Via Dolce — Restaurant in District of Canberra Central

I recently visited Via Dolce Pasticceria in Canberra, and overall, I had a mixed experience. The location is fantastic—right in the city center on Bunda Street, making it an easy and convenient stop whether you're shopping, out for a stroll, or looking for a nice place to sit and enjoy dessert. The café has a lively, welcoming atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating, which is perfect for those who enjoy people-watching while sipping on a coffee or indulging in a sweet treat. The setup of the place gives off a stylish, modern vibe while still keeping that warm Italian charm.

The menu is quite impressive, offering a variety of Italian classics. I was particularly drawn to their unique fettuccine carbonara, which they serve in a pizza bowl. It’s a creative concept that blends two popular Italian dishes in a fun way. The pastas and wood-fired pizzas looked delicious, though I personally stuck to the pastries and coffee on this visit. The selection of desserts was extensive, with a glass display filled with beautifully crafted cakes, pastries, and gelato. Everything looked tempting, and it was genuinely difficult to decide what to try.

I ordered a slice of cake along with a coffee. The coffee was strong, hot, and well-made—no complaints there. The cake, however, was a bit underwhelming. While the presentation was stunning, the flavor didn’t quite match up. It wasn’t bad, but I had expected something a bit more indulgent and rich given how beautiful it looked. I’ve read that some people have had better experiences with their individual pastries rather than the full cakes, and after my visit, I’d probably lean toward trying smaller items next time.

I also noticed that service can be a bit hit-or-miss. The café was quite busy when I arrived, so there was a bit of a wait. The staff were polite but seemed a bit overwhelmed with the number of customers, which resulted in some delays. This didn’t bother me too much since the ambiance was enjoyable, but I can see how it might be frustrating for others expecting quicker service.

The highlight for many seems to be the gelato, which I didn’t get around to trying this time, but I saw a lot of people ordering it. It looked fresh and vibrant, and I’ll likely go back just to see if it lives up to the hype. Some customers have mentioned that the toasted sandwiches are quite good as well, so that could be another option worth exploring.

Overall, Via Dolce has a lot going for it—a prime location, a beautiful setup, and an enticing selection of Italian treats. However, my experience was a bit mixed, with some elements exceeding expectations and others falling a little short. I’d go back, but next time, I’d be more selective about...

Tucked in the heart of Canberra’s CBD, Via Dolce offers a slice of European indulgence with its charming patisserie-style cafe. Known for its exquisite desserts, authentic Italian coffee, and inviting atmosphere, it’s a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth or a love of refined treats.

The pastry display is the star of the show, featuring an array of cakes, tarts, and pastries that look almost too beautiful to eat. The Hazelnut Mousse Cake is a standout, boasting a velvety texture and rich nutty flavor, balanced with a delicate chocolate glaze. The Cannoli is another favorite, with its crisp shell and perfectly sweet ricotta filling. For something lighter, the Lemon Tart delivers just the right amount of tanginess.

Beyond the desserts, Via Dolce also offers savory options, including sandwiches and quiches, making it a versatile spot for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon treat. The Spinach and Ricotta Pie is a popular choice, offering a flaky crust and flavorful filling.

Coffee lovers will appreciate the expertly brewed coffee, crafted from high-quality beans. The Espresso is robust and aromatic, while the Affogato combines the best of dessert and caffeine for a truly indulgent experience.

The atmosphere is cozy and elegant, with European-inspired decor and friendly, attentive staff who make you feel right at home. The outdoor seating area is a great option for people-watching while enjoying your treats.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee or indulging in a leisurely dessert session, Via Dolce delivers consistently high-quality offerings. Its central location, impeccable presentation, and delicious flavors make it a favorite for locals and visitors alike. For a taste of European sweetness in Canberra, Via Dolce is...

Disappointing came here for brunch. The place lacks attention to detail. The young guy sat us & gave us menus & said i will come back to wipe your table he never came back. I went into order our food which was a effort i asked could we have 4 poached eggs with avocado & eggs benedict with a long black & chai latte. I was told that they had ran out of proper cups & it would be served in a take away cup i said thats fine. I had to repeat numeous times the order & even when she read it back still got it wrong. Whist i was in ordering they came to the table & only put 1 lot of cutlery down & walked away. Our drinks were delivered to the table & we received 2 coffees, i had to go in & say i ordered a chai latte not a coffee no apologies or anything. Whilst waiitng we then had to ask for cutlery the guy said not an issue it never came, then we asked again to be told they had a shortage of cutlery but the same guy had just placed cutlery on a table of people who sat down after us, we asked a 3rd time & finally got cutlery (it shoudnt have been that hard). I saw a number of hot drinks coming out in the nice cups not sure why we were the only ones who were seated to get takeaway cups. Our food finally arrived & again was the wrong order it was 2 poached eggs on avacado / toast & another dish not sure what it was we said no wrong order. Eventually we got the eggs Benedict I started eating only 1 egg was poached the other wasnt & after a few minutes the poached eggs came out. This place is disorganised, lacks attention to detail & the staff have a zero care factor. Not worth the price 1 star for service is...