Alimentari

LOCATION
3 km's north of the CBD in the suburb of Fitzroy.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Established in 1998, Alimentari is the unique collaboration between joint owners Linda Malcolm and the late Dolores Napolitano. Nicknamed the “combo queens” and renowned for their mixed dinner parties, the duo decided to open a deli, the only one of its kind on Brunswick Street’s eclectic strip, offering an array of cuisine options including Greek, Lebanese, Italian and Indian. Utilising the freshest of ingredients with nearly everything made in-house, it wasn’t long before Alimentari became the success it is today. Malcolm now runs the place with her husband, chef Paul Jones, and together they've also opened a night-time place, Gorski & Jones, in Smith Street.

Ponder the display fridge stocked full of gourmet delicacies or choose from the selection of fresh cakes, biscuits, nougat and brioche. Snack on pizza with prosciutto, spinach, sun-dried tomato and crispy mushrooms, or one of the tempting wrap options including Italian meatball, felafel or chicken schnitzel. The pies are also a big favourite; choose from spinach and silver beet, served with labne, or haloumi cheese pies. Many of the Lebanese options are made by Linda’s mum, whose sister is the successful chef and owner of Abla’s Restaurant. Take away is also well catered for here with a selection of dry goods or heat-at-home options like vegetarian lasagne or a whole organic chicken with ciabatta, prune, apricot and pine nut stuffing.

Veda Wickens