Discover Nottingham's best dessert spots! From Vietnamese che at Viet80s to Italian tiramisu at Bar Gigi & Western waffles at Heavenly. Family-friendly guide.
Desserts are one of the most sought-after categories when families decide to go out together. There's something magical about ending a meal – or making dessert the entire occasion – with something sweet, indulgent, and memorable.
Luckily, Nottingham has an incredible selection of dessert places representing cuisines from around the world, all within walking distance of Old Market Square. From traditional Vietnamese sweet soups to decadent Italian tiramisu, towering American waffles to artisan gelato – your global dessert adventure awaits in Nottingham city centre.
For Families with Kids:
- Creates special memories and traditions
- Gives kids something to look forward to
- More affordable than full meals for large families
- Relaxed atmosphere perfect for family bonding
For Celebrations:
- Birthdays, achievements, or "just because" moments
- Less formal than restaurant dining
- Quick and satisfying
- Everyone loves dessert!
For Date Nights:
- Romantic without the commitment of a full dinner
- Opportunity to try multiple places in one evening
- More casual and fun
- Instagram-worthy moments
Nottingham's dessert scene offers something for every family, every budget, and every sweet tooth. Let's explore the world of desserts, organized by cuisine type.
Vietnamese desserts might be the best-kept secret in Nottingham's dessert scene. Unlike heavy Western desserts, Vietnamese sweets are refreshing, often featuring coconut milk, tropical fruits, jellies, and beans. They're sweet but not overwhelming, and surprisingly satisfying.
📍 Location: 57-59 Friar Lane, Nottingham, NG1 6DH
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5
💷 Dessert Price Range: £3.00-6.50
Vietnamese Dessert Specialties:
Che (Vietnamese Sweet Soup): £6.50
The jewel of Vietnamese desserts! "Che" encompasses a family of sweet soups and puddings served either warm or cold. These aren't soups in the Western sense – think of them as textured, layered desserts in a sweet broth.
What makes Che special:
- Layers of textures: creamy coconut milk, pomelo, mung bean crunchy ice
- Not overly sweet – refreshing and satisfying
- Often features black sticky rice, mung beans
- Served over ice (perfect summer dessert) or warm (winter comfort)
- Colorful and Instagram-worthy
Incredibly attentive staff who presented a lot of thought care into the simplest aspects of the evening I.e table set up. Drinks were lovely and the food incredible. Highly recommend the Pork Belly starter.
Read Viet80s Review
Vietnamese Coconut Coffee (£6.50)
Don't underestimate Vietnamese coffee as a dessert option! The strong Robusta coffee with sweetened coconut milk is sweet enough to satisfy dessert cravings while providing that caffeine boost.
Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnamese Iced Coffee):
- Strong coffee dripped over sweetened condensed milk and ice
- Sweet, creamy, refreshing
- The perfect ending to a savory meal
Why Families Love Viet80s Desserts:
- Unique flavors kids find exciting (colorful, fun textures)
- Not as heavy as Western desserts (won't make kids hyperactive)
- Affordable (£4-6 for generous portions)
- Can share or order individual portions
- Introduces kids to new cultures through food
2. VietCyclo Coffee & Desserts
📍 Location: 63-67 Friar Lane, Nottingham, NG1 6DH
💷 Price Range: £3.5 - £8.5
📧 Contact: vietcyclo.nottingham@gmail.com
Concept: Inspired by Vietnam's famous Cyclo from the French, VietCyclo brews drinks with heritage, delivering your tastebud to many regions of Vietnam.
Signature Vietnamese Coffee & Desserts:
Why VietCyclo for Dessert:
- Unique Vietnamese café experience
- Egg coffee is unlike anything else in Nottingham
- Budget-friendly prices
- Cozy atmosphere perfect for lingering
- "Eat, Sip, Work & Play" concept – family-friendly
📍 Location: 100-102 Upper Parliament St, Nottingham, NG1 6LF
⭐ Rating:** 4.8/5
💷 Price Range: £3.5-£5
Vietnamese Dessert Offerings:
WonderPho offers traditional Vietnamese desserts including sweet soups (che), Vietnamese coffee options, and tropical fruit-based sweets.
Why Visit: If you're already at WonderPho for pho, their desserts make the perfect ending. Traditional Vietnamese sweets with coconut milk bases and tropical fruits.
📍 Location: 40 Carrington Street, Nottingham
⭐ Rating: 5.0/5 on TripAdvisor (new establishment)
Delivery: Available on Uber Eat
Concept: Vietnamese coffee and dessert café inspired by Hanoi's Train Street Café
Why Visit: Authentic Vietnamese coffee culture and traditional desserts. Perfect for experiencing Vietnamese slow living and sweet treats.
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If you're craving that classic American dessert parlor experience – towering sundaes, loaded waffles, indulgent milkshakes – Nottingham has you covered.
Type: UK's leading dessert restaurant brand (founded 2008)
Concept: American-style ice cream parlor with freshly prepared desserts
Signature Desserts:
- Freshly Prepared Waffles: – Light, crispy, customizable with toppings
- Crepes: – Thin, delicate, sweet or savory options
- Sundaes: – Towering ice cream creations with various toppings
- Doughnut Range: – New offerings, freshly prepared
- Puddings: – Warm, comforting dessert options
Flavor Profile:
- Indulgent, colorful, fun
- American-style sweet (generous portions)
- Freshly prepared daily in-store
- Mix-and-match toppings
Perfect For:
- Kids' birthday celebrations
- After-school treats
- Family outings
- Takeaway desserts
Why Families Love Creams:
- All items freshly prepared (not pre-made)
- Visible kitchen – kids can watch desserts being made
- Colorful, Instagram-worthy presentations
- Familiar flavors kids recognize
- Dine-in, takeaway, and delivery options
📍 Location: 52-60 Maid Marian Way, Nottingham, NG1 6BJ
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 (Uber Eats)
📞 Phone: 0115 8374 748
🕰️ Hours: Mon-Fri 5pm-11:45pm; Sat-Sun 12pm-11:45pm
Signature Desserts:
Bubblelicious Sundae(Customer Favorite)
Multiple layers of ice cream, toppings, sauces, and bubble gum flavor elements. It's as fun as it sounds!
