Housed in a pale yellow-fronted terrace on Collingwood’s busy Smith Street, the interior of Mezina is a lot very relaxed with dark wood and a bistro style feel. Funky, striped, linen covered lights hang over the food counter displays, and large street-facing bay windows allow for plenty of natural light. Table service is offered on Saturdays but the rest of the week expect to order at the counter with one of the exceptionally friendly staff.
The food at Mezina is cafe style with plenty of tempting options to choose from. Start with the soup special: roasted tomato, lentil and basil served with crusty bread. Or, perhaps the rustic, Italian bread salad with prosciutto, parmesan, garlic and olive oil. There are daily tart offerings including zucchini, Spanish onion, capsicum and gruyere cheese, or the cherry tomato, olive, fetta and spinach tart, both served with salad. Alternatively opt for the chicken, sundried tomato and pine nut burger. For dessert there’s an array of cakes and slices and if you’re lucky, chocolate drizzled bread and butter pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream. Mezina also has an extensive catering menu should you choose to dine en masse. There’s no alcohol here, just good coffee and iced selections.
Veda Wickens