Sweet treats are back in the former Pepperbox space in Charlotte
Cream filled pastries, Italian tiramisu cake and fruit-topped tarts have brought sweet treats back to the South End Charlotte space where Pepperbox Doughnuts closed last fall.
Dolce & Amaro Artisan Bakery, which is based in Greensboro, took over the space and opened a Charlotte location there in April. The Italian-inspired bakery offers a variety of sweet treats, pre-order cakes and coffee beverages to pair with them.
Dolce & Amaro is co-owned by Mikel Leka and pastry chef Albano Barjami.
“Our goal is to offer not only high-quality products made with care, but also the feeling of being transported, even briefly, to a café in Naples or Milan,” Leka told CharlotteFive.
After seeing how well their first location in Greensboro was received, the duo decided to open a second location in Charlotte.
“It felt like the perfect next step — bringing our passion for Italian pastry and coffee to a growing city that truly appreciates authentic, high-quality food,” Leka said.
That means now, you can easily stop in for a few handcrafted macarons and a Frappo Pistachio or a macchiato and a millefoglie.
A selection of Italian brioche pastries is available — both filled and unfilled — along with biscotti, cream puffs, lobster tails and fruit tarts. They’re baked fresh daily.
Orders for whole cakes must be placed at least three days in advance. Options include pistachio hazelnut, Chantilly chocolate, Black Forest and others, along with more elaborate wedding cake designs.
Dolce & Amaro Artisan Bakery
Location: 101 W Worthington Ave #150, Charlotte, NC 28203
Cuisine: Bakery
Instagram: @dolceamaroartisanbakery
This story was originally published May 28, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
