Spot Eddy!
Just going by the name of the cafe, you can rest assured knowing that this is an authentic Italian restaurant! Tocco Italiano Ristorante Pizzeria and Caffe opened on August 28th 2016, meaning that it is just shy of reaching their one month anniversary. Despite that it is only newly opened, the cafe was buzzing with people even on a weekday, on the two occasions that I went - it seems word gets around quick when quality food is up for grabs!
Business cards.
My first visit here was just to grab a quick lunch and coffee during a 10 minute break while working nearby. Seeing as I only had 10 minutes, I was in a rush and asked if the food could be prepared quickly, which made me feel bad as I believe I presented myself as a pushy customer - I was shocked by how friendly the staff were despite this. True to their word, my coffee and food (smashed avocado on toast) was ready for me to devour within minutes, and I made it back to work on time. I was very impressed by this, and decided to come back the very next day with Eddy in tow, to write an article on this hidden gem.
We met the owner of the cafe, who (perhaps) jokingly said that his wife was the owner, not him - he is just a worker!
The cafe itself is built of bricks, which I think just adds to the authenticity of the place. I am obsessed with brick walls - this is probably one of my favourite things about Tocco Italiano!
Bricks!
There is indoor seating available, although there is much more outdoor seating to choose from. However, the majority of the outdoor seats are undercover, with electric blinds, meaning that the outdoor seating here at Tocco Italiano will protect you from rain on rainy days, and from the sun on sunny days. What more could you ask for?
Awesome pizza oven in the back.
A few steps leading up to a mini verandah.
Bar seats also available.
More outdoor seats, with electric blinds pictured.
More outdoor seating options, this time for those who would prefer to be out in the sun.
Although there are only two pages in the menu, one for food items and the other for beverage options, the items they have available encompass a wide variety - there will most definitely be something that suits your taste palate. Plus, a shorter menu makes it easier to decide what to eat, for someone like me who sometimes struggles with committing to just one item. Breakfast items (Calazione) are served from 7am - 12pm, and lunch items (Pranzo) are served from 12pm - 2:30pm. Tocco Italiano is open till 10pm seven days a week - they also have dinner menus, including a menu for just pizza. There are vegetarian and gluten free options available, which is always a bonus!
Food menu.
Beverage options.
There are also plenty of cakes, pastries, and other desserts available for purchase. I fully recommend the mini cupcakes - they're aesthetically pleasing in addition to being packed full of delicious sweetness!
So many desserts to choose from!
Yum!
I ended up choosing the same item two days in a row, because it was just too good - I had smashed avocado on toast with relish and feta. As a side note, on my second visit, it was actually past 12pm, but the staff were friendly and said they could do the breakfast options for us. I can't think of another cafe off the top of my head who would do this for their customers, but I'm sure there aren't many of them out there. Thank you so much, Tocco Italiano!
Yum yum!
My friend opted for Caprese from the lunch menu - fior di latte (i.e. cow's milk) mozzarella, tomato, and basil sandwich, which I sampled and was equally delicious.
Eddy showcasing his good manners, as per usual.
I had a takeaway coffee on my first visit, and a vanilla milkshake on the second - both were great, no complaints, which is rare seeing how picky I am about my soy cappuccinos! My friend had a cute little Italian apricot juice. Eddy had water (of course) in a dog bowl, which was kindly provided by Tocco Italiano.
Leaning tower of Pisa.
Milkshake and apricot juice.
Thanks Tocco Italiano!
Tocco Italiano Ristorante Pizzeria and Caffe is a hidden gem in the Southern Suburbs near the Brisbane River - it presents itself as authentic, and gives patrons the chance to pay a visit to Italy without having to fork out for expensive tickets halfway across the world. Staff are really friendly, and service is quick, without hindering the quality of the food. Eddy and I will definitely be back, thanks for having us!
