Elster

Elster is a European-style bistro in a former 1930s service station. It was inspired by owner Julien Moussi’s (Willim, My Other Brother) travels throughout the continent. Toeing the line between restaurant and cafe, Elster’s team delivers restaurant-standard service while maintaining an approachable feeling.

This includes creating a higher-end menu than most cafes, with restaurant-type dishes rather than typical Aussie cafe food. It includes steak frites, a chopped tuna salad and cacio e pepe risotto. There are also classic cafe staples like eggs on toast, banana bread with whipped mascarpone, and avocado toast served with smoked feta and jalapeno sauce.

The space has Tudor architecture roots, an aesthetic that’s been maintained through renovations. The espresso bar has black countertops and is clad in brown timber. White painted-brick walls are contrasted with dark wooden tables and brown leather banquettes, and the dining space has plenty of natural light thanks to its existing large windows.

The wine list comprises exclusively Australian drops and there are classic cocktails including a Bloody Mary, Aperol Spritz and Espresso Martini. For coffee, there’s the Roosevelt seasonal blend and single origin beans by Inglewood.

The goal is to create a place for people to sit, relax and enjoy a leisurely meal. But if you do just happen to pass by, there are pastries and sandwiches from Bakery Lievito and cakes from Clementines available to take away.