Bridge Road stalwart Laikon Deli has rolled into its next phase of life, with owners snapping up the space next door, knocking down a wall and expanding their offering to include a cheery new sit-down cafe.

A longtime favourite — it's been around for 42 years — for its handmade grab-and-go bites, take-home meals and a tempting array of European pantry staples, the beefed-up space is now also a destination for customers keen to really settle in over some breakfast, lunch or an Allpress coffee. It's living up to its name even more so, too, with Laikon meaning 'for everyone'.

Photos and knick-knacks give the room a homey feel and throwback to Laikon's European roots, while an expanded cafe menu now includes dishes such as the chilli scrambled eggs with Calabrese salami and warm ricotta, home-style lasagne, baked gnocchi and 'Mum's Bougatsa' — a traditional Greek filo pie loaded with custard, apple and rhubarb.

A selection of mix 'n' match antipasto boards makes the most of the deli offerings, with options like a 24-month Langhiranese Parma ham, Wagyu bresaola, French blue cheese and Italian-style grilled eggplant, and holds its own against the rest of the lunch menu. What's more, a booze licence has just come in for balmy summer afternoons spent camped out with a feast of salumi, cheese, negronis and Euro wine.

Images: Simon Shiff. Updated: October 21, 2018.