Meet Nelson Kerton of Deco in Camberwell

Like donning your favourite old slippers, stepping into Deco in Camberwell brings a happy comfort, a sense of familiarity and easy enjoyment.

Manager Nelson Kerton unapologetically enthuses that the restaurant is not about luxury but about family, great food and feeling comfortable and relaxed.

“We are all about comfort food – great pasta dishes, wonderful pizzas. This is a place where families come to enjoy good food and time together, and they know what they are getting when they come here,” he said.

There is, however, nothing shabby about Deco.

The large interior is airy and bright with a cheerful, easy vibe. There is an outdoor space and a beautiful upstairs function room for hire that looks out at the iconic Rivoli cinema.

A Camberwell institution

Deco opened in Camberwell in 2001 and is by now a local institution.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s a thriving cafe and restaurant, and while the dishes offer ‘comfort food’ the menu is far from boring, offering an eclectic range.

Great chefs with great ideas, and the autonomy to create, are the key, Mr Kerton said.

“We have two head chefs and several sous chefs. They have opportunities to try new things which keeps them creative and keeps the menu interesting,” he said.

“Deco gives people plenty of options. We have meat and fish dishes too, but at the centre of that is a familiar pasta and pizza range that people love. You know what to expect here and it’s at a reasonable price in a relaxed family atmosphere.”

Deco does takeaway food, too, which is growing in popularity, and their $10 pizza deals are creating a buzz.

“They are very popular. We do the same pizzas that are on the restaurant dine-in menu and customers love that,” Mr Kerton said.

Family at heart

Mr Kerton, who has worked for Deco owners for 10 years, knows that good service is key to ensuring customers return.

“Deco staff are a big family,” he said.

“We have long-time members and young people who are studying but they are enthusiastic and energetic and happy to work here.”

Mr Kerton said Deco is a good fit for Camberwell, with many of its diners being local families.

“It’s a great place and the development of Camberwell Rd in recent times has been good and has increased the foot traffic along here,” he said.

Visit the restaurant

Deco

211 Camberwell Rd, Camberwell

Phone: (03) 9882 9677.