Bertoni Casalinga

281 Darling Street, Balmain, NSW, 02 9818 5845.

Some places you just know are going to be good. Bertoni in Sydney’s inner-west is like that.

Maybe it’s the friendly greeting (and that’s for everyone, regulars and newcomers like us too). Maybe it’s the orange milk crates for impromptu seating, ranged around the wide-open entrance, or the long-and-chummy table further back. Maybe it’s the smell of good coffee, the blackboard menu, the crammed glass-fronted display counter full of pastas, salad, wraps and …yes, decadent mouth-watering dolci (sweets).

Or perhaps it’s just the plain Italian-ness of the whole deal.  It’s vibrant, but without attitude and serves up good ‘casalinga’(homestyle) food and great coffee in a welcoming low-key environment. Why can’t every cafe be like this?

I notice there is another Bertoni at 90 Vista Street, Mosman (02 9969 5845). I’m going there as soon as possible.