Gelato Messina Darlinghurst

Gelato Messina is a Sydney gelato maker that has grown into one of the best-known dessert brands in Australia. Its shop on Victoria Street in Darlinghurst sits among the cafés and restaurants of one of the city's liveliest inner-east neighbourhoods, and it stays open late every night, which makes it a natural stop after dinner. Many of its flavours are more elaborate than those found in a traditional gelateria, and the range changes regularly.

The display cabinet holds more than 40 flavours, ranging from classic fruit sorbets and nut-based gelati to more elaborate creations with sauces, crumbs and pieces of cake mixed through. Alongside the regular range, the business releases specials that change frequently, including a monthly special available across all its shops. Gelato cakes and chocolate bars are also sold through the company.

With so many options, it helps to look over the whole cabinet before you reach the front of the queue. Prices are modest for a dessert, and the shop offers discounts to students on weekdays. If you are visiting with a group, ordering a few different flavours to share is a good way to try more of the range.

The Darlinghurst shop opens daily from midday, closing at 22:30 from Sunday to Thursday and at 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Evenings, particularly in summer and on weekends, are the busiest times, and queues can stretch out of the door, but service is quick. Afternoons on weekdays are quieter.

Messina suits families, couples and anyone with a sweet tooth. It is a takeaway counter rather than a sit-down café, so expect to eat your gelato on the street or carry it with you as you walk around the area. Allow ten to twenty minutes, depending on the queue.

Victoria Street runs through the heart of Darlinghurst and up towards Potts Point, and the area is full of restaurants, bars and cafés. Kings Cross station is about ten minutes' walk away, and buses along Oxford Street are also close. A walk along Victoria Street, down the McElhone Stairs to Woolloomooloo and the Finger Wharf, makes a pleasant route after a scoop. Messina also has shops in other parts of Sydney if you want to try it elsewhere during your stay.