Shenkin Newtown Espresso Bar

4.2(387)

239A King St, Newtown, New South Wales, 2042

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Services:TakeawayDine-In

Fresh From the OvenFriendly Staff

Known for

Chai latteFlat whiteBurekasTakeawayDine-inCoffeeVegetarian optionsBreakfast

Why Choose Shenkin Newtown Espresso Bar?

Shenkin Newtown is a proper espresso bar known locally for fresh, in-house pastries, including exceptional vegan potato and cauliflower burekas, and excellent coffee made to order. The tiny, high-energy space on King Street suits a quick coffee before the bus or a takeaway drink, with a welcoming team and a no-fuss vibe.

About Shenkin Newtown Espresso Bar

Shenkin Newtown Espresso Bar is a small cafe and bakery in Newtown, New South Wales, built for popping in rather than settling down. The room is tiny, with a handful of stools and a window seat that suits watching King Street go by. Locals use it for a coffee before the bus, a quick bite, or a takeaway drink to carry along the strip. Dine-in and takeaway are both on offer.

The pastries are the main reason a bakery-minded visitor should know about it. They're made in-house and come fresh from the oven, with both sweet and savoury options. The burekas, especially the vegan potato and cauliflower versions, are described as delicate and crunchy outside with a soft, well-seasoned filling. A warmed feta pastry has its fans too, and one local reckons the shakshouka with fresh pita is among the best they've eaten. Breakfast, a few desserts and vegetarian choices round out the menu, alongside coffee, chai lattes, matcha and iced drinks.

Shenkin is a family-run Sydney cafe group, and the focus on warmth and honest food comes through in the staff. Friendly, quick and welcoming is the word around the counter, and one regular has said the people behind it are the real reason they keep coming back. One local called their morning coffee there something to look forward to.

The coffee leans fruity, which doesn't suit every palate, and a couple of locals have grumbled about drink prices and the odd milk mix-up. At lunchtime it gets crowded and noisy, so if you want to sit down with a meal, an off-peak visit is the better bet.

The cafe opens early and stays open through the afternoon, seven days a week, but check the hours before you head in. It takes cards and mobile payments, and it's LGBTQ+ friendly.

Location

Egg & Halloumi Wrap
Egg, halloumi, sesame kale, caramelised onion, tomato, shakshuka & allenby sauce.
$17
Bacon, Egg & Cheese Wrap
With your choice of allenby / tomato / BBQ.
$17
Granola Bowl
Homemade granola with coconut yogurt, seasonal fruit, honey and maldon salt.
$19.50
Avo Toast
Garlic labneh, avocado, heirloom tomato, feta, zaatar, sunflower seeds served on sourdough with a soft poached egg.
$21
Hash Brown Benny
Poached eggs served on 2 hash browns, caramelised onion, kale, hollandaise & roasted cherry tomatoes.
Eggs Your Way
Your choice of eggs, served on sourdough.
$17
Shakshuka
Pan baked eggs in tomato sauce spiced with herbs, served with pita.
$24
Mediterranean Plate
Eggs your way, avocado, smoked salmon, labneh, olives, fresh salad, coriander zchug & pita bread.
$28
Angelita
Fried eggs cooked with our signature shakshuka, folded inside our classic puff pastry, coriander zchug & mozzarella.
$23
Mallawach
Crispy puff pastry with hummus, grated tomato, coriander zchug, tahini, fresh salad, and boiled egg.
$23.50
Sabih
Crispy puff pastry rolled with eggplant, hummus, amba, coriander zchug, tahini, and boiled egg served with a side of house pickles.
$21
Hummus Plate
Hummus, coriander zchug, falafels, tahini and fresh salad with pita.
$23

Pita Pockets

Falafel
Falafels, hummus, tahini, amba, coriander zchug, cabbage, cucumber, tomato, pickles, sumac onions.
$19.50
Chicken Shawarma
Shawarma spiced grilled chicken, hummus, tahini, amba, cabbage, cucumber, tomato, sumac onions, coriander zchug & pickles.
$21
Schnitzel
Chicken schnitzel, hummus, tahini, amba, cabbage, cucumber, tomato, sumac onions, coriander zchug, & pickles.
$22.50

Smalls

Labneh, Fresh Pita Zaatar & Olive Oil
$9
Hummus, Fresh Pita & Olive Oil
$9
Pickles & Olives
$9

Sides

Bacon
$7
Avocado
$5.50
Smoked Salmon
$7
Sesame Kale
$5.50
Hash Brown
$4.50
Halloumi
$4.50
Mushrooms
$6
Roasted Tomato
$5

On The Other Side

Coriander Zchug
$6
Chips & Allenby
$9
Mallawach Pastry
$8
Falafels (X2)
$5.50
Margez Chorizo
$9
Pita
$3.50
Grilled Chicken
$8
Chicken Schnitzel
$9

View menu (PDF) →

Menu as published at shenkin.com.au on 28 October 2026. Prices change; confirm with the shop.

What Customers Say on Google

Bread

“Probably the best Shakshouka I've ever had, and I've eaten my weight of them. The fresh pita bread served with it is amazing.”

Staff

“The coffee is great, but what's more impressive are the people who work there. They are so friendly and vivacious.”

Pastries

“The vegan pastries however are delicious. I got both the potato and cauliflower burek and they are both lovely.”

Source: Google Reviews

Community Comments

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Frequently Asked Questions About Shenkin Newtown Espresso Bar

: Shenkin Newtown Espresso Bar is a tiny espresso bar on King Street known for fresh in-house pastries, including vegan potato and cauliflower burekas, alongside coffee favourites like flat whites and chai lattes. Its shakshouka and sourdough-based smashed avo also get a mention. It suits a quick coffee or bite rather than a long sit-down meal.
: Yes, Shenkin Newtown Espresso Bar offers both dine-in and takeaway. The room is small with just a handful of stools and a window seat looking onto King Street, so seating is limited and best suited to a short visit rather than settling in for a while.
: The menu covers hot drinks like batch brew, mocha, hot chocolate, matcha latte and black sesame latte, plus cold options including iced latte, cold brew and iced chai. There's also a tea selection (English breakfast, earl grey, green, peppermint, lemongrass and ginger) and orange or green juice, alongside house-made sweet and savoury pastries.
: Yes, Shenkin Newtown Espresso Bar lists vegetarian options and its vegan potato and cauliflower burekas are a standout for locals. The cafe also serves breakfast and dessert items alongside its coffee and pastry range, making it a handy stop for a plant-based bite in Newtown.
: Locals regularly praise the staff at Shenkin Newtown Espresso Bar as friendly, quick and welcoming, with service that keeps the small space moving during busy periods. The vibe is described as a genuine espresso bar with an Italian-style energy, cosy but prone to getting crowded and noisy around lunchtime on King Street.