Third time seems to be the charm for restaurateur Rajan Sethi. After dishing up novel concepts like plant-forward OMO and AMPM Café and Bar in Gurugram’s DLF Phase 4, he’s back with an all-day breakfast café, Espressos AnyDay, in the same hood.

At first glance, it may appear like any other diner serving comfort food and good vibes. However, Sethi presents a unique matcha bar where the Japanese powdered tea is delivered multiple ways: in a latte, as a frappe, or even in a lemonade.

Ngarum Farmer’s Coffee (a single-origin nano lot from India’s northeast, a huge hit in OMO) also makes an appearance, along with a fun selection of breakfast pizzettes and fresh bakes.

The Space

Espressos AnyDay

Espressos AnyDay finds its home in a building in Gurugram’s DLF Phase 4, where the once-popular coffee hangout Mocha stood many years ago. Its location on the main road, opposite one of Millennium City’s oldest (and poshest) condominiums, qualifies it as a neighbourhood café.

The setting is dominated by simple woodwork, interspersed with quirky elements. A scroll on one of the walls screams ‘Cold Brew, Bold Crew’. Another corner draws attention for its series of clay faces with myriad expressions, instantly reminding us of oft-used emojis. The vibe remains comforting all day. With large glass windows, Espressos AnyDay’s interiors are bathed in golden hues during the day. Sit back, read a book, or just chat with the friendly staff in the café. In the evenings, warm lighting takes over to create an inviting ambiance. There’s also al fresco seating to enjoy the nippy weather this season and watch the world go by (read: Gurugram traffic).

The Drinks

True to its name, Espressos AnyDay offers an innovative range of coffees, including a few seasonal varieties. The brain behind Ngarum Farmer’s coffee, Grace Muivah, has retained some staples from the OMO menu, including the vanilla ice cream latte and burnt butter iced lungo. But it’s the new options that will leave you even more intrigued. On top of the charts is the signature Citrus Honey Iced Americano with a dash of lemon and orange, honey and espresso served over ice. The subtle tanginess marries beautifully with the kick of coffee, making it a refreshing pick-me-up any time of the day. The Strawberry Iced Coffee is another fresh option that’s on the list for my next visit.