Just Open: Docasa, Ivanhoe

"No polished concrete! It's a pet hate of mine," says Rik Lonigro of the fitout at his new Ivanhoe cafe Docasa, aka the Department of Coffee and Social Affairs.

That means terrazzo floors and a Carrara marble bar, a nod to both the Art Deco stylings of the Decco apartment building that houses the cafe, and his Sicilian background.

The rest of the fitout, by Zunica Design, is similarly inspired, with subtle brass light fittings, a big curved front window, and stone, wood, leather and tiles in a mix of teals, greys and whites.

"My aim was to get that mix between cafe and casual diner where locals could come in and have a relaxed lunch and a glass of wine," says Lonigro.

The menu he and chef Craig Penglase (one-time kitchen manager for the Van Haandels) have put together has a "luncheon" feel that works with Lonigro's Mediterranean heritage: pan-fried gnocchi with tiger prawns; roasted barramundi with pea raviolo; veal cotoletta.

Breakfast features avocado and feta – served on a pile of toast soldiers – a crab omelette, and cheesy polenta cakes with mushrooms and a poached egg.

Coffee is from Mansfield Coffee Merchant, and waitstaff are pouring from a wine list that features Italian, Spanish and local drops.

Open Mon-Fri 7am-5pm, Sat-Sun 7.30am-4.30pm.

59-61 Lower Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe, 03 9497 1901