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 must pop in.