With 30 years in the game, the Togninis name is one that’s deeply entrenched in Brisbane’s hospitality scene. Mark and Narelle Tognini founded their long-running Baroona Road locale Tognini’s Deli Cafe in 1993, both stepping away from their respective careers to keep Milton locals fed and watered. Now, 30 years on, Mark and Narelle’s daughters – Madeleine and Nastassia – are embarking on their own hospitality venture with Sorelle Eatery, a cafe and homewares space that officially opened to the public on Saturday May 6. Though no stranger to hospitality environments, Madeleine and Nastassia (a paediatric nurse and a commercial lawyer, respectively) are relishing the chance to get back to their roots with the endeavour. “We’ve always stepped in and out of working within the businesses since we were teens,” says Madeleine. “We’ve grown up surrounded by a deep appreciation for good food, company and style.” The duo are funnelling these long-held inspirations into a bright Hawken Drive locale boasting soft green and nude tones, with interior touches like timber tables, textured-stone bench tops and arched shelving niches creating a chic and comfortable aesthetic.

When it comes to Sorelle’s menu, the team is looking to Italian cuisine for inspiration, coupling the country’s flavour profiles with the family’s deep-seated affinity for straightforward eats done well. “Dad’s always been food-obsessed – scouring cookbooks, looking for a new dining experience,” says Nastassia. “He loves simple food done brilliantly. It’s what started them in the industry all those years ago and why it’s still thriving today.” Sorelle’s menu kicks off with all-day breakfast dishes like tiramisu cruffins with espresso syrup, polenta cornbread with avocado and poached eggs, coconut yoghurt panna cotta with house made granola, and Sicilian chilli scrambled eggs with sobrasada, fried capers, red sorrel, paprika chilli oil and stracciatella sourdough. At lunch, the menu expands to include mortadella toasties with scamorza and mozzarella, saffron risotto with zucchini, pea and smoked ricotta, calamari fritti and veal cotaletta. The cafe is also pouring its own custom coffee blend alongside a tight menu of Australian and imported wines, with a clutch of Italian varietals sure to catch the eye of discerning oenophiles. An on-site retail section is where you’ll find a wide range of homewares, ceramics, children’s gifts and soft furnishings, with brands like Robert Gordon, Madras Link and Urban Rituelle featuring on the shelves.

Sorelle Eatery is now open to the public from Wednesday through Sunday – operating hours and contact details can be found in the Stumble Guide.

Images shot by Callie Marshall and supplied by Sorelle Eatery