Best Desserts in Melbourne: Sweet Treats to Try for Yourself

Dessert may be the last part of a meal, but it’s certainly not the least. Those of us with a raging sweet tooth know that it can be the highlight of the evening, offering an explosion of flavour and texture that sends our pleasure receptors tingling.

Step up your dessert game with our favourite scoops, slices and dishes across the city. Spanning creative and classic sweets, the best desserts in Melbourne will have you coming back for seconds.

'Lemons' at Pepe's Italian & Liquor

Pepe’s Italian & Liquor, tucked away in Melbourne’s buzzing theatre district, is dishing up pure Amalfi Coast daydreams in dessert form. Their showstopper, “Lemons,” is more than just a treat—it’s an experience. Imagine zesty lemon and silky vanilla mousse swirling together, a punchy lemon compote cutting through the sweetness, and a yuzu ganache that whispers sophistication, all grounded by a buttery biscuit crumb.

Served in a hollowed lemon rind, it’s a masterpiece of form and flavour, almost too pretty to eat—almost. One bite, and you’re transported to a seaside trattoria, the sun dipping into the Tyrrhenian Sea. 

275-285 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 

The Chocolate Mousse at Maison Bâtard

Chris Lucas’ four-storey French-inspired haven, Maison Bâtard, is redefining indulgence on Bourke Street. It's also where Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Mocha, finds its most glamorous match in their decadent chocolate mousse—rich, velvety, and unapologetically luxe. Scooped and served tableside (glamour much?), this silky dessert oozes sophistication with its deep cocoa tones and melt-in-your-mouth texture. More than just a sweet treat, it’s an experience—a theatrical nod to Mocha’s timeless allure. Maison Bâtard is where elegance and flavour collide in the most deliciously unforgettable way.

23 Bourke Street, Melbourne

The Chocolate Bourbon, Meringue and Coffee Dessert at Lucia

Lucia's chocolate bourbon, meringue, and coffee dessert has taken Melbourne's culinary scene by storm in 2024—and it's no mystery why. A true masterpiece, this dessert exemplifies refined Italian indulgence with a perfect balance of bittersweet luxury. The textures—silky, crisp, and airy—dance in harmony, while the bold flavours linger, leaving an impression that's moody, sophisticated, and utterly unforgettable. Redefined indulgence. 

11 Eastern Road, South Melbourne

Hazelnut Praline Semifreddo at Bar Olo

Bar Olo in Carlton is an unassuming slice of Piemonte, where wood-panelled walls and rustic art set the stage for an unforgettable sensory journey. This enoteca and wine bar invites you to lose yourself in the flavours of northern Italy, but it's the hazelnut praline semifreddo that steals the show. Served like an ice cream bar, it’s a creamy, nutty dream draped in chocolate, crowned with edible flowers and hazelnut crumb—a decadent, unforgettable bite of Italy, with a cool Melbourne twist. 

165 Nicholson Street, Carlton

Dessert Cart at Society

At Society, the dessert cart is the true star of the show. Gliding by with an irresistible array of macarons, fluffy cake slices, mousse trifle, tarts, pastries, and fresh berries, it’s an indulgent, eye-catching finale to any meal. With every treat more beautifully presented than the last, it’s almost impossible not to succumb to the temptation. The cart’s arrival is a sweet invitation to elevate your dining experience and satisfy your every craving. 

80 Collins Street, Melbourne

The Courthouse's Sticky Date Pudding

One of our favourite pubs in Melbourne has outdone itself, adding an incredible sticky date pudding to the menu. When a cold and dreary Melbourne evening beckons, nothing hits the spot like a warm, decadent sticky dessert paired with a glass of tawny port or whisky in front of one of their crackling fireplaces. Indulge in this thick, delectable, and unctuous treat, generously drizzled with a rich caramel sauce and topped with a perfect scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's toasty, comforting, and divine.

86-90 Errol Street, North Melbourne

Park Street Pasta & Wine's Pistachio Creme Brulee

The first spoonful of Park Street Pasta & Wine's pistachio creme brulee is something akin to religious experience; a dessert nirvana, if you will.

The secret to this magnificently creamy and nutty treat? The creamy custard is paired with pistachios imported straight from Sicily. Buonissimo!

268 Park Street, South Melbourne 

Amiri Cafe's Durian Cake

One of the newest sweet spots in Melbourne’s CBD is QV’s Amiri Cafe, where drinks like strawberry matcha, mango matcha, and a banoffee tiramisu latte make you feel fancy just ordering them. But let’s be real—you’re here for The Durian Deluxe set. This little masterpiece includes a durian chiffon cake so cute you’ll want to frame it, along with durian custard coconut cream and coconut ice cream. You’ll hesitate, but once you dive in, the creamy, bold flavours will have you wondering why you didn’t try it sooner.

Shop R02, QV Melbourne 

Chimnutz 

Drawing inspiration from the delightful world of Hungarian kurtoskalacs (chimney cakes), Chimnutz is spinning sweet dreams into a delectable reality. Here, the enchanting flavours of Eastern Europe meet the playful spirit of Australia and Asia, with tantalising variations including fruit salad custard, cheesecake and boba milk tea. 

Grazeland, 20 Booker Street, Spotswood

187 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne 

Thai Desserts at Rong Cha

Alongside a wealth of Thai street food dishes, Rong Cha is also a one-stop shop for coffee and dessert, where all your sweet dreams come true. The thick burnt butter toast is the star attraction—cleverly crafted to be both crunchy and fluffy, topped with a decadent combination of vanilla ice cream and Biscoff crumbs. Delicious toast specials range from ube cream, fresh strawberry milk, and banoffee to Thai tea, coconut-mango, and pandan.

