Porta Via

Mietta's Eating & Drinking in Melbourne 2000

Contributors' Choice
Page 167

It's not easy to find Porta Via, tucked away at the end of an arcade off Little Collins Street. But there are two ways into this "porta", the obscure dog's leg of Presgrave Arcade and the more open via of Howey Place. The latter actually opens onto the back side door of Porta Via, and consists of tables and chairs put outside in Presgrave Place which gives onto the back end of Presgrave Arcade.

It sounds confusing but you will find it as do many Melbourne shoppers, city councillors and lovers of the bombolini, polenta biscuits and other Italian snacks which this two-sided tiny little café is famous for. The actual inside space is miniscule but very busy. There are shelves all around with Italian products for sale, a coffee machine and snack bar and a few tables and chairs. The lighting is nightclub dim during the day and the music quite loud. Outside the natural light and sounds of the city are more refreshing though lack the same attitude.

Regulars say that you'll get "the best coffee in Melbourne and a great place to sit alone or with friends."

277 Little Collins Street
Melbourne
Italian Cuisine
Melways reference 1B:M6
Phone: 9654 3100
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 8am-5pm
Does not accept credit cards
Seats Inside: 30, Outside: 55
Closed: All public holidays
Features: Bombolini $2.50, Polenta biscuits $.50, Fruit focaccia $4