MELBOURNE | When Austin Allen decided to close his coffee shop, Wreckyn St Coffee, late last year, his former employee and barista at 279 Victoria Street, Sean Then, took the opportunity to take over the reigns. The space is now home to Cafe Tomi, and reflects the kind of cafe that Sean always wanted to open. I recently popped in to grab some photos for What’s on Melbourne.
The space will be familiar to fans of the old cafe. It’s relaxing and minimalist, with high, vaulted ceilings, and lots of white and natural light. It now has a warmer feel, with a tiled backsplash behind the counter, a timber coffee bar, and timber shelving which houses, amongst other things, two large speakers and a selection of records from Sean’s personal vinyl collection.
A vintage Technics record player sits on the side of the coffee bar, with the album art of whatever is playing at the time, displayed. It’s an eclectic selection of vinyl, with vintage records, and limited Japanese imports featuring rare tracks and B sides. On any given day, you might find a guest DJ behind the decks, playing a selection of their favourite records.
On the menu, you’ll find excellent espresso and filter coffee made using beans from Mount Waverly’s Klim Coffee Roasting Co, along with a thoughtful selection of alternative lattes and cocktail-inspired coffee and tea drinks. The “Cherry Me” is a mix of hojicha, cacao nibs, Lyre’s American Malt, and cherry cordial. The “Cocoa Cloud”, meanwhile, is a refreshing concoction of soda water, topped with an airy espresso cream and coconut caramel foam.
For food, it’s a small selection of pastries from Little Cardigan, along with house desserts like the signature panna cotta with wattleseed, espresso caramel, chocolate soil and sea salt; and a matcha panna cotta, with diced mango, and lime granita. The desserts here are notable for their balanced flavours, and restraint when it comes to sweetness.
Keep an eye out on Cafe Tomi’s socials to find out about the expanded dessert menu, which Sean’s hoping to launch soon.
Cafe Tomi
11 Wreckyn Street
North Melbourne
Victoria 3051
Australia
Telephone: n/a
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Mon – Fri: 7:00am to 4:00pm
Sat – Sun: 9:00am to 5:00pm