L'espresso - Cafe in Ballarat Central, Ballarat Central | Reviews, Photos & Information on Postcard
L'espresso
Cafe · Ballarat Central ·
L'espresso
Cafe · Ballarat Central ·
European-style cafe & record shop with espresso, pasta, risotto & vinyl
great coffee
friendly service
great food
awesome food
handmade pasta
funky vibe
flat white
vintage cafe
Information
417 Sturt St, Ballarat Central VIC 3350, AustraliaGet directions
A$20–40
Restroom
Accepts reservations
Popular for lunch
Lunch reservations recommended
Popular for dinner
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Yao W.
Google
This is my fave when I visit Ballarat as they make the best Cronuts. Unfortunately I was too early today (before 10am) so they won't available. Normally their coffees are great but today it's a bit too much milk for my Mocha. Still worth visiting as inside is cosy and outside seating is perfect for a sunny day.
Norm P.
Google
Fantastic - this has to be one of the best cafes in the township. It was freezing cold outside, but we were warmly welcomed by friendly staff and terrific service. A hot breakfast and coffee were the order of the day. And the overall environment / vibe is really good - with quirky memorabilia all around. Makes for a great experience.
AKHIL S.
Google
October 6th of 2025- it was a crisp morning in Ballart, we scrolled down the streets and hopped into this vintage cafe of CD’s or recored shop converted to a cafe 🍀.
The ambience inside is just enough to start our day and especially for the lady Bug- Happy Birthday to you.
Such an amazing location along with the hot chocolate and Cappuccino 🥳
Dan
Google
My family and I had an amazing breakfast here during our week stay in Ballarat. The staff were all really friendly and helpful. Can't wait to go back!
Stephen R.
Google
Funky little cafe with excellent coffee and great brunch fare. Parmesan scramble and smashed avocado were lovely!
Pompey L.
Google
Best pasta I've ever had, hands down! Had loose leaf Genmaicha and Orechiette. The Orechiette was very clearly handmade.
Samantha K.
Google
We stopped in for an impromptu lunch following the Tweed Ride for the Ballarat Heritage festival on Saturday, and even though they were about to finish lunch service, they still managed to fit 4 of us in for lunch. We sat outside in the lovely sunshine and enjoyed some beautiful pasta, gnocchi & and steak sandwich. We would definitely head back there for a meal. The coffee was great and the staff very friendly.
Andrew
Google
The staff where very friendly. And extremely thoughtful. My wife purchased an almond milk hot chocolate. Later she ordered a breakfast musli. And they came and checked to make sure she wanted full creme milk as she had asked for almond milk for the hot chocolate. Food was excellent. Atmosphere was calm, relaxing and ambient. Will definitely be coming back here.
Ali H.
Yelp
I enjoyed a very nice breakfast here. My friends and I did not have a booking, but we didn't have to wait long for a table outside. It was Sunday morning, so had a steady stream of diners. Service is great. We enjoyed Smashed Avocado with poached eggs, Ham and Cheese Croissant and Parmesan Scrambled Eggs. Everything was great. Coffee is very good. There is no question as to why this place is so popular. It seems to have a pastry specialty, particularly croissants. I would definitely come back here again. Thank you.
Trish J.
Yelp
Great coffee 6 star service and hospitality fabulous
Travis T.
Yelp
This place was recommended by a local friend and he was on the money. The food was exceptional. We ordered the soup of the day, steak sandwich and the chickpea salad and everyone was swooning. I had the gnocchi and it was flown down from heaven on the backs of angels..! The place is comfortable and atmospheric. I'd be back anytime.
Stuart M.
Yelp
Great little stop off place if you traveling through. The food is homely and filling. Great choice of cakes superb coffee and a fine wine selection top off an all round great experience. We both had prawns and pasta, the sauce was just right in terms of flavour and consistency and the hint of chilli superb. We also ate the pear and ginger cake with cream, moist full of flavour and delicious as well. The service is great too!
Stephen N.
Yelp
It's easy to see why this lovely lunch spot stays busy, with tight quarters & happy, friendly wait staff, the dishes are beautifully prepared & very reasonably priced. An excellent lunch in the heart of scenic & charming Ballarat, was highly recommended & completely delivered.
The only tic though, watch your step on your way to the toilet, the kitchen floor is pretty slick!
Adam J.
Yelp
Stopped off here on my way to a job. Very dark inside, to the point where you can't really see what's going on. I've been in dark bars brighter then this and that's a problem because it makes it very hard to read the menu.
I noticed the Vittoria coffee cups so I opted for a hot chocolate and bacon and egg sandwich, takeaway. Staff were friendly and helpful.
Sat down outside and waited for my order. Hot chocolate came out in a glass. Two problems, 1, I ordered takeaway, 2, glass loses heat quickly so it was cold by the time my sandwich arrived. Sandwich was alright.
Don't understand why is the highest rated cafe in Ballarat. Maybe I'm just a snobby city kid with high standards...
Ness S.
Yelp
When you first walk in the door you feel a bit like Alice in Wonderland falling down the rabbit hole. Don't get me wrong, I am in no way calling this place a hole. But it is a dim lighted, small slightly cramped little cafe and initially I felt I was a confused slightly claustrophobic Alice. But within seconds the smell of good quality coffee swirled around me and brought this "Alice" back to earth. We were served by the most helpful efficient and lovely staff throughout our breakfast. The fruit toast was thick and tasty and my fellow meal mates meals were varied and tasty too. Great menu, fantastic coffee and no Mad Hatter in sight! A definite visit for any Tom, Dick or even an Alice.
Steven V.
Yelp
Awesome little boutique cafe that also sells vinyl. I randomly found it and had a great time sipping coffee/looking through records.
Matt J.
Yelp
This was a great Cafe. The food size was great and the quality was fantastic.
Julia P.
Yelp
Best food in Ballarat- unique, considered and fresh. Also great coffee and cakes. A little dark, but it has an old time atmosphere which makes this seem appropriate.