The best desserts in Canberra

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Miss Mustard’s Sweet Treats have been voted some of Canberra’s best dessert’s in Canberra. Photo: Supplied.

Ah, dessert. An indulgence and often the perfect way to end a meal. Whether it’s ice cream, a gourmet delicacy, decadent slice or scrumptious cake, there really is a dessert out there for everyone.

If dessert is “your thing” and you want to end a dining experience with something special, you’ll want to choose a café or restaurant that offers super yummy options. Or you might want to head to a patisserie, specialty dessert shop or an ice creamery or gelato shop.

Great desserts don’t have to be super expensive, but they definitely need to look as delicious as they taste.

In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a dessert establishment, and share where to find the best in Canberra.

What makes a great place for dessert?

If you’re a dessert fan, choosing the right dessert place can make or break your experience.

It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a dessert place, whether that’s a restaurant, café or takeaway operation.

  • Variety. If you’re going out for dessert, you’re probably looking for something special. That’s something you might not ordinarily whip up at home. A great dessert place has stunning looking, exciting and interesting options. Variety is the name of the game, including with flavours.
  • Cost. Desserts range wildly in price. Some restaurants that create extra-special desserts, charge more. This is because their amazing desserts are made only with top-quality ingredients and take time to create. For something less complex, you can always grab something sweet and simple to enjoy with a cuppa, like a good old slice.
  • Dietary. If you have special dietary requirements, you may want do suss out the dessert place before arriving. Most cater to dietary requirements. Examples are places that make vegan, gluten-free and even dairy-free desserts. If you have allergies, however, be sure to tell staff before you order.
  • Beauty. They say we eat with our eyes first. This is very true in dessert land. A quality dessert looks as wonderful as it tastes.
  • Service. To top off your dessert experience, you’ll want friendly and helpful service. That includes in a restaurant or café. It also includes in places where you take away your dessert.

The best places for dessert in Canberra

Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.

To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.

Miss Mustard's Sweet Treats

Miss Mustard’s Sweet Treats is a small-batch kitchen that handcrafts each cookie with love. These free-range cookies are guaranteed to make you do a happy dance. Every bite of every cookie is crumbelievable. Miss Mustard’s Sweet Treats sells 4, 6 and 12 packs, as well as custom cookie cakes.

Regular cookie flavours include white chocolate and macadamia, double chocolate fudge, salted caramel and raspberry, and fairy bread. Also, chocolate mint fudge, peanut butter chocolate, gay time, hazelnut fudge, and chocolate chip. Every month, Miss Mustard’s Sweet Treats creates special flavours, like Strawberry Dreams and Caramel Chai Latte, and bakes vegan and gluten-free cookies.

Cookie cakes are 22 cm and, on each one, Miss Mustard’s writes a custom sweet message in a Vanilla Bean icing.

Miss Mustard’s Sweet Treats are ‘feel good’ too – $2 from every order is donated to a mental health organisation through the company’s ‘OK CoOKie’ program.

Clients love filling their crumb craving with Miss Mustard’s Sweet Treats. Local delivery and shipping Australia wide are available.

Luke Anderson wrote on Google, “These cookies literally blew my socks off. The flavour combinations are truly intelligent. Will order again and again and again.”

Sucré Salé

For high-quality desserts, have a look at Sucré Salé’s unique grazing boxes. Best sellers include Choccy Madness and Lolly Overload. Gluten-free boxes can also be ordered.

All dessert boxes come in small, medium and large. Customised and corporate dessert boxes are available. Sucré Salé also works with customers to create unique boxes that include branded cookies or cupcakes.

Kate Stanley wrote on Facebook, “Received a grazing box whilst in home isolation … The box was overflowing with goodies, which looked and tasted delicious.

Gelato Messina Braddon

Another on the list of late-night dessert venues, Gelato Messina has become one of Canberra’s most popular destinations for delicious ice cream whether it’s during the day or late at night. With dozens of original flavours and a selection of gelato cakes, nothing is ever made with pre-made bases or mass-produced flavour paste, and Messina even sources their dairy products from their very own farm – so you can rest assured that the gelato at Messina is of the highest quality possible.

