Lavezzi Gelateria, Ringwood

Melbournians enjoy great gelato. Superb local artisan gelaterie such as Gelateria Primavera, Gelocchio and Il Melograno have been established by Italian immigrants, their children and grandchildren. Italian-based gelaterie are also expanding internationally, and a couple have already launched in Australia. RivaReno in Sydney is one, Lavezzi in Ringwood is another.

The Lavezzi family have been making gelato in Italy since 1870. Based in Formia – a city halfway between Rome and Naples – the family opened its first gelateria outside Italy here in Melbourne, in the Eastland Shopping Centre. Continue Reading

Anita – La Mamma del Gelato, Chippendale, Sydney

Sometimes you can be lucky. A couple of years ago, Benny and I spent a few days in Sydney. We stayed in Chippendale, just a block away from Anita – La Mamma del Gelato. Every day we rocked up for our gelato fix. Utter bliss.

At the end of another Sydney visit, with spare time before I needed to catch the airport train (when, oh when, will Melbourne ever get its own airport train?), it was an absolute no-brainer to make a small detour. Anita is just ten minutes’ walk from Central Station. Continue Reading

Barbarella Gelato & Wine, Melbourne CBD

Is there any better place in Melbourne for a gelateria than the Block Arcade? Designed in a style similar to that of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, the Block Arcade is one of the city’s architectural marvels. The arcade’s lavish interior decoration – soaring dome, wrought iron arches and the elaborate mosaic floor – makes it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. And it is now the home of Barbarella Gelato & Wine.

Part of the group that also includes the Spring Street Grocer and Gelateria Primavera, Barbarella is a café and wine bar, as well as a gelateria. It is tucked into what was once a small laneway running off the Block Arcade – the narrow space is reminiscent of cosy European cafés. Continue Reading

Wally & Fletcher, Heidelberg

Wally & Fletcher had only been open for two weeks, but it clearly wasn’t the first time the two friendly servers had been asked the question: “who is Wally and who is Fletcher?”

Dominating the gelateria is a bright splashy mural extending the length of one wall – reminiscent of my schoolday experiments with paper marbling. There are seats inside, as well as in front – the shopfront is set back from the footpath, so the outside tables are well clear of the road. Much better than being on the footpath. Continue Reading

Zero Gradi, Brunswick East

The 400 Gradi pizza empire, champion of authentic Napoletana pizza, also does fantastic gelati at its Zero Gradi gelateria. Established in early 2016, Zero Gradi is just a couple of doors away from its parent’s Brunswick East flagship restaurant.

Zero Gradi’s spacious interior is sleek and modern – cool grey with pale timber and green accents. But in contrast to the slightly austere surroundings we have always had a warm welcome (yes, we have visited Zero Gradi several times!). Continue Reading

Hello Gelo, Yarraville

Just a short stroll away from the art deco marvel of Yarraville’s Sun Theatre is a modest little gelateria, Hello Gelo.

No flashy designer fitout. A couple of seats outside on the footpath, a few more inside. A wall festooned with posters for upcoming gigs. Lots of bright orange. Continue Reading