Billy’s Central, Melbourne CBD by Log Lady

A relative newcomer in Melbourne Central’s café scene, Billy’s Central offers a secluded space to step away from the chaos of Xmas shopping to enjoy a light meal or delicious iced chocolate. The café is located in Melbourne Central, near the bridge to the Emporium’s food hall. It has a little exterior coffee stand, with sandwiches, focaccias, cakes and a group of tables near the walkway, as well as further seating inside the café itself, offering a quieter corner if you’re not into the Emporium’s group dining experience. 

Chicken mango salad

I went to Billy’s Central last Wednesday night for dinner - quite a hot evening. Upon arriving I was heartily greeted, offered a table and a glass of ice water – a nice touch :)

The fit out of Billy’s chic Danish design and cultivated greenery provide a calming experience.

The menu offers a range of classic cafe dishes for breakfast (e.g., smashed avo with feta, lime, mixed nuts, poached eggs and chilli relish on toast); meals-to-go (e.g., filled focaccias and wraps); lunch and dinner (e.g., salmon cakes, sliders and total comfort food, such as fettucine carbonara and pumpkin and spinach risotto).

I tried some of Billy’s signature dishes; one of these was the Saganaki (grilled Kefalograviera cheese, olive oil, oregano, and fresh lemon served on rocket). The saganaki was a good-sized wedge and it had a beautiful golden colour.  This was a little salty for my liking, however the overall crunch of the Kefalograviera cheese on top of the fresh rocket was a nice starter.

Next I tried the Chicken Mango Salad (grilled chicken with cos lettuce, cucumber, mango salsa with a lemon dressing), another signature dish (see first pic). This was a nice light dish, with a zesty lemon dressing. The salad was nice for these warm Spring days when you don't want to eat anything too heavy. However the chicken was slightly overcooked and a little grisly.

I also had an iced chocolate – this was spot on.

I was having dinner with my better half; he had the Fish and Chips (beer battered rockling, served with salad, hand cut chips and tartare sauce). He commented that the fish was crispy beer-battered deliciousness, but that the chips lacked crunch.

Tempting baked goodies

Verdict

We liked it.

Mid value.

Overall

Billy’s Central offers moderately priced Australian café food where you can sit inside the for a quiet meal or grab coffee whilst on the go. Service is friendly and prompt. There are some minor areas for improvement when it came to the food, but the café is only a few weeks old and I reckon these are likely to be ironed out. If you’re looking for a quick simple meal, or a quiet break from the Xmas shopping madness - Billy’s Central is the place to go.

The Eat and Be Merry Crew were guests of Billy's Central.

Find it at

Billy's Central
Level 2, Shop 220A
Melbourne Central Shopping Centre
Corner LaTrobe and Swanston Streets
Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: 9650 3459