Australia as a nation is unapologetically attached to gelato, particularly when the dessert comes courtesy of much loved Sydney brand Gelato Messina. The icy treat creators have amassed a legion of devotees in southern capitals, and have now appropriately turned their attention to the Sunshine State. Brisbane is already home to a West End outpost but is just about to welcome another on fashion-savvy James Street in New Farm.

The latest Messina store is hands down its most chic, in part because it will be a resident of the emerging Ada Lane precinct neighbouring the Calile Hotel, and similarly designed by the lauded Richards & Spence. The new outpost will also be in good company, nestled next to cake empire Jocelyn’s Provisions, among other specialty stores.

Opening mid-March, the new Fortitude Valley store will serve the same 40 flavours available around the country, made from produce grown on Messina-owned farms, as well as the full range of gelato cakes. But there will be one noticeable difference in store, in regards to its cabinetry. Promised to be an upmarket upgrade on the present cabinets in Sydney and Melbourne, the new Brisbane store will welcome those you’ll find only in Canberra thus far.

These new cabinets are not just for show, but in-keeping with gelato tradition. “The reason we’ve chosen to install the new type of cabinets is we’ve always loved the visual appeal of seeing gelato in our cabinets – you eat with your eyes. But the traditional way to keep gelato is in a covered pozzetti to protect it from the elements. This new type of cabinet we’re installing, has a glass lid so customers can see the flavours, but it also keeps air, wind and moisture away (biggest enemies of gelato). Best of both worlds!” the gelato haven explains.

Gelato Messina Fortitude Valley
Ada Lane, 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley