II Melograno

Seriously phenomenal gelato — it’s definitely up there in my top 10 list globally. And being an ice cream /​gelato fanatic, I’ve definitely had more than my fair share ! I had a strawberry & Dutch chocolate combo… Amazing … I also tried the banana and walnut, actually quite lovely ! If you’re in the neighbourhood, definitely worth checking out !!

Pretty decent café and foodstore in it’s own right, without even going into the Gelato operations. It provides good menu’s; both for breakfast and lunch respectively, with healthy tasty filling options. Nothing really greasy or heavy. There’s a great selection of non alcoholic drinks up the front, going beyond the boring stock standard options. On hot days, try the pour over coffee on ice with tonic and lime. It’s ace. Otherwise, there’s panini, to occupy you, or a whole host of other fooding options. *Spoiler minimisation.
Now to the important part: Gelato– being Italian ice cream with stronger, deeper flavours and less dairy. Sorbet is a available too, with only a few options. A good range of adventurous and delicious flavours here, which you’ll just have to try out for yourself. Great spot for any number of social activities; lunches, brunches, breakfast, or even a late night Gelato treat.

Once I heard about the gelato maker being from a third generation gelato making family, I had to go to Il Melograno. The gelato is amazing. I had the Chocolate/​Rosemary and the Turkish Hazelnut. They were both delicious. The store has a small outdoor area as well as a large indoor area. This is seriously the best gelato I have ever had.

Dare I say… the best gelato I’ve had in Melbourne.
The flavors are clean, robust, and fulfilling. I had the Iranian pistachio and the dutch chocolate. I loved the two individually, and they were even better together.
Service is lovely here, we were sitting outdoors and someone came out to give us cups of water.
The lack of huge crowds and lines are definitely a plus.
Already excited to come back and try other flavors!

A couple of gorgeous Spring days, then back to chilly winter like evenings. What better way to celebrate the return to ten degree temperatures than a visit to Il Melograno to reward ourselves with gelato! It’s Melbourne. It’s how we roll. I love how we roll, especially when it is a delicious gelato feulled roll. Stepping inside Il Melograno is an olfactory overload, in the best possible way! It took me a few seconds to figure out the initial scent as you walk in the door is not in fact food related, as furtniture related! The block wooden chairs and tables smell like freshly cut wood, and it’s an amazing smell, especially when mixed with the delicious smell of coffee and food! Once inside, head straight to the concrete block counter, where you can request samples of gelato before settling on your final gelato selection. The samples are offered on little metal spoons… no plastic spoons or wee wooden paddles in sight! The staff who serve the samples are among some of the friendliest you will find on High Street — though I guess working in a polace where everyone is so happy would have a tendency to bring out the best in you! Vegan options form the gelato list are limited to sorbets, BUT, you will be blissed out by the options on offer. With the small cup (which is actiually an ice cream cone cup) you are able to choose two gelato flavours, while with the large cup, dazzle your taste buds with a selection of three flavours. For my selection, I settled on the straberry and lemon sorbets (a popular choice according to the woman who served me, and I can see why!). The strawberry sorbet was smooth and sweet, and the lemon bitingly delicious. My gelato companion in arms chose what she assured me, was a most amazing Dutch chocolate and rosemary gelato to complement her own strawberry sorbet selection. Unfortunately we were too full post gelato to try the coffee, which was receiving rave reviews from a couple nearby. There is also a dessert cabinet for those looking for something less chilly to have with their coffee or tea, in addition to a limited number of savoury foods if that takes your fancy. Il Melograno has been open for about nine weeks now, but already has a steady stream of happy customers which bodes well for its longevity in a competitive high street strip. Across form the Westgarth Theatre, it’s well placed, and well worth the visit.
P. S. By the way, eftpos facilities, with no minimum purchase restrictions as an added bonus :)

Entering the wonderful world of Il Melograno is a welcomed challenge to the senses. Successfully combining rustic with industrial décor entices you to get comfortable, settle in and focus on why you are really here. Where else in Melbourne can you indulge in a simple and a delicious Italian menu supporting local produce before experiencing quite possibly the best authentic Gelato outside of Italy.
We indulged in the special of the day miniature gnocchi in hearty minced beef Ragu and Orrecheitte with Porcini — simply delicious. The menu boasts an authentic offer of Panini with an array of interesting desserts just perfect for a lazy weekend brunch. The locals will embrace the wood roasted coffee beans and the outstanding barista skills and I’m sure it will become a busy weekday lunch hangout or afternoon treat.
Now to the gelato. This is what Il Melograno is all about. I’m salivating as I type and and already plotting my next visit. We were lucky enough to sample a number of the gelato interestingly stored in shiny gelato cylinder tubs. A large blackboard highlights the ingredient origins. The purity of the Iranian Pistachio wins your heart and flavour buds whilst the rich Dutch Chocolate and Rosemary leaves you standing in disbelief and wanting more. As a staunch critic of anything Banana flavoured I can admit that the Banana and Walnut gelato flirted with my senses and won me over instantly
I’m anticipating that Il Melograno will quickly become a Melbourne institute given that within in its first week of opening the locals are raving about it. You’ll probably find me loitering around the gelato tubs indulging in yet another serving