Questions,
Answered

21 Espresso is a Hungarian and European restaurant at 21 Knox Street, Double Bay, Sydney. It was founded in 1958 by John Schiffer and is now run by George and Cassie Schiffer. It is one of the longest running restaurants in Sydney and the last of its kind serving genuine Hungarian cuisine in the eastern suburbs.

We serve Hungarian and European cuisine. The menu includes schnitzels, goulash, matzo dumpling soup, cabbage rolls, seafood, grilled meats, pasta, homemade strudel, Hungarian pancakes, and more. We also serve a full breakfast menu from opening every day.

21 Espresso has been at 21 Knox Street, Double Bay since 1958. It is one of the longest running restaurants in Sydney.

The restaurant is run by George Schiffer and his daughter Cassie. The Schiffer family connection goes back to the founding of 21 Espresso in 1958.

Walk ins are always welcome at 21 Espresso. We recommend booking for groups of four or more and on Friday and Saturday evenings. Book online via our website or call us on (02) 9327 2616.

You can book online via the booking link on this website, or call us on (02) 9327 2616 during opening hours. For groups and functions, email info@21espresso.com.au.

Yes. We accommodate groups of various sizes. For groups of 8 or more, please contact us directly on (02) 9327 2616 or at info@21espresso.com.au so we can discuss your requirements and make sure we have the right space set up for you.

We are open Monday to Saturday from 8:00am to 8:30pm and Sunday from 9:00am to 8:30pm. We are open on all public holidays.

The dishes people come back for are the veal schnitzel, the Hungarian goulash, the matzo dumpling soup, the homemade cherry strudel, and the Hungarian pancakes. These have been on the menu since 1958.

Yes, we have vegetarian options on the menu. Please speak with our team when you arrive. For specific dietary requirements, we recommend calling ahead on (02) 9327 2616.

We can accommodate some gluten free requests. Please advise our team of your requirements when you book or arrive. Call (02) 9327 2616 for specific questions.

Yes. Breakfast is served from 8:00am Monday to Saturday and from 9:00am on Sundays. The full breakfast menu is available at the restaurant.

Yes. The kitchen puts together weekly specials that sit alongside the core menu.

Yes. Our covered alfresco terrace is dog friendly. Dogs on leads are welcome in the outdoor dining area. Please keep your dog settled and close to your table.

Yes. The covered outdoor terrace at 21 Espresso has been one of its defining features since 1958 when John Schiffer set up the first outdoor tables in what is widely considered the first alfresco cafe in Australia. The terrace is open seven days.

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

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. We have been hosting private functions and group dining since 1958. Birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events, family gatherings, and more. 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, contact us as early as possible.

We can discuss group menu options when you enquire. Contact us with your group size, date, and occasion and we will talk through what works best.

John Schiffer founded 21 Espresso in 1958. He arrived in Sydney from Hungary and opened the cafe at 21 Knox Street, Double Bay, bringing with him one of the first espresso machines in Australia and the idea of outdoor dining that would change how Sydney eats.

Yes. When John Schiffer set up outdoor tables on Knox Street in 1958, outdoor restaurant dining was virtually unknown in Sydney. He is widely credited with creating the first alfresco cafe in Australia.

The name comes from the address, 21 Knox Street, and the coffee. John Schiffer imported one of the very first espresso machines into Australia and built the early business around it. The name is both an address and a statement of what the place is.