Sweet doesn't even scratch the surface. Serving up coffee, gelato and other sweets, Dulce Cafe has a little something for everyone. Drink your warm beverage with a side of dessert at this hidden gem. Located in South Durham at Sutton Station, this delectable spot earned this Yelp review: "Oh. My. God. So delicious. Why did I wait so long??"
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Hours:
Monday: Closed Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: Closed
Like many others, I came here after seeing the viral TikTok and was excited to try some of the niche treats. I arrived around 10:15 AM, and the line moved fairly quickly.
I’m giving three stars mainly due to the lack of transparency around item availability.
While the display case is filled with a variety of tempting options, many of them are not available to order at the counter, because they’re reserved for online orders.
Unfortunately, you don’t find this out until you reach the cashier at the end of the line, which is frustrating after waiting outside.
Lastly, the cashier wasn’t particularly friendly. She seemed annoyed with any questions about the products and advised ordering online instead for items that were out of stock.
I might give it another try once the hype dies down. However, I would not recommend driving more than 30 minutes if you did not place it online order.
David Contreras
May 24, 2025
5
The pastries here are just as amazing to look at as they are to eat. The mango cake looks like a little mango and the curd and cream deliver the flavors without tasting like your typically over sweetened birthday day cake. The coffee is similarly light on sugar. Due to some recent attention on socials it was quite busy at 9am but the line kept moving and people rotated out so seating wasn't a problem. Definitely a strong recommend to anyone looking for a light breakfast or cafe fare
Josii Macias
Apr 17, 2025
3
I love the food and pastries here but the vibes are so off. Everytime I go it seems to be an inconvinience that I am there. Last time I went I ordered one thing and changed my mind right away and the cashier kinda scoffed and rolled her eyes in irritation. They definitely don't treat everyone the same because I have sat and watched how they greet others. I keep giving this place a chance but I may not anymore unless the customer service changes. Very disappointing for such a nice cafe.
Mei Grace
Apr 16, 2025
5
All their cakes and baked goods are delicious and incredibly made. They have amazing flavor combinations and a wide selection. I like that they offer more delicate sweets and not just super sweet options. It’s a bit pricey ($9 per piece of cake) but in my opinion, worth it!
They have indoor and outdoor seating and a ton of parking, too.
Yana Lipkan
Apr 12, 2025
5
Absolutely amazing café! The selection of pastries is truly incredible—so diverse and beautifully presented, it was hard to choose just one. Their savory breakfast options are equally impressive, bursting with flavor and served in generous portions. I was especially delighted by the matcha—it was perfectly prepared to my personal taste, which is rare to find. Our order arrived very quickly, and everything was served with spotless, sparkling-clean utensils. You can tell they care about every detail. I’ll definitely be coming back!
Graci Brown
Mar 23, 2025
5
Dulce is a fantastic local spot in Durham! The atmosphere is welcoming with great indoor and outdoor seating. The staff is friendly, fast, and efficient, making every visit enjoyable. Their marketing is well done, with business cards at checkout, brochures highlighting specials, and an active presence on Instagram and Facebook. I love that their online ordering is easy to use, keeping the experience seamless. Overall, a great café with excellent service and strong branding. Highly recommend!
George Amato
Feb 23, 2025
5
Great little place for breakfast or lunch. Great value for this order at the counter café with indoor and outdoor seating. Went for lunch and enjoyed a salad and Cuban sandwich... Simple, fresh, and good! Coffee is very good! Lots to choose from in the desert case! The apple tart and apple muffin were exceptional! Will definitely return!
kunjan patel
Feb 6, 2025
5
There are no outlets to charge your devices so if you're headed there to work, bear that in mind. That being said, the employees are some of the friendliest I've encountered, and their coffee is great too! I got the mocha and it was delicious. I'll have to try the baked goods next time.
Ample parking and free wifi as well!
tatum clayton
Jan 3, 2025
5
So amazing. We got the fun guy and it was one of the best things I’ve ever had. The iced vanilla latte was also very good and tasted very fresh.
Lindsay Saunders
Oct 27, 2024
3
The food at Dulce is always good but I never feel like I’m treated with any degree of kindness by the people working there, one in particular. My three year old accidentally knocked their beverage off the table while trying to grab their fork (sitting outside, in a plastic to go cup, with no customers at the neighboring table) and was yelled at by said staff (yelled, genuinely) because they would “have to wash the sidewalk”. My child was called rude. Again, the food is good but I won’t be going back.
Will Krakow
Oct 18, 2024
5
Pastries are incredible and always freshly baked. Their take on an almond croissant is unique and fantastic - it’s flaky classic croissant on the outside, and a more spongy, buttery, dough inside.
Coffee is also great- my only complaint is the lack of flexibility, particularly in online ordering (adding multiple extra shots, adjusting sweetness, flavors, etc.). They do have a good selection of non-dairy milks and hot/cold options.
Service is quick on weekdays and a bit slower on weekend mornings when the weather is nice, and the employees are always friendly.
Never tried their cakes or other non-breakfast sweets but they are a work of art just to look at.
Suzanne Martin
Sep 17, 2024
5
This is a lovely place to have lunch with friends or colleagues. Be sure to try one of their amazing desserts! I ordered a tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich combo, and it was an elevated meal - not something you find on a kids' menu.
Shinjini Chattopadhyay
Aug 20, 2024
5
Have been looking for a good place that has sumptuous cakes and I think I have finally found the one. Loved the wide range of choices of cakes offered at this cafe. Really impressed by the number of options and variety. Every option looked delectable. We had the Murano cake and the coffee eclair. Both were delicious. The mirror glaze on the Murano cake was perfect. The sponge cake and the coffee mousse were also delicious. Would love to come back to try the other options. They also serve a wide variety of beverages and breakfast food. The cafe is spacious and has a nice and quiet ambience. The choice of music is calming and not obtrusive. I think I will come back for the ambience too. Really glad that I have found this place. Wonderful spot to order a cup of tea, a delicious cake, and read a book in peace and quiet in an aesthetic ambience.
L Flowers
Jul 25, 2024
5
Beautiful pastries and presentation!✨The Persian Love Cake is a favorite. Delicate cake and delicious pistachio cream with these pretty little flowers 💐
I also like their Reuben
T Farrington
Jul 9, 2024
4
This is a nice local neighborhood spot with “healthier” food options. On nicer days I’ll take a 5 minute the shopping center where it’s located.
Nice looking restaurant, very clean with adequate seating. The food is decent but fresh(a few more options wouldn’t hurt). The service is A+ every time I go. The few times I’ve been it was busy and I see a lot of what appears to be regulars being greeted by name, or asking how members of the family are. (I think that says a lot about the place) I would definitely recommend Dulce Cafe to anyone looking for something “lighter” to eat.
*Note: I have not had the opportunity to try their breakfast menu as of yet, but I will add that to my list.
Nik Blach
Jun 23, 2024
5
One of my all time favorite bakeries in the triangle. I've come here at least twice a month for the last 4 years and I'm still finding new favorites!
I don't especially love their coffee to be honest, but thats just my flavor preference. You can't go wrong with anything else on the menu. Also a great spot to visit when you have a variety of food preferences - they offer a full breakfast menu, soups, sandwiches, and of course the amazing selection of entremes, cakes, cookies, and other baked goods!
They're great with allergies. I have a friend with a deathly dairy allergy. The chef came out to talk to him, had a detailed list or all the ingredients in every item, and offered suggestions.
