We’ve all marvelled at those intricate designs baristas weave into the froth on the top of our lattes.
It’s likely that latte art emerged simultaneously in different countries, however it is generally agreed that it shares roots with the espresso in Italy.
Its real boom in popularity came from Seattle, thanks to David Schomer and his coffee shop Espresso Vivace. In the late 1980s, Schomer started experimenting with different shapes and by 1989, he had perfected the heart-shaped rosetta pattern, based on a picture he saw from an Italian café called Caffe Mateki.
After honing his techniques, he opened a course called ‘Caffe Latte Art’ and the concept quickly spread through Seattle, the rest of the US and the world.
Today latte art has become a marker of an experienced and skilled barista and is appreciated by coffee lovers as a more personalised touch to their café visit. Here are six venues to find your cup of happiness:
Marvel at the Latte Art
A go-to for specialty coffee and café fare with flair, Bowen Hills foodies head to Kuhl-Cher Coffee on King Street to appease hunger pains and the need for a caffeine fix. This inner-city Brisbane roastery and diner exudes an industrial chic vibe of polished concrete, recycled timber and a brew bar where you can observe your cold drip coffee being prepared.
Stop in early and marvel at the art that tops your steaming cup of latte before devouring smashed avo on quinoa loaf with Persian feta, za’atar and smoked vinaigrette; join the lunch crowd for a matcha latte and a ceviche salmon bowl with sushi rice, house pickled vegetables, edamame, Kewpie mayo and wasabi.
Organic Specialty Coffee
With its fresh and internationally-inspired menu, organic specialty coffee and cosy vibe, Mr H Café and Bar on Darling Street is the ideal spot in Balmain to relax and enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends. An industrial-style fit-out of wood and metal makes for a modern and stylish ambience with plenty of natural light from large windows; while the alfresco area is where to head on balmy days for a Paradox Coffee Roasters brew and bite to eat.
Find healthy, vegan and gluten-free items along with beautifully decorated lattes on the menu – think house granola with natural coconut yoghurt, passionfruit and berries, or a zesty avocado, fried egg and cheese roll with housemade tomato relish and mayo on a milk bun. Lunch-goers can wrap their hands around a slow-cooked pulled pork burger with mixed slaw, sriracha mayo and a side of chips.
Savour the Latte Moment
Every meal is a moment to savour and every cup filled with warmth and flavour at Breakpoint Café on Victoria Road in West Ryde. This is a locals' go-to destination for delicious coffee, mouth-watering breakfast, satisfying brunch, hearty dinners and irresistible bakery treats; served in surrounds of distressed timber, brightly coloured chairs and cabinets overflowing with all manner of temptations.
Early risers opt for a latte topped with a seahorse and breaky plates such as French toast with maple syrup, orange, strawberry, kiwi, blueberry, banana, mango and vanilla ice cream; join the lively lunch gang for grilled chicken curry with teriyaki sauce, mayo, rice and miso, or linguine with prawns, button mushrooms, cayenne pepper and garlic bread.
Local Eatery with a Twist
Find your perfect little local eatery with a twist at Café Beetroot on Anketell Street in Greenway. The ultimate dream of hospitality couple Wonjin Kong and Bella Yu, this stylish café exudes a clean, green vibe of trailing greenery, a glass frontage for natural light and cosy table settings; ideal for lingering over a brew and bite with family and friends.
Expect a nod to the owners' Korean heritage on the menu as you sip a matcha latte and ponder choices like kimchi scrambled egg, with soy pepita, togarashi, sesame oil, shallots and coriander on sourdough toast; recharge later with pork tacos, crème fraiche, Asian slaw, cheddar cheese, fried shallot and lime, or chow down on a fried chicken burger with burger sauce, tasty cheese, coleslaw, cos lettuce and chips.
Stop in after a Morning Walk
A chic oasis of distressed timber, whitewashed walls and palm frond murals creates a zen-like vibe for Bateau Bay locals to chill out with a coffee and bite to eat at Café Mocha. This Bateau Bay Road eatery has sunny alfresco tables to soak up rays on balmy days, while indoors white subway tiles and beach seating with comfy cushions provide the ideal spot to linger over a leisurely brunch.
After a morning walk stop in for an artfully brewed latte to go with corn fritters, avocado, feta, tomato salsa, rocket, turmeric flaked almonds and a poached egg; perhaps signature truffle scrambled eggs hit the mark, served on caramelised sweet potato, sautéed mushrooms, kale, halloumi and truffle oil. For lunch, think dukkah-crusted barramundi, hummus, fried sweet potato, rocket and citrus salad and native finger limes.
Crafty Arty Lattes and Breaky Fare
Tucked away from hustle and bustle near the train station, Moonee Ponds foodies head to Chew Chew on Norwood Crescent to refuel and recharge for the day. The ideal spot for a catch-up with friends, quick business lunch or your next function, expect a seasonal menu sourced from the best local produce, served in stylish surrounds of a horn chandelier, exposed brick and recycled timber.
Settle in with a crafty arty latte to go with breaky plates of sweet corn fritters with sweet potato, poached eggs, rocket, avocado and tomato salad and mint yoghurt; perhaps wrap your hands around a pork belly baguette with slaw, mayo, pomegranate jam and cheese, or a crispy chicken burger on brioche with chipotle mayo, sweet jalapeños, cheese, slaw and house cut chips.
