This is simple a MUST VISIT (as often as your wallet and waistline allow!) South Durham gem! The owner is so helpful and nice to talk to. He is very friendly and makes sure each visit is superb. The desserts? Well, they are out of this world. The presentation is 10/10 and the taste too. Go grab a gourmet dessert ASAP! read more

Dulce is a charming coffee and dessert shop in Sutton Station worth seeking out. Comfy leather chairs and a large outdoor seating area make it a nice place to read or go with friends. They serve Counter Culture coffee and I really enjoyed the latte I had there. I've also had a few baked goods as well as a panini, though I haven't tried the delicious looking gelato. The baked goods are made in house and are really good, if a bit pricey. I loved the carrot cake, but it was $5 for a (huge) slice. They also have cupcakes, creme brûlée, cheesecake, cookies, etc. The panini I had was alright, but I'd mostly go back for the coffee and maybe a dessert. The regular menu is mostly panini, soup, salad and not especially large. The staff is very friendly and the owner is frequently behind the counter. Also, free Wi-Fi! The only complaint I could think of -- they play classical music, which I think is a bit stuffy, so I'd prefer anything else really. Also, they are only open 11 - 3 on Sundays, and I wish they were open later that day -- to me, this is a lazy Sunday kind of coffee shop. Anyway, definitely go check it out -- I want this place to stay in business! read more

I live about 5 minutes from this place so I had to try it out. After reading all the reviews here on Yelp I suppose I got my hopes up. I came for Lunch on a Saturday and the place was not at all busy. I walked up to the counter and ordered a Chai Tea Latte and a Chicken salad sandwich on rye. The prices are on par with the rest of Durham and my friend and I chose to enjoy our meal outside on their patio. The Chai Tea Latte was large and better then I get at Guglhupf and I was very pleased with that. The sandwich and side salad however were nothing to write home about. You can do way better at Paker and Otis for the same price. The service was outstanding and the place has a very relaxed feel to it. I just wish their food was a little more inspiring/creative. read more

I really felt a strong urge to second (or 50th) the positive reviews about Dulce after many visits. I first went for the desserts. The carrot cake, I can attest, is some of the best I've ever had. So moist and the raisins are tiny (thank goodness, because I generally hate raisins), and that cream cheese frosting ... I should probably wear a bib while writing this review. Then about a year later, I expanded to explore their brunch menu. Oh.My.God. So delicious. Why did I wait so long?? Their BLAT (bacon lettuce AVOCADO sandwich) is to die for. Their cobb salad? Perfection. All of their breakfast items also look amazing. And their portion sizes are VERY generous. Nothing to complain about here. A final note about their customer service - fantastic. The owners are extremely dog friendly - they have beanies clipped outside their outdoor seating area, so you can bring your dog and sit outside with it. We were there at closing one night and the owner cooked up some bacon for my dog while we were sitting outside. Won his way into both of our hearts! read more

For coffee, breakfast or lunch is this a great place. Try one of their cakes with a cappuccino and you will be amazed.

This is located in Sutton Station off of Fayetteville road. One of my favorite cafes/bakeries in the area. Their lunch menu is okay, but their breakfast menu is tasty (the bacon, egg, and cheese on ciabatta is my personal favorite). Of course, the real stars are the pastries, desserts, and gelato they offer! Everything is very fresh and the desserts are not overly sweet. The only pastry I've had that I didn't like was a cupcake, it was a little dry. Everything else I've tried has been amazing: macaroons, eclairs, mousse cake, chocolate zucchini muffins, the list goes on. The staff is always friendly and the cafe is very clean, which just makes the whole experience that much better. read more

Dulce Cafe - Peach Tart and Mango Mousse Cake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I was having a bad day, but having their Cuban sandwich and some salted Carmel gelato really turned up my day. Good food and a friendly staff do that to you! read more

GOSH this place is a gem! My best friend and I would come here often to study, catch up, write yelp reviews - basically any excuse we could think of to come here for their carrot cake. It's hands down one of the best carrot cakes I've had - large, moist, cinnamon-y, sweet, thick layer of icing, etc. A giant square of YUM in my TUM. We probably would have come here more often had we not been poor college students. Their prices can be on the steeper side (e.g., $6 for a tiny cheesecake - even if it's seasonal, that's a bit much). Also, their setup is a little cramped. So unless you come at a prime time, it might be difficult to find a good seat that's out of the way of the potential bumps and nudges you might get from ordering patrons. The servers are friendly, it's a nice place to study or just talk with a friend, and the food is great. read more

