Dolce Classico is inspired by the patisseries and cake shops of France and Italy. From the comfortable cafe chairs down to the cakes and pastries that fill the glass cabinets out front; this is a slice of European indulgence in the heart of Walkerville. There's one thing that Europe doesn't have: the charming self-taught pastry chef Maria De leso.
[ADVERT]After a long career in hairdressing Maria decided to enter the world of pastries without any formal qualifications. Instead of enrolling in a Patisserie course she spent long hours practicing techniques and honing her skills. Take a bite of any of her perfectly piped pastries and you wouldn't believe she's done it all by herself.
At first glance Dolce Classico looks tiny. It's always disappointing to find a cafe without ample seating room, even if it is hard to keep your eyes on anything other than the cakes and pastries on display. Thankfully seating isn't sparse. Follow the store through to the back and there is a large undercover courtyard. There's plenty of room for sipping coffees and chatting away, and in winter heaters keep you cosy.
You'll find French and Italian inspiration through all of her sweets. Get in early in the day to try the canoli at its absolute best. The crispy pastry encases a rich custard filling; you'll be licking every last bit off of your fingers. Something so simple is one of the stars of the menu. There's also the diplomatico, similar to a mille feuille but with a slice of alchermes soaked sponge giving it a pinky centre and a spiced flavour. Pastries like this are hard to find across Adelaide, especially done as well as this.
Cannolis
Mille Feuille
For anyone missing a sweet tooth, there is still a range of savoury treats available. These include tarts and pizzas filled with delicious fresh ingredients, like the sweet potato and caramelised onion tart.
On Weekends Dolce Classico serves breakfast. Choose a hearty meal of eggs and bacon to start the day, or try the fluffy ricotta pancakes.
Sweet Potato Tart
Amongst the rest of the sweets range you'll also find gluten free cakes, flaky almond croissants, gold dusted fruit tarts, and the delicious sour cherry jalousie. Presentation is key in any patisserie, but there's no point having something that looks good but falls flat on flavour. None of the cakes and pastries are cloyingly sweet, and you'll often get a nice surprise thanks to the delicate flavours or liqueurs and spices used. Their range is a lot larger than their cabinets, so you're likely to find new options popping up from time to time.
If you spend too long umming and ahhing at the counter you can always bring some home with you. Dolce Classico will happily pack up any of their cakes, tarts, and pastries so you can enjoy them at home.
Fruit Tarts
Sour Cherry Tarts
Dolce Classico is open 7 days a week from 8:30am. For more head over to
their website, or pop in and enjoy a pastry and a coffee.
