Restaurants

In Australia and New Zealand, a flat white is a coffee made with a large shot of espresso and a hefty dose of milk thats frothed a little less than a cappuccinos. That drink has given its name to this buzzy coffeeshop, the result of an Antipodean partnership between an Australian and Kiwi who wanted to be able to drink the kind of coffee they liked back home. The tiny, dark space in Berwick Street seems to be constantly crowded, with customers spilling out on to the pavement even when the weathers less than Sydney-sunny. Most people order milky drinks, and theyre probably better off with those than with an espresso. Though expertly made, using beans from the Monmouth Coffee Company, on our visit our espresso was just too intense for palates used to the softer Italian-style version. There are simple snacks (mainly baked goodies and sandwiches) to go with the coffees nothing special, but just fine. On a warm day the room was hot, and its narrow confines can be a little too tight for comfort. But no one seems to mind. Flat White is white hot.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008