The city circle trams rattles past this place on La Trobe street, near to the corner of Queen street. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but enter this cafe and feel welcoming warm reception envelope you as sit down and relax.
Décor has a musical theme. Remember vinyl? Well there's a vinyl decorated wall below the window counter, posters advertising bands and musicals on one wall, and lots of other decorative paraphernalia.
There are separate breakfast and lunch blackboards listing the days menu. Service is super friendly in this funky cool cafe and also extremely efficient.
My lunching companion and I both ordered flat whites and they came with the much oligatory leafy pattern on top that I have become accustomed to whilst living in Melbourne. And it still makes me smile each time I see it...
Food wise, we ordered a mushroom pizza with feta, pine nuts and rocket ($8); and also a pesto chicken salad with pine nuts and feta to share ($9).
Both came out at the same time. Ingredients were fresh and tasty. Pizza was thin crust, which is how I like it.
The very generous serving of salad was yummy. Gorgeous pieces of chicken breast, avocado and spinach leaves dressed with pesto; feta and pine nuts on top.
They don't rush you here; they play some good background tunes, and they are more than happy for you to perch your bottom here all day if you wanted to.
A great find with fabulous service and delicious fresh food at amazing value!
Basement Café
350 La Trobe Street, Melbourne 3000
Tel: +61 (0) 9329 8000
