Brunetti has operated on Faraday St in Carlton since 1974, a short walk from the University of Melbourne, and remains one of the city's best-known Italian cafes and patisseries. The cabinet-lined counter displays rows of cakes and pastries, with the sfogliatelle, tiramisu, and cornetto among the most consistently popular orders, alongside a full espresso bar and a savoury menu of pastas and light meals. The dining room is large and bustling, split between counter service for takeaway pastries and coffee and a sit-down cafe section for full meals, with an atmosphere pitched toward students, families, and tourists rather than a quiet, formal setting. There is no dedicated wine or beverage programme beyond coffee and a small selection of Italian soft drinks and aperitivo-style options; the focus is squarely on pastry and coffee culture. Brunetti takes no bookings and operates on a walk-in basis from early morning, with queues at the pastry counter common on weekends and around exam periods when the venue is popular with nearby university students. Its proximity to Lygon St and the University of Melbourne makes it a natural stop before or after exploring Carlton's Italian dining strip.
| Price | $$ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily from 6AM |
| Reservations | Walk-in, no bookings |
| Address | 194-204 Faraday St, Carlton VIC 3053 |
Signature dishes
- Sfogliatelle
- Tiramisu
- Cornetto
Good to know
- Known for
- Melbourne institution since 1974 for pastries, cakes and coffee near the University of Melbourne
Location
194-204 Faraday St, Carlton VIC 3053
-37.7998, 144.9672 View on map
Highlights
- Melbourne institution on Faraday St since 1974
- Sfogliatelle, tiramisu, and cornetto pastries
- Full espresso bar alongside a savoury cafe menu
- Short walk from the University of Melbourne
- Large cabinet display of cakes and pastries
Tips for visiting
- No bookings are taken; visit outside weekend peak hours to avoid queues
- Early morning is quieter than late morning and weekend afternoons
- The pastry counter is separate from sit-down cafe seating
- Pair a pastry with an espresso for the classic Brunetti order
- Combine a visit with a walk along nearby Lygon St
Accessibility
The cafe is on ground level with step-free entry from Faraday St, with a large seating area accommodating wheelchairs, though the pastry counter can get crowded at peak times.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Can I book a table at Brunetti?
No, Brunetti operates on a walk-in basis only, with no reservations taken.
When is it busiest?
Weekend mornings and early afternoons see the longest queues at the pastry counter.
How long has Brunetti been in Carlton?
It has operated on Faraday St in Carlton since 1974.
Is it close to the University of Melbourne?
Yes, it is a short walk from the university, making it popular with students.