Deluca Specialty Coffee

In what used to be the old Neoma cafe on Botany Road in Banksmeadow, things have changed. In October 2011 Lucas Georgiou took over the site, brought in his own roaster in, rebranded the cafe space and after a little work, Deluca arrived. It’s a transformative makeover and whilst it was a cafe before, it’s now clear that this is a space that is all about the coffee.

A huge glass cold drip sits on the counter just waiting for the warmer weather to kick in, pour over filters sit side by side and siphons perch nearby – all of which have notes available to explain them and the steaming La Marzocco at the counter never stops. But the dead giveaway that coffee is the main drawcard here is the gleaming roaster on the other side of the viewing window. It’s a Diedrich C25 and it’s a sight to behold when it’s churning full tilt, giving off toasty aromas as you wander into the sleek new space.

“It was the first of its type in Sydney,” says Georgiou and so far it’s proving to be everything promised, with this model sporting major upgrades from the roasting model before.

One wall showcases a mural of the coffee journey - from seeding, through cherry, to shipping and finally to the cup – and the menu covers breakfast, brunch and lunch options, with specialty teas by Chamellia and served steeped to the ideal time.

It’s only a Monday to Friday thing but Deluca – with its house blend coffee and single estate specials – is just what this quiet strip of Botany Road needed.