Stringers, Sorrento's iconic corner store and cafe named after one of the town's leading families, has reopened for business, boasting a Mediterranean all-day eatery adjoining a boutique grocery and wine store.

Darling Group (owners of Higher Ground and other cafes) took over the 1896 building last August, hoping to open by summer.

The bayside cafe-restaurant space, seating 180 people, is now defined by a large central bar, oak furniture, tan banquettes and original limestone previously hidden behind plaster.

Breakfast includes Calabrian chilli scramble and signature ricotta hotcakes.

At lunch, house-made pasta such as spaghetti with crab and gremolata come on, alongside larger plates such as half lobster from the grill with lemon, parsley and salmon roe sauce and fries.

Kids are looked after with fish and chips, simple pizzas and roast chicken.

The kitchen will start serving dinner come mid-spring.

"You won't feel like you have to dress up or get a bank loan to come and dine with us," says director Nick Seoud.

A sun-drenched courtyard holds 70 diners, a gelato cart and a rotary pizza oven, charring 72-hour fermented dough with a choice of seven toppings. Takeaway can also be picked up here.

The pizza oven also bakes piadinas used for sandwiches in the grab-and-go fridges of the provedore. Antipasti, house-made pasta and sauces, and drygoods such as Chappy's chips are also for sale.

Restaurant open daily 8am-5pm; grocery open daily 7am-5pm. Dinner coming in September.

2-8 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento, 03 5984 2010, stringerssorrento.com.au