Bar Zini

This newly opened steely grey café has a Melbourne feel, and delivers a notch above the usual café fare for weekday breakfasts and lunches. The menu has an emphasis on fresh local and imported Italian produce ‘ the Olive Marinate ($4) contains excellent Green Sicilian Olives; and the Salumi Misti ($19) shines with a lovely selection of cured meats and zingy house-made cornichons. Charles Bruyere (ex- La Sala, Aria) does a great job in the kitchen with mains like Fresh Rolled Squid Ink Spaghetti ($16) paired with calamari, tomato and oregano. There’s also a nice selection of salads – the Insalata di Trevisio ($14) impressed with roasted trevisio, caramelised onion, grilled pancetta and parmesan; and the Insalata di Fagioli ($9) was full of crunchy, fresh, seasonal beans. Try their great Pizzette of the Day ($8) ‘ when I dined, Frusta with Sopressa Salami, tomato, mozzarella and rocket ‘ which is served folded on a wooden board. Dine inside or enjoy the ambient temperatures shaded by umbrellas outside. The Di Lorenzo Coffee ($3.00) and assorted Biscotti ($2.00) are also strong points. The sole hiccup is that the only bathroom available is currently across the road at The Point Hotel ‘ a small price to pay for an excellent all-round dining adventure.

Bar Zini
78 Harris Street, Pyrmont (02) 9660 5718
Italian $-$$