Illi Hill

Atop Illawarra Road’s cosiest crest, Marrickvillians Con and Mary ran a quintessentially Australian corner store for 47 years. Now retired, their shop has been reborn as Illi Hill.

The breakfast menu features curious combinations such as the green omelette made with broccoli, crushed peas, silverbeet and roasted sunflower seeds. The ricotta and buttermilk hotcakes with dark chocolate praline are very popular, too.

Lunch offers fresh and flexible meals - the grilled veggie burger stacks seasonal produce with a layer of wasabi mayo. The triple cheeseburger melts aged cheddar, Swiss and blue atop organic beef. Hefty salad options include Israeli couscous and six-hour roasted lamb shoulder with chickpeas. All dishes are flexible, with adaptable ingredients. Illi Hill promises options for vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters, with all meat sourced ethically.

The bright, spacious interior was lovingly repurposed: original kauri pine shelves make the beautiful counter and corner-store fridges were re-serviced to display produce. The Bentwood Thonet Chairs were used on the set of The Great Gatsby, and wall sconces were loaned for the filming of The Water Diviner.