The Times Australia
The Times Food and Dining

.

Rustica Opens Its Fifth Venue on Little Collins and Queen Street


Introducing Rustica Queen & Collins

The team behind iconic Melbourne sourdough bakery and cafe Rustica have opened a new cafe and bakery in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, located on the prominent corner of Little Collins and Queen Street. The new arrival marks the fifth Rustica store in Melbourne for Managing Director Brenton Lang and Director Drew Gibbs

“With Melburnians filtering back into the city, we wanted to open in time to welcome them back. We are here to refuel and caffeinate the city with our new brunch menu, signature pastries and specialty coffee blend First Love Coffee,” says Brenton Lang, Managing Director of Rustica.

“Our new corner location accommodates seventy seats, so it's a decent pit-stop for the city-workers and city-dwellers who want to dine-in or pick up a takeaway option,” says  Director Drew Gibbs. 

The kitchen team is led by Head Chef Chantelle Saba, who has worked with Rustica for more than seven years. In distinguishing the new Rustica venue, Saba has finessed the breakfast and brunch menu to offer a variety of rotating grab-and-go options for the fast-paced city worker. 

“All the dishes were designed in mind to easily grab and devour in a lunch break,” says Saba.

Highlights on the dine-in menu include: 

  • Avocado, charred corn, herb salad, Mexican furikake, lime labneh, grilled halloumi and seedy sourdough
  • Grilled yellow peach, basil, prosciutto di parma, vincotto, stracciatella cheese and olive sourdough 
  • Lobster and prawn eggs Benedict, mixed leaves, poached eggs, herb hollandaise, crispy potatoes, salmon roe and milk bun
  • Linguini allo scoglio - prawn, clam and mussel linguine with white wine, chilli, garlic, pangrattato and cherry tomatoes 
  • Buttermilk fried chicken tender burger - Korean hot sauce, aioli, pickled dill cucumbers, cabbage slaw on milk bun and fries 
  • Roast porchetta roll - chimichurri, aioli, kale and fennel slaw and pickles on ciabatta and fries

As for the pastries, expect to see Rustica’s regulars, including blueberry and finger lime crullers, Ferrero french crullers, Portuguese tarts, almond and chocolate croissants, and Iced Vovo brioche donuts. 

The cafe serves Rustica’s own retail brand First Love Coffee. Sourcing the finest beans from Kenya, Ethiopia, Guatemala and Mexico, using seasonal, single origins and rotating between six different blends monthly. 

Architect Fiona Drago, a long-term collaborator of Rustica, was responsible for the new fit-out. Inspired by ‘the Gothic Bank’, which anchors the other corner of the precinct, Drago focussed on the Venetian gothic colours, textures and details of the building. 

On entry,  a deep red marble counter acts as a centrepiece visible from the street. The dark bronze trim echoes the gold leaf patterns of the old banking chamber; while the quatrefoil pattern and four-leaf clover motif in the tessellated floor tiles and artisan, hand-blown glass lights both reflect the ornate detailing that Venetian Gothic architecture is renowned for.

Rustica’s focus on local sources and traditional production methods is also reflected in the materials and items throughout the space, with the tiles, lighting, tables and stools all designed and made in Melbourne.

Rustica Little Collins and Queen Street is open Monday to Friday, and caffeinating CBD workers and city-dwellers from 7am until 4pm. 

- Ends - 

Notes to Editors

Dropbox media image gallery link: 
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/h786p5qnukag8feviwrro/h?dl=0&rlkey=7wxc056p728al80g6656lkc2x 

About Rustica: 
Rustica bakery was established in Fitzroy in 2012 by Founder and renowned Baker Brenton Lang. It was instantly recognised for its traditional use of sourdough techniques in artisan bread and pastries, and quickly became one of the most successful and recognised bakery cafes in Melbourne. Today, Rustica has grown to five locations including Highpoint, Melbourne Central, Rialto Towers, Little Collins and Queen Street as well as its flagship store in South Yarra which opened in January 2020. 

Food & Dining

Onsite Caterer vs a Full Service Venue: 9 important things to explore

Choosing between an external catering company and an all-inclusive venue is a major decision that affects cost, flexibility, food quality, and the overall event experience. Venues with in-house catering offer convenience and streamlined coordinatio...

Meal Prep as Self-Care? The One Small Habit That Could Improve Your Mood, Focus & Confidence

What if the secret to feeling calmer, more focused, and emotionally resilient wasn’t found in a supplement or self-help book — but in your fridge? That’s the surprising link uncovered by leading dietitians Anna Debenham and Alex Parker from The Biti...

Cult Favourite, TokyoTaco, Opens Beachfront at Mooloolaba this June

FREE Tokyo Tacos to Celebrate!  Cult favourite Japanese-Mexican restaurant TokyoTaco is opening a beachfront venue at the Mooloolaba Esplanade on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast this June.  The doors of the new venue will open on 18 June and to cel...

International lager claims crown as Australia’s most preferred beer

Launching its inaugural ‘Brand Map of Australia’, Tracksuit reveals Corona as the nation’s most preferred beer  Sydney, Thursday, 29 May 2025 - From iconic mass-produced lagers to innovative craft brews, beer is woven into the fabric of Australi...

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...

My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?

If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after...

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...

Why You’re Always Adjusting Your Bra — and What to Do Instead

Image by freepik It starts with a gentle tug, then a subtle shift, and before you know it, you're adjusting your bra again — in the middle of work, at dinner, even on the couch. I...

How to Tell If Your Eyes Are Working Harder Than They Should Be

Image by freepik Most of us take our vision for granted—until it starts to let us down. Whether it's squinting at your phone, rubbing your eyes at the end of the day, or feeling ...