The sweet side of Canberra
By Minh Thu Pham Tran
Stressed is desserts spelt backwards. Whether all the assignments and exams are stressing you out, or you always have a soft spot for some yummy desserts, you have come to the right place.
Are you ready? Let’s embark on this sweet journey together!
1. Goodberry’s
Goodberry’s is a popular dessert outlet in the Belconnen area.
“Frozen custard” is the hero item on the menu. You can create your own combination, or pick up their decadent blends and watch them made fresh in front of your eyes. Frozen custard cakes, sundaes and milkshakes are also available.
2. Max Brenner
For all things cocoa related, you must come to Max Brenner.
Located in the Belconnen Mall, Max Brenner is one of the best places to get your chocolate fix. Their menu includes fondue for two, brownie sundaes and chocolate covered pizza. You know you want it.
3. Ricardo’s Café and Patisseries
Prepare to be amazed by the tantalising cakes and pastries when visiting Ricardo’s Café and Patisseries.
At Ricardo’s, you can find the most magnificent cakes of all sizes and shapes, as well as other fantastical sweet creations. You must visit their Instagram page to see for yourself.
4. Passiontree Velvet
Passiontree Velvet is a dessert cafe inspired by English high tea tradition. The menu features eye-catching macarons and cakes as well as delightful savoury dishes. And not to mention, they are all very Instagram-worthy.
You can find Passiontree Velvet in the Canberra Centre’s Monaro beauty precinct.
5. Frugii Dessert Laboratory
You can’t buy happiness but you can buy ice cream. A Canberra icon, Frugii is a hidden gem nestled in Braddon’s Ori Building.
At Frugii, you can find spectacular flavours that challenge the mind and excite the palate. Think classics Dark Chocolate, Salted Caramel and the more adventurous Musk Stick, or unique Black Truffle and Hot Crossed Bun.
Frugii also has a fresh range of pastries and verrines, as well as vegan options.
6. Koko Black
Koko Black is a true embodiment of Willy Wonka’s wonderful chocolate factory in reality – well, at least in Canberra.
With an extensive range of decadent chocolate treats, you will have a hard time to pick only one. The shop serves everything from delightful chocolate mousse to rich hot cocoa and incredible ice cream. And don’t forget to try their famous inventive truffles as well.
Whether you are into a robust classic flavour or want to experience something outside the box, Koko Black has a piece of chocolate for everybody.
7. Via Dolce Pasticerria
Literally called ‘Sweet Street’, Via Dolce is a bright and friendly Italian pastry shop situated in the Canberra CBD.
Not only can you find beautiful authentic gelato here, but you will also marvel at their resplendent desserts, cakes and pastries.
Via Dolce is the perfect place for an after-dinner treat in the city.
8. Gelato Messina
Gelato Messina is the latest addition to the Canberra’s sweet side and has quickly become a locals’ darling.
The shop boasts a diverse range of over 40 flavours, bespoke gelato cakes and single-serve pieces.
Come to indulge and witness the creation of some unique concoctions every day in-store.
9. Oliver Brown
Get ready to dive into Oliver Brown for a chocoholic’s heaven.
It is the place to go when you are hankering for waffles, crepes and Belgian hot chocolate. When you are at Oliver Brown, get ready to dig into devilishly irresistible handcrafted desserts.
Your sweetest dreams are much closer than you think.