In ancient Roman mythology, the goddess Juno is a symbol of aid, youthfulness and rejuvenation.

With its sleek yet playful interiors and farm-to-table ethos, these qualities are exactly what Ahmed Mekawy embodies at his McKinnon cafe of the same name. Here, Mekawy’s goal is to create a nurturing space that incorporates local, organic and ethically-sourced ingredients into its menu wherever possible.

Mekawy (also behind Prior in Thornbury) was inspired to open the south-east venue after moving to the area. Along with him came Prior’s head chef Nick Korceba (ex- Maha), who – along with fellow chef David Mikkelsen – has crafted a refined, produce-focused menu that easily transitions from breakfast to lunch.

The mainstay panko-crumbed chicken schnitzel might be freshened up with kale-and-red-cabbage slaw, and dill-and-yuzu mayo. While the Moreton Bay bug roll, another crowd-pleaser, might be loaded up with green-mango jam, kohlrabi, fried shallots and an assortment of herbs.

For something sweet, you might look to the Farmed Ricotta Toast – a thick slab of Rustica brioche topped with three types of jam. The jam offering changes according to what’s in season, and has included a luscious quince variety made with fruit grown in Prahran. It’s also available to buy by the jar, along with pickled heirloom carrots, specialty drinking chocolates, bags of Inglewood coffee and Juno-branded mugs. They’re stacked on pale timber shelving and behind them sits a minimalist greenery-filled courtyard.

Artist Bobby Clark's charmingly childlike chalk illustrations (and the menu) on the wall are also a feature of the design, by architect Ritz & Ghougassian. It also designed Prior and MCKN – the concrete-heavy apartment complex that houses Juno – so the partnership was a perfect match.