Lake Macquarie residents, get excited with the arrival of Blackfinn Espresso on Toronto’s foreshore.

Brought to you by Central Coast local, Alysha, Blackfinn Espresso brings their second space to life with a brand-new fitted-out dine-in café right on the shore of Lake Macquarie.

“Growing up, my mum had always wanted to have her own café. That idea has been in my head from a really young age and the hospitality industry is something I’ve always loved. I am such a foodie and love going out and experiencing different places,” Alysha said.

Situated amongst the new development on the corner of Toronto’s Wharf Rd and Brighton Avenue, Blackfinn Espresso has been a welcome addition since its launch in December last year.

Having started Blackfinn Espresso with their OG space in Toukley in April 2021, Alysha has been busily building up the business's reputation for some cracking good coffee, delightful eats, and some of the best darn service on the Central Coast.

The cosy vintage-looking caravan has continued to serve up its takeaway offering for the past two years, with the idea of expanding into the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie scene being on Alysha’s radar since the get-go.

“I was looking for a Newcastle-based space originally. Having come out here to Toronto, I really loved the area and there is so much on offer here. It’s such a great area and everyone has been so lovely and welcoming.”

Landing on the freshly developed building here in Toronto thanks to a suggestion from their coffee gurus, Glitch Coffee Roasters, Blackfinn Espresso 2.0 started to come to life.

The muted colour palette invites you in from the main street, with people flowing out onto the indoor/outdoor seating space. Step up to the counter and be greeted by the friendly Blackfinn Espresso staff.

Browse over their menu, featuring a strong gluten-free and dairy-free offering, handmade raw treats by The Brownie Lady, and a seasonal eat-in offering.

“The menu is similar to what we offer in Toukley, but here, we’ve tried to offer a lot more gluten and dairy-free options as well. I have a gluten and dairy intolerance and I struggle a lot to go out and find places that offer what I need.”

The entire menu screams fresh, filling, and downright tasty. From their Avocado Smash and Loaded Bacon & Egg Roll to their Acai Bowls, Toasties, Tacos, Biscoff Waffles, and everything in between; there’s a dish on the menu for everyone.

Onto their drinks menu, the coffee is of course top-notch thanks to the crew at Glitch Coffee Roasters, and their tea offering is just as high-quality thanks to The Tea Collective.

Having built a strong reputation on the Central Coast, Blackfinn Espresso is no doubt going to do the same in Lake Macquarie with their Toronto space. But watch this space – there may just be more Blackfinn Espressos coming to the Newcastle/Lake Macquarie area in the future.

With Lulu’s Gelato just next door, an empty space just screaming for another hospitality business, and the water’s edge just a hop, skip, and a jump away; a visit to Toronto’s Blackfinn Espresso should be on your weekend plans.