As Facebook user Ricardo Vargas Flores writes, “Delicious ice cream; the perfect place for sharing relaxing good moments!”

Goodberry’s

Goodberry's Creamery, Erindale and Belconnen, are locally owned and operated creameries providing fresh, tasty frozen custard concretes, sundaes, cups and cones. Also, fruit crushes, low-fat smoothies, shakes and more. Goodberry’s ingredients are milk, cream, egg, pure cane sugar and honey. No preservatives, stabilisers or artificial ingredients. Just pure, wholesome custard, made as it has been for over 70 years.

On Google, Phil Ebbott wrote, “Great desserts. Fast service even though it was busy. A Canberra classic.”

Space Kitchen

Space Kitchen is renowned for gorgeous-looking cookies, celebration cakes and desserts that taste incredible. Select something sweet with a coffee or tea or order a full cake or selection of goodies for a group. Think opera cake, almond croissants, lemon meringue and Nutella cookies. Afternoon high teas available. Order a cake today and pick up tomorrow.

On Google, Judy Cunningham wrote, “Popped into Space Kitchen for special morning tea. The array of cakes, pastries and biscuits, is amazing!”

Supersweet Café

Sweet breads, muffins, cookies, brownies, cakes and other desserts are what attract customers to Supersweet Café. Popular patisserie items include Portuguese tarts, pistachio cake, black sesame crepe cake (40 layers), honeydew shortcake, and secret cheesecake. Order in advance for any occasion.

Jacob de Keijzer wrote on Google, “Eating the watermelon cake as I write this review ... it's so delicious and made with love. I know it’s been a bit of a trend, but every time I’ve tried it elsewhere I’ve been disappointed.”

85 Degrees Café

85 Degrees Café’s mission is “sweeten your life.” The bread line includes croissants, Danish custard and French donuts. Cakes are created for all occasions and beautifully decorated. Select from 6”, 8”, 10” and 12”. Traditional and specialty flavours available. Also sweeten matters with 85 Degrees Café’s handmade biscuit range, cupcakes, rolls, bites and more.

Vai Soni wrote on Google, “I ordered black forest from this place. It was delicious. Even the packaging was so cute. Prices are also very affordable.

If you’re looking for more information on decadent dining in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best dessert delivery, best cake shops, best birthday cakes, and best cupcake shops and best bakeries that Canberra has to offer.

Your experience with dessert restaurants in Canberra

Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback, if you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.

Have you had experience with any of the dessert places listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dessert restaurant?

A dessert restaurant is a place that specialises in sweets. Usually they’re open late, and their menu features a wide range of cakes, sweet treats, and ice creams.

Can I go into a restaurant just for dessert?

This depends on the restaurant. Some welcome diners who just want coffee and dessert, especially towards the end of lunch or dinner when tables aren’t full. It’s good etiquette to ask the restaurant by calling ahead or enquiring at the front door.

What cuisine has the best dessert?

This depends on your taste. Every cuisine is famous for its own type of desserts. The Swiss, for example, conjure up images of decadent chocolate desserts. The French for pastries. The Italians for desserts like coffee-soaked tiramisu.

What makes an amazing dessert?

Pastry and dessert chefs say that quality ingredients are key to amazing desserts. High-end, artistic and stunning-looking desserts also require skill to create.

What if I have dietary requirements?

Most dessert places automatically cater for a range of dietary requirements. Gluten-free desserts can be delicious. Vegan ones too. If, however, you have very strict dietary requirements, such as allergies, make sure you tell the dessert place about these before you order.

How much do desserts cost?

So much goes into determining the price of a dessert. Certainly, desserts created by highly experienced dessert and/or pastry chefs tend to cost more. This is because they only use high-quality ingredients, which can be expensive to buy. It’s also because these chefs take a lot of time, and put in a lot of effort, into designing and making desserts.

