Via Dolce Pasticceria

Experience More - Subscribe to Our Weekly Events Newsletter

Posted 2016-06-22 by Sue W ⇒ follow

Via Dolce is an Italian Pasticceria (Italian Pastry Shop), café, wood fired pizzeria, dessert café and artisan gelato outlet - all rolled into one on Canberra's busy Bunda Street. Situated on a corner opposite the Canberra Centre , it has the added advantage of being the ideal spot to watch the hustle and bustle of citylife from the outside tables in the sun.

The name Via Dolce literally translates to "Sweet Street" in Italian, and it is easy to see why.

Via Dolce would have to be one of the most walked-past cafes in Canberra. During winter people are seen outside basking in the sun, whereas in summer the Gelato Bar becomes the popular attraction, with home-made gelatos dripping down the hands of people of all ages.

The inside of Via Dolce is small, but where they may lack in size they make up for in glamour. A large crystal chandelier hangs daintily from the ceiling, almost taking over the whole room with its brilliance. Diners can also watch the chefs in action in the bustling open kitchen and feel the heat from the wood fired pizza oven. Although it feels a little cramped inside when it busy, it also has a warm and inviting atmosphere with classical music playing overhead.

If you are dining inside you can sit and view the long display cabinet of cakes that take up one entire wall. Admire the colourful cakes, slices, mousses, Italian biscotti, pannacottas, delicious sweet cannolis and cheesecakes. Ranging between $6 - $9 a slice, these finely crafted creations are an attraction in themselves. The only problem is - which one do you choose?

Via Dolce also has an extensive menu for breakfast, lunch an dinner to enjoy with a variety of coffees, hot drinks, wine, beer and smoothies. With over a dozen wood fired pizzas to choose from and a variety of home made pastas and traditional fare, Via Dolce is a café and restaurant that can be enjoyed at any time of the day or night. See the Via Dolce menu #hungry_menu ">here for more details.

If you enjoy wood fired pizzas in particular, these are available for lunch 7 days a week between 11:30am - 2:30pm and again for dinner each night between 5pm - 10pm. Choose from options such as:

Rustica - Tomato Base, Mozzarella, Panfried Peppers, Eggplant, Onion, Potatoes Basil & Parmesan Cheese. $16.
Pork Belly - Tomato Base, Mozzarella, Succulent, Tender Slow Roasted Pork Belly, Sweet & Sour Onions Finished With A Radicchio Salad. $20.50.
Pear and Prosciutto - Tomato Base, Mozzarella, Caramelised Pears & Gorgonzola Cheese, San Daniele Prosciutto & Rocket Leaves Drizzled With Extra Virgin Olive Oil. $24.

On our family's visit we chose to sit outside in the sun with our coffees and cakes and enjoy the winter sun. The Lemon and White Chocolate Slice in particular had us tucking in with gusto, however whatever you choose from this café would be a tasty addition to your day. Another highlight of this café is the beautifully painted fine china teacups, mugs and plates. With this touch of class and classical music playing inside, there is an old world charm about this quaint central café.

So whilst out shopping in the Civic, or out for the evening, why not pop into Via Dolce and stay for some authentic pizzas and desserts to die for.

Once you have a look at the cabinet - it is hard to walk away.