Following the success of their first café ? St Rose in Essendon ? husband-and-wife team Domenic and Diana Caruso secured a new Ascot Vale site, approximately five kilometres north-west of Melbourne?s CBD. Their vision was for a sophisticated but welcoming venue that would set a new standard for casual dining ? a dynamic addition to Melbourne?s much-loved café culture. 

© Ari Hatzis

Architects: Biasol

Location: 214 Union Rd, Ascot Vale VIC 3032, Australia

Area: 190.0 m2

Project Year: 2016

Photographs: Ari Hatzis

© Ari Hatzis

Following the success of their first café ? St Rose in Essendon ? husband-and-wife team Domenic and Diana Caruso secured a new Ascot Vale site, approximately five kilometres north-west of Melbourne?s CBD. Their vision was for a sophisticated but welcoming venue that would set a new standard for casual dining ? a dynamic addition to Melbourne?s much-loved café culture. 
© Ari Hatzis

Spanning both interiors and branding, our concept was an elegant, timeless space inspired by the Greek delicatessens that flourished around Melbourne in the 1950s. Located in a busy shopping strip, the site offered a promising starting point ? 4.5-metre ceilings, skylights that flood the space with natural light, and a deep rectangular footprint. 

© Ari Hatzis

At the heart of the space, a concrete service counter is accented with beautiful hand-painted green and t...