Riddik

Take a detour from the curves of the Eastern Freeway and, hopefully, you will find yourself – after a few sets of traffic lights – at Templestowe Lower’s newest eatery, Riddik. Formerly an ANZ branch, the converted space has been renovated and refurbished to specialise in another social currency: food. And boy is it good! Open for two weeks and generating some serious buzz, Milk Bar Mag decided to check out Riddik and give you the full scoop. 

The 133-seater all-day cafe is very much a family affair, the brainchild of siblings George Kelzi and Michelle Wagner, and Michelle’s husband, Andrew Wagner. Situated in the leafy Macedon Road shopping strip, it is a welcome addition to the surprisingly lacking eastern suburbs. On entry, you will be greeted by stunning street art that is sure to catch your discerning eye. European street artist, Tarek, is responsible for personifying ‘Riddik’, a free-spirited gypsy girl with a knack for overlooking all diners as they swig, graze or yack.

The menu is legitimately riddik. (Apologies for the cheap shot.) Lose yourself in the The Benes section and decide between six different variations of the classic brunch meal. Personally, the braised spring lamb with grilled asparagus won the vote and did not disappoint. The lamb was mouth-wateringly tender. The side of rosti was divine. Mushrooms pop up several times on the menu (open philli cheese steak sandwich, for one) but the brunch frontrunner was the garlic and herbed mushrooms. Bursting with flavour, the mushies were served with sautéed spinach, melted buffalo mozzarella, poached eggs and salsa Verde on toasted sourdough.