Parco

Parco is on a traffic island just south of Carlton’s Argyle Place. Jarrod Balme and Adrian Pagano (of roaming hotdog cart Juan Fiddy turned the former power substation into a cafe in winter 2018.

With the help of Therefore Studio, the kerb-side eatery has been reworked to feel like an extension of the neighbouring park; it has benches and umbrellas painted an unobtrusive muted green. The exterior remains relatively untouched, bar a luxurious slab of forest-green marble under the front bar.

Dishes on the tight menu are fuss-free, ready for devouring in the park. Parco’s take on a breakfast banh mi is maple-glazed bacon, fried egg, pickled carrot, coriander and miso mayo in a brioche bun. Or, take your brioche in a thick slab, toasted and topped with ricotta and jam. House-made granola comes with yoghurt, rhubarb and fresh apple. There are pastries by Dench Bakers , too.

Abbotsford’s Coffee Supreme provides rich blends, and there’s hot chocolate from Koko Black. Milkshakes come in Oreo and blue heaven flavours.

In winter the cafe hands out rugs for customers; and in summer, bocce sets and picnic blankets.