One of Wollongong's best-loved cafes has been destroyed in a suspicious fire overnight.
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Firefighters were called about 4am Wednesday to Meni Cafe on western Crown Street, finding the building well alight.
Wollongong duty commander Jeremy Hood said the blaze likely began just outside the cafe's back wall.
It caused structural damage to that wall and brought down the roof before it was fully contained.
Insp Hood said firefighters had managed to stop the blaze from spreading to adjoining buildings, despite difficult conditions.
"Wind has hampered firefighting efforts but they brought it under control pretty quickly," he said.
"It appears to have started externally to the building.
"The cause is under investigation."
Parts of the building are believed to contain asbestos.
Later Wednesday morning, fire crews used thermal imaging cameras to look for hidden hotspots still smouldering.
"We're finding little hotspots here and there," he said. "As you can imagine, in an old building, fire can creep anywhere."
The cafe stands directly opposite Wollongong Hospital and is a popular spot for the city's medical fraternity, patients and their families.
Amir Harb, who owns the site, said: "Why would anyone do such a [thing]? It is beyond my understanding, but there's a lot of people out there with obviously different ideas."
The Mercury has sought comment from the tenants.
Wollongong Police have deemed the blaze suspicious and are investigating.
Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 to provide information that could assist.
The fire has now been contained.
Fire investigators will work with NSW Police to determine the cause and origin of the fire.
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