If you're wondering where Ballarat goes for lunch, it's here. Walk into low-lit L'espresso and you're met with the smell of garlic wafting through the air and the lively chatter of happy locals. With dark-red walls, a pretty pressed-tin ceiling, breezy blues tunes and decorative Campari bottles, it's easy to relax. The menu offers Italian classics like a creamy risotto with peas, lemon, marjoram and ricotta, or a confit duck leg with a zippy shaved fennel and blood orange salad. Good coffee, smart service, big Breakfasts, house-made cakes and a little CD shop in the corner- L'espresso has all of Ballarat's bases covered.