After months of meticulous preparation and anticipation, John Giuliani officially opened the doors to his debut café, Doppio, on Friday, July 4, in St Morris. The café, a heartfelt homage to Italian culinary traditions, offers a menu brimming with Italian-style brunch items, promising patrons a taste of “just how Nonna does it,” all while emphasizing warm, welcoming service.
Giuliani, who has spent the past decade managing various cafes across Adelaide, marks this venture as his first foray into business ownership. For him, Doppio is not just a café; it’s a personal milestone and a dream realized after years of dedication and hard work.
A Dream Years in the Making
“I’d say it was about three years ago,” Giuliani reflected. “I had that realization: ‘Right, I’ve got what it takes.’ I felt like I had everything I needed to do my own thing.”
Doppio is more than just a business for Giuliani; it’s a tribute to his Italian heritage. His grandparents once operated several restaurants throughout the state, and while Doppio embraces a modern café aesthetic, it remains deeply rooted in Italian tradition.
Italian Flavors with a Modern Twist
The menu at Doppio showcases a variety of Italian delights, including panini filled with fresh, local ingredients and a selection of Italian-style sweets. Patrons can also enjoy grab-and-go deli snacks and classic offerings like ham and cheese croissants. Catering to diverse dietary preferences, the café provides vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Initially, a soft opening menu will be available, with a full kitchen launch planned to introduce a wider array of brunch favorites. Central to the café’s coffee service is the Victoria Arduino Black Eagle T3 espresso machine, promising to deliver exquisite espresso shots.
Service with a Smile
While the food and coffee are integral to Doppio’s identity, Giuliani emphasizes that exceptional customer service is paramount. “My number one thing is customer service. I’ve always been big on that. So the first thing I want, as soon as you walk in the door, you’re going to be greeted with a big warm hello.”
The café’s layout reflects this commitment to service, with the coffee machine and counter prominently positioned to ensure customers feel welcomed from the moment they enter.
A Community Hub in St Morris
With outdoor seating and a dedicated takeaway window, Doppio caters to both leisurely brunch-goers and those seeking a quick bite during busy mornings or lunch breaks. The café’s strategic corner location, combined with its distinctive sage green and off-white branding, creates an inviting and striking exterior.
Inside, thoughtful details abound, including a custom Napoli jersey gifted by Giuliani’s friends and former colleagues at Zeea’s, where he previously managed. The jersey, embroidered with the café’s name and the number two—symbolizing a double shot, the English translation of ‘Doppio’—holds sentimental value for Giuliani. “It was pretty emotional when they gave it to me,” he shared. “A lot of thought went into it.”
Looking Ahead
Doppio is now officially open, offering a coffee window, an array of cabinet goods, and a limited menu from day one. As Giuliani embarks on this new chapter, the café promises to be a vibrant addition to the St Morris community, blending Italian tradition with modern café culture.
Doppio Cafe
Where: 1/219 Glynburn Road, St Morris
When: Monday – Saturday 6 am – 2:30 pm | Sunday 8 am – 2:30 pm
