Brunelli's, Perisher Valley, NSW

Brunelli's, Perisher Valley

Mocha, Brunelli's, Perisher Valley

Brunelli's Casa del Caffe Bon is a great little cafe tucked away amongst the madness of the Perisher Valley Ski Resort. Actually, it is probably better described as a key contributor to the madness. It is full of people clunking around in ski boots and wearing the manic head-wear that is only acceptable at ski-resorts and costume parties.


Step within 5 meters of the place and you will hear the voice of Bruno hollering coffee orders from beneath his shock of white hair. He churns them out with precision as the queue hobbles forward balancing baskets of sweets and ski poles.

Portugese tart, Brunelli's, Perisher Valley

Biscotti, Brunelli's, Perisher Valley

Hot chocolate, Brunelli's, Perisher Valley

I don't quite understand the baskets but I guess they save washing up and waste. I filled mine with a delicious Portugese tart and a biscotti which more bread-like than the tough crunch I expected. The hot chocolate with frothy marshmallows swimming on top is just what you need to fortify yourself for a trip up the mountain and the coffee is great too.


Whilst Brunelli's is a little pricey, the prime location and seasonal nature of the place probably justify it. If you are at Perisher and you need either caffeine or entertainment, pay Bruno a visit.

Brunelli's Perisher Valley

Kuma Pies, Cooma

Sweet cabinet, Kuma Pies, Cooma

The Style: Kuma Pies is a cosy pie and pastry shop. It has cabinets bursting with morsels that make your mouth water just to look at them. The shop's decorations have an African theme and the dining area has bright cushions stacked on the lounge-style seat which runs along two walls. There are also a few tables outside where pooches are welcome to join their humans for a snack.

Pie cabinet, Kuma Pies, Cooma

Cherry danish, Kuma Pies, Cooma

The taste: This is definitely not the place to come to if you are on a diet. Nearly everything on offer involves either lots of pastry, lots of sugar or lots of both! But if you have worked up an appetite after a day skiing or if you just feel like a good breakfast to to start the day, Kuma pies will have something for you. The pies are good with a stack of flavours on offer but for me, the sweets are the thing - my all time favourite is the cherry danish with tart, sour cherries and the smoothest creamiest custard wrapped in crunchy, flaky pastry. There are several danishes, tarts, biscuits and cakes on offer so if you have a sweet tooth, you have some tough decisions to make. Kuma Pies also do coffee and tea to wash everything down. Interestingly, Kuma Pies has been rated at number 2 on the list of restaurants in the Snowy Mountains by Lonely Planet (Click here for the Lonely Planet review).

Vanilla slice, Kuma Pies, Cooma

Fruit tart, Kuma Pies, Cooma

Flat white, Kuma Pies, Cooma

The service: Friendly, fast and fun. Kuma Pies is open weekdays and Saturday mornings.


The price: The pricing at Kuma Pies is on par with your average pie shop or bakery.


The location: Kuma Pies is located on the main street of Kuma - it is at the southern end of town.

Ham and cheese croissant, Kuma Pies, Cooma

Butter croissant, Kuma Pies, Cooma

Puppies welcome! Kuma Pies, Cooma