If you are in the South point mall area and need a little caffeine and sugar pick me up, this is your place. I've heard amazing things about their salted caramel gelato, but they didn't have it today so I got the pistachio and I ordered it with a shot of espresso poured on top (my new favorite treat-- see review of sugarland!). They don't have it on the menu but were happy to make it. Amazingly good. I've also had their breakfast before and it was very tasty. read more

Dulce Cafe was yummy! It's a cute little spot in Sutton Square great place to go after dinner or just for an afternoon dessert :) I have only tried one thing so far and definitely plan to go back to try more of their desserts. I had a chocolate mousse cake and it was amazing! The staff was very friendly and helpful in helping decide what to order :) read more

Went in right before closing on a Friday night to get some dessert. A nice, classy atmosphere inside with some comfy-looking leather furniture to relax and sip your espresso in. All desserts are made in-house and they are delicious. Gelato (half chocolate and half guava) was delish and I definitely appreciated that their range of flavor selection included some surprises. I also tried their homemade chocolate cake...wow! It rocks some multi-faceted chocolatey goodness with a sassy little raspberry streak in the middle. The gentleman (who I believe is the owner) that was running things was very courteous and very attentive. We sat outside and took in the summer evening with gelato and cake...can't be beat. P.S. They have dueling UNC/Duke dog dishes outside to satisfy your canine companions...a nice touch. read more

I am definitely a dessert person. Always have been. I've had plenty of dessert at Dulce by now. In fact, I was so focused on the dessert that for a long time I didn't notice they actually have coffee and food. And some beer and some wine. Anyhow, today I had a Bartlett pear pastry. It was heavenly. I felt it gave my life purpose. If you're looking for the perfect balance of sweetness, richness and flavor in your desserts, you absolutely must visit the place. It usually takes me 15 minutes before I can decide what I'm having because it's SO hard to pick ONE. Prices are very, very reasonable. The staff is extremely polite. read more

Dulce Cafe - Happiness in a pastry case - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Awesome little cafe. I was in Durham for work and in need of a quick bite, and noticed Dulce Cafe across the street from where I was working. My co-workers and I popped in for salad and iced teas, and were more than pleasantly surprised. Someone has obviously taken the time to design interesting salad and sandwich choices and opted to invest in quality ingredients. My co-workers raved about the Tarragon Chicken Salad, and I had a very fresh tuna salad, that was much better than ordinary fare. We got coffees to go -- carefully made and delicious -- and ended up going back the next day for coffees as well. I'm not much of a dessert person, but I did try a co-worker's coconut macaroon, and it was astounding! In fact, all of their baked goods (plenty of choices for fans of mini-tarts, French macaroons, cupcakes, and more) looked like they came straight off a Food Network chef and could have been created by a master pastry chef. Those who sampled more than just the macaroon lamented the fact that our travels may not take us to Durham again. What's more, the employees were helpful, friendly, and conversational, even knowing we were out of town and therefore unlikely to become "regulars." You did us well, Dulce Cafe. Thank you! I hope those Yelp-ers who get to live and work in your immediate vicinity get to give you a try and enjoy the quality food and drinks you produce. read more

Dulce is fantastic. The coffee is amazing and the pastries and cookies are great. The ambience is pleasant -- quiet with couches and a lot of natural light. They also have the best customer service I've experienced in quite a while. It is a bit on the expensive side but it's worth it. If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and skip Starbucks with its surly employees and unpalatable black coffee and check out Dulce. read more

The quaint and sweet cafe my best friend and I have frequented on a number of occasions to catch up, study and even write yelp reviews! But the real reason we pick Dulce Café is because of the carrot cake. It's soft, cinnamony and absolutely delicious! The prices for the coffees are pretty high, but that's the only reason I wouldn't come here more often. The atmosphere features couches, mini tables for two and larger tables in the back for a few more guests. The outside seating spans along the front and side windows of the shop and seems perfect for nice days outside with overhead shade. They play jazz classics, ABBA and Michael Buble/Harry Connick Jr.-esque music. Love this place! read more

