Sila Espresso Bar Fitzroy

About Sila Espresso Bar Fitzroy

Step into Sila Espresso Bar, a charming café nestled in the heart of Fitzroy at 189 Brunswick St. This beloved local spot harks back to a simpler time, blending nostalgia with an unwavering commitment to quality. With its rich history and warm atmosphere, Sila is not just a café; it’s a treasured community hub that echoes the spirit of its 1950s roots.

The café is famed for its exceptional coffee, brewed on a vintage Faema Urania espresso machine that’s been in operation for over 60 years. As you savor each sip, you’ll understand why locals like Sarah van Ours tunefully refer to it as a “hidden gem.” The expertly crafted beverages are complemented by a delightful range of pastries, including the ever-popular jam tart priced at just $4.50. Each bite of their toasties is a comfort, as echoed by Kate Jaskolski, who raves about the classic and simple delights available.

Upon entering, the inviting atmosphere wraps around you like a warm hug. The charming decor maintains that vintage vibe, allowing you to lose yourself in reminiscences of yesteryears. Customers like Dr. Martha Tara Lee enjoy the quick service and cozy setup that feels distinctly familial, with friendly staff who often remember your name and order. Whether you choose to sit inside or enjoy the fresh air at the outdoor seating, Sila provides just the right ambience for leisurely coffee afternoons filled with sketching or catching up with friends.

Sila stands as a testament to family tradition, maintained lovingly by Dom, Kathy, and Maria, who have taken up the mantle of preserving their parents’ legacy. Marcie D beautifully captures the essence of what makes Sila a special place – it’s about community, heritage, and staying true to oneself amidst the ever-changing tides of the café scene. If you’re looking for a spot that serves excellent coffee in a cozy, community-centered environment, Sila Espresso Bar is your go-to destination when in Fitzroy. Come for the coffee; stay for the camaraderie.

Features

Accessibility

Has wheelchair-accessible entrance

Service options

Offers takeaway

Serves dine-in

No delivery

Highlights

Serves great coffee

Popular for

Popular for breakfast

Popular for lunch

Good for solo dining

Offerings

Serves alcohol

Serves coffee

Serves healthy options

Quick bite

Dining options

Serves breakfast

Serves brunch

Serves lunch

Serves dessert

Amenities

Has toilet

Atmosphere

Casual

Cosy

Crowd

Good for groups

Payments

Accepts credit cards

Accepts debit cards

Accepts NFC mobile payments

Credit cards

Children

Good for kids

Photo Gallery

Location & Map

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Saturday

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Sunday

Closed

Guest Reviews

59 Reviews

Marcie D

02 Oct 2025

I had the best week, I walked into Sila cafe not knowing what to expect! It was like walking back in time. Not many originals left, I grew up in Fitzroy and knew this beautiful little shop from when I was a child. I was so happy and surprised that Dom, Kathy and Maria have continued the family tradition, their mother and father have left a beautiful legacy. Sila thank you for staying true and real to the working class people of Fitzroy, you’ve stayed humbled like your beautiful parents humbled beginnings. The coffee was great and the toasted sandwiches were amazing thank you, I will continue to visit xxoo

Aaron Filler

18 Sep 2025

Very nice place. Friendly customer service, nice decor, and nice street seating. Great coffee at good prices. Also had the jam tart ($4.50) which was good, and the rest of the cakes and food also looked amazing. Lovely spot and open later than most which is excellent.

World Foodie

28 Aug 2025

Genuine 1950s cafe without a hipster nod or wink in sight. Worth a trip just to see their space age Faema Urania espresso machine, which is now 60+ years old and still going strong!

Chris McGeachan

14 Jul 2025

Fantastic place, wonderful inviting atmosphere where the staff always know your name and what you would like I’m a little concerned though as it’s been closed since late week, with no Note on the door/window ( and today 16/6 ) Can anyone shine some light?

Sarah van Ours

07 Jul 2025

Sila is a cozy coffee spot with a friendly vibe, run by Don, who still remembered my dad as “the Dutch guy who works at the University.” The coffee is excellent, and the outdoor seating provides the perfect place to sketch in the sun. A hidden gem in Fitzroy and my go-to for a relaxing coffee.

Dr. Martha Tara Lee

29 Jun 2025

Love this cosy place and how fast the service was. Serves a lot of different types of sandwiches. I just had a hot chocolate. I felt at home and would recommend it.

Kate Jaskolski

28 Jun 2025

Classic & quaint sandwich stop. No frills toasties (classic, simple, delightful) in the kind of cozy community atmosphere that demands a certain reverence. Tuna toastie (#7) was just want you need to get you through a rainy autumn afternoon.

Menontonini Menotoni

14 Jun 2025

Wonderfully good coffee and toasties. Its hard to imagine how much this place has seen over its many decades. A jewel in heart of old Fitzroy.