Bandstand Cafe

Some of the smoothest, boldest and most authentic Italian coffee I’ve tasted in Sydney. Bonus points for the funny and friendly chap who pulls the shots and makes my daily coffee even more enjoyable. One point off for the food which is pretty average for the area.

I came here for a friend’s 30^th birthday party — she had hired the whole place for the night. It was pouring with rain the whole evening, but the space had heaters spread throughout to keep us warm. At $ 10 a pop for a standard vodka and soda it was a little too pricey for my liking. But the finger food they served throughout the night was delicious and the staff were super friendly. A great party location if you want a venue all to yourself in a good location — downstairs is great as a dance floor with the first floor a good chill out space.

Staff here are super friendly! Great location for a party. Was here for a 30^th party and we had the whole café to ourselves. Their liquor license only allows them to operate till midnight.

I often wish they offered more economics classes in school. So often the financial aspects of a situation can predict a phenomenon.
Case in point: A visit to the Bandstand Café.
Sitting all by itself in the center of Green Park the Bandstand Café pretty much has a monopoly on the park, and hospital employees and patients from St. Vincent’s hospital across the street who don’t want to spend their break walking. And at least if you believe the hype, monopolies don’t tend to lead to quality. I found this to be the case with both their toasted banana and raspberry pear bread. Neither were good. The flat white on the other hand was certainly ok, but I wouldn’t come back just for that.
However, the Italian guy behind the counter is by far the friendliest barista I’ve met in Sydney, so if fun banter is the key ingredient with your morning coffee, you might give them a go.

Situated in the middle of the park opposite St Vincents hospital is this little 2 story café restaurant, serving italian specialities. It looks like an age old establishment which has been around for many year, although their menu isn’t very tantalizing, it is quiet affordable, according to their $ 13 Pasta and wine lunch specials.
The décor is a bit warn, but resonates a matureness not seen to often in Darlinghurst. Most of the customers here are visitors or doctors from the St Vincents hospital across the road, on the hunt for a quick sit down lunch, or some take away coffee.
Passers by recommend the coffee, and although I haven’t tried it, I trust that the Italian owner can make a velvety espresso. You would come here for friendly service, and quite possibly to give your rusty Italian another go.
The pasta I had was a little bland, and the parmesan cheese was served with a rubber band mixed in with it. Overall, not that special, but a very relaxing and beautiful location in the park.