Sydney seems to have a limitless addiction to Fratelli Fresh and the new outlet that opened today in the city is only going to refuel that fixation. Hidden in a sandstone basement opposite the stock exchange, it expands on the usual “Cafe Sopra plus gourmet grocer” template with a mozzarella bar, where you can order highly shareable snacks such as the lovely Crostini of Crushed Peas with Bocconcini, with its lemon-zest zing and mint sharpness; the lively Buffalo Mozzarella with Grilled Eggplant, Roasted Chilli and Mint and an Affettati Misti, a meat plate with Parma ham, ham-ham, bresaola, spicy salami and a compulsory dairy cameo in the form of smoked mozzarella. This mozzarella bar is also part-pizzeria, where melted cheese and carbs come in fine “more please” combinations such as Funghi, Smoked Mozzarella (you again!) and Arugula ($18). And then there was the makeshift “dessert bar” that Amy, Ben, Sarah and I created just by ordering lots of sweet courses – Meringata with Berries and Yogurt Cream, Chocolate Torta with Candied Blood Orange and the famous/compulsory Banoffee Pie and dividing that as much as four spoons would allow. Plus, there’s also the “aperitivo bar” for grown-up boozing and a section for adding homewares and fresh produce to your shopping basket. And I’m not sure what the story is with the random lilies “sprouting” from industrial fittings in the Mike Delaney (Duke, The Carrington) interior design, but it’s another thing I like (and the lack of queues at the moment is also a bonus).

Fratelli Fresh, 11 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW (02) 8298 2701, www.fratellifresh.com.au. Follow on Facebook