Beat The Summer Heat With These 7 Cool Desserts
Canberra plays host to some of the best dessert parlours in Australia, which combine food and science to bring you some truly jaw-dropping sweet treats that are sure to excite the taste buds. Canberra provides the ideal base for all sweet tooths looking to indulge in chocolate treats, ice cream or decadent pastries over the summer break. To help you navigate your way around Canberra’s buzzing foodie scene, we have sourced the top 10 favourite desserts that are close by so you won’t have to travel far to get your daily dose of sugar.
1. Ricardo’s Cafe
Images via Ricardo’s Cafe & Patisserie
Located just 10-minutes drive away in the unassuming suburb of Jamison is Ricardo’s cafe. This buzzing little joint understands the saying “you eat with your eyes first” which is why it is a favourite amongst locals. The immaculate presentation of decadent cakes and pastries is a reflection of owner and patisserie, Ricardo Dre Marco's passion for all things sweet. You will have trouble peeling your eyes away from Ricardo’s long glass cabinet filled with their vibrant macaroons, gold-dusted mousse cakes, injectable doughnuts and many more ever-changing decadent treats. Drop by for the perfect summer breakfast treat and order the Strawberry and Cream Waffles which includes Belgian waffles served with strawberry anglaise, strawberry jelly, fresh strawberries, vanilla ice cream smashed meringue crumble all drizzled with maple syrup.
Located at Jamison Plaza, 1/1 Bowman Street, Macquarie ACT 2614
Open Monday-Friday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm, Saturday & Sunday 7:30 am - 4 pm
More info at http://ricardoscafe.com/
2. Eighty-six
Images via Eighty-Six
Eighty-six is regularly frequented by locals looking to indulge in the Caramel Popcorn Sundae, a signature Canberra dessert which shot to fame after appearing on the cover of Gourmet Food Traveller. This highly sort-after summer dessert is a modern take on the childhood classic, bringing together simple ingredients to create complex flavours that will excite your taste buds. The dish includes just two scoops of butterscotch ice cream, unsalted popcorn, caramel sauce, chunks of peanut butter brittle and an upside down mini waffle cone. Best part is, this popular foodie joint is located just 4-minutes drive from Pavilion on Northbourne so you won’t have to travel far to get a daily dose of sugar.
Located on the corner of Lonsdale Street & Eloura Street, Braddon ACT 2612
Open Monday to Thursday 6pm - 10pm, Friday & Saturday 6pm - 11pm, Sunday 9am - 1pm & 6pm - 10pm
More info at https://eightysix.com.au/
3. Patissez
Images via Patissez
A trip to Canberra isn’t complete without a visit to Patissez, home to the global sensation of the FreakShakes. Just 13-minutes drive from the hotel, this buzzing cafe is known for plating up some of Canberra’s finest dessert creations which have taken social media by a storm. This popular cafe makes up to 400 shakes a day in the heart of the Manuka shopping precinct so you don't have to travel far to satisfy your sugar cravings. We recommend trying the Gay Pat Freakshake which is a unique take on the golden gaytime summer classic. Loaded with homemade dulce de leche ice cream,whipped chocolate mousse, salted caramel and topped with crushed honeycomb & a mini cookie sandwich.
Located at 2/21 Bougainville Street, Griffith ACT 2603
Open Monday - Sunday 7:30 am to 4:30 pm
More info at https://patissez.com/
4. Marble & Grain
Images via Marble & Grain
Not only are Marble & Grain known for serving up award-winning steaks, but they have also cultivated a revered reputation when it comes to their mouth-watering desserts. Located conveniently 4 minutes from Pavilion on Northbourne this buzzing restaurant is a great spot if you’re wanting to treat yourself and loved one to a full-course dining experience. Pair your exquisite dessert with one of Marble & Grain’s chic cocktails, which are a modern take on all your favourite classics. We recommend trying the Summer Mango Mess, which includes coconut sorbet plated with fresh summer fruits and aquafaba meringue.
Located at 25 Mort Street, Braddon ACT 2612
Open weekdays between 6:30 am - 10 pm, weekends between 7 am - 10 pm
More info at https://marbleandgrain.com.au/
5. Dream Cuisine
Images via Dream Cuisine
Free up your Sunday and take a trip down to the local Old Bus Depot Markets to marvel at Dream Cuisines assorted french dessert pastries & macarons. Located just an 11-minute drive from Pavilion on Northbourne making your daily sugar fix moments away. How about trying some of their award-winning macarons which are regarded as some of the best in Canberra? We also recommend sampling their Signature Lime Tart, however, be sure to arrive early because this summer treat is a regular sell-out!
Located at the Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston ACT 2604
Open every Sunday from 10am - 4pm
More info at http://www.dreamcuisine.net.au/
6. The Sugar Deli
Images via The Sugar Deli
Canberra’s first-ever digital dessert parlour delivering mouth-watering desserts to your doorstep. Here you can expect anything from their menu of delicious desserts including injectable doughnuts, generously iced cupcakes, elegant tarts, & decadent cakes & slices. These delicious desserts are not only a feast for the tastebuds but the eyes as well. Best part is their menu is ever-changing providing the perfect excuse to keep coming back to try some of their gastronomic sweet treats. We recommend ordering The Sugar Deli’s Caviar of the Sweets World which is an assortment of cool summer dessert cakes including tiramisu, mango cheesecake, chocolate mousse and more! So put your order in and have it delivered straight to you at Pavilion on Northbourne.
To order visit their online store https://thesugardeli.com.au/
Open Monday-Thursday from 9am - 5pm
7. White Rabbit Cocktail Room
Images via White Rabbit
What better way to beat the summer heat than an outing to a cocktail bar. Just 6-minutes drive from Pavilion on Northbourne, White Rabbit welcomes all of those with young and curious hearts to enjoy decadent treats and whimsical cocktail creations that draw inspiration from the world of Alice in Wonderland. We recommend booking a Tipsy Tea at White Rabbit for the best kind of tea party catch-up with friends. Enjoy sipping French champagne or chic summer cocktails whilst indulging in some of White Rabbit’s finest dessert pastries, cakes and tarts!
Located at 65 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra ACT 2601
Open Tuesday - Thursday 5pm - 12am, Friday & https://www.whiterabbitroom.com.au/Saturday 5pm - 2pm, Sunday 2pm - 6pm
Tipsy Tea only Saturdays and Sundays between 2pm-5pm
More info at https://www.whiterabbitroom.com.au/
