Greta

The Verdict

If you’re lucky enough to stumble across Melbourne’s latest lunchtime destination, you’ll be treated to Italian-inspired porchetta sandwiches and French-style petit dejeuner. 

Greta is the latest venture from brother and sister duo Adam and Elisa Mariani, who are also the brains behind Maverick and Mayday Coffee—and they’ve brought over Mayday chef Gareth Flood to head up the Greta kitchen. Inspired by their travels and desire for quality food, Greta is all things European—from cakes served by the slice to sophisticated sandwiches made to order, this sandwich and wine bar seamlessly blends a classic European cafe experience with modern Melbourne.

Six European-style sandwiches are on offer, including rare roast beef, mortadella and three cheeses. But if for some reason you’re not in the mood for fresh bread or baguettes filled with seasonal produce, you can opt for folded eggs with Greta sauce, muesli with mascarpone or croissants. 

Penny for Pound are providing pastries, which you can pair with coffee by Axil Coffee Roasters, who go way back with the Mariani’s other eateries. 

If you’re after something stronger, classic cocktails and aperitivo are available all day everyday, as well as a carefully curated list of French, Italian and Australian wines. You’ll have plenty of time to sample them all, because on Fridays Greta will let you stay a little later for evening drinks. 

There are over 60 seats available in this hidden European eatery, but get in quick before the secret is out.