Wall Two 80 (Rear 280 Carlisle Street, Balaclava, Tel 9595 8280)is an island of groove in a sea of dag. Though its presence may indicate that the Balaclava stretch of Carlisle Street could be in for a bit of a style revamp, at present Wall does not have many close relatives clustering around. This is not to say that it sticks out. The cafe, designed by Six Degrees architects is deliberately low key. Inside Wall, the fit-out works that usual Six-Degrees magic of seeming both well-worn and up-to-the-minute. Deep colours combined with wood panelling make the space intimate and cosy, as do the series of nookish alcoves and clustered tables. A communal table is well-used. It is set up to satisfy both those who require a place for a quick caffeine and nicotine dose as well as those who linger.
The menu at Wall Two 80 is delicious: filled and toasted pide, a soup, some toasty, breakfasty things and well-made coffee all come from the school of keeping it simple while using the best ingredients. The pide stuffed with salami bocconcini and olive tapenade ($6.50), for example, uses a salami that dares to have a spicy, robust flavour.