Espresso Boy Doughnuts

Espresso Boy Doughnuts is a coffee and doughnut shop in Nowra, and it's a small, busy spot that people go out of their way for. Folks have been known to drive up from Kiama Downs on a recommendation, and a queue out the door on a cold, wet morning isn't unusual.

The doughnuts are the draw. There are plenty of flavours to choose from, and locals describe them as light and fluffy, with real flavour in each one rather than just sugar. Pistachio comes up as a favourite, the apple crumble gets a good word, and the custard doughnut has been tried. One local who knows American doughnuts well reckoned these held their own against most of them. They're not overly sweet, which suits the early-morning crowd. If you're after a gluten-free doughnut, we hear there's a limited run on some days of the week, so check with the shop before you make the trip.

It isn't only doughnuts. The pies and sausage rolls have a following of their own, and the bacon and egg roll is a good option when you want something savoury with your coffee. Everything tastes fresh from the oven, and the coffee gets plenty of praise, including a lactose-free option for those who need it. Opinion on the coffee isn't unanimous, with one visitor finding it a touch bitter, but most people leave happy.

The staff are a big part of why people return. Friendly, smiling and quick to help, even when the shop is packed. It's a small place with limited indoor seating at a window bench, so most people take their order away. Prices are fair for what you get.

Accessibility is covered, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park, and there's free street parking nearby. They take cards and mobile payments, and the shop is LGBTQ+ friendly. The doors open early and stay open through the afternoon, but it's worth checking the hours before you head in, particularly on weekends. A tip from the regulars: the doughnuts don't have tags in the window, so it helps to know what you're after or be ready to ask.