DreamLand Cafe

Name: DreamLand Cafe
Address: 262 Preston Street, Ottowa, ON, Canada, K1R 7R5
Telephone: (613) 422-4200
Price range: CAN$31 to CAN$50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

357 Reviews

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Italian

Top tags:

THE BEST PASTA IN OTTAWA
LOCAL - FRESH - FEELS LIKE HOME

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 2, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 7 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian, Café
Hours of Operation
Wed, Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(613) 422-4200
Website
http://dreamlandcafe.ca/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Coco De Leo

Location
262 Preston Street, Ottowa, ON K1R 7R5
Neighbourhood
Little Italy
Cross Street
Gladstone Ave.
Parking Details
Private Lot
Public Transit
Gladstone / Preston
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wine

Popular dishes

Dippers
Buttery garlic bread served with tomato sauce, pesto, and oil & balsamic. Can be made vegan. Nut Free
- Regular$8.00
- Vegan$8.00
Parmesan Salad$14.00
Arugula, radicchio, pickled red onions, fried capers and parmesan all tossed in a honey lemon vinaigrette. Can be made vegan
Just Meatballs$12.00
Three of Nonna's delicious meatballs doused in tomato sauce and parmesan cheese. Comes with 3 slices of garlic bread! Contains beef & pork (Meatballs are gluten free)
Honey I Deep Fried the Brussels$16.00
Deep fried brussel sprouts coated with a honey chilli oil and topped with pickled red onions. Served with a dijonnaise
Meatball Sub$15.00
Nonna's Meatballs served on garlic bread lathered with pesto and baked with aged cheddar. Contains pork
"Grilled" Cheese$10.00
Served on garlic bread with aged cheddar & mozzarella + a side of tomato sauce for dipping
Side Order Garlic Bread
2 Pieces!
- Garlic Bread$1.00
- Cheesy Garlic Bread$3.00
- Vegan Garlic Bread$1.00
Potatoes 'n' Pesto$14.00
Deep fried smashed baby potatoes tossed with our signature pesto and served with a side of roasted red pepper aioli

Signature Pastas

Puttanesca
Smashed cherry tomatoes, roasted red pepper puree, habanero peppers, green olives, pesto, & crispy capers. (Pasta: Mafaldine). Sausage add on recommended!
- Regular$19.00
- Vegan$19.00
Carbonara$20.00
Creamy egg & parmesan sauce with crispy cubed pancetta. Topped with lots of parmesan. Contains pork (Pasta: Mafaldine)
Spaghetti & Meatballs$19.00
The one.. the only... original secret recipe. Nonna's tomato sauce. Served with two meatballs and lots of parmesan. Contains beef & pork (Pasta: Spaghetti)
Ricotta Red Pepper$19.00
Zesty and creamy red pepper sauce made with confit garlic & spinach. Topped with house made ricotta. (Pasta: Fettuccine)
Confit Aglio e Olio$16.00
Confit garlic, habanero peppers, tossed with fresh parsley. (Pasta: Spaghetti). Vegan Option

Keep It Simple Pastas

Alfredo Pasta$15.00
Heavenly cream sauce. Topped with parmesan. (Pasta: Fettuccine)
Rosé All Day$15.00
The pasta that feels like a hug. Tomato + alfredo sauce. (Pasta: Penne)
Penne Pesto$14.00
Our herbaceous pesto. (Pasta: Eggless Penne). Nut Free
Spaghetti Tomato$14.00
Nonna's tomato sauce. (Pasta: Spaghetti)
Creamy Pesto$16.00
Everybody's favourite. Pesto + alfredo sauce. (Pasta: Mafaldine). Nut Free
Cacio e Pepe$17.00
Good old fashioned pecorino cheese and black pepper sauce. Salty, peppery, creamy goodness. (Pasta: Spaghetti)

