Rise of the coffee machine
At ASTRA—whether you’re sitting at our full-service deli or grabbing a cup from our little coffee popup—every single detail is intended. We obsess over things most people won’t notice as we believe that’s where the magic lives.
The Machine: Victoria Arduino
We don’t mess around when it comes to brewing. Each espresso is pulled on a Victoria Arduino—what the industry calls the Rolls Royce of coffee machines. These powerhouses offer unmatched temperature stability, intense steam pressure, and the kind of exactness that turns a shot of caffeine into a call to action. Consistency matters, and this beauty delivers, every single time.
The Coffee: 100% Specialty Arabica
Our South American specialty-grade blend has deep rich caramel with dark chocolate notes. We adjust every element: from how fine the grind size and exact dose weight to correct yield and brew ratio, making sure we hit the sweet spot with each extraction. And if it doesn’t lift us up, it doesn’t go in your cup.
*insisting on single origin beans is like wanting your iPhone made in one place — sounds ideal, but what if another factory has a better battery?
The Milk: Only Barista-grade
Whether you’re going full cream, skim, oat, soy or almond. No extra charge, just the best option for your coffee, and that’s barista-grade. It’s made to handle heat, meaning better stretch, smoother texture, and the kind of micro-foam that wouldn’t collapse by the time you sit down. It supports flavour, builds texture, and when you’re chasing that perfect pour, it’s the only kind of milk that shows up ready to work.
The Ice: Pellet Ice
Yes, we use the “good ice.” Those tiny, chewable pellets that somehow make iced coffee taste colder and better. They chill your drink fast but don’t melt fast to ruin the balance of your beverage. They absorb coffee too—creeping into the cracks—so when you crunch them at the end, there’s still a little espresso magic in each bite.
The Cups: Glassware
Our cups are a little different from what you’re used to. We use glass.. Take our long black cups, it might look compact, but still holds two full espresso shots. Every glass we use is chosen to let you see to savour the layers of what you’re drinking.
We know this may all seem too much, that you don’t need to know our entire thinking, but we really think your tastebuds will be able to tell.