Maria's

This Canterbury dessert spot is pure indulgence territory, the kind of place you go when "just a coffee" quietly turns into waffles, ice cream and something extra on the side. Known locally as Maria's, it leans all the way into sweet treats, from loaded bubble waffles and thick milkshakes to ice cream, doughnuts and over-the-top desserts that feel designed to be shared… but rarely are. It's not just desserts either—there's an all-day menu running alongside, so you can start savoury and then slide very naturally into something sweet, which is exactly how most visits seem to go.

The whole place has that slightly chaotic, "everything looks good" energy where you're already planning your next order before you've finished the first. Expect big flavours, generous portions and a menu that doesn't hold back, whether you're in for a quick treat or settling in for the long haul.

Dogs are welcome inside, so they can join you while you tackle the important decision of waffles vs ice cream… and then probably end up supervising both.