Small Axe Kitchen

Adam Pruckner has lived and worked in Brunswick most of his life. So when the former Code Black chef decided to strike out on his own, opening on Sydney Road was a foregone conclusion. Small Axe was founded with the help of his partner, Kirstyn Tait, and old mate Jas Singh.

The homey cafe features both open-air seating and reassuring, cosy corners. The 100-year-old building has a modern industrial feel; with an espresso bar, street-side dining and internal laneways.

In line with Pruckner's heritage and a honeymoon trip he and Tait took to Sicily, the menu is largely inspired by Italy. The breakfast pasta, for example, is maccaruni topped with cured pork cheek, peas, mint, salted ricotta and a slow-cooked egg. Other favourites include Sicilian meatballs with slow cooked egg and pecorino on toast; chargrilled sardines; and a smoked eggplant salad.

There’s also a range of Italian and Australian wines. Coffee is a seasonal blend from Code Black.