establishments. Here in South Melbourne she features simple, homemade fare (pies, salads and sandwiches on a choice of baguette, rye or turkish breads) at value for money prices. Vegetarians are catered for and lots of housebaked cakes, puddings and fresh churned ice creams for sweet tooths. Breakfast is an all day option of every style of eggs. The drink list offers a simple choice of four beers, a house wine, various spirits and liqueurs.

191 Bank Street
South Melbourne
Melways reference 2K:D2
Phone: 9686 4366
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am-4pm
Licensed & BYO
Corkage: $1 per person
Accepts credit cards
Seats Inside: 35, Outside: 15
Closed: All public holidays
Features: Kids encouraged
Favourites: Baguettes $6.50, Lentil burgers $6.50, Pies $6.50