Lavezzi Gelateria, Carlton

Lavezzi is, hands-down, one of our favourite Melbourne gelaterie. Made fresh every day from raw ingredients, the gelati is everything that gelati should be. Gorgeous intense flavours, beautiful elastic texture. If we ever find ourselves in the outer east, very little arm twisting is required to drop in to Lavezzi Ringwood.  And we have dropped in many, many times.

Gelato and the Lavezzi family have a long history – churning in Italy since 1870. Based in Formia – a city halfway between Rome and Naples – in 2015 the family opened its first gelateria outside Italy in the Town Square part of Ringwood’s Eastland Shopping Centre. Then its second gelateria, in Carlton’s Lygon Street, followed in 2018.

While the large, light-filled Ringwood gelateria always reminds me of the seaside, the narrow shopfront of the Carlton gelateria has a totally different vibe. With limited natural light, it would not look out of place in a narrow cobbled laneway off some Italian back street. No space for eating inside, there are three tables out on the footpath in front where you can enjoy gelati while watching the Lygon Street action.

Ricotta citrus cannoli gelato paired with a classic pistachio from Lavezzi Carlton
Star flavour of the day: ricotta citrus cannoli gelato paired with a classic pistachio gelato.

Lavezzi is old-school, artisan gelati. Us gelati aficionados can spot premium quality when we see it. Stored in the traditional pozzetti at the right temperature to retain freshness plus that wonderful elastic texture. Definitely not overloaded with sugar – so the taste isn’t degraded due to over-sweetness. And what great flavours! Everything is made on-site from scratch using quality ingredients.

There are around 25 flavours on the menu. A mix of classics – pistachio, chocolate, fior di latte – as well as seasonal specials, plus vegan and dairy-free options. All served in cups, cones or tubs to take-away. For an extra indulgence, chocolate is on tap. There is also affogato, gelato shakes, and gelato cakes, all made in-house.

Gorgeous fruity flavours ideal for a warm spring day. Mango passionfruit sorbetto paired with sour cherry gelato.

Benny picked the star flavour of the day – ricotta citrus cannoli. Just gorgeous, and was a great match for Lavezzi’s classic pistachio.

The warm weather called for something fruity, so I chose mango passionfruit sorbetto paired with sour cherry gelato. Perfect.

Our friendly server.

Our rating: outstanding

Outstanding traditional artisan gelato, with everything made in-house daily from raw ingredients. Lavezzi is one of our favourite Melbourne gelaterie, with outlets in Ringwood and Carlton.


Lavezzi Gelateria
334 Lygon Street
Carlton Vic 3053

T: (03) 9347 1462
W: www.lavezzi.com.au

 

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