Arber Troka opened La Favolosa with schiacciata as the centrepiece — the flatter, crispier cousin of focaccia — sliced and stuffed to order under names like La Caprese, Pitagora, Lucifer and Paradiso. The food is really a way into something bigger — sharing Italian culture, meeting new people and fostering the kind of community a good neighbourhood spot is supposed to create. That philosophy shows up most on the mornings La Favolosa runs its Coffee & Cars gatherings, when a run of Italy's most iconic cars lines the curb outside, and locals settle in over espresso and breakfast schiacciata. Beyond the schiacciata, the menu runs to pizza, cannoli and coffee, all served from a compact, casual space built for grabbing a seat rather than booking a table. Images: Supplied. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.