1. San Churro
What came first, the churro or the doughnut? To be honest we don’t really care. We’re just so glad we can eat sweet, sugar-covered, deep-fried dough in many shapes and forms. San Churro takes the long doughnut and serves it with fruit, ice-cream, chocolate dipping sauce or filled, as if you weren’t already sold on the idea. Find this dessert on Charlotte Street.
2. Nodo
There’s a healthy alternative to doughnuts in the CBD and while the thought of that may put a bad taste in your mouth, we assure you the doughnuts will not. Nodo’s claim to fame is 100% gluten free (get it, no-dough), and ‘baked not fried’. Ok, so they’re practically round cakes with a hole in the middle, but they’re still delicious. Plus, they also serve up dairy free alternatives, and don’t even get us started on their huge menu of other more substantial goodies.
Bonus: Just want to eat doughnuts? Check out our list of the best in Brisbane City.
3. Pancake Manor
Stacks on stacks. Pancake Manor is a Brisbane City institution, open 24 hours, seven days a week, and only shuts on Christmas Day. Why? We have no idea, but it’s perfect for a midnight snack after cramming for exams, or the way home from a night out. Get your waffle or pancake fix on Charlotte Street.
4. Noosa Chocolate Factory
A whole factory of chocolate. Not quite, but the shop on Adelaide Street is still worth a visit. Noosa Chocolate Factory makes its own chocolate-covered nuts and fruit, as well as blocks and drinks (and the odd brownie, too). The dark chocolate range is 100% vegan and the hot choccies are a must on a cold or wet day. Go crazy in the self-serve section and stock up with study snacks.
5. Nominom
We’re about froyo, and so is Nominom. The frozen dessert alternative measures up to be just about as good as ice-cream (who are we kidding?). But seriously, if it’s weird and healthy to you, you can just douse it in treats to make it exactly what you want – win, win. Find this self-serve froyo joint on Elizabeth Street.
6. Dello Mano
Welcome to brownie territory, where the cakes are more moist and chocolatey than any other – just the way we like them. Dello Mano is all about these delicious bite-sized bonanzas, and it does a killer job at making the very best in town. Follow your nose to this sweet-tooth’s haven, down Tattersall Arcade in Queen Street Mall.
7. I heart Brownies
These guys love brownies too, and we love them, actually, we heart them. The brownies here are all heart-shaped and come in the classic and more abstract flavours like jaffa, mint and maple pecan. There’s also a dairy-free option and everything is 100% gluten free, so it’s practically a vegetable. Find I heart Brownies on the ground floor at Wintergarden in Queen Street Mall.
8. Gelatissimo
Sweet mother of ice-cream. Everyone loves ice-cream right? And this is one of the city’s best. Loaded with all your favourite treats, from peanut butter fudge to caramel swirls and strawberry marshmallow. Make yourself a date with gelato and head over to Gelatissimo in The Pavillion on the corner of Albert and Queen Streets.
9. Amai Kawaii
Right on your Student One Elizabeth Street doorstep you’ll find Amai Kawaii. This dessert depot is a hole-in-the-wall creperie and specialises in loaded crepes of both the sweet and savoury variety. With new combinations frequently added to the menu you’ll have a range of flavours to choose from. Peaches and cream, and nutella are both popular choices.
10. Le Bon Choix
The city’s favourite French patisserie can be found on Edward and Queen streets (that’s right, there’s two). Le Bon Choix is in fact a good choice if you’re craving pastries, or maybe even a macaroon with your morning coffee. There’s also tarts and cakes and muffins, and the most delightful petit fours.
11. Bonsai Botanika
This Japanese cafe and eatery in Elizabeth Street makes delicious cakes and brownies and whips up a fine smoothie. We’re fans of the matcha green tea flourless cake but the chocolate brownie is a close second. Pair it with a chai for an after-dinner treat or coffee for a study snack. They also have house-made ice-cream.
