Brunch: Caffetteria Allpress, Freemans Bay

Caffetteria Allpress, Freemans Bay. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Herald Rating: 4/5
Address: 8 Drake St, Freemans Bay

We came here because it's an easy city-fringe meeting point. There are usually plenty of parks and the coffee is consistently good.

Parking was a matter of nabbing one of the six designated spots directly out the front. We arrived at 9.30am and I got the last one. Ginnie just missed out but parked in a $1 per hour pay-and-display on Drake St.

We walked in and thought Allpress was full of well-dressed women and men in sharp suits. This is clearly a favoured local for the many businesses in the area, and the open plan space means it's conducive to people-watching.

The most unusual things on the menu are the Italian-style sandwiches - the tramezzini with provolone, cheddar and chives ($6.70) or the schiacciata with pumpkin, walnut and pecorino ($10.50). It's not a mind-blowing menu for cooked brunches but one of simple classics, such as muesli, toast (with a selection of toppings) and egg and soldiers.

We ordered the schiacciata, which, for what is essentially a fancy grilled cheese sandwich, was full of flavour and surprisingly light; and the bap with prosciutto, egg and coriander ($8.50), which came with an amazing spicy aioli. For afternoon tea we took home a dainty chocolate biscuit ($4) and a generous slice of old-fashioned ginger loaf ($3.50).

The service was personable, professional and polite.

The coffee was as good as you'd expect coming from the same building as the Allpress roastery.

We recommend if you come here, choose a corner table to spy on the power brunchers or sit outside under the awning with your dog.

Overall we thought Allpress delivers simple, stylish food and flawless coffee.