Calatrava

I have tried a few desserts with tea from this joint. Whilst all the sweets are beautifully presented, I find the taste is always somewhat unremarkable. I don’t ever make the journey to the Crown casino just to visit Calatrava like I would Gochi the Japanese place.

I visited this cake shop in the Crown Casino Food Court after dinner on Monday night with a group of friends for coffee and cake.
After some careful consideration I selected a Pear & Almond Tart which looked fairly harmless. After two bites I realised there was an ingredient on the bottom of the middle of the tart that resembled chocolate. I approached the counter to query this with one of their staff — as given the other ingredients it could have been blueberry. Once the staff member had confirmed that it was, I pointed out to her that it was probably not a bad idea of them to advertise ingredients on cakes due to food allergies — and said to her lucky I didn’t eat it as I am allergic to chocolate. She obviously took offence at this and proceeded to bark back at me that it was not their responsibility to do so, as they do not make the cakes.
My intention was not to start an argument or get an exchange or my money back, it was just to confirm what the actual ingredient was in fact chocolate, I certainly wasn’t looking for a fight. The people who I was with were flabbergasted at the way the girl talked to me given it was a simple question and given the amount of people with food allergies these days it is not an unreasonable request for eateries to advertise their ingredients.
I guess given the location and the turn over of customers maybe Calatrava staff think that treating customers this way is acceptable. If I could have given a ⁰⁄₅ rating on this I would have. Nothing about my experience here was a good one.

White chocolate honeycomb cake wasn’t nice — very rich and too moist. The apple raspberry tart was ok. Vanilla ice cream was delish. Outstanding customer service and very fast service. A+ for the staff and their excellent standard of service.

This café is in the big open space at the front of Crown Casino, nearest Spencer Street. Its open Gelato Bar faces the pedestrian walkway outside. Inside, the serving area is opulent — gold and brightly coloured cabinets display lovely looking cakes, macaroons and desserts. I came here to have a business meeting and it’s good for that as it’s open from first thing in the morning — my meeting was at 7.30am. The seating is basic — wire chairs and Formica tables, but the environment is good for discussion and work. The coffee is good and service is quick.

Very bad cake. The strawberry sponge was dried up… I asked the person on why it is the cake and he mentioned that the cold makes it dry… he mentioned next time order tiramisu — worst service

located on south bank right inside the crown casino complex, a slightly pretentious façade leads to elegant pastries and over priced coffee. Although properly made, it came up short on character. just ok

A great place to get a casual snack within the casino without breaking the bank.
I got a hot tea and a lemon tart dessert. Both were very good, but I just wished there was a little more hot water for the tea.

A great (but busy) ice cream café along the yarra promenade; within and outside the food court at the Crown Casino complex. If you wanting to order one of their cookies (or anything else but ice cream) then go into the food court and do this; don’t know why however the staff can get a little frustrated if your not ordering ice cream outside. It sounds obsurd I know, however it might be just the system in place here.
Their hazelnut or pistachio ice creams are refreshing on a warm day, and also after coming back from some retail therapy from the nearby DFO at South Wharf. The serving tubs are so cute; you feel like your on a mini indulgence (which you are; you could have easily gone to McDonald’s and ordered a soft serve) however; when Melbourne is in the mood (not often) for ice cream; this is when this establishment gets really busy and you will need to be patient.
A handy hint: keep your eyes out for a $ 5 discount voucher around the time of the annual Good Food and Wine Show event in Melbourne; as this establishment has them available to give away to their customers.

After some traditional Italian dessert on a steamy summer afternoon?
Your eyes (and stomachs) will be drawn to Calatrava is located on the prestigious Southbank; overlooking the Yarra River. Predominantly serving traditional Italian gelato, there is also a selection of fresh baked desserts as well as coffee.
You may choose from a cup, cone or waffle cone, and select from a tempting range of exotic flavours such as strawberry shortcake, creamy butterscotch and liquorice. As well as all the traditionals including lemon, vanilla and passion fruit mango. With scenic views of the water as well as the city scape, Calatrava is the perfect place to be any day of the week. Especially in summer months this little hotspot is one of the only take away ice cream shops for a few blocks so it does tend to get very busy.
Moderate prices and friendly staff, overall a good option for snacks and dessert.