Loretta

Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, Loretta is a Cuba Street mainstay with a seasonal, wholesome menu and spacious layout.

It opened in 2014 as a collaboration between Parsonson Architects and Marc Weir, Julie Clark and James Pedersen of Floriditas fame. The aim was to offer clean, produce-forward food in a Scandinavian setting.

While it’s changed hands over the years, the exposed-brick walls with stained-glass accents and comfortable booths remain the same. The space can seat up to 120 people, and has the flexibility to cater for both big groups and smaller get-togethers comfortably.

You’ll find open sandwiches and salads for lunch, and a protein-focused share menu for dinner. The selection of woodfired sourdough bread with toppings (basically pizza) carries through both menus; you might try one with green-lipped mussels, albacore tuna and tomatoes, or a combination of Agria potatoes, thyme, gremolata, confit garlic and black olives.

According to the team, the brunch menu is most popular among regulars. Try the signature waffles, which come with chai-spiced maple and seasonal fruit – or maybe mushrooms on seeded toast is more your style.

Alongside Coffee Supreme brews and a range of teas, sodas and juices, Loretta also serves some classic cocktails, as well as a list of local craft beers. A nicely ranging wine list includes whites broken into categories of dry, aromatic and textural, plus light-bodied, mid-weight and richer, riper reds.