Café & Cucina has become a beloved local institution in the leafy Sydney suburb of Surry Hills, known for its rich Italian atmosphere, authentic menu, and high-quality coffee.
Owner Franco Amitrano, who began the original venue 11 years ago, has since spread out to two more locations: one located in the buzzing lobby of News Corp’s Holt Street building, and Aamare, a weeks-old café and panini bar helmed by his daughter.
“We opened up Aamare to do something a little bit different, and my daughter [Chiara] is the owner and operator. She’s only 22, so she designed the whole shop and the menu. She wanted a fresh panini bar with all Italian products, such as mozzarella and burrata cheese.”
The café’s outdoor area features an ornate mural of Italian-style balconies as a reminder of “a little bit of Italy”.
As for his favourite picks off the menu, Franco notes Aamare’s breakfast bagel with fresh prosciutto, pesto, feta cheese, and scrambled eggs. The café’s most popular panini is the Milano – one of 10 to choose from.
The Café & Cucina café in Cooper Street features fresh pasta, as well as breakfast dishes and burgers, featuring handmade pasta and sauces.
Franco has been in the café business for more than 25 years – his first venue was located in Wynyard train station, where he reached out to Merlo after spotting the roaster’s advertisement in a magazine – the beginning of a decades-long partnership.
“I contacted them, and they came and saw me straight away – since then I’ve been with them, because it’s really great coffee and service. I’ve been with Merlo for more than 25 years.”
For Franco, the most rewarding part of the job is seeing his family take up the reins.
“My 19 year old son is running the News Corp lobby café, and my daughter is the owner and operator of Aamare,” he says.
“I wanted them to do something else for a career, but they both wanted to follow in my footsteps.”
Café & Cucina
24 Cooper Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
Open Monday to Saturday, 6am to 4pm.
AAMARE
407 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
Open Monday to Friday, 7am to 3pm.