Mac 'N' Cheese

Classic Mac$16.00
Four delicious cheeses, one unforgettable experience. (Pasta: Creste De Gallo)
Pesto Mac$17.00
Perfect blend of cheese and herbaceous flavours. (Pasta: Creste De Gallo). Nut Free
Tuna Melt 'n' Cheese$20.00
Our classic mac n cheese with our signature tuna salad, baked in the oven with white cheddar, and topped with dill pickle chip gremolata, and green onion. (Pasta: Creste de Gallo)
Sriracha Mac$16.50
Our delicious 4 cheese mac with the addition of spicy sriracha and sliced green onion on top! (Pasta: Creste de Gallo)
A Lil' Loaded$18.00
Our classic mac 'n' cheese with bacon, sriracha sour cream & green onion. Contains pork. (Pasta: Creste de Gallo)

Dessert

Tiramisu$9.00
Layers of espresso soaked lady fingers, mascarpone whip cream and cocoa powder. Alcohol free
Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cup$9.00
Chocolate mousse layered with strawberry compote, & fresh whip

Take Home Sauces

Tomato Sauce
San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, onion, & secret spices. Heat up and serve. Can be frozen
- 1/2 Liter$8.00
- 1 Liter$15.00
Alfredo Sauce
Butter, cream, secret spices. Comes with parmesan cheese. Heat and simmer for 5 minutes, add as much or as little parmesan as you want. Can be frozen
- 1/2 Liter$8.00
- 1 Liter$15.00
Rosé Sauce
Beautiful blend of our tomato and alfredo sauces. Heat and simmer for 5 minutes before adding pasta, add as much or as little parmesan as you'd like. Can be frozen
- 1/2 Liter$8.00
- 1 Liter$15.00
Creamy Pesto Sauce
Beautiful blend of our pesto and alfredo sauces. Heat and simmer for 5 minutes before adding pasta, add as much or as little parmesan as you'd like. Can be frozen
- 1/2 Liter$8.00
- 1 Liter$15.00
200g Pesto Sauce$8.00
Basil, arugula, lemon, garlic. This vegan pesto can be enjoyed cold or heated. Nut Free. Can be frozen
100g Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese$5.50
200ml Coco's Caesar Dressing$6.50
Dress up your salad or use as a dipping sauce! Add parmesan cheese to recreate our signature kale salad. Contains Anchovies

What 357 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Ottawa
Best Overall
Ottawa
Best Food
Ottawa
Best Value
Ottawa
Gluten-free-friendly
Ottawa
Neighbourhood gem
Ottawa
Vegetarian-friendly
Ottawa
Italian
Ottawa
Best Overall
Ottawa
Best Food
Ottawa
Best Service
Ottawa
Best Value
Ottawa
Gluten-free-friendly
Ottawa
Neighbourhood gem
Ottawa
Vegetarian-friendly
Ottawa
Italian

