Ask any Sydney-sider about Pasticceria Papa and they’ll say ‘oh you must try the baked ricotta cheesecake, it’s to die for’. After having this exact conversation too many times over – I had to get myself to this ‘Papa’s’ store to see what I was missing and why this cheesecake was so good.
So on a sunny summer Sunday morning I decided to head to the nearest location being Haberfield, the little Italy of Sydney (that’s another post in itself).
It was 10am as I descended upon the store located at 145 Ramsay Street, and at this point, I couldn’t even get in the door as it was packed with patrons waiting inside to order. Don’t get me wrong it’s a decent size venue inside/out – the display counter goes on for days and there would have easily been 10 front of house staff taking orders, working the till, whipping up espressos and serving the tables.
It simply comes down to the reputation and demand that Papa’s has for baking the finest, freshest and most delicious Italian desserts.
From cannoli, profiteroles, panzerotti, biscotti, pastries and numerous specialty cakes eg. Croquembouche tower (yeah I know it’s French) – the place will leave you dizzy and your taste buds in a frenzy. I guarantee you’ll want to try everything but can’t, so a follow up visit will likely be made shortly after.
Only downside was as it’s so busy, grabbing a table to enjoy your sweet treats and a coffee is pretty difficult. It’s like an episode of survivor – everyone is out to get the immunity totem (in this case a seat) and will duke it out till they do. Outside there are some seats but unfortunately no shade cloth or umbrellas so you couldn’t really sit outside for more than 5-10mins on such a summer day.
So instead I chose to take away my order of a chocolate éclair, donut with custard (don’t know the fancy name for it) and a renowned, ‘baked ricotta cheesecake’.
And, boy Papa’s sure did live up to its hype and wait – it was heavenly! Each dessert melted in your mouth, and don’t get me started on the cheesecake. It was fluffy, light – not too dense and the sweetness was just right.
All in all a memorable experience that I highly recommend to any dessert lover after a sweet tooth fix. Pasticceria Papa will hook you up!
Pasticceria Papa
145 Ramsay Street, Haberfield
*Other locations in Bondi Beach and Five Dock
www.ppapa.com.au
Have you visited Papas Haberfield in Sydney? What’s your favourite dessert?
