Advieh shouldn’t have worked. Gene Kapaufs was wrestling for Australia at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi when his mother, Sandra Farrugia, suggested they run a cafe together. With no business plan to speak of, the duo started Advieh, with an emphasis on vegan and vegetarian meals.

Inspired by the Middle East, the interior has a rustic, woody aesthetic that complements the mismatched furniture – some of it found in antique stores, some of it made by Kapaufs himself.

The menu is heavily influenced by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours. There are dishes such as dukka-pesto, rocket and avocado on sourdough, topped with pecorino cheese, homemade dukka and a poached egg. There’s also homemade bruschetta –a hummus or baba ganoush on sourdough with fresh tomatoes and basil.

Lunch focusses on share plates, such the falafel with a choice of three salads and hummus, or Moroccan meatballs with a choice of three salads and yoghurt sauce. Or pick from a range of Lebanese wraps or toasted focaccias.

Coffee is from Five Senses, and fresh produce is sourced from the local Footscray market. Little Advi, little sister to Advieh and Kapaufs’ and Farrugia’s second cafe, is located down the road in Yarraville.