Dello Mano

Overview

If you didn't know that Dello Mano (Brisbane brownie icon and darling of desserts) offered breakfast and lunch seven days a week, you're not alone. Many people don't realise that the local providore of Belgium Chocolate luxury brownies, truffles, fudge, cakes and all things indulgence also plays host to a constant stream of regulars – creatives, designers, small business owners, couples, families, cyclists and the occasional dog at their Teneriffe cafe every day.

A unique, eclectic space with a façade covered in creeper vines and adorned with potted plants, Dello Mano omits an aura of romantic, cosy French chic-ness. Whether you choose to sit inside surrounded by black walls, bookshelves and glass cabinets of sweet decadence or outside perched atop a padded tin drum stool, a classic French bistro chair or at the coffee bar, you're guaranteed to feel like you've just stumbled across a corner café in Paris.

The food is equally impressive and you'll soon realise these guys are just as accomplished at curating a flavoursome breakfast menu as they are at producing chocolate perfection. Choose from simple yet delicious savoury combinations like the Billy Goat Eggs (fluffy free-range scrambled eggs, goats cheese and fetta, fresh baby spinach, sourdough and balsamic reduction) or the old faithful BLAT with a twist (crispy bacon, avocado, tomato and dressed lettuce on sourdough, finished with mayonnaise and mustard).

However, if it's a truly unique taste sensation you seek then the house-baked Chocolate Granola (what else?) can't be ignored. Made with 72% dark Belgium chocolate, almonds, dates, maple syrup and cinnamon it's surprisingly light and strikes the right balance of bittersweet chocolate with crunchy clusters of oats for early morning. Order it with a small pot of milk and you have yourself a chocolate milkshake to slurp up after you take your last spoonful.

Coffee is also lovely, using the Modena blend from fellow local supplier DiBella and is served with a small square of their ridiculously delicious Classic Brownie. Crunchy on the outside with an intensely gooey centre it has that wonderful 'not quite cooked through' texture that leaves you in a state of chocolate bliss.

Dello Mano clearly has the recipe for success, offering locals a place to pick up a pre-packaged or made to order gift hamper, quench the coffee cravings or sit and savour breakfast and cake – all whilst feeling oh-so-Parisienne. Keep an eye out for their high tea offering coming soon.

Image by Mimi Hyll.