The gelato gastronomers have created a cult-like following among privileged southern-state dwelling dessert lovers and visitors who could enjoy its fleeting pleasures only to return home and long for Messina’s sweet delights. Well not anymore. The demi-gods of gelato have swung open the doors of its new premises overlooking Coolangatta beach and brought with it all 40 of its signature flavours including the crowd favourite salted caramel and white chocolate, milk chocolate with choc peanut fudge and more traditional selections including tiramisu and pistachio. Gelato Messina has also added a signature opening special called the COOL-in-GATTA which offers a classic take on Queensland summer favourites and combines mango sorbet swirled with vanilla gelato and macadamia crunch. Alongside the regular delights, there are five new specials every week, just to keep things interesting.

Day in, day out, the gelato is lovingly hand crafted and churned on site. All additions such as the caramels, custards, fudges and pastries are hand made with ingredients from their natural source. Italian pistachios are freshly ground, pastry is hand laid on apple pies and Tiramisu is transformed with mascarpone gelato, layered with espresso soaked Savoiardi biscuits and sprinkled with fine cacao. The freezers are stacked with edible, architectural masterpieces such as Dr Evil’s Magic Mushroom that is chock-full of deliciously decadent dark chocolate gelato, peanut cookies and dulce de leche, sitting atop ‘grass’ that is made from popping candy, white chocolate and crushed biscuit. The mushroom top is covered in a layer of flour-less chocolate sponge, red ganache and white chocolate buttons. The magnificent monstrosity feeds 16 people.

Gelato Messina at The Strand at Coolangatta is the seventh venture for the artisan masters who have stores dotted around Sydney as well as one in Melbourne. If you’ve not yet had the pleasure, you’re in for a treat, a delectable sweet gooey frozen treat. See our Stumble Guide for opening times.