Delicious lunch and bakery spot near Southpoint Mall? Yes please. Southpoint is a bit of a trek for me, so when I'm there on a weekend, my visit often overlaps with lunchtime. Thanks to Yelp, I found Dulce Cafe, which is less than 5 minutes away. This was our first visit and my husband had the BLAT (bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato), and I had the turkey, brie, green apple panini. Both excellent choices that we would order again. We both had side salads, which I'd recommend over the alternative bagged chips option. It's a fast casual place where you order at the counter and the staff brings your food, but has a more homey, local feel than the chain restaurants in the area. Although somewhat of a small space, it's nice to have indoor/outdoor seating options. Also, friendly service at the counter made us feel very welcome. The desserts looked fantastic, but unfortunately we were too full from our meals to test them out. Next time! read more

The carrot cake is amazing, really good alfajores!! .. Great cafe late.. Last night we also bought some tres leches cake and by far it was the best I have tried in the area...lovely neighborhood place will defenetly go back!! read more

Dulce Cafe - @ Dulce in Durham - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I enjoyed my breakfast sandwich at dulce cafe today and liked their shady outdoor seating but just wasn't blown away. I chose bacon, egg, and cheese on brioche. I was especially excited about the brioche since all of the baked goods looked great. It was good but slightly underwhelming and a little pricey for just a sandwich and no sides. The bread was a little to thick for the filling and not as soft as I expected. Also no coffee refills, which are pretty common among brunch spots around here. I'm definitely up for a repeat visit but will try a baked good and a fancy coffee drink instead next time. read more

Dulce Cafe - Bacon egg and cheese on brioche - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I arrived at Dulce about 1:30pm on a Saturday afternoon to do some grad school work, as my hotel was far too loud and distracting. It was packed, and I squeezed in at the bar table facing the window. Here are the pros and cons... Pros - service was very prompt, and everyone was really nice. My vanilla latte was delicious, and a large was large enough to get me through being there for a few hours. The decor is cute, and there are power surge strips every so often so that you can charge your stuff. Cons - super expensive. $18 for a panini with chips and a large latte. The panini (brie, turkey, and apple) was ok, it was really pretty greasy and didn't have a lot of flavor to it. Not sure if they were pre-made (like Starbucks) or not, but they tasted pre-made. Chips were your generic potato chips, and I'm still surprised that the panini with chips was $10. There isn't a ton of room to sit, so if you don't get there early (or later), you're not getting a seat. I will say the people watching when I decided to take breaks was pretty good...though if you're easily distracted I'd recommend headphones as it does get pretty loud. From what I observed, they run out of pastries pretty quickly, so if you're coming for that, keep it in mind. Probably wouldn't come back, but at least it served its purpose for me to get some work done. read more

Moving here a month ago from California, I was hesitant to branch out and try a new breakfast place when I have my favorites back home. This place is quickly becoming one of my absolute favorites! This is now my third day in a row coming back for coffee and breakfast, the staff is extremely friendly and I believe my order will be memorized by the barista come Sunday morning. The lattes are delicious (way better than Starbucks!) and I have gotten the egg bacon and cheese on wheat toast. An excellent breakfast and hang out spot! The wifi is super quick and the pastries look absolutely delicious, I am getting a muffin tomorrow. Coming here makes me feel at home! Thanks Dulce! read more

Dulce Cafe is definitely a hidden gem in Durham! After my boss came back raved about their gelato yesterday, I took a look at the menu and met a friend for lunch there today. It is a small cafe with limited seating, making it extra intimate and it's a nice sunny escape for a lunch break. Many seats also get a lovely view of the delectable dessert case featuring everything from cupcakes to small tower cakes to tarts to macaroons. I ordered a panini on their ciabatta bread and after finding disappointing, dry, tough ciabatta bread too many places, I am impressed with this bakery. Dessert: amazing. Need I say more? I had a small chocolate mousse tower cake (or part of one anyway, there is plenty for leftovers tomorrow!) and it is to die for. I also picked up a huge dulce de leche cupcake to take home and am excited to see the look on my boyfriend's face when he bites into it! The staff is also wonderful, attentive, and very friendly. I highly reccommend Dulce Cafe to anyone! It was a wonderful dining experience; my co-workers and I will be back for lunch soon! read more

