They might've already showered Petrie Terrace's Caxton Street with seafood at Gambaro Restaurant, opened a hotel on the same site and added Black Hide Steakhouse across the road too; however the Gambaro family hasn't finished building their food-and-drink empire yet. Cafe Gia is the next chapter, bringing home-style charm to Herston.

Located on a sleepy street and housed in a former corner store, it's a lower-key addition to the fold — but an absolutely charming one. The vibe skews local and approachable, complete with a drinking bowl for visiting pooches, plus bottles of milk and daily newspapers for sale. The menu favours the unmistakable Italian flavours of children following in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents, because that's exactly what the venue's owners are doing.

That means dishes based on family recipes, such as meatballs on panini and baked eggs in Napoli sauce. Sure, they're technically breakfast options, but they're available all day long. It also means a display case filled with freshly made cakes and treats, including peanut butter brownie sandwiches (yes, really). And if you're just dropping by for a fresh brew, you're in luck too, with the aroma of Genovese coffee wafting through the air.