One of Melbourne's best gelato makers, Piccolina, has opened its ninth store at the top end of Bourke Street. With a riot of colour, playfulness and exuberant Italian hospitality, it's adding character to the area's cultural life. "Piccolina Bourke Street was a joyous opportunity to remix nostalgia through the lens of celebration — a place to enjoy your favourite Piccolina gelato and say, 'Fuck it, I'm having two toppings tonight'," says Rodney Eggleston of March Studio. The architects leant into the opulence, grandeur, and theatricality of Marvellous Melbourne, particularly the area's historical legacy. Golden ceilings reference Melbourne's gold rush era, terrazzo tiles nod to Italian gentleman's pyjamas, while glass-orb lighting pays homage to the original Piccolina store on Smith Street. "Opening next to Pellegrini's, an icon of Melbourne's Italian culture, feels like coming full circle. The top end of Bourke has always been the beating heart of Melbourne's European dining scene, and we're honoured to join this historic precinct. I'm proud of our contribution to the legacy of Melbourne's most beloved food quarter," says Piccolina founder Sandra Foti. Any Melburnian who calls themselves an ice cream and gelato enthusiast would be no stranger to the premium product Piccolina Gelateria has been churning for the past ten years. Over this time, it's become known and loved for its quality ingredients, classic flavours and time-honoured techniques. The new location continues the brand's reputation for artisanal commitment to traditional gelato-making, expressed through classic Italian flavours such as straciatella and pistachio. Images: Supplied. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
