Piazza D’oro coffee. 458 Harris St, Ultimo. Part of the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre complex, though you don’t need to buy an admission ticket to buy something from the cafe. The first thing that strikes you as you walk into this space is all the natural light: there are big windows running the length of one wall, and another set of windows behind the cafe overlooking the pool. The second thing is the familiar aroma that comes with a swimming pool – the strong scent of chlorine.
Visiting after the lunchtime rush doesn’t see the counters in the best shape: there are plates that have been removed from the table but not yet properly cleared on the counter: in fact, there’s not a lot of counter space anywhere: there are lots of little food options and signage, and a blackboard with some specials – a free coffee with the larger breakfast items is the current special.
It’s not without trepidation that I wait for my coffee: there’s something about the look of the place that tells me the coffee won’t be quite right, but I’m pleasantly surprised. The latte art is well-executed, and the coffee itself is quite good.