357 Reviews

PL
PierreL
Ottawa
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our first time to Dreamland on Preston. Catriona our waitress was awesome. Great little restaurant in little Italy. Food was great but a little on the pricey side for the portions.
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M
Mariette
Ottawa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
All around a delightful ambiance, quality delicious food and the loveliest staff. Also very reasonably priced!
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LA
LADL
Ottawa
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
From apps through to desserts, everything was spectacular.
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E
Ellie
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful little spot on Preston. Diverse pasta menu with a wonderful array of sides and drink options. Lovely warm ambience with great staff!
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M
Maegen
Ottawa
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience3
Food was delicious, fresh and flavourful. Ambience was a bit confusing but cute - place was loud, so hard to have a conversation, but still fun. Service was awesome! We're definitely coming back!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall2food1service1ambience3
We had the lemon pesto shrimp and the spaghetti and meatballs and both were delicious. Service was excellent and we will definitely be back.
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KS
KarlaS
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Great relaxed neighbourhood restaurant where you get personal service. The patio is great feature and the staff are always pleasant and accommodating. Serves good comfort food.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Ottawa
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely loved everything we had. From the cheese garlic bread, to the pesto pasta and my tiramisu. Our server Cam was also amazing. Would recommend for an inexpensive casual dinner especially for any pasta lovers 🍝😋♥️
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KL
KelseyL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Delicious. My partner and I loved it! Highly recommended! Uncomfortable bench seating. Otherwise amazing experience!!!!
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p
pastalover
Ottawa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
5 stars all around. Consistently delicious every visit, we love Dreamland and look forward to every visit.
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CM
ChanelM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best pasta in Ottawa . Very cozy, intimate and tasty.
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B
Brianne
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and cocktails were absolutely amazing! Our server was very friendly and knowledgeable of the menu. Cute interior and overall great vibe. We will 100% be back!
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EM
EMcC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The staff were super friendly, our server was amazing, and the pasta was soooo good!
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CC
CCarrie
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This restaurant never disappoints! Great food and very good service.
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SC
SouraiyaC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was absolutely delicious and service was friendly. I found the music to be a bit loud as we were sitting under a speaker, but our request if I could be turned down was kindly met. Thank you!
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DM
DianeM
Minneapolis
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Enjoyable and relaxing environment. Food was delicious!
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RB
RameshB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
I came to Ottawa from Toronto to visit my Dad for the Labour Day weekend and we stopped by Dream Land Cafe for dinner. This is my second visit and it is one of my favourite spots to eat in Little Italy. We ordered the vegan pesto pasta, puttanesca pasta with sausage, garlic bread, and the banana ice cream for dessert. The food was amazing! Pasta was cooked perfectly and the sauces tasted home made. The puttanesca was full of bold flavours, the tanginess of the tomato sauce and the brininess of the olives and capers stood out but the sauce was still balanced. The vegan pesto was very close to a traditional pesto made with cheese. The dessert was just okay. The ice cream was a bit icy, I would have preferred if it had a smoother consistency. The brownie bits in the ice cream were a bit dry. The flavour of the banana ice cream was amazing, it was made with very ripe bananas so it had an wonderful sweetness. The ambiance of the restaurant was beautiful. Perfect for a intimate gathering or special occasion. The service was also very good. Our server was very attentive and our food came out in a reasonable amount of time. Overall, Dream Land Cafe has an amazing atmosphere and delicious food. It is definitely worth visiting Dream Land Cafe if you’re in Little Italy.
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CN
CaryneN
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Omg the food was so good! I ate so much that I fell asleep at home right after! It was exactly like my Nonna’s cooking. I love how small and personal the space is too. So cute and yummy!
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SB
ShannonB
Edmonton
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious pasta and lovely ambiance and staff. Highly recommend!
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DL
DeeL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such a great spot! Staff is fantastic and the food is delicious
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HF
HannahF
Calgary
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food - I had the vegan pasta and it was flavourful and deliciously executed. Great ambience. Would recommend and will try to go again when I’m next in Ottawa!
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A
Aria
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food. Amazing Music. This place is a must visit.
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L
Leslie
Ottawa
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cocktails were great, pasta was simple and delicious
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KG
KayleyG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
This was the best place great service and food! Would definitely come here again!
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KG
KristinG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and drinks. Would definitely recommend
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DS
DinaS
Ottawa
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on July 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Anyone who reads DreamLand reviews knows I loooooooove DreamLand Cafe. Friday night, though, my meal was just next level!!!! I had pesto mac with chicken and bacon, my go-to DreamLand indulgence, and I can't decide what part was different than usual, but this time the flavours blew my mind. As always, I heartily recommend this dish in particular, but their entire menu is deeelicious!!!!
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KE
KareemE
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just slightly too loud inside to have a conversation but otherwise absolutely lovely
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A
Azzarosky
Ottawa
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 19, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
Good food and options, great prices and excellent service.
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FB
FaliciaB
Ottawa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always amazing these girls never fail to impress me from food to service to kindness! Thank you!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Ottawa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The pasta is perfect. We had a wonderful wine - a sparkling red - that was a revelation. A wonderful birthday dinner.
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VA
VALERIEB
Ottawa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was great, server was very friendly, capable and knowledgeable.
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P
Prestonneighbour
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
AMAZING spot.....the rave reviews are warranted. Pasta was sublime and garlic bread was the best ever. Great service and fun atmosphere.
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S
Shellbell
Ottawa
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was my second visit to Dreamland Cafe. I cannot recommend this place highly enough. The food and service were outstanding and I love the ambience. We shared cheesy dippers and smelts for our appetizer. They were amazing!! The three of us decided to order three different pastas and share them, and so glad that we did. We had the carbonara, the mushroom truffle mac and cheese and the "Shrimply the best" They were all absolutely delicious. Can't wait to go back!!!
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SM
SueM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Enjoyed a lovely dinner with friends. Was super hot outside so we ate inside. The food was delicious - the Pasta Puttanesca was probably the best pasta I’ve eaten. The garlic toast was the perfect side!! It’s was a little loud at times but the staff were kind enough to turn the music down so we could hear each other! Would absolutely recommend for a great pasta meal but make a reservation because it’s not a huge restaurant.
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JL
JLangs
Exclusive
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love this place! I come here all the time and never leave disappointed. By far my favourite place to get pasta
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a
am84
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
DreamLand Cafe was lovely for a dinner out with old friends. The homemade pasta had the perfect taste and texture and the meals were well-designed. Caesar salad may be the best I've ever eaten. The garlic bread was like homemade, so good. We also enjoyed the cocktails and wine. The service was great. High class place.
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AM
AmyM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dreamland is truly the best restaurant I’ve been to. The food is amazing every time (consistent and yummy), the stuff is so kind and welcoming and the wine is amazing as well! The truffle Mac is my personal fav :)
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MT
MishaT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Thank you ladies of Dreamland Cafe for a chill midweek special date with my wife. Excellent as always!
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DS
DinaS
Ottawa
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on June 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was a late Father's day dinner. Dad loves DreamLand's meatballs and I love everything about DreamLand, so Father's day was a great excuse to go. He had spaghetti and meatballs, and raved about the meatballs. I had arrabiata gnocchi, which was deeeeelicious!!!! The sauce was tangy and wholesome, and the pasta was perfectly proportioned.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
The best cheesy bread and carbonara! A good place to go for quality food without paying huge prices or requiring stilettos
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

