Alimentari - Melbourne

Spent two days in Fitzroy right across the street from Alimentari. Ate breakfast in, took away sandwiches and stopped for coffee twice. Friendly and helpful staff, food very good. Coffee was great by US standards. A bit bitter by the standards of some of the other local coffee places. Opens in the mornings late (like most places in Fitzroy). 7am on weekdays and 8am on weekends.

We enjoyed a lunch where the food was healthy and excellent, the service friendly and, in the hustle and bustle, with an enjoyable vibe. Highly recommended.

When I had lunch today at Alimentari in Smith Street, Collingwood, I was reminded of that memorable line in Five Easy Pieces when Jack Nicholson in the diner asked the waitress for the chicken sandwich but without the chicken. He wanted it that way so that he could have the toast only. When the waitress asked Jack if he wanted her to hold the chicken, he responded by stating" I want you to hold it between your knees".The beef panini at Alimentari had filling which included cheese, and I asked our waiter to remove it because I do not eat cheese. He replied by stating that he did not think it could be done because the paninis are pre-made. He did go away and try but came back with the same answer. If only Jack Nicholson had been at my table I would have asked him to use the same line about the cheese that he complained about when he ordered his chicken sandwich.So, forget the beef and lets try the chicken harissa panini. The reply"I think we have run out, but I'll check". Return of the waiter was"sorry run out of chicken paninis". Really, at one o'clock on Sunday lunch!Take 3, lets try the tuna panini. Ok, got it. Passable, but not highly memorable, as it had been toasted, but I think in one of those press's that cafe's use, which flattens the whole sandwich or role and makes it crispy, but potentially quite hardWould I go back-probably not. Restaurants or cafes need to cater for small variations in their items. Nothing mind-boggling-just a small touch to appease the customer. Also, running out of an item on the menu at the time of lunch service!-this is really not good enough

Though there are many bakeries along this stretch of Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, Alimentary is catered to a more high-end crowd. The prices of the items seem to be (slightly) higher and the food product more delicate. I only ordered panini sandwiches there and they are indeed tasty (and with some good vegetarian selections).You can also eat there (while most people come here for take-outs). However, it is actually quite cramped for their sitting arrangement. Thus, I usually do not like to dine in there. They have a separate location on Smith Street, about 10-15 minutes' walk away. I think that one is more suitable for dine-in.

Situated in the heart of Fitzroy, this is a very cozy and popular cafe with a great selection of food and good coffee. Came here for a hangover cure and was satisfied. Definitely will return. Great staff!!