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Restaurant

Sila Espresso Bar Fitzroy

189 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Recommended by 62 people

Updated

Find Sila Espresso Bar Fitzroy

189 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

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HoursMonday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

Plan your visit

About Sila Espresso Bar Fitzroy

Stepping into Sila feels like tumbling back into 1950s Fitzroy, where coffee rituals unfold without modern posturing. Regulars settle in for cups pulled piping hot from a vintage Faema Urania lever machine that has anchored the counter for over six decades. There are no cameras welcome inside—just a relaxed counter buzz, quick lunches, and classic toasted sandwiches like the comforting tuna melt pressed to order. Outside, street seats catch the sun along Brunswick Street, perfect for pairing a second espresso with a slice of jam tart.

  • Mid-Century Espresso Hardware: Brews coffee on an authentic, 60-plus-year-old Faema Urania espresso machine.
  • Classic Toasties & Bakes: Serves no-frills pressed toasties, sweet cakes, and jam tarts.
  • Analog Atmosphere: Enforces an old-school no-photos rule to preserve an unmediated cafe atmosphere.
RestaurantCafe

What's On at Sila Espresso Bar Fitzroy

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Sila Espresso Bar

Discover why locals choose Sila Espresso Bar for authentic Italian coffee and comforting classics.

  • Historic 1950s Faema Espresso Machine

    Operates an authentic 60+ year-old vintage Faema Urania lever machine to prepare traditional Italian espresso.

    Worth a trip just to see their space age Faema Urania espresso machine, which is now 60+ years old and still going strong!

    Peter W

  • Steaming Hot Traditional Italian Standard

    Steams coffee piping hot as the house standard, deliberately departing from modern lukewarm cafe defaults.

    Sila is one of the kind which serves a cup of hotttt coffee as default temperature. Absolutely standing out when most of the coffee shops in Victoria serve a warm easy drink latte.

    A Z

  • Grounding Weekend Coffee Ritual

    Creates an unpretentious, comforting morning routine that slows down the pace of the weekend.

    The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, the coffee is consistently great, and it’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the moment.

    Sara Moncada

  • Preserved Family Legacy and Warmth

    Preserves a multi-generational Italian immigrant legacy that stays grounded, humble, and welcoming.

    It was like walking back in time. Not many originals left, I grew up in Fitzroy and knew this beautiful little shop from when I was a child. I was so happy and surprised that Dom, Kathy and Maria have continued the family tradition, their mother and father have left a beautiful legacy.

    Marcie D

  • No-Frills Comforting Lunch Breaks

    Serves satisfying toasted sandwiches and sweets promptly to recharge during busy workdays.

    No frills toasties (classic, simple, delightful) in the kind of cozy community atmosphere that demands a certain reverence.

    Kate Jaskolski

  • Sunlit Street Seating on Brunswick

    Offers sunny outdoor footpath seating perfect for lingering over an affordable cup of coffee.

    The coffee is excellent, and the outdoor seating provides the perfect place to sketch in the sun. A hidden gem in Fitzroy and my go-to for a relaxing coffee.

    Sarah van Ours

Traditional espresso bar staples and comfort food favorites

  • Toasties

    No frills toasties (classic, simple, delightful) in the kind of cozy community atmosphere that demands a certain reverence.

    Kate Jaskolski

  • Coffee

    The coffee is excellent, and the outdoor seating provides the perfect place to sketch in the sun.

    Sarah van Ours

  • Hot chocolate

    Had the greatest hot chocolate of my life here - Only went to Koko Black not even a week ago but it doesn't compare, truly authentic !

    Sarah Rylands

  • Jam tart

    Also had the jam tart ($4.50) which was good, and the rest of the cakes and food also looked amazing.

    Aaron Filler

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful details and distinct operational traditions at Sila Espresso Bar

  • Vintage Faema Urania Extraction

    Coffee is extracted on an authentic, space-age vintage Faema Urania espresso machine operating for over 60 years.

  • Steaming Hot Temperature Standard

    Drinks are served piping hot as the standard default rather than the lukewarm temperature typical of modern cafes.

  • No-Photos House Policy

    The dining room maintains an intentional no-photos house policy to preserve an authentic, unmediated espresso bar atmosphere.

  • Multigenerational Personal Recognition

    The owners personally greet patrons by name and remember multigenerational family ties and orders.

Before you head over

Helpful guidance for ordering coffee and toasties at this classic 1950s espresso bar.

  • Mind the No Photos Policy

    Respect the traditional cafe atmosphere and note the venue's house policy prohibiting interior photography.

  • Expect Steaming Hot Coffee

    Be aware that coffee here is served piping hot by default, unlike standard warm cafe temperature settings.

  • Specify Sandwich Dietary Needs

    If you have dietary restrictions such as avoiding pork, clearly confirm your toasted sandwich ingredients when placing your order.

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