Our town centres are the hearts of our communities. We get to know some of the hardworking and passionate business owners behind some of Matraville’s best kept secrets.

Downtown Matraville has always had humble roots – it’s close to the city, airport and beaches, yet removed from the hustle and bustle. The suburb is forever evolving, with new businesses popping up and streetscape upgrades. Stroll down Bunnerong Road, and you will see new and old collide. When it comes to what everyone likes to do best – eat and drink – we can say Matraville delivers.

Quintessential Australian – a pie way of life

Local Lydnon Piefke founded House of Pie in 1989, and today the family business remains an institution. Lyndon retired not that long ago, but daughters Simone, Marnie and Carlie have been running the pie shop for the past 20 years.

Open 24/7, House of Pie makes 1,000 pies a day. It is known for its classic meat pie, but it also boasts 35 other varieties of pie, plus quiches, cakes, and sweets all made in-house.

“The cooking never stops to keep food fresh and to support demand,” Simone says. “Marnie is baking from 3am and endures 14-hour shifts most days.

“People come in their pyjamas at dawn to get some pie when they can’t sleep. We get visitors from all over Sydney and overseas who have heard about us somewhere. “Families going on holidays stop here to stock up or pick up pies to take back home as they come back from the airport.”

So, what’s their secret? “We put a lot of meat in our pies,” Simone says.

The family has tried their best to keep the pies reasonably priced over the years. “Despite the rise in food costs, we know many families are doing it tough, so we haven’t increased prices,” Simone says.

A taste of Croatia tucked inside the arcade

A couple of years ago, chef Vedran Perojevic brought the European flair of fine dining to Matraville, transforming a rundown coffee shop into a cozy Croatian bistro called St Blaise. Hailing from Dubrovnik, Vedran’s previous restaurants back home have received praise from The New York Times.

Named after the patron saint of Dubrovnik, St Blaise in Matraville focuses on Dalmatian cuisine with a modern twist. “I wanted to bring something different to the area, and as far as I know, we’re the only ones doing it in New South Wales,” Vedran says. “At home, we share a sea with Italy, so it’s mainly seafood, but we do game meat, pasta and risotto too.”

The menu at St Blaise is different every day, but Vedran says standouts include cod pate, octopus salad, black cuttlefish risotto and seasonal venison.

In the evenings, Vedran transforms the arcade where St Blaise can be found into a relaxed space for alfresco dining.

“We don’t do two-hour seatings like city restaurants. I ask my customers if they’re in a rush, and if so, this is not the place for them. We want you to relax, drink wine and get close,” Vedran says.

“Cooking takes time. There are no microwaves here. It’s an open kitchen, so you can see what’s going on.”

He adds: “Why pay 50 to 60 dollars in Ubers to go to the city and dine when you can be closer to home?”

Cheers to this bottle shop!

New kids in town, Jeff Beresford and Shane Yasserie, took over the local bottle shop, Bunnerong Wine Shop and Deli, last December.

This small, independent bottle shop isn’t like any other. It sells a wide selection of boutique wines, champagne, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks, and recently Jeff and Shane began hosting wine tastings. “We want to champion local and independent producers,” Jeff says. “We sell $6 wines to $1000 wines. There was no place selling craft beers around the area, but we now have them. The closest craft beer we have is made in Botany.”

He adds: “When you come into the store, we love to help you find new things, and if someone says they don’t drink, we’ve got the best non-alcoholic drinks!”

The deli section is also full of delights: fresh sourdough daily, organic eggs, local cheeses, cured meats and olives. For customers who crave international foods, there is a selection of pasta, sauces and other gourmet products. But if there is one thing everyone needs to try, it’s the French potato chips. “They’re the best in the world!”

Coffee, crystals and good vibes

Café Carmelos, another local favourite, is the baby of husband and wife Melissa and Carlos. Opened 17 years ago, Melissa says Carmelos is the place that locals and visitors passing through the suburb stop for a coffee and their best-selling bacon and egg roll.

“We have great coffee and a friendly and relaxed atmosphere,” she says. Carlos is the cook, and I make the coffee and serve customers,” she says.

The café is a unique space and has a relaxed feel, with half the seating area adorned with crystals. “My mum was into crystals and energies, so I have always liked them. I thought, why not, bring them into the store and sell them,” Melissa says. “They’re a real conversation starter.”

Melissa says all the surrounding business owners in Matraville are friendly and help each other out, yet many come and go. Known in the community for her advocacy to improve parking and services, she wants everyone to succeed.

“Matraville is such a nice area. The people here are so supportive. When they come into my café, I love chatting with them. Some I’ve known for years, they tell me their problems and I give them advice.”

A proud local community

Change is evident in Matraville, but the suburb’s laid-back nature and sense of community are stronger than ever.

Simone says that it’s House of Pie’s supportive staff and friendly community that keep her and her sisters going. “We’ve got 12 employees, some are family and others young kids or single mums that need the extra income, so we give them shifts around their schedules,” she says.

“Multigeneration families have worked here. I know people 50 and 60 years old now that I knew when they were kids, even toddlers.”

“The next generations come in, and they bring their families in, and you get to know them too.”

Vedran agrees: his customers and neighbours are what make Matraville special. “A couple of months ago, some naughty kids knocked down my outdoor plants. When I arrived in the morning, my neighbours were cleaning it for me. And recently I finished renovations in the restaurant, and my local customers were the ones who helped me change the tiling and paint the walls.”

Jeff says that he had family friends who lived in the area and suggested exploring a new business. "After some research, I found out that this area was up and coming, with people of all backgrounds, and I said, why not Matraville?

“People have told me they’re happy I’m here.”

House of Pie 540 Bunnerong Rd, Matraville

St Blaise Restaurant 2/496 Bunnerong Rd, Matraville

Bunnerong Wine Shop & Deli Shop 2, 508 Bunnerong Road, Matraville

Cafe Carmelos and Co 163 Perry St, Matraville

Fresh Food Farmer’s Market  Matraville RSL Club car park, every Tuesday 2.30 – 6pm