I used to live right down the road from Dulce and would walk down there for lunch or dessert on a regular basis. I've never had anything that wasn't top notch. My favorite entree is the turkey, brie, and green apple panini, which has a great pepper jelly on it that makes it fantastic. The desserts can't be beaten, either. They have a gelato bar that rotates flavors in and out pretty regularly - the coconut is a must-have. The macarons are awesome too. If you're in the Southpoint area and don't want the regular chain fare, this is the place to head. read more

Came back again with a group of girlfriends the other night. Service again was outstanding. I mean, they just go out of their way to provide exceptional service. It was late so pastry selection was low. However the new eye candy helping us to select a sweet was a plus. I've never returned to a place that was so consistent in great and genuine service before. Food is great as always but I'm always reminded what great service is in a restaurant everytime I come back here. It's like the owner with the glasses just really loves his place and it comes through in the way he takes care of the customers and the execution of the pastries. read more

Amazing deserts...loved it.. The cheese cake, Tiramisu and Apple cinnamon cake is worth it.. Would love to try all the flavours..

I was overwhelmed by the beauty of their pastries when I walked in it was hard to pick what I wanted. I chose the fruit tart, something classic and simple but it was packed with so much freshness! I followed with a bagel(which are my favorite)!I'll be back! read more

Dulce Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I really love this cafe! I enjoy their egg and cheese on ciabatta bread sandwiches and cappuccinos. They are quite delicious. I have also enjoyed some of their lovely desserts including their cheesecake, red velvet cake, and pear desserts. Everything is made with careful consideration and is lovingly displayed. read more

Regardless of what you try here, you won't be disappointed. They have fabulous food, dessert, coffee. I order something new every time I visit, and I have yet to find anything lacking. The restaurant is always clean, and the staff is very attentive and friendly. The carrot cake is insanely delicious, and that is something I never thought I'd say. Trust me, try it! read more

I had a delicious lunch today at Dulce. This walk up and order cafe serves salads, sandwiches, paninis and a delicious assortment of pastries. They serve breakfast and gelato too. You can sit inside or out on their patio. I opted for inside since the air was thick with pollen. The turkey with brie and green apples is quite popular but I chose the Basil-Pesto Chicken Panini. It has Chicken Breast, Roasted Red peppers, Fontina Cheese, Tomato & basil-Pesto on Ciabatta and comes with a side salad or chips. The side salad had mixed greens, tomato, cucumbers and red onion. Loved my lunch! I also ordered the coconut macaroon for dessert. Very tasty. Service was friendly. I will be back! read more

Dulce Cafe - Basil-Pesto Chicken Panini - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Went back to Dulce Cafe this morning for breakfast and was really excited about my bacon, egg and cheese on Ciabatta sandwich and iced coffee. The sandwich was delicious, and a good size. That with an iced vanilla latte on the outside patio with my dog - perfect. I'm pretty sure I'll become a regular in no time. read more

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This is one of those places I will strategically plan out my trip (if I can) to go by. Hazelnut and chocolate are one of my favorite flavor combos out there. Dulce makes the best Hazelnut Mocha ever!!! I have not found a rival yet! I ask for extra chocolate and whole milk. It smells like a chocolate Hershey's bar that has been warmed up and accented with hazelnut, it's divine!!! The Alajore is so soft and it melts in your mouth. I can not say it right but they always know exactly what I am talking about. The gelato does not disappoint either! As the name suggest, Dulce: sweet, is the perfect destination to fulfill your sweet tooth or craving! read more

We love Dulce however we are disappointed on the refusal of the owners to provide high chairs for children. It feels like the owners do not want their establishment to be kids friendly. A true shame because food and service are excellent. read more

Really enjoyed the carrot cake. My friends got the salmon bagel and they loved it. Definitely a good place to go with friends for brunch. The space isn't great for big groups but maybe up to 4 people. Will definitely come again! read more

