Local News: True North welcomes Ceres chef Hemi Rakei Reidy + New Sustainable Menu

Enter as a stranger; leave as a friend.

Beloved Melbourne cafe and watering hole, True North are excited to announce the arrival of Hemi Rakei Reidy to their Coburg stronghold. Reidy brings 15+ years of experience in Melbourne's fine dining scene to the True North table. Responsible for establishing the reputation of Ray in Brunswick and currently Head Chef at CERES, Reidy has overhauled the existing day menu and re-introduce night trade via True North Osteria. Trading Wednesday to Saturday nights until late, True North Osteria boasts authentic Italian food with a strong focus on sustainability.

With a belief that from pit to peel, everything has its place, True North Osteria is sourcing what would be considered kitchen waste—carrot greens, feijoa skins, fennel tips—and turning them into a treasure trove of fermented drinks, kim chi and stocks. This leave-no-trace approach helps to reduce the business’ carbon footprint while simultaneously educating and being educated in sustainable food practices. Steered by Hemi’s strong and breathing roots in Maori Ngāti Maru culture and his invaluable fine dining knowledge and expertise, the True North Osteria experience combines power and patience, realising wholeness in equal measure both on the plate, and through process.

“I see the Osteria as a chance to tie together all the roots of my experiences in cooking, community and Kaitiakitanga (stewardship of the lands). And through this ask more questions about how we can be better, Whether it’s diving for kelp for our puttanesca, long walks with friends collecting for our drinks or chatting with our local farmers and makers.” - Hemi Rakei Reidy

As an establishment, True North is a living love letter to art, music and culture and an oasis for like-minded locals, curious out-of-towners and wandering misfits alike. Established seven years ago in a relatively inhospitable Northern Suburbs landscape by musician Brett O'Riley, the staunch and thriving cafe has become synonymous with good vibes, great coffee and a comforting corner from which to hide from the outside. O’Riley has lovingly embellished its walls, windows and nooks with carefully curated heavy metal paraphernalia, tattoo flash sheets, classic skate decks and various framed masterpieces by local and international artists.

True North
2A Munro St, Coburg VIC 3058
Opening Hours
Monday and Tuesday 8 am – 3 pm
Wednesday – Saturday 8 am – Late
Sunday 8 am – 3 pm
No bookings for standard service, walk-ins only
More information or book for Osteria via truenorth3058.com