Via Porta Eatery Deli - MONT ALBERT

Via Porta is a very busy little cafe and usually has a line out the door. We were initially seated at the bar to order coffees and food before being moved to a table upstairs.<br/ <br/ Unfortunately, our coffee order was not put through properly and we didn't get them until we queried it.<br/ <br/ The French toast was the standout with a good balance of creamy and sweet. We were asked if we wanted milk with the granola which is quite unusual for a cafe. However, the granola is quite dry as there is only a smear of ricotta, so we did need the milk. If so many people are asking for milk, perhaps the kitchen should consider adding yoghurt. The sourdough is quite dense and chewy (even for sourdough), I would ask for multigrain next time.<br/ <br/ We found the service downstairs was quite aloof and a bit snappy. I understand it is busy but a smile goes a long way. The young man upstairs was great and very apologetic over our missed coffees which was not his fault. Overall we think the service standard let down a very good kitchen.

Voted as one of Melbourne’s best-designed cafes (designed by Studio Esteta who also finessed Lune and Sensory Lab , I was itching to visit Via Porta as soon as possible. I was also over the moon to learn that it’s a local Italian eatery and deli a stone’s throw from me, in Mont Albert. It’s everything I’ve been hoping for: classic, minimal style; warm ambience and neutral tones; and a refined Italian-inspired menu with excellent, distinguished dishes. <br/ <br/ Via Porta translates to ‘through the door’, reflecting the welcoming nature and community feel of the family-owned business. With a nod to Italian alimentaris (café grocery deli in one , you’ll find shelves stacked with pickled vegetables, pasta and coffee, as well as a deli selling Australian and Italian cheeses, cured meats and homemade takeaway meals—including favourites like lasagna and eggplant parmigiana.<br/ <br/ Our top menu picks are the fried eggs in spicy Arrabbiata sauce with nduja, sweet peppers and side of buttery toast and the fresh, European take on avocado on toast: hunks of avocado with cherry tomatoes, pickled onion, capers, broad beans and citrus salsa, carefully arranged on a spread of skordalia (a Greek delicacy of puréed garlic and potato on toast. Their house blend coffee is by Five Senses and there’s also a tempting display of Italian sweets (holy cannoli! and croissants at the front counter.

As for the food, we tried the almond croissant, apple danish, oat pecan cookie, and chocolate chip cookie. The almond croissant was the standout; it had a delightful surprise of lemon custard in the filling that was simply delicious! The apple danish struck a nice balance between acidity and sweetness, and the pastry was perfectly made. Both cookies were chewy and soft, yet crumbly at the same time, just the way I love them! If you’re a pastry lover like me, this place is a must-visit! You definitely won’t be disappointed!

Food: 5/5 service: 5/5 atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes pastries, croissantmore

This is an outstanding cafe, restaurant, and deli. They prepare everything in-house and do it exceptionally well.