Piccolina Has Unveiled Its New Hawthorn Flagship Gelateria

It's been just over six years since Sandra Foti opened the doors to her first Piccolina gelateria in the heart of Hawthorn, launching what would quickly become a cult-favourite local dessert brand. Now, with seven further openings under its belt, the Piccolina label has come full circle, with the launch of its latest outpost last week.

Piccolina's spacious new flagship store has made its home 100 metres up Glenferrie Road from that (now closed) OG site and it marks the gelateria's grandest offering yet.

Here, interiors by renowned design studio Hecker Guthrie and creative agency Projects of Imagination have breathed new life into the light-filled, heritage corner space. The look pays homage both to Piccolina's signature style and the building's historic details, with a cheery green facade, multi-coloured menu board and roomy communal table primed for gelato scoffing.

The piece de resistance is a chocolate fountain pouring the signature Better Than Nutella sauce. You can try it drizzled onto your choice of scoop, or paired with whipped cream in a frappe.

Set into the front counter, sleek silver tubs hold classic all-natural gelato flavours like honeycomb, pistachio and fior di latte, along with a rotation of specials and limited-edition releases. And at the back of the room, giant fridges showcase Piccolina's offering of handmade gelato cakes, both signature and custom-made.

Find the new Piccolina Hawthorn at 731 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn. During winter, it's open 2–10pm weekdays and 12–10pm Saturday and Sunday, while the rest of the year it's open daily from 12pm–late.

Images: Jana Longhurst