First Look: A Trip to Verona Inspired Bugiardo, a New Italian Espresso Bar and Osteria for Camberwell

New Camberwell espresso bar and restaurant Bugiardo (“liar” in Italian) gets its name – and inspiration – from a bustling osteria its owner visited on a trip to Verona, Italy.

“The rustic and charming Osteria Del Bugiardo, [that] my partner and I stumbled across, quenched our souls in so many ways,” says owner Jeff Pilati. “My hope here is to offer a little gateway to Italian-inspired offerings … one that locals can feel at ease in.”

At the Toorak Road spot, he’s serving colazione (breakfast) such as cornetto, Italy’s take on the croissant, with various spreads or ham and provolone. For lunch, choose from a number of panini: the Il Veneto is a combo of salami, asiago cheese and mixed mushrooms, finished with a slathering of creamy aioli; while the Il Figo is a stacks-on of wafer-thin prosciutto, fragrant gorgonzola, fig jam and rocket. Also find classic caprese salads, antipasti platters, and regular house-made pasta specials (in January it’s only trading until 1pm, but the osteria menu is set to expand afterwards).

Coffee-wise, Pilati is serving a medium-strength, well-balanced blend called Marco from boutique speciality roaster Botero Coffee in the Northern Rivers of NSW.

A large, handcrafted Apollo mosaic overlooks the space and reflects onto an antique mirror that serves as a specials board. Rustic timber furnishings give Bugiardo a homey charm, while in the aptly named Venetian Room, imagery of old-world Venice hangs on the textured walls. You can also shoot (and catch) the breeze in the courtyard out back.

Bugiardo Espresso Bar & Osteria
970 Toorak Road, Camberwell

Hours:
Mon to Sat 7am–1pm

bugiardo.com.au