Brunetti Classico Carlton — Restaurant in Melbourne

We’ve been coming to Brunetti Classico from the early days at the original location and the last few years at their new location at Lygon Court, and that speaks volumes. Now Brunetti Classico also serves up savoury dishes like pasta’s, paninis, pizza and the like (we haven’t tried these), as well as gelato, but this review is only for the sweet and delectable treats such as biscuits, pastries, cakes as well as some of their seasonal offerings around Easter and Christmas (which we have had dozens upon dozens of times).

It has become habit, somewhat a ritual or tradition, our religion, and its blasphemy for us not to visit on the way home from dinner on Thursday and Saturday evenings. The place is always buzzing with people from all walks of life, from people dressed in pyjamas (not literally) grabbing some ice cream, sweets, and coffee, all the way to those suited up or in a dress ready to complete their night with some amazing pastries, biscuits, and coffee. We see singles, couples, groups of friends having a chat and shooting the breeze, and families all under one roof. We love that, it’s a meeting place where it’s supported by great food and coffee. Being open late is also key, as whenever we finish dinner, we’re ready for a night cap espresso, long black or piccolo latte to wash down something sweet.

We’ve most likely visited over 200 times, especially in the last couple years, and even pop in before domestic and international departures at their airport cafes. They’ve also opened a shop on Drummond St Carlton, Monee Ponds, and believe Coburg is coming soon too. Now before we digress there’s a reason why we’ve visited so many times, and to simply put it, the coffee is top tier, tastes like espresso should, the way we grew up with it, the mouth feel, and it doesn’t taste like tea, or watered down. So many cafes in Melbourne serve up some fancy espresso coffee that is a letdown. We get it, they (others) try to place themselves differently and have a point of difference, but it’s espresso, don’t mess with it. Brunetti Classico’s coffee has been consistent just about every single time we have visited, we know what to expect, and that is a great cup of espresso or latte.

Now for the biscuits and pastries on offer, yep, we’ve eaten a lot as we are a sucker for something sweet. We forgo desserts at most restaurants we eat at as our hearts, taste buds and stomachs tell us to finish up, leave the restaurant and swing past Brunetti’s for something sweet, and of course coffee. Don’t get us wrong, there are many sweets we haven’t tried, it would be impossible to try everything, and as we are creatures of habits there are our favourites and ‘go to’ items, but we do mix things up a lot also.

The biscotti, pastries, and the like to us are old school, the way our grandparents would make them (albeit Macedonian and Lebanese versions), and that is seriously what it is about. Just wished they would serve them in a sewing kit tin as that’s how we remember finding them at our grandparent’s house (if you know you know). Anyways, taste wise, tremendous, seriously, and couple that with some brilliant coffee and you’re set, and pair that with the atmosphere of the place, the vibe, and the tremendous service (from the ladies taking our sweets and coffee order, to the staff serving our coffees when they are ready to be picked up) and you will have a great time.

If we had to pick our favourites they would be, in no particular order: torciglioni, rum truffle, occio nero, baci ring, fregola di mandorla, cantucci, biscotti al pistachio, biscotti olandesi, cocco, almond kipfel, New York cheesecake, lobster tail, panzerotti ricotta, tart rocher, pishacio éclair… well, too many to list. To us, Brunetti Classico keeps it old school, and the nostalgia is real, it’s an emotional connection.

Anyways, if you’re after an Italian joint that serves up real espresso, great sweet treats and has a lively atmosphere then you...

I had intended to visit the Melbourne store, but due to time constraints, I ordered online, as I was to have guests over. Then lockdown happened—too late to cancel the order. Everything came packaged securely, and the handoff was COVID safe. All up - with a delivery fee $15 - $48.20 - great value for what I received.

Here is what I ordered: [devoured over two weeks!] New York Cheesecake [slice] - $8.80 - light, fluffy and enjoyed with a coffee and my favourite, go-to item from Brunettis.

Box of six mixed mini eclairs - the best of the lot were - coffee and chocolate and the pistachio. The choux pastry for the eclairs was ok. $14.85

Box of eight mixed mini mignons - I had never tried these before. I liked these more than the eclairs and would rebuy them. Here are the flavours: [hope I got them correct!]

*The Royale - a nutty shortbread base with two mousses on top - delightful. *Lemon Brulee tart - lemony bliss with shortbread. *Cookies and cream cheesecake, with a cute mini biscuit on top - YUM! *New York cheesecake - lovely old school texture. *Opera slice - had tempered white chocolate on top, different mousses, coffee and chocolate ganache - exceptional. *Torta di Arancia - orange cake with a jam-like topping and white tempered slice as decoration - delicious. *Chocolate souffle or Chocolate Fondant - hazelnut choc mousse layers, with crispy rice puff biscuity base - heavenly. *Ricotta and Nutella cheesecake - hazelnut decoration, thin chocolate glaze over a traditional cheesecake with shortbread base - delectable. $23.85

250g Brunetti, Lavazza, coffee beans - $15 - specially blended for this cafe - sweet, intense, chocolatey and nutty flavours run through this coffee. Perfect for cutting through the sweetness of their treats.

*I can also recommend their red keep cups [reuseable] - limited edition, keep the heat in, classy looking, great for travelling and make a great gift. $39.90

Always worth your time - Brunetti's - a long-lasting institution and more than...

We’ve always considered Brunetti on Flinders Street as a go-to spot for desserts, catching up with friends, and buying cakes for special occasions. Their cakes have never disappointed in the past, and it's been a consistent choice for sweet indulgences.

However, my recent visit to the Carlton Brunetti on Lygon Street had some service hiccups. The place was busy, getting the staff's attention proved to be a bit challenging, and my cake inquiry took a while due to uncertainty about its details (the staff member who assisted me was polite but seemed unsure about the cake's details, specifically whether it contained nuts on the inside or just on the outer part. This uncertainty led to her seeking assistance from another staff member).

To add to the mix, when I attempted to pay for the cake, my payment was initially declined. After a second attempt, the staff member assisting me handed a payment machine located near me. Unfortunately, I mistakenly tapped on it, not realizing it was intended for another customer. This situation was a bit frustrating, as I ended up unintentionally paying for someone else's order. It left me wondering why the machine was placed near me and why the staff member was juggling multiple transactions simultaneously.

Despite these issues, I must commend Olivia for stepping in to resolve the situation promptly. She efficiently processed the refund and provided me with their email address in case of any further concerns or double billing issues.

In summary, while my visit to Carlton Brunetti had its share of service challenges, I remain a fan of Brunetti overall, thanks to the efforts of attentive staff like Olivia who ensured customer...