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Darth Weston1:57 pm 09 Jul 11

The original post is three years old and I’m looking for help in regard to desserts! You know the situation- the restaurant is great but their desserts are boring. Main course is over and you cannot face the “cheesecake or black forest cake” option AGAIN! Where do you go in Canberra for your sugary hit of goodness that isn’t the Chocolate sundae at Maccas? Are the posts on this page still current recommendations or is there somewhere better now?

mezzalira was always a good bet for dessert – haven’t been for a while so nice to see it gets a gig from grundy above… mamma tossolini used to – or still does? – make the cakes for her son’s eponymous joint and i had the third best tiramisu i ever ate there – several times! and bernadette’s used to make a great beetroot chocoloate flourless cake that was to die for… sad.

How about a black sticky rice pudding with coconut milk at Lemon Grass Thai in Civic? The sticky rice desserts at Kopi Tiam in Manuka or Ayutthaya in Belconnen are also excellent.

The Banana Katsu at Wagamama is probably the best thing on their menu. The Ginger Room at OPH do some really nice and interesting desserts.

A friend and I always go to Zbrasserie in tuggers. they have a great selection of deserts and usually one as a special as well. the tequila orange and lemon sorbet was AMAZING!

The best dessert by far, and my partners and mine’s favourtie, is the caremelised banana and almond calzone at Lunico in Kingston. Great atmosphere, and great wait staff too!

All the deserts at Mezzalira.

http://www.mezzalira.com.au/

tylersmayhem9:09 am 22 Sep 08

I don’t get out much any more, but I have fond memories of a Frozen After Dinner Mint at Belluci’s

No no no! The “signature” After Dinner Mint used to be mind-bogglingly delicious. The last time I went to Bellucci’s it was a shocker. Read my comments on post for a recap:

http://the-riotact.com/?p=2484

I think Belluci’s in Dickson is closed for refurb. but I’d steer clear of them when they re-open.

As for desserts which are great – despite other people’s comments, the desserts in Koko Black are some of the nicest I;ve ever had (albeit quite expensive). The hot chocolate affogato and the chocolate mousse is amazing.

Ethiopia Down Under in Pearce does awesome home made icecreams, and my perennial favourite, Outsider Cafe and Gallery in Captains Flat (its 50km away, but worth the drive) has the most incredible pancake stacks, iced chocolates and berry whips. Ring ahead before making the journey.

goodberry’s in erindale for frozen custard – suitably rich and in a takehome pack, best cassata in town is at la scala – not a home brand, the real deal made on the premises..

Holden Caulfield1:20 am 22 Sep 08

crabb said :

I think you’ll find that both Rubee’s and Belluci’s have gone from Dickson.

And isn’t that a shame.

/sarcasm

yeh, the place where Belluci’s was is supposedly becoming some sort of bar/fancy drinking spot

I think you’ll find that both Rubee’s and Belluci’s have gone from Dickson.

Holden Caulfield10:19 pm 21 Sep 08

Chocolate Mousse fans will also like the Yalla version, generally available from your smaller independent type supermarkets. It is even richer than the Koko Black variety, but I actually like it more. Ten bucks for a smallish-sized tub means it isn’t exactly cheap either, but as Molly Meldrum would say “do yourself a favour”.

canberra towie9:46 pm 21 Sep 08

TheBron said :

Wow,
I acutally came here looking for help but instead got abused for things I dont have control of, like the facilities in the accomodation I can afford.quote]

Sorry mate i was only mucking around !

Goodberrys at the erindale shops is great but be prepared to wait there most nights it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to get to the counter
Every thing from the frozen custard tonatchos and hotdogs everything is yummy there !!

