Cafe Dello Mano

Eleven years. That’s how long it took for Dello Mano to return to New Farm. In that time, the little brownie business has developed an international reputation and opened two stores – the original in Teneriffe and a second in the city.

Still, many of its customers date from the early days, when Deborah and Bien Peralta turned heads at the New Farm Farmers Market with their precisely made (and even more precisely packaged) chocolate treats. In February 2017, the pair closed their Teneriffe shop and a month later opened a space inside Merthyr Village shopping centre.

The New Farm premises are just as warm and darkly elegant as the CBD store, making for a cosy retreat from the hustle and bustle of the shopping centre (seating is limited, though, so you may find yourself out in the courtyard). At the front of the shop, Dello Mano’s range of signature brownies are on display with flavours such as rosewater and pistachio, peanut butter, raspberry and hazelnut, salted caramel and a host of others. The cabinet inside features a selection of freshly baked cakes, tarts, quiches and frittatas.

The Peraltas have also added a brunch menu, with options such as a smoothie bowl, bacon and egg brioche, and an elaborate selection of toasts. From the drinks menu, there are brownie sundaes, milkshakes, thickshakes and Dello Mano’s signature hot chocolates. Coffee comes from Di Bella.