Tranquilo Espresso (derived from the Spanish for relax) is anything but reserved. This busy little spot in the heart of Lonsdale Street is the perfect kind of hole-in-the wall that can pump out coffee, burgers and complete meals effortlessly, allowing for eat-in and take-away diners to fill their bellies with a surprisingly broad range of offerings not typically available from espresso bars.

In fact, the whole café is set up to feel welcoming and relaxed. A collection of succulent plants line for the front of the counter, hinting at the dry climate of the Iberian Peninsula, while a collection of knick-knacks line the shelves and hide away in corners, providing charm and a sense of humour to the tidy little space.

Here, the coffee is very much front-and-centre. And so it should be, given Tranquilo is one of the few places in Canberra that has been allowed to serve Campos Coffee. Notoriously protective of their reputation, Campos ensure that only the best retailers present their coffee to a loyal and coffee-crazed following. With consistency being the key, Tranquilo ensures that every day you can grab a delicious cup of coffee that is spot-on every time.

As a café that prides itself on being a local, Tranquilo works hard from 6.00am to provide an evolving menu that covers all times of the working day. Whether grabbing a delicious Tranquilo Roll (bacon & egg served with chilli jam) or a simple Ham & Cheese Croissant, the team is ready to ensure you get the fuel to make it through the day.

The Specials Board is what you need to pay attention to for lunch. The offerings extend well beyond your average espresso bar, cooked to order in the kitchen out the back. One example is the Arancini Balls. An absolute delight, they are filled with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, basil and cheese, and sit as a trio atop a bed of rocket and drizzled with aoli. Add a generous squeeze from the fresh-cut lemon, and you’ve got a lovely lunch that won’t weigh you down for the afternoon.

The burgers are also part of the Tranquilo experience, and there’s nothing better than grabbing one on the go. The Pulled Chicken version features meat that has been marinated and slow-cooked to perfection, with a bed of red cabbage, rocket and tomato providing a zesty and zingy contrast.

So, it seems Tranquilo is a café that is worth making a noise about. By delivering quality, variety and friendly service all day long, this is a great place to relax and refuel. Get in now, and grab yourself a treat from the expansive menu, and take some time to relax and enjoy the Braddon scene.