A Church Street favourite, Cafe Florentine has been serving up great food and warm Italian charm since 1989. But it never gets old.
The Brighton institution is as lively, hospitable and loved by locals and visitors as it ever was.
Owner Chris Favaloro is in no doubt about what keeps the customers coming through the doors.
“We offer great service and tasty Italian food in a warm, inviting place,” he said.
Mr Favaloro, who also owns the 100-seat fine dining Vivace Restaurant on Bay St, said Florentine was a cafe by day and restaurant by night.
“We are open all day every day. Come first thing for that early coffee or later for a great meal. You can grab breakfast or lunch. We offer it all,” Mr Florentine said.
Choose from menu items like poached eggs on English muffins with sautéed spinach and house made Dukkah for brekkie, a Florentine-style club sandwich or maybe cured salmon with beetroot, goats curd and walnuts, finished off with orange glaze for lunch.
Fresh and seasonal are the Florentine buzzwords and there are a few popular dishes but Mr Favaloro said the lamb shanks were a signature dish.
The large, bustling eatery is, a “fun, family” one but is just as welcoming a restaurant to the movie-goer who wants a pre-or post-film glass of wine or meal.
Cafe Florentine is located right next to the Dendy Brighton cinema on what Mr Favaloro has declared “the best location on Church Street”.
As with any real estate, location is everything and Mr Favaloro loves Church Street, Brighton.
“It is a beautiful leafy street, full of people – some local, many visiting. Church Street has become a tourist attraction,” he said.
“We also have a lovely al fresco area – perfect for watching the world go by while enjoying your wine or coffee.”
Images thanks to Cafe Florentine.
