The Donkey Cafe

If there is a place where doctors like to escape from the daily hustle of the hospital and have a light break, the first name that comes to mind is definitely Donkey!

Located on Gertrude Street, ideally located, it is also a wonderful place to hang around after a long day of work and enjoy the company of working colleagues or even a place for a meeting/catch up with friends.

They have some outside seating and the place is actually bigger than it looks - from it’s entrance with some tables on the left and the barista area on the right side, with some displayed items and very appetising looking cakes.

There is an immense wall on the left side that has all types of wine bottles that you can imagine and the decoration is simple yet ideal to create a feeling that you are in a place similar to a vineyard even! If you venture further down, there is another room, in a clear more private setting and for more discrete functions. There is a massive table in the middle and the decoration both on the table with a few plant pots as well as the props on the walls with horse figures and more donkey statures are just so cute and definitely create a very enjoyable environment.
 
We asked for some drinks and cakes and I personally couldn’t eat these latter ones due to the lactose content of them. However I must say that the cakes looked very moist and packed with just pure yumminess (serious the massive chocolate chip cupcake looked so fresh and smelled so good!). Even though I wasn’t able to try them, all others mentioned that the flavour was just decadent and to die for! I really wish they could provide DF or Vegan options in the future as it is always nice to feel part of the group and also be able to enjoy cakes (because I mean, who likes to just stare at other enjoying some delicious cakes versus eating them right?).

We ordered a mocha, a flat white, a (normal) chai and I had a chai almond latte. All the drinks came beautifully presented and mine personally was incredibly nourishing and light – just impeccably achieved. With the perfect amount of foam on top and a creamy 2/3 bottom is was just lush! With a subtle touch of cinnamon on top and an A drawing with an artistic touch this was just marvellous! Everyone else enjoyed their drinks too.

I had been here previously a couple times (but finally having the opportunity to make a review about it) and I can attest that the almond latte and the soy latte are supremely blended and with an exquisite taste.
 
Would definitely love to go back for more than just coffee and cakes (although that is obviously immensely appreciated) and try some of their breakfast and lunch options even!

Coffee fantastic, food fantastic and great vibe, this place is worth dropping in for a quick (or even a long lunch) - worth checking out their wine list also.

Coffee is decent here. Nice warming soups in winter time. The barista, Ricky, is just fabulous and will brighten your day with him enthusiasm and energy. Great spot for a quick lunch or a secret 20 min escape from your hospital shift 😉

We love ciuccio cafe!! This is our fave spot to eat when visiting the area. The staff welcome you into their 'home' and find you a cosy little nook of your own. The food is super fresh & the coffee is also very good. The fit-out is uber cool while maintaining a homely vibe. Next time we intend to explore their extensive wine store. Love this place!

This pleasant little neighbourhood joint recreates an Italian cafe wonderfully (even the barista is from Italy...we presume); piano serenades us as we sip on some cafe lago. It's invitingly open with warmth exuded from the wood paneling. Molto bene!

Casa Ciuccio (pronounced chooch-o) is a cafe and wine store focused on a menu embodying authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Run by Fabio Candolo and Carrie Bartonek, Casa Ciuccio is set in a cute and light-filled space on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy. Drawing from Fabio’s upbringing in Sicily, Casa Ciuccio’s brunch menu brings some different flavours from what you might have at other Melbourne hotspots.