Overview
All-day diners are becoming increasingly popular, likely due to the rising costs of running a hospo venue. If you're renting out a property to run your cafe or restaurant, you may as well stay open as long as possible and make as much money as you can.
It's a smart move that seems to only benefit consumers. For it means we get spots like the new Elio's Place on Flinders Lane, which is now serving Euro-inspired food and bevs from breakfast through to dinner. No matter what time of day you're hankering for a feed, Elio's kitchen will probably be firing.
Brother-sister duo Adam and Elisa Mariani (Greta and Maverick) officially opened the new Melbourne CBD bistro on Thursday, August 15, taking over a part of the historic Flinder House.
Interior design agency Studio Co & Co has revamped the space, blending a little old-world European charm with contemporary aesthetics. You'll now find checkerboard floor tiles, textured glass, timber table tops, a caramel-coloured front bar and playful marquetry artwork scattered throughout the bistro.
Within these Euro-inspired surrounds, you'll unsurprisingly find Euro-inspired eats. Group Executive Chef Gareth Flood (Greta, Maverick and Mayday) has worked with Head Chef Matilde Razzoli (Bar Liberty, Capitano) to create an all-day dining menu that mostly leans into Italian flavours and sensibilities.
When it comes to breakfast options, you will be limited to a small selection of very simple dishes. Think Austrian scrambled pancakes, smoked trout with eggs and gherkins on focaccia, and a compte cheese omelette. A couple of sandwiches are also available in the morning for those keen on grabbing some lunch before hitting the office.
The breakfast menu is a bit bare-bones, but lunch and dinner are where Elio's Place comes into its own. Razzoli leans into her Italian roots when cooking up bites like the burrata with artichokes and crispy chilli oil; peperonata with smoked pecorino cream and thyme; and classic beef carpaccio. But other European flavours make their way onto the menu through dishes like the cabbage and ox tongue skewers, and potato rosti.
From 3–5pm every day, Elio's Place also offers its own take on an Italian aperitivo, serving snack-sized plates alongside drinks deals.
Speaking of drinks, you can expect to find an extensive selection of wines from Europe and Australia, signature and classic cocktails, and a short list of vermouths, digestifs and aperitifs — ideal for a cheeky nightcap in the CBD.
"Elio's Place will be a bistro that transitions seamlessly from early morning through to late night. By day, stop in for coffee and breakfast or an a la carte lunch. By night, we're your go-to for a pre-show dinner or late-night supper. Everyone is welcome," shares Elisa Mariani.
You'll find the new Elio's Place at 238 Flinders Lane, open 7am–late every day of the week. For more details and to book a table, you can visit the venue's website.
Images: Jana Langhorst.