Where: 506 Swan St Richmond

When: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, Weekends 8.30am-4pm

Cash Only

Dine in/Some take-away

Vego friendly

Licensed

Contact: (03) 9428 7516

The “good room”

Friends of Mine in Richmond seems to be milking the best of both the café and restaurant worlds. Walking in off the street, the initial room is industrial-chic with polished concrete floors, wooden communal benches and retro factory lights. But step into the “good room” (that’s what the staff call it) and everything changes. White tablecloths, framed, glossy artwork on the walls and Jazz noodling away in the background. It has a dinner sort of vibe, yet they aren’t open for dinner, perhaps one day they will be.

Still reeling from the confusion of walking in to one café and feeling as though I’d sat down in another I had a look at the menu, which was quite large. The wait-staff were ready to take our orders right away and were still conveniently available after we’d been left to think it over a little longer. I eventually opted for the Piadina, which boasted pork and fennel sausage, tomato chutney, spinach and smoked scamorza ($14.50). The option of a side salad or chips was a little tacky but I opted for the salad and hoped for the best.

Pre-food I had a cappuccino ($3.50), which while wasn’t that artfully made (crèma was too white and foamy), was strong with a conventional bitter flavour, nothing complex. The food arrived on a cute wooden board; so hot right now, and without much wait-time. I hadn’t had smoked scamorza before but was very happy I then had the chance to, as it was delightfully creamy and stretchy. Unfortunately the sausage was disappointing; resembling something more like glorified luncheon meat, barely saved by the mild infusion of fennel. The spinach was few and far between which left me dying for some greenery. That bring me to the salad; fantastically dressed and with an abundance of herbs (Vietnamese mint, garden mint and coriander). Such a pity there wasn’t much more to it that leaves though; even some olives or a sprinkling of nuts would’ve made it a hit. My dining partner noted that it was more like a giant garnish than a salad. Yes, a delicious garnish, but a garnish none the less.

Pork and Fennel Sausage Piadina ($14.50)

I do feel bad having had such a poor experience with my lunch at Friends of Mine, I suppose if I’d had ordered one of the “larger plates” options my experience could have been more high quality. The men at the table next to me looked to be enjoying something far more delicious, although I never found out what that was. Next time I’m in the area I wouldn’t hesitate to stop by for a coffee and one of the tempting sweets in the glass cabinet. Mmmm… homemade lamingtons.

Food: 2.5/5

Service: 4/5

Ambiance: 4/5