Just when you think Marrickville can’t handle another café, along comes Vesbar Espresso to raise the standard even higher. A new face on the developing café strip along Illawarra Road, owner Aki Daikos grew up in nearby Dulwich Hill and realised a long-held dream when he opened Vesbar Espresso a few weeks ago. Having first run Bay Espresso in Brighton-le-sands and then Eastern Grind in Bondi Junction, Aki brings 15 years of experience to this new venture.

Pure Italian character and quality are the driving forces behind Vesbar Espresso. Sit astride the red vespa out the front, sip a cup of Campos coffee straight from the gleaming La Marzocco espresso machine, bask in the inner west sun and it’s just a small leap of imagination before you’re in Mediterranean Italy. The footpath is dotted with chrome stools and tables, thanks to local council relaxing licensing and allowing seating, rather than crates in outside areas.

Inside there’s no mistaking that the Vesbar Espresso team are serious about their coffee – from the rough-hewn, origin-stamped floorboards, to the hessian coffee sacks on the walls.

The menu, while simple, makes the most of premium ingredients with dishes like the Vesbar Mediterranean Breakfast with poached free range eggs, natural yoghurt, fresh tomatoes, Persian fetta, kalamata olives, cucumbers and organic infinity sourdough; or the Italian Breakfast Roll with poached eggs, San Daniele prosciutto and home-made tomato chutney. Sweets and pastries, like nutella doughnuts and cannoli, are imported from A & P Sulfaro in nearby Haberfield.

The kitchen here is small, open and has a family feel. Located across the road from the station, Vesbar Espresso sits in the spot that had been a barber shop for the past 30 years. Seems the space is blessed with the spirits of hundreds of local conversations, a vibe which doesn’t look set to change any time soon.

Where: 1 Warburton Street Marrickville
Phone: (02) 9558 2642
Hours: Open: Mon-Fri 6am-5pm| Sat 7am-4pm| Sun 8am-4pm
Details: facebook.com/VesbarEspressoMarrickville