We all need a little indulgence now and then. Whether it’s a flaky pastry with your morning espresso, a decadent slice of cake that commands attention or a high tea that whispers elegance, there’s something timeless about enjoying a moment on the sweeter side of life.
These six venues - from charming country cafés to sleek city hideaways - prove that dessert isn’t just a course, it’s a destination. Let your cravings lead the way.
Café 3847 & Co – Rosedale, Vic
Tucked into the quaint township of Rosedale, Café 3847 & Co is everything a country café should be - warm, nostalgic and brimming with rustic charm. With trailing greenery, reclaimed timber furnishings and vintage décor that feels like a loving embrace from your favourite aunt, this Gippsland gem is as much about atmosphere as it is about food. The space feels like a community lounge room, where the coffee flows and conversation hums across long, shared tables and sun-dappled corners.
While the hearty breakfast wraps and gourmet potatoes are reason enough to stop in, it’s the sweeter offerings that steal the spotlight. The gluten-free doughnuts are locally famous, and with good reason - they vanish within hours of being stocked. Pillowy soft and perfectly glazed, these doughnuts are a revelation for anyone with dietary restrictions who refuses to compromise on flavour. Arrive early. They don’t last long.
Craving a sweet escape? Secure your table and don’t miss the doughnut drop.
Driftwood Restaurant – Lauderdale, Tas
At Driftwood Restaurant in Lauderdale, it’s hard to tell what’s more breathtaking - the waterfront views or the plates coming out of the kitchen. Set on North Terrace and blessed with golden-hour sunsets over the canal, Driftwood offers a refined escape from Hobart’s bustle. Inside, the clean lines and dark tones of the interior contrast beautifully with the bright dishes that grace each table, while the rotating menu keeps locals returning to see what’s new.
The French toast is a masterclass in decadence. Featuring fig, ricotta and a generous drizzle of local honey, it arrives golden and crisp on the outside, pillowy on the inside. This is brunch elevated - balanced in its sweetness, luxurious in its texture and perfectly paired with a Mimosa or a flat white. It's a dish made for lingering mornings and slow conversations.
Book ahead for a brunch worth crossing town for.
Silva Coffee Roasters – Warburton, Vic
For coffee aficionados and sweet-toothed travellers alike, Silva Coffee Roasters in Warburton is a pilgrimage worth making. More than just a café, this small-batch roastery wears its love for the bean on its sleeve - literally, with a dedicated coffee station offering tastings and freshly ground specialty blends. The space is sleek, with a European edge that sets the tone for serious coffee enjoyment, complemented by an elegant display of artisanal baked goods.
Among the counter's most tempting stars are the Argentinian alfajores - shortbread-style biscuits sandwiched with gooey dulce de leche and edged with coconut. Traditional, yes, but made with the kind of precision and care that transforms them into something sublime. Pair them with a coffee flight for a tasting journey that’s both global and gorgeously sweet.
Plan your next day trip now - these alfajores are calling.
Brookfield House Camden – Camden, NSW
History and hospitality meet in spectacular fashion at Brookfield House Camden, a lovingly restored 1896 building now functioning as a high-end English-style tea house. The interiors blend heritage opulence with modern flair - think floral china, plush seating and a timeless calm that encourages slowing down. Brookfield isn’t just about tea; it’s about ceremony, tradition and the luxury of a well-curated experience.
The standout? The Cosmic Dreams High Tea. Featuring scones with local jam and cream, an array of savouries and bite-sized sweets that look like miniature artworks, this high tea delivers both on flavour and fantasy. There's also an impressive list of boutique loose-leaf teas to sip on, making it a destination for anyone looking to indulge in style.
Ready for your tea moment? Reserve your High Tea experience today.
Icy Spicy Clayton – Clayton, Vic
If you've ever wished for a mashup between Indian street food and decadent ice cream, Icy Spicy Clayton is the dream made real. This bright, modern eatery brings together two cravings - savoury spice and icy sweetness - under one neon-lit roof. The vibe is energetic, with a youthful charm that makes it perfect for a post-dinner treat or a sweet afternoon escape.
The dessert menu is nothing short of exotic. The rose ice cream faluda is the crown jewel - a colourful concoction of rose syrup, vermicelli, basil seeds and velvety ice cream, layered in a chilled glass like an edible piece of art. Equally indulgent is the warm brownie with a molten centre, topped with ice cream and drizzled in chocolate sauce. This is not the place for restraint - and that’s the point.
Treat yourself to a dessert adventure - your taste buds deserve it.
Nestled in the leafy streets of Randwick, Nooks Place is the very definition of a local favourite. With its cheerful vibe, neon signage and gallery of canine customers, it’s the kind of place where every regular has a usual. Outside, umbrellas offer shade for relaxed mornings, while inside the chatter of community and clink of coffee cups create a welcoming buzz.
The açai bowl is a standout, served fresh with a colourful array of seasonal fruits and crunchy granola that makes every bite a delight. Refreshing, nourishing and visually stunning, it’s a bowl that feels more like a tropical holiday than a health kick. Whether you're chasing something light or simply love to start your day on a bright note, Nooks has your fix.
Make it your new brunch spot - grab your seat under the sun.
Life is short - eat the cake, sip the tea and always make room for dessert. From decadent brunches to globally inspired sweets, these venues remind us that the sweeter side of life is only ever a bite away.
