IL salotto Italian kitchen and caffe is a promising new entrant into the Mansfield coffee and dining scene.

Open since Easter, owners and Mount Buller regulars Kath Bier (Ski School) and Mike Rich (Navy Ski Club) have create a striking and welcoming space down Eisners Lane which has provided Mansfield with its little slice of Italy.

Inspired by Kath’s grandparents Vincenzo Bier and Luigia Bazzani who lived and worked in northern Italy near the Italian/Austrian alps (family members sometimes skied over the border in the winter to get to work).

Kath’s Nonno and Nonna migrated to Australia post-war and after the passing of her grandfather; her Nonna lived with Kath’s family for many years.

She was the centre of attention at weekend meals where issues of the world were passionately discussed with lots of hand gestures and laughter, along with grappa to share after dinner.

Kath moved to Mansfield in the late 1990s and worked at Mansfield Autism Statewide Services and Mt Buller (where she has notched up more than 20 years’ service).

Her son’s (Aidan Bier – Black Mountain) secondary education drew her to Melbourne.

But now she is back and ready to provide Mansfield and those travelling to and from Buller with something different – think great Italian coffee (Genovese), tiramisu, cannoli, cakes, paninis and imminent plans for a broader breakfast, brunch and lunch menu offering.

Oh, and il salotto means “the living room” which in Vincenzo’s family was where the grappa was shared.

Drop by and say ciao!