Bellissimo Coffee Bulimba

When Bellissimo first opened this roastery on Oxford Street in 2013, it was a simple warehouse operation serving Italian dark roast espresso and takeaway beans. In the intervening years, the brand has gone on to become Australia’s most highly awarded roaster, with a cafe in Fortitude Valley and a grand headquarters, roastery and cafe in Coorparoo.

These day, Bellissimo Bulimba is a beautifully appointed cafe with terracotta tiles, polished concrete floors and marble counters. A raised section at the back is decked out in long timber banquettes, and there’s hanging greenery and pendent lighting throughout. The ceiling is exposed, celebrating the venue’s grungy warehouse past, with skylights allowing in plenty of daylight.

The brunch menu mixes classics such as truffle scramble, smashed avo, and a salmon brioche with house-made gravlax, with more singular creations that include onion bhaji with sauteed spinach, poached eggs and coriander yoghurt. Handheld items include a brekkie bun and a double-stacked beef burger, and Bellissimo’s forever popular all-day toasted sandwiches.

A Mediterranean-inflected small-plate menu also kicks in at lunch. Think spicy chicken ribs, charred baby chorizo with lime mayo and salsa verde, and prawn bucatini tossed with house-made pasta.

For drinks, there is of course the stellar line-up of coffee, served as espresso, batch brew or cold drip, backed by a selection of chilled drinks. Later in the day, craft beer on tap, wine and boutique Australian spirits all feature prominently.