38 Espresso @ the Kingston Foreshore

38 Espresso advertises itself as the Kingston Foreshore’s only espresso bar and its first day of trading was today. I rocked up this morning to see all their outdoor tables full of early morning risers.

Because it is an espresso bar, it only offers coffee and a few pastries – croissants, muffins and danishes (today from the guys at Autolyse). There is no cooked food available.

They have an open, urban fit-out inside with wooden tables, stools, two couches at the back and their outdoor tables. It’s a smallish place compared to the other restaurants on the Foreshore, but I think this place will mainly be a take-away coffee stop so they wouldn’t need much space.

A range of coffees are available such as espresso ($3), hot chocolate ($4), chai latte ($4) and mochas ($4.50). There doesn’t seem to be any sizes available and I was never asked what size I wanted, so I guess they just have regular sized coffees. I ordered my soy mocha ($5 with soy milk) and a yummy looking croissant ($5).

The coffee came out in a cute black cup that looks like a take-away coffee cup. I love the spoon – the top of the handle is printed with ‘National Motor Museum Birdwood S.A.’ Putting a bit of personality into the place. The coffee itself was strong and I could hardly taste the chocolate. Not the best mocha I’ve had. But I reckon they’d do a pretty nice espresso!

The croissant was buttery, slightly salty and almost annoyingly flaky. It would’ve been nicer served with some jam but I understand food isn’t their main priority.

The staff here seem really nice and friendly. Not sure how they will fare with the very popular Lonsdale Street Roasters to open up on the Foreshore. It’s great to see some healthy competition in Canberra.

38 Espresso are open from 7am every day of the week.

Foodgasm 6/10