Dessert Story — Restaurant in Melbourne

Never coming back to this place again nor would I recommend it to anyone. This place falls short in terms of customer service and food quality compared to the other dessert story I’ve visited. The staff were very rude, giving a lot of attitude making it seem like it is a nuisance to serve customers. It would be no surprise that with the loud ice machine being in use, then it would be hard to hear the staff speak. The staff read out the order to confirm it but because of how loud it was, it wasn’t clear enough, so I responded with “pardon?” indicating I didn’t hear but she blatantly stared back and looked annoyed. When she was saying the order aloud it sounded like she just want to get it over with. I am not asking for fancy service but would very much like to be respected.

I don’t care if the staff are having fun talking with each other while working, however they were extremely loud, louder than the customers. I didn’t know that all dessert sorry requires order to be taken at the counter, so I called for the staff, it would be no problem to be told nicely that orders are taken at the front. The attitude the staff gave was annoying, it was as if she was belittling as she told us to go to the counter to order.

Putting the service aside, I expected the food to be at least good. However when the staff served it, the mango snow shaved ice looked like it was thrown into the plate. There was a heap of liquid at the bottom and a small proportion of the actual shaved ice and toppings. Presentation wad very messy. It was basically mango soup more than shaved ice. The drinks were alright but it outshined the main dish which were the actual desserts.

I don’t know if it is just two staff members that are like that but the place sure needs to rehire new employees. If not then have consistency in their food quality, cause seeing photos from past reviews the, the desserts don’t look bad as what my group of friends received. If the owner is wondering, the staff that served my group had their shift around 3pm on a Thursday :) There is just no way the owner was one of the two members, service showed no...

Dessert Story is a reliable fix for late-night cravings in the CBD. The shop glows with pink signage and a wall of illustrated menus, so you can scope out your order before reaching the counter. Seating runs along communal benches and small tables tucked by the windows; it fills quickly after dinner hours but turn-over is fast enough that a spot usually opens within minutes.

The menu leans Taiwanese, offering chewy taro balls over silky tofu pudding, grass jelly with red beans, and shaved ice piled high with fresh mango when it is in season. Portion sizes are generous and built for sharing. My go-to mix is the warm ginger syrup bowl topped with sweet potato balls that stay springy to the last spoonful. Drinks cover the bubble-tea basics, with brown sugar milk tea landing rich and perfectly balanced, boba still warm from the pot.

Staff keep the line moving with brisk efficiency, calling orders by number and offering containers if you decide to take dessert on the run. Prices sit in that sweet spot between university-budget friendly and dessert-bar indulgent, so trying a couple of different toppings does not sting the wallet. The store stays open well past most cafés, making it a handy final stop after a movie or night class.

For colourful comfort sweets, quick service, and a menu that encourages repeat visits, Dessert Story holds its place as a...

Dessert story cafes used to be everywhere, but now I think lil Bourke is one of the last left standing, I have been here for years and the place has not changed, I would love to give this place a solid 5 stars but I think it could do with a bit of an overhaul, the dark stained wooden furniture is almost always sticky and the interior has so much potential with a brighter paint job and light or bright colored tables and chairs to give it a more welcoming and pleasant atmosphere given its a dessert cafe. Other than that staff are always upbeat and friendly despite it being consistently busy. The dessert menu is quite comprehensive basing its selection on Taiwanese style desserts but essentially Asian desserts. There is a plethora of shaved ice/milk desserts, custards, sago, jellies, glutinous rice, herbal, tofu, pearl, red bean, black sesame, matcha etc with variations and options of hot or cold. There are even savory street food options such as fried chicken. The portion sizes are quite good in my opinion as its not excessive like say Sulbing where the serving sizes are much to large especially having had a savory meal prior. I am lactose intolerant and there is always something to try and fairly cheap and almost...