Dolce has the coffee market cornered(literally) in the Doncaster Westfield Food Court. It guards the entrance and exit, unless you sneak up the stairwell but thankfully the staff are so busy that they don’t have time to give you nasty stares if you walk past with some other heathen café’s coffee — though I am sure they would if they could. The pastries are numerous but I can never tell how long they have been sitting there, like the Greek patisseries on Lonsdale St or Acland St. Coffee is safely reliable but not outstanding, and they dominate their own spacious section if the Food Court and don’t kick you out if you just sit there — probably because technically it is communal space. One thing I never understood — when did Doncaster Shoppingtown get rebranded as Westfield? It’s not like there aren’t any other Westfields in Melbourne. Oh and good news, the toilets(and parent’s room) is close by.
Michael K.
Place rating: 4 The Hague, The Netherlands
I try to stay away from the big malls as much as possible, but sometimes you don’t have a choice(really!). When I do have to go to the fourth circle of hell in Doncaster, then I always try to make a bit of time to go to Dolce. They do very credible cappuccinos, and their pastries are great; the almond croissant comes especially recommended. Service is a bit impersonal but efficient and friendly. All this, of course, on the assumption that you really have to spend time in the incredibly inappropriately named Westfield centre; save yourself a heart attack if you don’t and stay away.