Romans Original

The Verdict

Just steps away from Footscray train station, Romans Original is competing with all the brightly coloured signs of Leeds St, so it’s sort of easy to miss. But once you step inside, it feels like you’re in some sort of 1950s mafia movie: barebones decor, pastel walls, pared-down bar, simple menu and a dark but intimate atmosphere.

Sandwiches are Romans’ bread and butter, and no, I won’t apologise for that pun. All the sandwiches here work for both breakfast and lunch—we’re talking sausage, fried egg and American cheese (or broccoli, fried egg and American cheese for my vegetarian friends—don’t knock it ‘til you try it), smoked beef & mustard, meatball, eggplant parmigiana, fried chicken and if you’re feeling bagel-y, a cured salmon 5&Dime bagel. Sandwiches come on a cute gold tray with no sides (you need to order your own), so you know they don’t mess around here. Sandwich, coffee or wine, thank you, next.

Whip your head around and now you’re sitting at the bar. Cute vinyl collection, chatty bartender and the standard European bistro offerings: wines (mostly European), Peroni, Aperol, Campari and weekly cocktails. It’s a tight squeeze, especially during busy times, but not unpleasant. You can see how a place like Romans slowly but surely burrows its way into the hearts of the locals—it's a no-frills joint but it's got character.

Image credit: Mel Desa