This new Neapolitan-style coffee bar sees a Cibo founder return to his roots

As the co-founder of Cibo, Roberto Cardone has helped shape Adelaide's hospitality scene for more than three decades.

After the original Cibo Ristorante ushered in a wave of refined modern Italian venues, the espresso bars that spread across the city from 2000 onwards helped to elevate Adelaide's coffee game.

His latest project is set to take things a step further.

Roberto's signature is creating venues that welcome customers at any time, and Eccomi is a southern Italian coffee bar that will evolve throughout the day.

“It could be a snack, something sweet, a coffee or a meal, but there's always something to fill the gap in your day,” he explains.

“I tell my staff that we are a moment in people's lives.

They might only have a moment to stop here for a coffee, but if you get that coffee right, it makes their day bounce along.

And Norwood has the volume that allows us to touch so many people at different times of the day.”

In the mornings, customers can find sfogliatelle, aragostas and cannoli alongside the signature medium roast that features a rich caramel and hazelnut finish.

“We stick to that Italian tradition where our coffee is quite strong in flavour,” Roberto explains.

“So a single shot is enough – we don't do a light roast where you need to have a double shot.”

Focaccias are baked onsite, while the tavola calda-style spread of hot food includes classics like pizza by the slice and home-style meatballs.

“I don't do a lot of new and different,” he says; “I present things that have worked in a new way.

Everyone does lasagne, but we've got ham and egg in it, which is a southern Italian thing you don't see that often.”

As the day evolves, the licensed venue offers a range of wines and aperitivi, including six types of spritz.

As for the fitout, “I want people to feel like they're in a Neapolitan coffee bar when they come in,” says Roberto, whose own parents come from the Benevento region near Naples.

“The dark timber gives it a very classic, old-world feel, and the blue on the logo is the colour of the Napoli soccer team and the flag of Naples.”

Located in the former Cibo site at the entrance to Norwood Mall, he says that the venue represents a “full-circle moment.

It's a great position in Norwood, and one that I was really fortunate to be able to get.”

After helming pop-up restaurants during the Fringe season, it's also a welcome return to a bricks-and-mortar Italian venue.

“I really love serving people, and I love being able to create spaces that people can have some ownership over.

“That's what I want Eccomi to be; a place for people to go that they're really proud of and want to share.”

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161 The Parade, Norwood
I: /eccomi.adl