Cafe Cartisan was one of the places on our list that have been around for quite a while — finally found the opportunity give them a visit whilst looking for a spot to park at for dessert after having our dinner at East Village. Cafe Cartisan first started out as a mobile coffee cart business in 2019 — hence the made-up word “Cartisan” in its name. It then evolved into having a physical space within East Village in a another shop unit before moving into the bigger one that it now currently occupies; their current shop space is located near the outlet of Haig Road Putu Piring that is situated in East Village. The interior of the cafe exudes a bit of a Balinese vibe here — the use of chairs with rattan elements with tables featuring a marble-esque table top, while the floors feature a wooden accent and the walls are painted pastel pink and white for a vibrant setting, the environment of Cafe Cartisan could be described as well-lit and inviting without being particularly pretentious even though it does feel a little dainty. The espresso machine sits atop the counter facing the small dine-in space that consists of three three-seater tables and one two-seater table, while the range of savoury bakes and cakes available at Cafe Cartisan are prominently displayed at the counter facing out to the glass window for passers-by to have a glimpse on what they have to offer. Given the limitations around its space, Cafe Cartisan serves up a small variety of food items — these would mainly be focused around the various savoury bakes that they have such as that of the Pesto Cheese Swirl and Mushroom Tartin. They also do have a Classic Sourdough Croissant served with Yarra Valley Raspberry Grappa Jam served on the side, while those looking for sweet treats to go along with their cuppa can go for the various sliced cakes that they have on display. Beverages at Cafe Cartisan mainly revolves around their espresso-based specialty coffee brewed using their own Cartisan Original Blend of roasted coffee beans, though they do offer various options like Matcha, T2 Tea, Chocolate and Australian Farm Apple Juice as well.

We were actually pretty spoilt for choice thinking of which cake which we wanted to go for — that being said, we did find ourselves ending up with the Signature Premium Strawberry Cream Slice considering how the staff behind the counter were recommending it since it was our first visit. The Signature Premium Strawberry Cream Slice is actually Cafe Cartisan’s best seller, and we snagged one of the last pieces out of the two that was available for the day. Going straight for the cake, it is easy to see how the Signature Premium Strawberry Cream Slice has found itself being a hot favourite with patrons here. Essentially a strawberry shortcake at heart, the cake initially looks intimidating considering how large it looks as a three-tiered cake — having it however, the cake was actually immensely light and easy to eat. Comprising of a light cream that alternates the layers of sponge cake in the Signature Premium Strawberry Cream Slice, the layer of creams also comes with slices of strawberry within. What we really liked about the Signature Premium Strawberry Cream Slice was how light everything was — the light and airy cream was almost akin to that of fluffy clouds; a sheer pleasure to have while the fluffy sponge cake carried a consistent texture to the layers of cream whilst not being particularly sweet. The slices of strawberry created some bite and a bit of a zing to the cake for that little bit of textural and flavour contrast, while the small chocolate pearls that sits atop of the cream on the top adds that wafer-like crunch and a hint of sweetness without overpowering that delicate balance of flavours from the elements beneath. Overall, a very well-executed slice of cake that we found ourselves demolishing in no time.

Despite being a small nook, Cafe Cartisan felt like a spot that is run by some pretty sincere folks behind the counter. The staff were actually pretty forthcoming in giving us an introduction on the various items that they have, and providing us with useful recommendations so that we were able to make decisions on the items to go for that would best suit our preferences. It also seems that they have also become a business that had weaves into the social fabric of the community that they are in; during our visit to Cafe Cartisan, we did note that there seem to be regulars where the folks behind the counter did engage in some small talk with them whilst taking t their order. We can only describe the vibes at Cafe Cartisan to be welcoming, sincere and unpretentious — a spot where the staff are warm and attentive, striving to serve each and everyone who goes through their doors to the best of their ability. We were also pretty impressed with their food offerings; despite being a small space, the selection of food items that they have can be considered pretty hearty for the type of establishment they are — pretty delicious as well. Prices of the food at Cafe Cartisan can be said to be a little bit on the high side however; the cakes coming at a price inching close or even surpassing $10 for a slice, though the other bakes such as the Viennoiserie are priced lower between $5 to $6.90. Nonetheless, Cafe Cartisan is that coffee nook that seems to exude some friendly neighbourhood-ly vibes in a comfortable setting — definitely somewhere which we would consider dropping by again to idle the weekend afternoon away with a Signature Premium Strawberry Cream Slice and a cuppa to go along!