Café Lansdowne is ready for business

Café Lansdowne could easily be mistaken for a regular Victorian-era terrace house as you walk down the leafy East Melbourne street.

But inside the 153-year-old building is a sun-lit courtyard, a homey dining area and hot meals prepared by owner Ray Pantovic and his wife Rika.

After buying the business in May last year, the pair have been slowly growing their business after being hit with COVID restrictions.

“When we bought the space, it was disaster time,” Mr Pantovic said.

“Everybody has been struggling but it’s particularly difficult when city office workers haven’t come back yet.”

For the past three years, Ray and Rika have sold home-made Turkish rolls and café food to local businesses.

But after some discussion the pair decided to open a place of their own.

“We wanted a kitchen space to make our pre-made rolls so we took the opportunity and decided to join the two businesses together,” Mr Pantovic said.

Now their menu has an array of hot breakfast food, hamburgers, fresh juices, rolls and kebabs.

Already, the café’s delicious food and welcoming atmosphere has attracted some well-known Melbourne identities, including former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting and watercolour artist David Taylor.

“Ricky Ponting came in twice one month and David Taylor takes his students out to the courtyard to have lunch,” Mr Pantovic said.

“We also see Shane Warne quite a bit when he visits the hair clinic down the street from us.”

Café Lansdowne was originally built in 1867 by Jewish refugees who immigrated to Australia and used the building as a hostel.

Since buying the space, Mr Pantovic has kept some of the old charm while adding some modern comforts.

“We have an inside area and an outside area with garden which is a cosy, relaxed get away from the hustle of the city,” Mr Pantovic said.

“It’s really the perfect spot for brunch.” •

For more information: facebook.com/CafeLansdowne