Restaurant

Pulcinella

592 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia

Recommended by 25 people

Updated

Find Pulcinella

592 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia

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HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Pulcinella

Brunswick locals treat this quirky, Pulcinella-themed pasticceria as their own slice of Naples on Sydney Road. Morning crowds bypass standard bakery counters for hollow donuts generously piped to order with sweet pistachio spread or crunchy cannoli filled with orange-zest ricotta. Behind the counter, Italian chatter mixes with the steam of espresso machines pulling smooth long blacks and frothy cappuccinos. Savory cravings are met with toasted focaccia, fried calzoni, and freshly baked pizza slabs. Pick-and-mix biscuits sold by weight fill out takeaway boxes—alongside hazelnut and pear tarts built on crumbly shortbread with sweet ricotta cream.

  • Piped-to-Order Pastries: Hollow donuts and cannoli are piped to order with fillings like rich pistachio spread and orange-zested ricotta.
  • Savory Classics: Serves hot toasted focaccia, pizza slabs, and fried calzoni for hearty morning and midday bites.
  • Espresso Bar: Pours smooth long blacks and silky cappuccinos that pair naturally with southern Italian sweets.
  • Biscuits & Custom Cakes: Traditional biscuits sold by weight alongside event centerpieces like custom millefoglie cakes.

What's On at Pulcinella

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Pulcinella

Why Brunswick locals and celebratory hosts choose Pulcinella for authentic southern Italian cafe and event moments

  • Pastries Piped Freshly to Order

    Cannoli shells are filled directly upon ordering with fresh orange-zested ricotta and rich chocolate, keeping the exterior crisp and satisfying.

    the pastry outside is always crunchy as it is freshly piped

    Kim B
  • Authentic Biscuits Sold by Weight

    Traditional southern Italian biscuits are available pick-and-mix by weight at sixty dollars per kilogram, offering variety and balance across classic flavours.

    $60 per kilo and you can opt for pre gift packed or pick and mix. Visually beautiful and taste fresh and well balanced too.

    Jana Levit
  • Live On-Stage Millefoglie Assembly

    Couples and party hosts can feature live on-site millefoglie assembly where guests watch and join in building the centerpiece cake.

    The fact that we were able to join in on making our very own wedding cake on stage in front our guests was perfect and also made for wonderful photos and memories.

    Olivia D'Argenio
  • Stunning Event Dessert Centerpieces

    Custom celebration cakes and multi-tiered cannoli towers provide memorable centerpieces that surprise and delight event guests.

    Not only did it look stunning, but the cannoli were delicious and loved by all our guests.

    Josephine Tito
  • Vibrant Italian Community Connection

    The sound of Italian conversation and welcoming banter creates an authentic cafe atmosphere reminiscent of hometown gathering spots.

    great to see so many Italians and everyone speaking the language.

    Domenico Di Martino
  • Traditional Espresso Culture & Social Warmth

    Intimate seating and shared love for southern Italian specialties foster an inviting space where guests socialize over espresso.

    it reminds me of Italy how we socialize and enjoy an espresso!

    M

Other favorites

Savory street food, counter tarts, and traditional biscuits to take home

  • Toasted focaccia

    The toasted focaccia was a standout — incredibly tasty.

    Luke Virgona
  • Fried calzone

    My wife had a fried calzone which was completely unique, the first time either of us had tasted it.

    Christopher Cadden
  • Italian biscuits by the kilo

    Beautiful Italian biscuits and pastries on offer at Pulcinella. $60 per kilo and you can opt for pre gift packed or pick and mix.

    Jana Levit
  • Hazelnut and Pear Tart

    We tried the Hazelnut and Pear Tart, which was so light and delicious. Just crumbly shortbread goodness with mild sweet ricotta cream and pears.

    Shyamal .R.Swamy

Beyond the menu

Distinctive handcrafted details and personalized service that elevate every visit

  • Live On-Stage Millefoglie Assembly

    Pastry chefs travel on site to perform live millefoglie assembly directly in front of guests, inviting hosts and couples on stage to help finish their celebratory cake.

  • Cannoli Piped Fresh to Order

    Cannoli shells are filled right when ordered rather than sitting pre-piped, finished with fresh orange zest ricotta, dark chocolate sprinkles, and glazed cherries.

  • Custom-Filled Piped Donuts

    Hollow donuts let guests pick their preferred filling at the counter, which staff pipe generously on demand with choices like rich pistachio spread.

  • On-the-Spot Custom Cake Prep

    For last-minute celebrations without advance notice, bakers can build fresh cakes like raspberry millefoglie on the spot and add personalized messages.

Before you head over

Practical advice for ordering, seating, and treats at Pulcinella

  • Order Pastries Piped Fresh

    For maximum crunch and crispness, ask for donuts and cannoli piped freshly to order with your choice of sweet fillings such as ricotta or pistachio.

  • Pick and Mix Biscuits by Weight

    You can assemble a customized assortment of southern Italian biscuits by weight or grab pre-packed gift boxes sold at a fixed rate per kilo.

  • Expect Close, Cozy Seating

    Tables inside the cafe are positioned very close together, creating a cozy and social southern Italian cafe atmosphere during peak times.

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