If you've spent any time on Melbourne food Instagram over the last two years, you already know the name No.22 Cafe. The tiny Flinders Street focacceria near Federation Square built a cult following on one thing: proper, round, Puglia-style focaccia, baked fresh and sliced to order, with a queue to prove it. Now it's back — renovated, re-equipped and ready to do it all again.
No.22 Cafe Has Reopened on Flinders Street
No.22 Cafe is the work of husband-and-wife team Gaetano "Tano" and Jess. Tano grew up in Trinitapoli, in Italy's Puglia region, and brought his family's focaccia recipe with him to Melbourne; Jess, who grew up outside São Paulo, runs the business side and works the kitchen alongside him. Together they've spent the last few weeks giving the Flinders Street site a full refresh — a new kitchen, a new La Marzocco coffee machine and a new menu TV — while keeping the thing that made the original shop a destination in the first place: focaccia baked fresh daily from Nonna's recipe, round, Puglia-style, sliced straight from the tray.
We got a sneak preview ahead of the official reopening and tried three of the standouts — the Autentica, Il Porco and Tartufata. Verdict: worth the hype. The focaccia base itself is the real point of difference here — flatter and thicker than the Genovese-style focaccia that's popped up around Melbourne in the last couple of years, closer to a light, pillowy pizza crust than a sandwich roll, and made with imported Italian flour.
What's New at No.22 Cafe
- New kitchen — a full rebuild behind the counter to keep pace with demand
- New La Marzocco coffee machine — a proper upgrade for the coffee side of the menu
- New menu TV — easier browsing for first-timers facing 20-plus focaccia options
- Same soul — same recipe, same couple, same round Puglia-style bake
What to Order at No.22 Cafe
With more than twenty focaccia varieties on the menu, it's worth knowing where to start. Here are the three we'd point you toward first:
Autentica — the signature. Mortadella, stracciatella and crumbled pistachio, with the option to swap in burrata for $5 extra. This is the one that made No.22's reputation.
Il Porco — hot soppressa, rocket, grilled eggplant, capsicum strips and stracciatella. The spiciest and most savoury of the three, built for people who want a bit of heat.
Tartufata — prosciutto di Parma, black truffle, stracciatella and rocket, with burrata (+$5) or beef bresaola (+$2) as swaps. A vegetarian version is available for +$1.50. This is the indulgent pick.
No.22 Cafe Reopening Party: Saturday 12 September 2026
No.22 Cafe is celebrating its reopening with a party on Saturday 12 September from 12pm. On the day, No.22 will be serving:
- Complimentary tasting portions of the Autentica (mortadella, stracciatella and pistachio)
- Complimentary tasting portions of the Vegetariana (roasted capsicum, stracciatella, grilled eggplant and rocket — vegan option available)
- A complimentary drink
These are smaller tasting-size portions rather than full regular-menu servings, and everything is available on the day only, while stocks last — so it pays to get there close to 12pm.
No.22 Cafe
140 Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Near Federation Square
FAQ: No.22 Cafe Reopening
Where is No.22 Cafe located?
No.22 Cafe is at 140 Flinders Street, Melbourne, near Federation Square.
When is the No.22 Cafe reopening party?
Saturday 12 September, from 12pm, with complimentary tastings and a drink while stocks last.
Who owns No.22 Cafe?
No.22 Cafe is owned and run by husband-and-wife team Tano, from Puglia in Italy, and Jess, from Brazil.
What kind of focaccia does No.22 Cafe make?
Round, Puglia-style focaccia baked fresh daily from a family recipe, sliced to order — a flatter, thicker style than the Genovese focaccia found elsewhere in Melbourne.
What are the must-try items on the No.22 Cafe menu?
The Autentica (mortadella, stracciatella, pistachio), Il Porco (hot soppressa, rocket, eggplant, capsicum, stracciatella) and Tartufata (prosciutto, black truffle, stracciatella, rocket) are the standouts.
Does No.22 Cafe have vegetarian options?
Yes — there are several vegetarian options including La Vegetariana featuring grilled Eggplant and Stracciatella cheese.
What's changed at No.22 Cafe?
The cafe has a new kitchen, a new La Marzocco coffee machine and a new menu TV, alongside the same focaccia recipe and team.