Hazelnut Choc Deluxe Sundae
Chocolate and hazelnut heaven – perfect for Nutella lovers.
Waffles and Crepes
Customizable with various flavors and toppings. Build your perfect dessert.
Cakes and Puddings
Traditional desserts alongside modern creations.
Milkshakes and Smoothies
Thick, rich, over-the-top milkshakes.
Flavor Profile:
- Rich, indulgent, chocolate-heavy
- American diner-style portions
- Designed for sharing (portions are generous!)
Ambiance:
- American diner atmosphere
- Few minutes walk from main shopping area
- Late hours (open until 11:45 PM on weekends!)
Perfect For:
- Dessert-only outings
- Late-night sweet cravings
- Sharing (portions are huge)
- Teenagers and young adults
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Italian desserts are all about quality ingredients, traditional techniques, and that perfect balance of sweet and sophisticated.
1. Bar Gigi
📍 Location: 1st Floor, 15 Flying Horse Walk, Nottingham, NG1 2HN
⭐ Rating: 4.4/5 (Tripadvisor), Sluurpy score 97/100
Type: Modern Italian restaurant (Established September 2021)
Signature Desserts:
Ever-Changing homemade chocolate artisan
Seasonal Italian artisan chocolate that rotate based on what's fresh. Light, refreshing, palate-cleansing.
Fior di Latte Gelato
Traditional Italian gelato with hazelnut crumb and torched Italian meringue. Creamy, smooth, authentic Italian ice cream.
Pistachio and Olive Oil Cake
Unique Italian dessert combining pistachio (Sicily's pride) with olive oil for moisture. Sophisticated and not overly sweet.
Flavor Profile:
- Modern Italian with traditional techniques
- Light sorbets vs. rich gelato options
- Not as heavy as American desserts
- Sophisticated, adult-friendly
Why Choose Bar Gigi:
- Unique dining setting (located above boutique, features wine cellar and caves)
- Independent restaurant with care in every dish
- Italian desserts you won't find elsewhere
- Perfect for special occasions or date nights
- Wine pairings available for desserts
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2. Caffè Nero
📍 Location: 8 King St, Nottingham (just off Old Market Square)
⭐ Rating: 4.3/5
Food Hygiene Rating: 5/5
Signature Desserts:
Tiramisu (£4.50-5.50)
The iconic Italian dessert! Coffee-soaked Savoiardi biscuits layered with mascarpone cream, dusted with cocoa. Made with Sicilian Marsala wine for authenticity.
Cinnamon Buns (£3.50)
Warm, sweet, sticky – perfect with Italian coffee.
Italian Cheesecakes (£4.50)
Rich, creamy Italian-style cheesecakes.
Cream-Filled Brioche Buns (£3.50)
Buttery brioche filled with sweet cream.
Chocolate Chip Cookies & Muffins (£2.50-3.50)
Freshly baked daily, perfect with coffee.
Why Families Love Caffè Nero:
- Central location (just off Old Market Square)
- Coffee and dessert in one stop
- Familiar chain quality
- "Coffee and cake excellent" (customer reviews)
- Reasonable prices (£3-5 for desserts)
- Quick stop during shopping
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Q: What's the best dessert place for families with young kids?
A: Creams Cafe or Kaspa's – American-style with colorful, fun desserts kids love. Viet80s is great for adventurous kids who enjoy trying new flavors (Vietnamese che is colorful and exciting!).
Q: Most unique dessert experience in Nottingham?
A: VietCyclo's Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee) – you won't find this coffee-custard combination anywhere else in Nottingham! Bar Gigi's modern industrial setting is also unique.
Q: Best dessert for date night?
A: Bar Gigi for sophisticated Italian desserts with wine pairings in a unique cave setting. VietCyclo for cultural experience with egg coffee.
Q: Most Instagram-worthy desserts?
A: Heavenly Desserts (sizzling skillets, towering waffles), Kaspa's (colorful sundaes), Vietnamese pomelo sweetsoup at Viet80s (layered colors).
Q: Where can I get gluten-free desserts?
A: Heavenly Desserts (offers gluten-free options), Viet80s (Vietnamese che is often naturally gluten-free with rice-based ingredients), Bar Gigi (Italian sorbets are GF).
Q: Best value desserts?
A: Viet80s (£3.0-6.50 for unique Vietnamese desserts), Caffè Nero (£2.50-5.50), VietCyclo (£3.50-5.00 budget-friendly).
Q: Can I get vegan desserts?
A: Yes! Bar Gigi (Italian sorbets are naturally vegan), Heavenly Desserts (some options), CocoTang (Asian desserts often have vegan options). Call ahead to confirm.
Q: Which dessert place is open latest?
A: Kaspa's Desserts (until 11:45 PM on weekends!), Viet80s (until 10:30 PM daily).
Q: Best dessert after a savory Vietnamese meal?
A: Stay at Viet80s for Vietnamese che or coffee. The light, refreshing Vietnamese desserts complement savory meals perfectly without feeling heavy.
Q: Most authentic international desserts?
A: Viet80s/VietCyclo (Vietnamese), Bar Gigi (Italian), The Mandarin(Chinese, if you're there for dim sum). All offer authentic preparations.
Viet80s Team