Escape to the Italian Riviera at L’Americano Expresso Bar!
Inspired by the 1955 novel and 1999 Leonardo DiCaprio film, The Talented Mr Ripley, L’Americano Expresso Bar is a classy breakfast and lunch venue. At a quick glance, you’ll find Italian espresso, ‘Dolci’ pastries and ‘Tramezzni’ sandwiches, all served daily.
Located in a warehouse in Alexandria, this cafe is the first hospitality venture for the interior design name, Coco Republic. The idea was to give shoppers a respite from browsing homewares with a cafe located next door. Patrons are surrounded by a charming American design aesthetic. One wall is decorated with hand-crafted sailing boats. On the other wall sits rows of Campari.
The cafe has impressive attention to detail. From the gold encrusted logos on the napkins, to the nautical and marine themed china. Every inch of the venue is immaculate.
But now to the menu. L’Americano serves breakfast and brunch classics all day. There are the usual suspects, like granola and smashed avocado. The more intrigued bruncher can opt for items like the smoked ocean trout. This dish comes with spanish onion, cucumber, fresh herbs, lemon yoghurt dressing and barley. All served on toast with two soft-boiled eggs ($24).
When we visited for breakfast, we opted to share the ocean trout and the prosciutto & avocado toast ($12). Seasoned with olive oil, lemon and thyme, we also added two poached eggs. Both dishes were beautifully presented and the quantities were very generous!
For a cheeky #breakfastdessert we couldn’t say no to the toasted banana bread. Served with sweet vanilla ricotta, honey and lemon zest, these toppings give this Australian classic some Italian flair ($9.50).
For brunch there was also the option of charcuterie or cheese boards ($24). It’s also worth trying one of the many Ciabatta sandwiches available. L’Americano Signature Salad is a delicious, healthy option ($19.5). This comes with shredded cos, radicchio, fennel, feta, citrus fruit, mint, walnut, pancetta, cherry tomatoes and parmesan.
To accompany lunch, don’t look past the L’Americano cocktail ($16). This is a light and refreshing combination of Campari, Vermouth and Gin finished with soda and a slice of orange. It wouldn’t be an Italian cafe without Aperol Spritz and Bellini’s either!
With The Grounds and Campos just down the road, L’Americano faces some tough competition. But this cafe is here to stay. Setting itself apart with its design aesthetic, flawless service and classic Italian menu, it’s definitely worth a visit. Whether for a coffee, some R&R from shopping or a leisurely lunch, this place has you covered.
L’Americano Espresso Bar
