Zafferano Caffe Mediterraneo is a Sicilian cafe serving South Italian pastries and pastas with a breakfast and lunch menu, Located on South Dowling Street in Darlinghurst, not far from Oxford street. The cafe has dining space indoors and out and you’ll find it to be a relaxing little place to dine, with a charming Italian feel to it.
We are there for takeaway this time, having heard about the Italian pastries sold here. The display cabinet on the counter showcases some amazing carb delights.
We buy the Sfincione, $10 for a large slice cut in half, which might sound expensive, but totally worth it. It was a light and spongy foccacia, so so so soft! We try the “Sfincione Palermitano” which is the bread topped with tomato, pecorino, breadcrumb and onions. They also sell a second flavour; the Sfincione Bagherese with anchovies, buffalo ricotta, onion and pecorino cheese.
The cabinet also has a range of treats like panelle or Sicilian chickpea flour fritters, Sicilian donuts, and other small pastries.
We are donut fans and these Sicilian donuts make my favourite list. Large in size, light and fluffy and a lovely cinnamon sugar encasing the fried dough. We’ll be back for these for sure. They’re vegan too.
We also liked the Fagottino, small pastries where a simple bread dough filled with mushrooms, bechamel and garlic. These wee delicious and also vegan.
We were here at breakfast, but we perused the lunch menu, which offers Sicilian classics like eggplant, pastas such as bucatini or pappardelle.
And if you’re up for dessert, the cannoli shells were there ready to be freshly piped, or a ricotta cheesecake looked divine.
We don’t order coffee, as not one of our preferred beans but coffee is available if you like, they use De Lorenzo.
We did love the food here and look forward to trying more!
Zafferano Caffé Mediterraneo
354 S Dowling St, Paddington NSW 2021
Hours
Wednesday to Sunday: 8am–4pm