L'Americano Espresso Bar

L’Americano Espresso Bar in Fortitude Valley exudes effortless chic and sophistication, inspired by film noir The Talented Mr Ripley in an Italian Riviera-style setting.

Located on the ground floor of Coco Republic on Wickham Street, this old world espresso bar/cafe is elegantly fit out with handcrafted timber tables, small marble tables and banquet seating.

Patrons are transported from the bustling Valley to the beautiful Riviera with classic yet contemporary, Italian-style seasonal fare. 

The all-day menu includes light breakfast fare like Pancetta and Egg Sandwich (artisan bread, crispy pancetta and organic egg), Prosciutto and Avocado Toast (organic bread with prosciutto, avocado mash, olive oil, lemon and thyme) and organic spelt Banana Bread served with vanilla ricotta, honey and lemon zest.

For something more substantial, there’s L’Americano egg dishes - two soft boiled eggs served with organic artisan toast and your choice of avocado mash, farro, cherry tomatoes shallots, hazelnuts and dukkah or smoked ocean trout, spanish onions, cucumber, fresh mint, barley and lemon yoghurt dressing.

Lunch offerings include a Crostini Bar - a selection of traditional Italian open sandwiches served on organic ciabatta toast; from classic bruschetta, and roasted eggplant with buffalo mozzarella to L’Americano tuna pastrami – house made spiced tuna pastrami on a bed of taramosalata, shaved fennel, capers and dill. 

Otherwise, there are salads like the classic Capresse Salad (sliced tomatoes, prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella and basil oil) and L’Americano’s Signature Salad (cos lettuce, radicchio, fennel, feta, citrus fruit, mint, walnuts, pancetta, cherry tomatoes and parmesan).

In addition you'll find antipasto plates of bread and olives served with a selection of Mediterrean accompaniments, charcuterie boards with cured and aged meats, olives, bread and house pickles or cheese boards with Chef’s selection of cheeses served with accompaniments.

For drinks, there’s Vittoria Coffee, organic herbal tea, organic hot chocolate and iced tea.  L’Americano is licensed with a carefully curated wine list, Italian beer and a cocktail menu designed exclusively for L’Americano by Archie Rose, a Sydney micro distillery known for its handcrafted gin, vodka and whisky.

Cocktails to try include the signature L’Americano with Campari, vermouth and gin finished with soda and a slice of orange, Negroni (Archie Rose distillers strength gin, Campari, rosso vermouth and orange twist) or Dry Martini (Archie Rose signature dry gin and dry Italian vermouth finished with a lemon twist).

By Deb Lidster