Cavalli Italiano — Restaurant in Melbourne

Let me preface this by saying, I don't know what's wrong with Melbourne cafes, but they are almost ALL. THE. SAME. I swear, they all have the same menu, or a derivative of the same menu. There's no originality in them and so I try not to go to them anymore, but it just so happened today that the opportunity came up. With that said ... it was a beautiful day to sit outside (thankfully, because before 12pm there was not a table in sight to seat an adult at ... not due to being overly busy, but lack of indoor tables). The main guy there kindly switched on the outdoor heater and we were warm and toasty instantly. After looking at the menu for a second, I settled on the eggs and salmon. He came over and took our orders (making a mental note of our choices) and the food came out in good time. It was a squash to get everything out on the tiny table, but we somehow managed to shove everything down, and of course there's an error with my order (since it wasn't written down), but I chose not to complain because I didn't want to wait longer than the others to have it fixed. Also, because I asked for the eggs not to be on brioche, but on toast instead, I got one piece of toast for two eggs, whereas someone else at the table got two brioche for their two eggs, so they managed to mop up all their delicious yolk properly, while I just looked longingly at it and wishing I could do the same. Everyone loved their food; I enjoyed mine, but not impressed with such cramped tables, and errors (I wish waiters would write down the orders). I would come here again if I was in the area and hungry. The staff are friendly and the service was quick and there's great parking. But there's nothing that makes the cafe stand out from the thousands of others, so that for me, is my determining factor in coming back...

The last time I left a review was 4 years ago so I thought I should write a new one. I have been coming to this cafe with my family (hubby + 2 young children) since it opened (4 or so years ago).

The owner, Pierre, is a lovely man and will always go out of his way to assist his customers. He knows his repeat customers by name and most of their life stories hahaha He hires lovely staff who all know how to make a fantastic coffee. I love the blend they use - not weak, not overly strong so that it's bitter, it's super smooth.

The menu has gone through a few changes over the years and it is fabulous. So many yummy options. Even though I've been coming here for 4 years I am always pleasantly surprised. I recently tried the fritters (delicious) - the winner was the home-made tzatziki - it tasted just as good (if not better!) than the one my Greek mother in law makes.

The kids menu is also fantastic and my kids love the little ice-cream fridge, the lolly/snack station and the wide array of cookies available. Some lovely take-home meals and sandwiches/bagels are available also, as well as pastries, home-made muffins, slices etc.

Great play area for kids - cubby house, 2 little kitchens, books, HEAPS and HEAPS of toys. My kids definitely love it.

True story - one time I was parked at the front of the cafe as my toddler had fallen asleep. Pierre knew what car I drove and after noticing that I had been parked there for quite a while, having children himself, he suspected I was "stuck". He brought out my usual coffee to my car, without even being asked! Isn't that lovely! :)

Pierre and Timbuktu are part of Wilson St now, and let's hope it continues that way for...

Appalling experience.

I stopped here with my 9 month old for lunch and ordered the açaí bowl. When it arrived, rather than the deep, vibrant, berry colour of a traditional açaí bowl, this was a pale, foamy, murky bowl of slop, with a few bits on top. It had an overpowering smell and taste of banana, and had tiny bubbles rising through the dish!?!? I explained to the waitress (trying to be as diplomatic as possible) that I can’t eat this, she asked if I wanted something else. I explained I was short on time now so I’ll just get a coffee to go. When I went to pay for the coffee I was asked to pay over $20! I explained that I’m not prepared to pay for the açaí bowl, to which I was told it’s what I ordered and therefore I have to pay (this wasn’t explained to me when the dish was taken away). After a back and forth discussion the waitress begrudgingly charged only for the coffee. At this point the owner/chef? Came out and argued with me saying he’s never had complaints before and that I have the audacity to complain and refuse to pay for food at a small local cafe. I’ve never returned food before to know what a likely response might be but I never would have anticipated the response I received...