A couple of days ago EG and I found ourselves looking for somewhere to get a cup of coffee after a few rounds on the Red Arrow (ok it was only two but hey) and we ended up at Il Convivio. Il Convivio is an Italian deli cafe run by the same family that ran Vanella Cheese Factory in Portsmith (now closed down). It’s conveniently located directly across the road from Cairns Central on the corner. Now even though EG and I only went in for a caffeinated beverage after spying the ridiculously mouth watering menu we simply had to order something! After a little umming and ahhing we decided on the Antipasto Rustico Della Casa for one (AU$15) to share since we weren’t that hungry but just wanted to try a bit of what they had to offer. The platter arrived with a trio of smallgoods (prosciutto, sopressa and mortadella maybe?), a trio cheese (goats cheese, mozzarella and a cheddary type one?), mixed marinated vegetables, olives and homemade bread.

Antipasto Rustico Della Casa for One (AU$15)

It came out on a wooden bread board with the bread sliced on a separate plate and OMFG I was in heaven. The bread! The marinated vegies! The cheese! The meats! The only thing that would have topped off the whole platter would have been some sort of homemade dip to go with it all, something that EG and I both agreed on.

Amazing Homemade Bread

The Antipasto Rustico Della Casa was delicious and great value for something to share between two people but you could always upgrade to the two person antipasto for AU$25 if you want a little more (of course you do!). Unfortunately the coffee at Il Convivio does however leave a little to be desired. Both our coffees were too hot and tasted like water. Pretty disappointing considering Italians are renowned for their coffee.

Disappointing Tasteless Flat White

I really want to go back and try more items from the menu like the other antipasto and the panini’s and the pizzas. Yeah pretty much everything to be honest. I think I’m definitely going to have to start doing more than two rounds of the Red Arrow.

Il Convivio

58 – 62 McLeod St, Cairns QLD 4870

Ph: (07) 40521 7477

Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs 6am – 4.30pm, Fri 6am – 4.30pm & 6pm – 9.30pm, Sat 6am – 3pm