Mietta's Review
There are the outside tables on the upper level on the Little Bourke St side then down six steps to the cafe proper. Outside but set back from William St is space for a couple of tables and a mobile bench top with half a dozen stools. Set on wheels and with a ledge under for magazines and papers, this is a popular al fresco spot for nearby office workers and Melbourne's legal fraternity. Inside is the bar which has a big display of filled foccacias, drinks dispense and coffee machine and behind that the tiniest kitchen imaginable. The two chefs and a kitchen hand serve out quite a substantial menu which includes breakfast specials from 7-11.30am and a range of daily specials writ boldly in black texter on the bright red wall. The other wall is dominated by two huge Bally posters which tone in well with the black banquettes, black chairs and black topped little tables edged with stainless and their shiny black chairs. It all still feels quite new and the staff of young waitresses in a variety of black outfits are enthusiastic about their work. One of the best things they do is to bring good quality bread with labna (yoghurt with paprika oil) which is a great alternative to olive oil with the ubiquitous black puddle of balsamic vinegar which appears everywhere. All in all Illia is a great place to watch the law go by.
Other Published Opinions Age Cheap Eats 2006
Age Cheap Eats 2005