I was running a little late so unfortunately we had to sit outside. The few inside booths look very warm and cosy, but were apparently already full by 12.10 (when I was supposed to be there). As the café is set back from the road the outside back tables were still a good spot to sit and talk, even if inside would have been preferable.
Given the name of the café is Piadina Slowfood, of course we chose not to go with the piadina but to choose from a fairly eclectic list of mains. I chose the Middle Eastern Meatballs. These came with a tomato based sauce and a substantial serve of cous cous, which despite it being quite cold outside was still fairly warm. The meatballs were good, meaty and moist, but the cous cous was slightly bland.
The Caribbean vegetable stew came with almost an entire garden of different ingredients (apparently onion, carrot, sweet potato, peppers, tomato, kidney and black eyed beans, red lentil, pineapple and green apple and Caribbean spices). I am not always a fan of vegetable stews, as they can become a bit mushy and tasteless. This one, however, featured still firm vegetables and was full of flavour.
Overall
There was nothing fancy about our meal at Piadina Slowfood. The food was like being invited around for lunch at a friend's country home (even if the surrounding skyscrapers are a bit incongruous). Simple food, prepared with quality ingredients and care, providing a nourishing and tasty meal. The service was friendly, the prices were quite good for the city,and I'd happily go back to try more of their menu.
Verdict
Food - 7.5
Service - 7
Ambience - 6.5 (but 7.5 inside)
Prices - 7
Address
57 Lonsdale St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9662 2277
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