The Refinery espresso — Restaurant in Sydney

Coffee: Refinery Espresso Passion: 8/10 Crema: 7/10

Finding great coffee up north has been a challenge for some time. Sure there are a couple of cafes that make a passable coffee, but I am more likely to drive 30min south to find something enjoyable. So you can imagine how happy I was a couple of months ago to find a cafe in Hornsby that is roasting their own beans.

While the first couple of months has seen a refining of the blend of beans, now the mix is much more to my liking (not overly dark). Better still, one the occasion (like today) they are even starting to offer single origin coffees.

Today I had a Brazilian single origin from the Dattera Estate which (after getting the espresso shot pulled over a small dash of hot water) opened up brilliantly. While straight up the espresso had a tinge of something dark in the after taste, with the water it was smooth and a little floral. Very enjoyable.

So while I will still travel far and wide for a great cup of coffee, it is great to know that I have at least on cafe I can count on closer to home.

N.B. No public WiFi is available No #powerwhoring is available Decent breakfast...

★★★★★ I’ve explored countless coffee shops across Sydney, and this gem, run by Anthony and Michael, remains my absolute favorite. For nine years, this father-son duo has poured their hearts into their cozy cafe, creating an unbeatable vibe with their warm, friendly, and often hilarious personalities. Anthony, the talented barista, roasts the beans himself and crafts the smoothest, most flavorful coffee in town. His passion for people shines through in every cup and conversation. Meanwhile, Michael, the culinary genius behind the counter, whips up delicious food and homemade cannoli that are simply divine. You can taste the authenticity and care in every bite. As Italians, they’ve mastered the art of coffee-making, and it shows. This place is a must-visit for anyone craving exceptional coffee and a welcoming...

When I first visited (over a year ago) the coffee and food were both excellent with quite a modern/hip cafe vibe. My most recent visit was disappointing, I suspect there has been a change in ownership between visits as the decor and quality seems to have changed.

The coffee was served super hot (burning hot, not my thing) and pretty average tasting, food was decidedly unimpressive...not bad but not good either. I had an omelette and it was pretty much what I would have thrown together at home for an easy breakfast, while I'd expect something a little more refined (no pun intended) from a cafe. To be fair on my first visit I was impressed by their burgers, so maybe breakfast isn't their...