This is How We Brew It – 5 Venues Where Latte Art Rules the Cup

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 five venues to find your cup of happiness:

 

Sophisticated casual dining in a warm, inviting atmosphere is on the menu at Aroma @ Eastwood on Howitt Avenue. This cosy café oozes charm with recycled timber, potted greenery, cushions adorning bench seating and an eclectic mix of decorations and accents.

Stop in for a breakfast of chilli scrambled eggs in a toasted croissant, with chorizo, spring onion, fresh herbs and Parmesan along with an aromatic latte topped with an intricate design sure to impress coffee aficionados; or enjoy a lunch of linguine with creamy chicken pesto sauce, sun-dried tomato, spinach and Parmesan.

 

Head to bustling beachside eatery Bellyfish Café on Terrigal Esplanade in Terrigal for quality coffee and all-day brunch offerings. Soak up rays alfresco on balmy days with water views and a cappuccino, or head indoors where walls are adorned with caricature-style murals and an aqua-tiled counter sits pride of place as the tantalising aroma of coffee beans wafts in the air.

Watch the sun rise over the water while indulging in breaky plates of tacos with scrambled egg, chorizo, Manchego cheese, corn salsa, spinach and harissa aioli, accompanied by a latte art-topped brew; or enjoy a lunch by the sea of salt and pepper squid with cucumber, coriander, mint, chilli, heirloom baby tomatoes, soba noodles and tangy dressing.

 

Housed in the old 1950s Glen Huntly post office, head to pink-hued Major Mitchell Café on Grange Road in Carnegie for cocktails and fare with flair. From the bright pink door and terrazzo bar to the pink walls, this is the ideal chill-out spot for a Daly St Roasters Chosen One house blend to go with brunch and lunch plates like pumpkin and feta fritters with beetroot labneh, smashed avocado, burrata, nuts and seeds.

Perhaps order a beautifully decorated rose latte to go with lunch choices such as a soft-shell crab burger with yuzu aioli, fennel slaw, fried egg and coriander on a brioche bun, with a side of fries; or gnocchi with pesto cream emulsion, feta, preserved lemon and tomatoes.

 

Bringing the Cammeray community a fun and enjoyable dining experiences, Sydneysiders head to The Alchemist Espresso on Carter Street for specialty coffee and café fare with flair. Sunny days guarantee the patio will be full of guests enjoying a drink and bite to eat, or head indoors where you can cosy up by the fireplace in Winter and peruse an all-day menu showcasing the freshest local produce.

Start the day the right way with eggs Benedict on a croissant with smoked salmon, spinach, asparagus and creamy housemade Hollandaise sauce and marvel at the range of latte art that appears on the top of your cup of Joe; or delve into an acai smoothie bowl topped with granola, seasonal fruit and coconut flakes.

 

Dine in a magical botanical setting at Warran Glen Garden Centre & Café on Ringwood-Warrandyte Road in Warrandyte. Whether indoors, where polished wood floors and whitewashed walls create an oasis of calm, or alfresco among greenery and colourful blooms, this café has built a reputation for exceptional fare and friendly service in a naturally peaceful environment.

Located at the gateway to the Yarra Valley, expect to pair an artfully decorated latte with breaky dishes of eggs Florentine – poached eggs and sautéed spinach on a toasted English muffin, topped with Hollandaise – or lunch plates like braised pork belly, seasonal vegetables, roasted potatoes and soy glaze.