Monella Gelato

Monella Gelato is a small-batch gelato and sorbet maker on Darby Street in Newcastle, with all products prepared from scratch in its on-site kitchen. The focus is on recipes developed in-house rather than premade bases or flavour pastes, with the business describing its approach as using real, fresh, premium-quality ingredients and choosing local or organic produce where possible. Seasonal availability also plays a role, so the cabinet may change depending on what ingredients are in season.

The flavour list has plenty of personality, ranging from familiar combinations to more playful creations. The website highlights Mint Chocolate, Banana Split, Queen B, Michael Jackson, Pavlova, Blueberry Cheesecake, Caramel S’mores and Cherry Bomb, alongside other flavours such as Dulce De Leche and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough. Dietary markers are provided for some flavours, including gluten-free, vegetarian and nut-containing options, although customers should check the current selection and ingredients in store.

There is more here than a scoop or two. Monella also makes gelato cakes, which can be purchased online, with cake orders requiring at least 48 hours’ notice and a nominated pick-up date. For celebrations and larger gatherings, its event-hire service brings a gelato setup to the venue, including a staff member, cups, cones and spoons. The service can cater for up to 250 guests; the organiser needs to provide suitable access, 10-amp power and running water. Catering and event enquiries are also welcomed through the business.

The story behind Monella combines a food background, a love of design and a serious interest in gelato. The founders travelled to Gelato University to learn the craft and science of making it, then built their own process around recipe mixing, freezing, layering and storage. That makes the Darby Street shop a natural stop for solo dessert runs, casual catch-ups and families choosing something sweet, while the cakes and event service make it useful for birthdays and group occasions. For visitors looking for a Newcastle dessert spot with an in-house production approach and inventive flavour names, Monella offers a clear point of difference.