Dulce Cafe - Carrot cake!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I am a fan of chic cafes and if you're looking for the same, this is the place to check out. I was craving something sweet with a side of nice coffee, and with the number of reviews this place had it was a no brainer. The place is small and quaint and has a very modern vibe to it. When you first walk in, you notice the large blackboard menu on the wall and the wide variety of beautiful desserts. I tried their chocolate cake tower; a yellow cake layered between chocolate mousse, stacked and covered with a chocolate shell. There was a macaroon cookie on top with a bit of gold dusting to finish off the aesthetic. The entire thing was delicious and defeated my sweet tooth for the day. Though it is a bit pricey here, it is definetly worth a try at least once . read more

Dulce Cafe - Chocolate cake tower. Layers of yellow cake and chocolate mouse. So delicious! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Delicious, beautiful desserts. Very friendly staff. A lot of time, effort and skill goes into each pastry/dessert/sandwich.

Went here with a couple of friends for gelato...the gelato was amazing! Flavors are so rich and worth every calorie. I got the strawberry - usually strawberry is "boring" and doesn't taste much different from place to place but this gelato was like biting into a fresh strawberry. I loved it. My husband got the mint and dark chocolate...both were delicious. It was so hard to decide...you can't go wrong with any flavor. The other desserts looked amazing as well but I couldn't try them being that I have to eat gluten free (Celiac). The gelato was safe though by the way (unless it has obvious gluten in it like cookies). Apparently their carrot cake is what they're known for. They also have outdoor seating which was perfect on a warm summer night. read more

Its gem of a little place. I have been here with my girlfriends always and as we enter and look at the huge display of colorful and decadent desserts we plan to get those but we always fill ourselves up with coffee and sandwiches/wraps. Please try their Turkey apple brie and chicken salad if you are anywhere close. Sandwiches are fresh and the decently priced. Even the coffee is divine, one which needs to be enjoyed sitting outside over chitchat. Next time I will plan better and start the meal with a dessert!! read more

The coffee is good, the pastries are excellent, and the location is perfect for sitting outside on a nice fall day. They have these layer mini cream cake things that are absolutely excellent. I had the one with coconut on it, and it was incredible. The coconut and the chocolate cake worked perfectly together. Their coffee is also really good. The real draw is the outside seating. You can just hang out there and chat for hours, with a great view of the area near Southpoint. Overall this is a really nice place to get coffee and something yummy to eat. read more

Very cute little cafe close to Southpoint! I like their menu - it looks like lots of salads and paninis for lunch fare and then delicious-looking pastries decorated beautifully for desserts. The only reason why I'm not giving Dulce five stars is because I haven't had a chance to try those yet - will be back! Today my boyfriend and I came by for some gelato. There's not a huge selection of flavors, but most of them sounded really unique and interesting! I opted for a lychee flavor (there was something else but I forget) and he got chocolate. I loved the flavors (and I believe the gelato here is cheaper than Sugarland for pretty much the same size) of mine, which was equal parts tart and sweet. It was a perfect treat for a hot summer day! The chocolate was good as well - not too sweet, but just the right amount of chocolate-y. read more

What a sweet place!!! Wonderful customer service with an extravagant choice of food (desserts, gelato and coffee). They are very patient, welcoming and friendly. I would recommend to try this cozy place to anyone who is looking for a relaxing atmosphere, decent prices and good quality food! read more

Dulce Cafe - Latte & caramel/mint gelato - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Keeping with my recent trend of trying new breakfast restaurants, I stopped in this morning for a quick to-go meal. First, this place is really cute. A convenient location near Southpoint, but in a slow-er shopping center, so parking and mobility are no trouble. I ordered a bacon, egg, and cheese on ciabatta. Yes, I know I'm not super creative in my breakfast choices, but I know what I like, and at least this way I can give an accurate comparison!! I wasn't overly impressed with the service. They were polite, but not exactly eager, though. It was also not the fastest service for making the food (perhaps not ideal if you're in a hurry before work). Once I got the food, I was more than pleased. Initially, I thought they had accidentally doubled my order. The sandwiches are a great size. Honestly, it was probably the best ciabatta bread I have ever had. It was light and flaky, and despite not being able to see any, the seasoning in that bread was amazing. The egg was light and fluffy, the cheese was fantastic (I swear it was not just plain cheddar), and the bacon was salty, crispy, but not at all burnt. I will definitely come back. I didn't have the occasion at the time to purchase any of the decadent looking desserts in the display case, but I will plan to next time! read more

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