Located in the heart of Fitzroy, newly opened Gabriel Cafe is set to become a quick favourite of locals and visitors from far and wide alike. After taking over iconic cafe De Clieu, Gabriel owner Andrew Skoullos felt like the brand and cafe was due for an update. Working with local branding agency Pop & Pac and renown interior designers Flack Studio, the trio have re-invigorated a Melbourne institution, creating a modern diner, with its roots set in providing the very best service to every single person that walks through its doors. “I wanted to make it like a big, relaxed Fitzroy house…I want breakfast to begin with coffee, white peach Bellini’s or sparkling wine, and vibrant salads atop every table,” says Skoullos.

The new institution still has a tie back to its history, with Gabriel being De Clieu’s first name. De Clieu was credited with introducing coffee to the French colonies in the 1720’s. “Gabriel is ingrained with a rich history. Within its fabric are many wonderful moments, meals, memories and macchiatos.” says David Popov of Pop & Pac.

Speaking of the design, owner of Flack Studio’s David Flack said “It was important to retain a sense of a local meeting place [in] reinvigorating a Fitzroy icon. Materiality, pattern and colours collide…punches of red contrast deep green, burgundy and pink stones. Each visit is a discovery of details, finishes and moments.”

While the interiors are certainly on point, the food is too. Think moreish Teff Gingerbread, glorious fry ups, and drool-inducing renditions of potato galette with cured trout. Coffee beans come supplied by local micro-roasting experts Inglewood coffee roasters and behind the illustrious bar, mixologists will be crafting summer-ready cocktails like the Gabriel spritz, brimming with a bespoke, housemade syrup.

So what are you waiting for? Pop in an get reacquainted with an old favorite.

Gabriel, 187 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065

About The Author

Lisa Teh

Lisa Teh is the Editor-in-chief of Couturing.com, one of Australia's top fashion, beauty and lifestyle resources. She has worked on campaigns with brands including David Jones, Myer, Mecca Cosmetica, Simone Perele, Lenovo and L'Oreal. She recently appeared in Couturing's exclusive Australian Fashion Week reality web series, The Frow, alongside top industry names including Toni Maticevski and Maybelline Creative Director Nigel Stanislaus.

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