DreamLand Cafe does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. DreamLand Cafe also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (613) 422-4200.

DreamLand Cafe is rated 4.8 stars by 357 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 2, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 7 times today

Order delivery or takeout

262 Preston Street, Ottowa, ON K1R 7R5

Additional information

Cross Street
Gladstone Ave.
Neighbourhood
Little Italy
Hours of Operation
Wed, Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian, Café
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
Private Lot
Public Transit
Gladstone / Preston
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Coco De Leo
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wine

Website
http://dreamlandcafe.ca/
Phone number
(613) 422-4200

DreamLand Cafe

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Alfredo Pasta

Pesto Mac

Tiramisu

Starters / Not Pasta

Dippers

Parmesan Salad$14.00

Just Meatballs$12.00

Honey I Deep Fried the Brussels$16.00

Meatball Sub$15.00

"Grilled" Cheese$10.00

Side Order Garlic Bread

Potatoes 'n' Pesto$14.00

Signature Pastas

Puttanesca

Carbonara$20.00

Spaghetti & Meatballs$19.00

Ricotta Red Pepper$19.00

Confit Aglio e Olio$16.00

Keep It Simple Pastas

Alfredo Pasta$15.00

Rosé All Day$15.00

Penne Pesto$14.00

Spaghetti Tomato$14.00

Creamy Pesto$16.00

Cacio e Pepe$17.00

Mac 'N' Cheese

Classic Mac$16.00

Pesto Mac$17.00

Tuna Melt 'n' Cheese$20.00

Sriracha Mac$16.50

A Lil' Loaded$18.00

Dessert

Tiramisu$9.00

Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cup$9.00

Take Home Sauces

Tomato Sauce

Alfredo Sauce

Rosé Sauce

Creamy Pesto Sauce

200g Pesto Sauce$8.00

100g Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese$5.50

200ml Coco's Caesar Dressing$6.50

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Cleaning & sanitising

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does DreamLand Cafe offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is DreamLand Cafe restaurant rated?

Is DreamLand Cafe currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information