The space
With arched doorways, rounded concrete ceilings, custom tiling and cascading greenery, Naïm on Melbourne takes the stunning details of Middle Eastern architecture and presents it in a contemporary way. Adi and Guy worked with Hana Hakim from The Stella Collective – known for her award-winning design of Melbourne’s The Kettle Black – who has created a fresh sun-drenched space that perfectly reflects the modern Middle Eastern cuisine that sits within Naïm’s front counter. Head to The Street Photographer for a closer look!
The food and drink
While you’re welcome to sit and admire Naïm’s fit-out (it’s okay, we get excited by arched doorways as well), the cafe is set up predominantly for takeaway. Much like at its Paddington sibling, you can sip on Single O coffee and cold drinks, with smoothies soon to be added to the menu. Atop the counter you’ll be tempted by flaky croissants, danishes and house-made cakes (ahem, Jewish apple cake), while inside the glass cabinet you’ll find a rotating selection of baguettes and vegetarian salads, all of which are made fresh and delivered twice daily from the Paddington cafe. Five to six salads will be on offer each day – think roasted cauliflower and broccoli with tahini, almonds and cranberries, potato salad with peas, cashew cream and watercress, and roasted vegetable and kale panzanella with ginger-pickled carrots and rye croutons. All of the salads are vegetarian, and there are a number of gluten-free and vegan items available as well.
The details
Naïm on Melbourne is part of Fish Lane and Melbourne Street’s new dining precinct beneath The Melbourne Residences, joining Gelato Messina and La Lune Wine Co. For opening hours and contact details, head to our Stumble Guide.
