21 Espresso Double Bay exterior
Double Bay, Sydney   Est. 1958

A Sydney
Institution
Since 1958

A Sydney institution with roots going back to 1958. Warm service, honest food, and a table waiting for you in the heart of Double Bay.

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Hungarian & European Cuisine Alfresco Dining Dog Friendly Open 7 Days Groups Welcome Est. Double Bay 1958
Our Heritage

The first alfresco
cafe in Australia

John Schiffer arrived in Sydney from Hungary in the late 1950s. He noticed something that surprised him. Sydney had a beautiful climate and almost no outdoor dining.

In 1958, he opened 21 Espresso on Knox Street, set up tables outside, and changed how Sydneysiders thought about eating. Today, George and his daughter Cassie keep that same spirit alive.

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The Restaurant

Honest food, warm
service, every day

Hungarian and European classics made with care. A menu of over 30 dishes that has been refined over decades. The kind of cooking that makes people drive across Sydney for a schnitzel.

Open seven days for breakfast through to dinner. Walk ins always welcome. Tables always worth booking.

Explore the Menu
21 Espresso restaurant, 21 Knox Street Double Bay Sydney

21 Knox Street  ·  Double Bay, Sydney  ·  Est. 1958

Signature Dishes

What people come
back for

Nutella Pancake at 21 Espresso Double Bay
Matzo Dumpling Soup
Light chicken broth with a pillowy matzo dumpling. On the menu since 1958.
Wiener Schnitzel at 21 Espresso Double Bay
Wiener Schnitzel
Milk fed veal, crumbed and pan fried golden. People drive across Sydney for this.
Wiener Schnitzel at 21 Espresso Double Bay
Hungarian Goulash
Slow cooked veal rich with paprika and depth. One of the originals from 1958.
Hungarian Veal Goulash at 21 Espresso Double Bay
Nutella Pancakes
Hungarian crepes filled with Nutella and topped with fresh strawberries.
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"The same family. The same kitchen. The same Knox Street address. Over 67 years of making people feel at home in Double Bay."

George & Cassie Schiffer   /   21 Espresso, Double Bay

Why 21

Good reasons to
come in

Alfresco & Dog Friendly

Our covered outdoor area is open seven days. Dogs on leads are welcome. One of the few restaurants in Double Bay where the whole family can come.

Open Every Day

Breakfast through to dinner, seven days a week, including all public holidays. Walk ins welcome. Tables always available if you book ahead.

Groups & Functions

We have been hosting celebrations since 1958. Birthdays, anniversaries, work dinners, family gatherings. We know how to look after a group.

Common Questions

Before you visit

We are a Hungarian and European restaurant. The menu includes schnitzels, veal goulash, matzo dumpling soup, cabbage rolls, steaks, seafood, homemade strudel, and Hungarian pancakes, alongside cafe classics.
Walk ins are always welcome. We recommend booking for groups of four or more, and on Friday and Saturday evenings. Book online or call (02) 9327 2616.
Yes. Our covered outdoor alfresco area is dog friendly. Dogs on leads are welcome in the outdoor dining area.
We opened in 1958. That is over 67 years in the same location on Knox Street, Double Bay. 21 Espresso is one of Sydney's longest running restaurants, founded by John Schiffer and now run by George and Cassie Schiffer.
Absolutely. 21 Espresso has been hosting group dinners, birthdays, and private functions since 1958. Contact us in advance for larger groups and we will make sure everything is set up for you.
Street parking is available on Knox Street and surrounding streets. Council car parks are a short walk away in Double Bay. Call us on (02) 9327 2616 if you need directions.