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Just Open: Rustica Canteen, Melbourne CBD

Linsey Rendell

Panko-crumbed flounder burger with red onion, lettuce and lime aioli in a brioche bun.
Panko-crumbed flounder burger with red onion, lettuce and lime aioli in a brioche bun.Linsey Rendell

Bread wizard Brenton Lang of Fitzroy bakery Rustica is bringing his sourdough smarts to the city. He's paired up with Touchwood head chef Tristan White and Matt Vero (Tall Timber, Touchwood, Marquis of Lorne) to shape a sibling venue that evolves the artisan bakery into a canteen, catering to both the hurried city worker and lingering local.

Tucked down Guildford Lane, Rustica Canteen maintains the warehouse feel of its ageing shell, dressed up by sleek wooden lines and playful geometry.

The sweet jewels of Rustica's repertoire – think Milo cronuts, Ispahan rose croissants, creme brulee doughnuts – command attention on the elongated counter, while the punchy menu is seasonally minded and traverses breakfast and lunch.

Sleek wooden lines and modern fittings feature inside the canteen.
Sleek wooden lines and modern fittings feature inside the canteen.Linsey Rendell
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"We're just trying to do simple food really well," White says, which translates into the likes of brioche toast with Nutella, sliced banana and smashed hazelnuts, and a bap roll cradling Asian-spiced Berkshire roast pork, cucumber, pickled red onion, coriander and apple sauce.

The canteen opens on Wednesday, September 2.

Open Mon-Fri 7am-4pm; Sat-Sun 8am-4pm.

33 Guildford Lane, Melbourne CBD, 9642 2203, rusticacanteen.com

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