It’s been 11 years since Greek-born chef Andreas Papadakis broke into the public consciousness with pasta bar Tipo 00. Three years later, he and his business partners struck again with Osteria Ilaria next door, followed by Brunswick East pizzeria Figlia in 2022.

Papadakis, the driving culinary force behind the three restaurants, has built a reputation for finely calibrated simplicity. Exhibit A: this kid-friendly pomodoro rigatoni recipe from Tipo 00: The Pasta Cookbook, published last year. We caught up with the respected chef to find out where he goes for breakfast, dinner and everything in between.

Where’s the best coffee in Melbourne?
Most places in Melbourne serve very good coffee. I drink around six espresso a day, mostly at work.

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What’s your go-to bakery?
I have been a close friend with Cobb Lane bakery for a long time and I love what they do. But I live in Northcote and most days I get bread from All Are Welcome on High Street, which is also an amazing bakery.

What do you order for a quick take-away breakfast?
It will always have to be some sort of sandwich for me, either a smoked salmon bagel from Corner & Bench close to work, or a chicken sandwich at Juniper in South Melbourne.

Where do you go for a long lunch?
When I have a chance, there’s nothing like heading to Tedesca Osteria. To me, that would be the epitome of a long Sunday lunch. I don’t get to do it much, but when I do, I relish it.

Where do you go when you’re out with a big group?
If I was going to host a big group, it would be at my house for some relaxed traditional Greek food. Close friends only!

What’s the best place to go after service?
Apollo Inn for a Martini and then straight home.

What’s your favourite place for a late-night feed?
For something proper and a glass of wine, France-Soir serves every day until midnight. It never fails to cheer me up. For something really tasty, quick and cheerful, it would be Nana Thai in the city.

What’s your best recommendation for a date spot?
Embla is the ultimate date spot. But I don’t want to pigeonhole it. It’s so much more, a truly one-of-a-kind venue that we’re lucky to have in the CBD.

What’s your favourite place for Italian food?
Bar Vincent in Sydney is the place that feeds the soul and really hits the spot every time.

What’s your favourite dish in Melbourne and who’s making it?
Mud crab with rolled rice noodles at Lee Ho Fook.

What’s your favourite ice-cream or gelato shop and what do you order?
I have a love-hate relationship with sugar and try not to have a go-to gelato place (we’re so lucky to have so many amazing spots in Melbourne) but when I find myself in one of them, I always go for something very simple like stracciatella.

What’s your bucket list restaurant?
Etxebarri in Spain is on top of my list. With some luck, it will happen this year.