FARINA & Co will surpass(ta) your expectations!
FARINA & Co will surpass(ta) your expectations!
Hold onto your fedoras Gold Coast, because FARINA & Co. has landed! This ultimate triple threat of a venue – a bakery, café, AND pasta bar opened its doors last week and it’s already the toast of the town. Bringing a whole lotta European flair to the Alcove retail community in Southport – which FYI, is described as “the pick for customers who value the boutique over the en-masse” – FARINA is right at home.
Translating to ‘flour’ in Italian, of course it does because we all know that flour and Europeans go together like, well, flour and Europeans. Walking into FARINA & Co. feels like stepping into a chic European bistro. Long tables beckon you to gather your amici for that quintessential Euro dining experience, while smaller tables are perfect for those intimate occasions when you’re looking for a cozy coffee or a romantic pasta date to woo. And woo you shall.
Greeted with a light but inviting atmosphere that’s as welcoming as Nonna’s hug, but with a modern and very now twist, doughn’t delay – just go. Think elegance meets contemporary chic with sophisticated marble benchtops, jaw-dropping chandeliers, and oh-so-mod pendant lights which we need in our abode. Like now.
Given FARINA & Co is the brainchild of Sofia’s and Luna’s owner Henry Hunt we would expect nothing less. The warm and inviting floorboards paired with Euro-chic tiling create the perfect backdrop for your Insta snaps, and let’s take a moment to appreciate the open kitchen where you can watch the chefs ‘chef’ before your very eyes.
Speaking of, FARINA & Co.’s pastry chef is up at sparrow’s baking phenomenal handmade pastries and goodies daily and whilst this totally scratches an itch, we’re equally here for the pasta. Handcrafted with love, you can even pick up a little somethin’ somethin’ to impress your dinner guests #ssssh.
Alright, let’s eat. We’re starting with the treats cabinet which is overflowing with mouthwatering munchies. Our pick is Farina’s Choc Chip Cookie, their signature buttery bite, with double chocolate chip and walnuts. Served warm, it’s equal parts gooey and crunchy.
For an AM ambrosia to start your day right, we recommend the Pumpkin Frittata with roasted butternut pumpkin, caramelised shallots, eggs, goats cheese, and sage. Pair it with your coffee of choice made with Allpress A.R.T roast, the Cavalli of caffeine, which will forever taint the way you look at your humble home pod machine
We also rate the Rose Pink Latte which we suggest you order on a Wednesday coz #OnWednesdaysWeDrinkPink, and if you’re there after 10am, why not trade your flat white for a fizzy white (champagne), glass of wine, or a cocktail (Editor’s note: try the Classic Negroni).
If you’re passionate about pasta, you’re spoilt for choice here, but our vote goes to the Winter Greens Pesto with house-made casarecce cavolonero and almond pesto, stracciatella and black lava salt, or the Morton Bay Bug Linguine with house-made fettucine, pan-kissed tomatoes, garlic, white wine, Morton Bay bug and cerval.
Focaccia fans, look no further than the Mortadella, toasted with stracciatella, pistachio mortadella, green olives, mustard and honey dressing, served with a side of rocket salad. And coz you can, grab a side of Shoestring Fries tossed in oregano and salt. Bellissima!
So, whether you’re craving a cappuccino, a croissant, or a carb-fest in the form of an authentic pasta, FARINA & Co. is your dough-to destination.
When: 6am – 3pm Wednesday to Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday
Where: 15 Pinter Street, Southport
Words by Bianca Trathen