LOCATIONCorner of Knuckey and Smith Streets, in the mall.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA Dolce Espresso Bar occupies a prime spot at the Knuckey Street entrance to Darwin city mall, making its counter of gorgeously piled gelati irresistible on a hot day – which in Darwin means every day. If you’re on a health kick and determined to bypass this amazing selection of housemade ice-cream (lime… raspberry… caramel…) there are also fabulous ice-cold smoothies (mango is a must). Dolce offers plentiful outdoor seating plus an air-conditioned interior with large refrigerated displays of sweet and savoury treats. The modern black and red theme perfectly complements stacks of shiny red coffee bags which sit above the counter. Dolce is a franchise of the cosmopolitan Segafredo Zanetti Espresso company which opened its first coffee bar in Paris in 1988.
With an early opening at 7.00am, Dolce catches the weekday pre-work crowd before tempting the wandering tourist trade. Brekkie is available until 3.00pm, with muesli, seasonal fruit salad, croissants and the standard range of eggs and bacon dishes. A vegetarian option: baked beans and grilled tomato on toast is also worthy of a mention. Cakes, light meals and salads are available until Dolce shuts its doors. Order a traditional toasted sandwich, foccaccia or open melt, or design your own fresh made sandwich at the counter. For something more substantial, try chicken parmigiana, open lamb yiros or a barramundi burger with salad and chips. Alongside the superb Italian coffees is a range of cold drinks: “gelatoccino”, iced chai, flavoured iced latte and frosty gelato shakes made with your choice of ice-cream.
Merridy Anne Pugh