18 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 

Cakes at Tori's 

Calling out like a sweet siren song from a laneway in Melbourne’s CBD, Tori's is a cosy bakery brimming with insanely delicious cakes. With vintage interiors and artisanal bakes, it’s the perfect escape from the city hustle. Sip on coffee, hojicha, or premium matcha while you decide on your sweet treat. Their home-baked creations, from lychee shortcakes to magical madeleines, are as delightful as they are beautiful.

Sitchu Tip: Don’t miss the banoffee cake, and when they’re available, the super refreshing melon cakes are a must-try.

28 Niagara Lane, Melbourne

Cheesecake at LeTAO

Formed in Hokkaido in 1998, LeTAO launched their beautifully minimalist Melbourne flagship to rave reviews. In addition to their signature Double Fromage cheesecake, the shop offers a range of seasonal specials and in-store exclusives. Their milk and cheese-swirled soft serve is a must-try, made even better when served with a shot of Market Lane coffee. The best part? It’s open until 10:00 pm daily, making it perfect for satisfying those late-night cheesecake cravings.

238 Swanston Street, Melbourne 

Grill Americano's Tiramisu

Decadent yet light, tiramisu might just be the perfect way to end any meal. While this Italian dessert can be found in many places, few are doing it as well as Grill Americano. Bringing a slice of Italian elegance to Melbourne via NYC, enjoy a sensational dining experience before indulging in one of the city’s latest dessert masterpieces.

Grill Americano adds their unique twist with a thin layer of tempered chocolate, offering a satisfying texture to the already covetable tiramisu. It’s also scooped out tableside by the restaurant’s white-jacketed wait staff, for an extra level of sophistication. 

112 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 

Gelato at Kariton Sorbetes

Melbourne is brimming with top-tier gelaterias, but none are churning flavours as exciting as Kariton Sorbetes. The small batch shop translates beloved Filipino flavours into vivid desserts. You’ll find scoops like purple yams with caramelised coconut curds and avocado condensed milk.

Sitchu Tip: Be sure to try their signature flavour, Turon, with banana gelato, muscovado butterscotch, jackfruit, candied sesame seeds and crispy spring roll pastry, or the Brazo de Mercedes, which is toasted marshmallow gelato blended with a mandarin-yuzu sorbet. 

Footscray, Melbourne & Glen Waverley

Boozy Baklava Tiramisu from Maha North & Maha East

Say hello to Maha North and Maha East's baklava tiramisu, decked out with candied filo and nuts, and layered with kaymak and honey cream and boozy sponge fingers. Easily one of the best desserts in Melbourne, you don't want to miss out on a serving of this beauty. Savour every bite of this sweet, nutty and playfully textured concoction and try your best not to float right up to foodie heaven. 

Collingwood & Windsor 

Traditional Ricotta Cannoli at T. Cavallaro & Sons

It's a big call, but this family-owned patisserie might make the best cannoli in Melbourne. T. Cavallaro & Sons has been part of the fabric of Footscray since the 1950s, treating customers to their crisp pastries filled with lush cream or freshly whipped ricotta. They fly out the door on weekends, so swing by early and buy a box to enjoy after dinner that night.

98 Hopkins Street, Footscray

Tarts at Tarts Anon

Lockdown side hustle turned bricks-and-mortar store, Tarts Anon specialises in magnificent sweet and savoury tarts, with perfectly even, crisp shells paired with classic yet addictive fillings. While the rich chocolate and caramel tart is their bestseller, we can’t go past their trusty lemon tart, particularly when it’s supercharged with a layer of zippy rhubarb jam.

29a Gwynne Street, Cremorne

44 Sackville Street, Collingwood

Peanut Butter Parfait at Supernormal

Supernormal’s peanut butter parfait is so good that it's been a staple on their menu since 2014. The decadent dessert sees smooth peanut butter parfait covered in a pool of salted caramel sauce, topped with a quenelle of the silkiest chocolate mousse and a scattering of crushed peanuts. Sticky, sweet, salty and rich but never overpowering, it’s a must-try dessert for any foodie living in or holidaying in Melbourne. 

180 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Chocolate Soufflé at Grossi Florentino

The Grossi Florentino chocolate soufflé is Melbourne dessert royalty - it was on the menu before the Grossi family took over at the turn of the century. Simultaneously light and rich, it's made with dark Callebaut cocoa, served in a copper pot and paired with hazelnut praline and a Valrhona dark chocolate sauce. The amaretto ice cream served alongside is genius, adding a level of complexity to the tasting experience as a whole. 

80 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Lamington Gelato Cake at Piccolina

The lamington gets an irresistible Italian remix at Piccolina, where they’ve turned the classic Aussie treat into a delicious gelato cake. At first glance, it looks like a normal lamo (albeit round) but a bite reveals creamy semifreddo and strawberry jam loaded between layers of sponge cake.

Encased in dark chocolate and sprinkled with coconut, it’s both sweet and surprisingly sophisticated. The only part of this next-level dessert we can’t get behind is their claim that each cake “serves 2”.

CBD, Collingwood, Richmond, Hawthorn and St Kilda

The Desserts at Palette. at night. 

Who doesn’t crave something sweet at night? Palette, an understated spot in North Melbourne, satisfies those late-night cravings with its perfect blend of Korean and Australian flavours. Offering a range of irresistible desserts, you’ll find everything from hojicha Swiss rolls and pistachio-raspberry crispy cinnamon croffles to Basque cheesecake and a French toast-style Biscoff brioche. Paired with their delicious coffee and matcha, it’s the ultimate spot for a sweet escape after dark.

610 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne

Have you tasted the best desserts in Melbourne and are keen to try more? Bake your way to happiness with the cake recipes and cookie concoctions you’ll want to try immediately.