It was Va Piano (Italian for ‘go slow’) until just recently and has now changed the sign on the door the to Piano Piano (‘slowly slowly’). But this small hub of respite in a mostly residential strip of Nicholson Street is certainly no slouch.

The pared-back quality, ‘no muss no fuss’ food and gentle vibe is what’s comforting about this tiny room; you could be a million miles from anywhere but you’re actually just across from the RRR studios at the Nicholson and Blyth intersection. It’s quiet, even if staff are taking orders behind the counter or delivering plates of food or coffees to one of the five tables. It’s definitely a place to escape.

Food is simple but the flavours are big. There’s saucy baked eggs with egg, tomato sugo, pecorino and Persian fetta or a nonna melt of good bread covered in basil, tomato and mozzarella. The jaffles are great – try the mortadella and tomato – and the coffee gets it just right.

This is a cafe that respects and knows its area. There are no bells and whistles, just touches of retro pieces – vases, an old radio and a telly – and while the wooden bench along the wall may not be the most comfortable, this may well be one of the more relaxing seats you’ll find in a Melbourne cafe.