This local institution made its way into the heart of Alexandria's community one strong brew at a time. Genovese Coffee House — a proudly family-owned business — serves up stellar cups of coffee from its Lawrence Street digs. You may recognise its name, though, as the renowned coffee brand has been creating top-notch brews since 1970. At the forefront of its ethos: truly Italian-style offerings. The history of this cafe is rooted in its founder Alfio Genovese's vision, and has since carried through three generations with the family's legacy now coming to fruition through Alfio's grandson, Adam Genovese. The Genovese coffee brand's rich heritage influences the cafe's fit-out. Designed by Alexander & Co., the 300-square-metre multi-functional space contains a training and espresso bar, indoor dining and a commercial kitchen, with mid-century- and industrial-inspired decor repurposed to accent the site. Wondering what's up for grabs should you mosey in (and you definitely should)? If you're an early bird, the breakfast selection spans a delicious menu of roasted porchetta paired with egg and a Pazza hot sauce rosetta, a creamy burrata with cherry tomato-topped conserva and ciabatta, and herbed mushrooms accompanied by truffle mayo, rocket and an egg rosetta. Those with a sweet tooth are treated to sensational pastries including the Italian-leaning strawberry and mascarpone croissants, crisp sour cherry & ricotta aragosta, a decadent torta caprese, flakey sfogliatelle and biscotti. For lunchtime, take your pick from porchetta, cheese and tomato, spicy nduja and mozzarella or mortadella and olive panini fillings, freshly-pressed and generously topped focaccia and excellent mattonella. Or, for a lighter meal, try the all-encompassing deli plate. The drinks menu contains the usual bouts of brews from a flat white to long black, as well as a select range of teas and juices. Plus, you'll also find Genovese's much-loved coffee blends served alongside an array of roti at Ultimo's Kafe Kooks. To top things off, Genovese Coffee House hosts a cinzano and cicchetti night every week. Head into the Alexandria outpost from 4pm to 8pm on Fridays to unwind while indulging in top Italian aperitivo — bite-sized snacks and premium vino — in a relaxed locale. Bellissimo.
