Cuppa Turca Dondurma & Kunefe

Cancel the flight to Istanbul. Cuppa Turca in Northcote delivers that exact same magic—right down to the perfectly balanced, intensely aromatic Turkish coffee. Dessert purists are absolutely obsessed with this cozy spot for one primary reason: the künefe. Handmade and cooked to order. Golden, crispy, syrup-soaked pastry on the outside—ridiculously gooey, hot cheese on the inside. While they offer a chocolate-stuffed variation, those in the know stick fiercely to the flawless traditional recipe. You’ll also want to tackle the "Baklava Heaven," a massive, indulgent slab paired with authentic, wonderfully stretchy dondurma (the pistachio is non-negotiable). Melbourne's most discerning sugar fiends constantly trade stories about the absurdly generous portions and the impossibly warm hospitality from the team. It’s rich, unapologetically authentic, and demands an immediate visit. Afiyet olsun.