Wow!! Yeah!
There is Rubee’s In Dickson but the place has really gone downhill – its like a cold rock
ANd actually I do recall the mousse being nice- just wans’t impressed with the rest

Holden, good calls – my fiances fav desserts 🙂

TheBron,
Regardless of your reasons for the post, this post is a fabulous idea (I came in here to browse coz I’d seen Holden use the words “Chocolate Mousse”)
Holden, I-filed & JR’s suggestions sound good. I look forward to seeing what other suggestions come out.
(In Brissy, where I lived for much of this decade, there were dessert-only cafes. They were wonderful, and their ice-cream sundaes topped with what can only be described as a ‘shard’ of chocolate were divine. I was very disappointed last month when I went back there to find my former regular one was now an office building under construction. It’d be nice if Canberra could develop a similar type of venue)

Holden Caulfield7:27 pm 21 Sep 08

The Chocolate Mousse at Koko Black. Divine!

The Creme Brulee at Anise is close to perfection, but doesn’t really suit the budget option. If you can make it there for a full meal, though, I highly recommend it.

There are two obvious choices in civic, the BP and the Shell. Otherwise your in canberra, there is no place to go.

Yeah, I know a lot of places that just have the same carbon copy desserts, so was hoping for somewhere different, with a bit of atmosphere.
He loves mint 🙂 Will have to wait until they finish renovating.
I LOVE gelato, but he’s not a fan 🙁 Maybe I’ll have a date for one 😛

Thanks all! Keep them coming if you want – that way everyone can have a list of ideas!

In the end its just a cheaper way for me to eat out and be romantic – no need for drinks and its easier to share whilst remaining romantic.

I have appeared at home with a bucket of baskin and robbins when he had his wisdom teeth out 😀

There’s a great Gelati shop in the Canberra Centre (upstairs near Coffe Club). How romantic to buy some scrumilicious gelati and maybe mosey down to Glebe Park to take in the Ghandi Statue, or bring a small chilly bag and take it across to the lake.

The dessert they call Bongo Bongo at the Italian restaurant at the O’connor shops. (profiteroles covered in chocolate).

TheBron, you’d be surprised how many restaurants just buy in their desserts. And some of the top-end restaurants serve No-Name icecream – no-one notices.

Tilleys have bought-in cakes, but they’re pretty good.

I don’t get out much any more, but I have fond memories of a Frozen After Dinner Mint at Belluci’s. I had it at Manuka, but a check of the websites suggests that Manuka doesn’t have it any more, but Dickson does. Lovely.

Thanks, Jonathon, thats the sort of stuff I was looking for 🙂

Jonathon Reynolds3:13 pm 21 Sep 08

My Cafe in Civic does an awesome Apple and Rhubarb Crumble, I find this dish best ordered with ice cream rather than cream

http://www.tradefair.com.au/sup_my-cafe-espresso-canberra-city-canberra.pub

TheBron said :

Where is a good place in Canberra for their desserts?

McDonalds sundaes and cookies

Wow,
I acutally came here looking for help but instead got abused for things I dont have control of, like the facilities in the accomodation I can afford. And whats wrong with a microwave anyway? At least I’m not blowing my money on artery hardening McDonalds every night and i’m trying to adapt to the situation I’m in.

Does is seriously matter why I dont want to cook dessert?

How about I just lie and say I’m a snooty rich dude who wants to find a place to take my escort for dessert. Where is a good place in Canberra for their desserts?

Yes, and I plug my laptop into the cigarrette charger and the internet comes through the antenna 😛

No, I’m renting for uni and some idiot blew up the microwave/stove with a fork, and he has to replace it, but it’ll take some time. So I have a fridge and a toaster. Either way, just cos you have a kitchen doesnt mean you ALWAYS eat there.

I’d also like to get away from the roomies, so a quiet romantic night out would be good

Wanted to get away from the places like Koko Black, which I find are really overatted and not as nice as you’d think anyway. A lot of the nice cafes are closed by the time I’ve finished uni/study so we thought dessert would be a nice way to meet.

canberra towie1:56 pm 21 Sep 08

You dont have a kitchen ???? Where the hell do you live ? your car?

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