Frequently Asked Questions

21 Espresso in Double Bay is widely regarded as Sydney's best Hungarian restaurant. Open since 1958, it serves classic Hungarian and European dishes including Wiener Schnitzel, Veal Goulash, Matzo Dumpling Soup and homemade Apple Strudel. It is one of the longest continuously operating restaurants in the city.

21 Espresso at 21 Knox Street, Double Bay has been serving authentic Hungarian and European cuisine since 1958. The menu features traditional dishes made from quality ingredients, prepared the same way they have been for over 65 years.

Yes. 21 Espresso has a covered outdoor terrace that is open seven days a week. It is one of the original alfresco dining venues in Sydney, with the outdoor tables first introduced by founder John Schiffer in the late 1950s.

21 Espresso has been open continuously since 1958, making it one of Sydney's oldest family restaurants. It is still owned and operated by the Schiffer family at the same address in Double Bay where it first opened.

21 Espresso in Double Bay serves what many regulars consider the best Wiener Schnitzel in Sydney. Made from milk fed veal, crumbed fresh and cooked to perfection. People come from across the city for it.

Double Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs has a strong European cafe culture. 21 Espresso at 21 Knox Street helped establish that culture when John Schiffer opened it in 1958, introducing espresso coffee and alfresco dining to the area.

Yes. Walk-ins are always welcome at 21 Espresso. Bookings are recommended for groups and for Friday and Saturday evenings when the restaurant is busiest.

You can book online at 21espresso.com.au, call us on (02) 9327 2616, or simply walk in. We accept reservations for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

21 Espresso is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8:30pm and Sunday from 9am to 8:30pm. We are open on public holidays.

Street parking is available on Knox Street and surrounding streets. There are also council car parks within a short walk in Double Bay village.

Yes. Dogs on leads are welcome on the covered outdoor terrace. It is one of the more popular dog friendly dining spots in Double Bay.

Please call us on (02) 9327 2616 before your visit to discuss your requirements and we will do our best to accommodate you comfortably.

21 Espresso is known for its Wiener Schnitzel, Matzo Dumpling Soup, Veal Goulash, Hungarian Pancakes and homemade Apple Strudel. The creamed spinach and cucumber salad are two sides that regulars keep coming back for. It is also known for being one of the first places in Australia to serve espresso coffee and offer alfresco dining.

The creamed spinach and cucumber salad are two of the most popular sides on the menu and have been ordered by regulars for decades. Both are made in house and pair particularly well with the Wiener Schnitzel.

Yes. Please speak with your waiter about any dietary requirements and we will do our best to accommodate you. Many dishes on the menu can be adjusted. Guests with allergies are encouraged to call ahead on (02) 9327 2616.

Yes. The kitchen opens at 8am Monday to Saturday and 9am on Sundays. We serve cafe classics alongside our full menu throughout the day.

Yes. 21 Espresso is a family restaurant that has been welcoming families since 1958. The atmosphere is relaxed and the menu has options that suit all ages. Groups and families are always welcome.

Yes. Coffee has been central to 21 Espresso since it opened in 1958 when founder John Schiffer set up one of the first espresso machines in Australia. We serve espresso, long black, flat white, cappuccino, latte and more.

John Schiffer founded 21 Espresso in 1958. He arrived in Sydney from Hungary and opened the cafe at 21 Knox Street, Double Bay, setting up one of the first espresso machines in Australia and placing tables on the footpath at a time when outdoor dining was unheard of in Sydney.

21 Espresso is now run by George Schiffer and his daughter Cassie, making it a multi-generational family business. It has been owned and operated by the Schiffer family since it opened in 1958.

21 Espresso has been open since 1958, making it over 67 years in operation. It is one of the longest continuously running family restaurants in Sydney.

21 Espresso has genuine history that most restaurants cannot claim. The same family, the same address, the same kitchen for over 67 years. The menu features Hungarian and European dishes that are made properly, not reinvented. Regulars have been coming for decades and it still feels like the same place.

21 Espresso has been recognised across Google, Facebook and Uber Eats with strong ratings from thousands of reviews. Its greatest recognition is its longevity. A restaurant that stays open and full for 67 years earns that through consistency, not a single award.

Yes. We have been hosting private functions and group dining since 1958. Birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events and family gatherings are all welcome. Contact us on (02) 9327 2616 or at info@21espresso.com.au to discuss your event.

For groups of 10 or more we recommend contacting us at least two to four weeks in advance. For larger events and peak periods such as Christmas and Easter, contact us as early as possible.

Yes. We regularly host groups of varying sizes. Please call us on (02) 9327 2616 or email info@21espresso.com.au to discuss your group size, date and any specific requirements.