Dopo Eatery has officially opened in Milton, marking the next chapter for the long-established Tognini family venue that previously operated as Tognini’s Café & Deli.
Background and Context in Milton
After operating for 32 years, Tognini’s Café & Deli closed earlier in the year due to a planned redevelopment at Milton Village on Baroona Road. The construction works prompted the Tognini family to reassess the venue’s future, leading to a rebrand that aligned with changing visitor preferences and the growth of younger residents moving into nearby apartments across Milton Road and Railway Terrace.
The transition to Dopo Eatery also responded to shifts in the retail landscape, including the rise of large supermarkets that affected traditional deli operations. The family retained their catering business while preparing a refreshed café concept for the former deli site.
A New Fit-Out and Direction
Dopo Eatery opened this month with a design developed alongside Blackbox Design Co. The interior features a lighter colour palette, sand-toned tiles, a curved terrazzo-style communal table, sconce lighting, and rattan furniture. The alfresco area at the front remains, though updated to suit the new layout. The redesign aims to retain familiarity for long-time customers while appealing to new visitors.
Although the venue has changed significantly, the Togninis continue to welcome guests on the floor, maintaining the longstanding community connection.
Updated Menu Offerings
The all-day breakfast and lunch menu was rebuilt to modernise classic dishes while retaining an Italian influence. Breakfast selections include items such as heirloom tomato bruschetta with pumpkin hummus, chilli scrambled eggs with ‘nduja and paprika oil, Turkish eggs, corn fritters, and a rich yolk omelette with saffron butter and comté cheese.
Lunch from 11:30 a.m. features starters, salads, and mains. Options include calamari fritti, cacio e pepe, crab-and-prawn ravioli, herb-crusted salmon, buttermilk chicken burgers, baby gem caesar salad with crispy prosciutto, and other dishes listed in the venue’s menu. A cabinet offers sandwiches, pastries, and salads for grab-and-go customers, continuing a small deli-style section with ready-made meals and provisions.
Drinks include coffee supplied by QCMS, teas, shakes, and a concise wine range made up of Italian and Australian varieties, alongside a small selection of beers.
Community Sentiment Around Milton
Regulars who had visited the former deli for decades returned immediately upon reopening, with some customers revisiting the venue multiple times a day. Long-time patrons expressed relief at the reopening, while the refreshed menu and updated design were created to welcome new residents now living in surrounding developments.
Outlook
Dopo Eatery reflects the evolution of the precinct at Milton Village while maintaining the legacy built over three decades by the Tognini family. The updated menu, revised layout, and continued presence of the owners position the café to serve both returning diners and the next generation of locals. The venue is open seven days, with hours varying across weekdays and weekends.
Published 20-Nov-2025
