If you are searching for authentic Italian café culture in Sydney with consistently great coffee, Café & Cucina in Surry Hills has quietly built a reputation as a local favourite. Proudly serving Merlo coffee alongside a menu inspired by traditional Italian flavours, this long standing neighbourhood café continues to attract a loyal community of regulars who return for quality, familiarity and genuine hospitality.

Owned by Franco Amitrano, Café & Cucina reflects decades of passion for coffee and Italian cuisine. Customers drop in for their daily espresso, a quick panini or a relaxed catch up, knowing they will find the same welcoming atmosphere and dependable coffee every visit.

From Capri to Surry Hills

Franco’s love of coffee began on the island of Capri, Italy, where café culture is woven into everyday life. After moving to Australia at 24, he carried that appreciation for quality espresso and community with him, eventually opening Café & Cucina in Surry Hills in 2014.

More than a decade on, the café remains a strong local presence. Its Italian inspired interior and authentic menu create a familiar and relaxed setting that appeals to both locals and visitors. Franco’s son Christian now supports operations and helps manage a second nearby location, reinforcing the family foundation at the centre of the business.

Located in one of Sydney’s busiest inner city pockets, Café & Cucina has become a true neighbourhood café. Many customers visit daily, while others travel across Sydney for a reliable coffee and a taste of traditional Italian café culture.

Coffee that keeps customers returning

Coffee sits at the centre of the Café & Cucina experience. Franco chose Merlo after searching for a blend that delivered strength, flavour and consistency reminiscent of traditional Italian espresso.

After discovering the brand through Gourmet Traveller and tasting the blend himself, he knew it aligned with his vision. The bold flavour profile and rich chocolate notes provided the depth he was looking for, while the consistency of supply and support ensured high standards could be maintained across every cup.

Franco has now been serving Merlo coffee for more than 16 years across his cafés. That long term partnership reflects both confidence in the quality of the coffee and the value of working with experienced partners who understand the day to day needs of independent venues.

Supported by a strong wholesale partnership

Behind the scenes, Franco credits Merlo’s wholesale support for helping the café maintain consistency and quality. Regular check ins, equipment guidance and barista training ensure the team can deliver the same high standard every day.

Working with experienced providers of wholesale coffee suppliers Sydney allows independent cafés to maintain strong coffee quality while also accessing ongoing support, training and technical guidance. This type of partnership gives café owners confidence that supply, equipment and service are all aligned with their standards.

More broadly, reliable supply and support through experienced wholesale coffee suppliers plays an important role in helping cafés maintain consistency as they grow. From equipment advice through to barista training and technical servicing, these partnerships help venues focus on customer experience while knowing quality is supported behind the scenes.

Efficient ordering and delivery processes are also essential to maintaining day to day operations. Access to streamlined wholesale coffee ordering and delivery ensures beans and supplies arrive when needed, helping cafés maintain service without disruption.

“Glenn from Merlo checks in regularly and the training has been a big help,” Franco says. “Every new team member gets time with the trainers so we keep the coffee consistent.”

Local favourites and a loyal following

While coffee draws many customers through the door, the menu plays an equally important role in building loyalty. Café & Cucina serves a range of Italian classics, with Franco’s signature prosciutto panini a long time customer favourite.

The café’s baristas are also known for their personal approach. From remembering regular orders to adding thoughtful touches such as personalised latte art, the team focuses on making each visit feel familiar and welcoming.

Over time, this combination of quality coffee, authentic food and attentive service has helped establish Café & Cucina as a dependable local favourite in Surry Hills.

Looking ahead

With a second location now operating nearby and continued support from the Merlo partnership, Café & Cucina is well positioned for the future. Growth may bring equipment upgrades or expanded capacity over time, but the focus remains unchanged.

Great coffee. Authentic food. Friendly service.

It is a simple formula that continues to work and one that keeps customers returning week after week.

Café & Cucina
Surry Hills, NSW