After dark dessert bars

Finished with the late-night shopping, polished off a delicious meal or just caught a show but ready to call it a night? Here’s where to head for sweet treats after dark.

Sulbing

Sweet cravings? Try Sulbing, Busan’s dessert cafe celebrated for its bingsu. These ‘snow ice’ creations are crafted from finely shaved flakes of frozen ice cream or yoghurt. But the real delight lies in the toppings. So many decisions. Like the dark chocolate Oreo Monster, or tiramisu cheesecake. But, really, who can go past a slice of shortcake filled with strawberries and whipped cream? Open until 11pm Friday and Saturday nights.

Bistrot d’Orsay

If you're in need of warmth and indulgence, pop into Bistrot d’Orsay and pair an espresso with a crème brulee. Located opposite Regent Theatre and next door to the Athenaeum Theatre, it’s ideally placed for pre or post show treats. You'll find a selection of elegant desserts to enjoy until 10.30pm, Wednesday through Saturday. Try the caramelised white chocolate parfait and pear tarte tartin.

Sweetie and Moustache

Fancy your dessert on a rooftop? Grab a cocktail and try the signature mille crepe cakes at Sweetie and Moustache. With flavours like tea-ramisu red bean, lychee watermelon and Oreo peanuts, you’ll definitely need to schedule a return visit. There's also bubble waffles, sweet Nutella 'toast boxes' and more. The late-night dessert lounge is open until around midnight every day of the week for those end of the night cravings.

Palette

By day it's a light and airy Korean cafe slinging aesthetic brunches. But by night, Palette becomes an intimate, dimly lit night cafe and dessert bar. Think fresh strawberry cocktails, cinnamon croffles and honey-drizzled brioche. Palette at Night is open from 7pm to 11pm Tuesday to Saturday, wander in for a late night nibble and a coffee. Don't worry, they do decaf too.

Pellegrini's

Dine like Melburnians have for decades – on late-night coffee and cake under the neon lights of Pellegrini's. This institution encapsulates Italian Melbourne. Take a seat at the long, curved bar and order an espresso as you make the difficult choice of which dessert to order. Will it be classic and creamy tiramisu? Apple strudel? Or one of the immaculate cakes? The cafe stays open for night owls until 11.30pm most nights and 10pm on Sundays.

Eau de Vie

For the perfect night cap we can’t go past an espresso martini at Eau de Vie. It’s not your ordinary espresso martini, with your choice of vodka, rum or whisky. Then stirred through with coffee, maple syrup, saffron and vanilla mousse. This glass of perfection is served chilled with liquid nitrogen to create a frozen cap. Pure post-theatre indulgence. The venue closes at 1am Tuesday to Saturday.

Om Nom

Om Nom cocktail bar at the Adelphi Hotel is renowned for its OTT cocktails. If it's sherbet-topped, nitro charged or served in a quirky vessel, you'll find it at Om Nom. Try the smoking marshmallow colada, made with marshmallow rum and presented in a cloud of smoke. Then hit the sweets menu. Will it be Om Nom's take on the Coconut Raffaello or the Ferrero Rocher? The kitchen stays open late on Friday and Saturday nights, so you can indulge until 11pm.

Sticksies

Don't knock it 'till you try it. Sticksies is a new late-night dessert bar on Lygon Street serving cheesecake by the slice. On a stick, of course. Creamy slabs of cake-y goodness are dunked in melted chocolate, drenched in caramel sauce and garnished with cookie crumbs. Flavours include matcha, Bueno, snickers, Oreo and more.