Melbourne

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

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 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

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

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

October 2018 update: Gelocchio in Carlton has closed – we will miss its wonderful gelato! But Gelocchio Cairns is still open. Definitely one to check out when visiting Far North Queensland!

The iconic children’s character of Pinocchio is the inspiration for this Lygon Street gelateria. Gelato + Pinocchio = Gelocchio. This theme continues throughout, from the spectacular mural – by Melbourne artist Hayden Dewar – through to dozens of small wooden Pinocchio figures arrayed along the shelves.

Opening in mid 2017, Gelocchio makes all its gelati in the kitchen at the rear of the store. The owners, Valeria and Renzo, are passionate about producing gelato the old-fashioned way, using raw ingredients – real fruit and nuts – and no additives. This is a true test for gelato chefs. Creating a consistent quality product is a greater challenge as the chef must adapt the mix in response to variation in the natural ingredients. And as natural gelato only has a short shelf life it must be made in small batches so that it is always fresh.

And the result? An explosion of intense flavour, and some of the best gelato in Melbourne. Continue Reading