Glenferrie Road’s Caffe La Via’s has recently undergone a facelift. After serving up hearty cafe fare since 1999, the café now boasts a new modernised menu and tweaks to its interior.
Long time St. Ali collaborator Richie Brownfield was tasked with the rebrand and refit, and has created a relaxed yet elegant venue while paying homage to the heritage listed building and the restaurant’s vibrant past.
Traditional bruschetta w basil pesto, diced roma tomatoes, onions and e.v.o. oil
The new look is clean and minimalistic. The restaurant’s façade has been painted inky black, and chic, hand crafted wooden pendant lights have been installed. New timber furniture, custom designed by Richie, complete the modern revamp.
La Via has also taken it up a considerable notch in the coffee stakes, now brewing St. Ali Sensory Lab beans and installing one of Melbourne's only Gravimetric Black Eagle machines, regarded as the Maserati of espresso machines.
Cream cheese stuffed whole Jalapenös in tempura batter served with ranch sauce
We enjoyed sampling the menu which comprises predominantly Modern Australian cuisine with a Mediterranean influence
Super Booster Salad
The Super Booster Salad was a seemingly simple dish which boasted balanced layers of flavour. The chicken was perfectly cooked and went well with the spiced broccoli, chickpeas, masala roasted capsicum, marinated baby carrots, mesclun leaves and spiced mint yoghurt dressing. The refreshing olive oil dressing provided a lovely acidity which brought the dish together.
Hand Rolled basil gnocchi with baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes tossed in e.v.o. oil and garlic confit finished off with bocconcini cheese
The gnocchi was a beautifully rich dish which was highlighted by the light gnocchi. It was comfort food at its best.
Operating as a cafe by day, diners enjoy a more intimate, restaurant experience by night, with an updated menu that takes advantage of the abundance of quality local produce and puts an emphasis on sharing.
Location: 252-254 Glenferrie Road, Malvern
Phone: 03 9509 6373
Link: http://www.caffelavia.com/
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Caffe La Via.
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