Gelato Bello scoops up a fresh look

Sep 05, 2024, updated Oct 30, 2024
Marcus, Sabrina and James Nardone
Pictures: David Rocca/Cinematic Events
Marcus, Sabrina and James Nardone Pictures: David Rocca/Cinematic Events

After almost 30 years of sweet success, Glynburn Rd’s Gelato Bello is rebranding. There’s new cocktails and desserts on the menu, but they’re keeping what’s most important: their top-tier Sicilian gelato recipe.

Gelato Bello owner Marcus Nardone has decided to revamp the gelateria after two years of ownership to “bring a modern feel”.

“The big thing for us was to bring it into the 21st century. Being around for 30 years, it had an old school vibe and an old school logo, and we just thought we’d refreshen it up and modernise it,” Marcus says.

The makeover will include extended opening hours, a new dessert menu, alcohol offerings and a new colour palette that will slightly diverge from its classic green and white store front.

“We want to bring in all types of generations. All types of cultures and generations come through our doors and we kind of just wanted to expand on that by adding a liquor license to add some cocktails to the menu,” Marcus says

Gelato Bello was inducted into the Eastside Business Awards’ Hall of Fame, recognising businesses operating in the council area for over 20 years. Marcus worked at Gelato Bello for almost a decade before purchasing the business and knows what works.

A render of the new vision for Gelato Bello.

He is working with chef Andrew Ferrara to create a new menu but the brand’s traditional Sicilian gelati recipe will remain the same.

“We are a different style to other gelatis around town, so a big thing for us is that it is a Sicilian recipe, and with the Sicilian recipe, there is slightly less amount of fat content,” Marcus says.

“You’ll notice that our gelatis are a little big lighter and a little bit easier on the tummy.

“We have the same recipe that we’ve had over 28 years. We are looking to revamp our gelati cakes and offer different variations and more modern Italian-style cakes — but that might come closer to summer.”

A render of what to expect from the revamped Gelato Bello.

Marcus says he was inspired to consult his old friend Andrew on the menu after seeing his newly opened Greek restaurant Thanks to Theo, located at 6 East Terrace in the CBD.

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“[Andrew] has just recently come back from Melbourne where he had a lot of experience with two chef hat restaurants. He gained a world of knowledge,” Marcus says.

“I was thinking it would be really good to get some consulting done by him and he really helped us develop what we will be able to offer in our new dessert menu.”

The revamped logo for the shop.

The revamped gelateria will include a new logo, with all new designs featuring hidden meanings.

“We worked with a designer from XY Designs,” Marcus says.

“It’s amazing what [the designer] has been able to do because every little thing about our new brand has a hidden meaning. Like, from the way our logo is to the colours; the colours actually represent an off version of the Italian flag.

“Our logo is in the shape of some waves, so obviously when you think of gelati, you think of summer, the beach and the waves.”

Gelato Bello’s Gelato Kart hire service will also be revamped towards the end of September to show off the new branding.

“We welcome everyone; we welcome all generations and all cultures to try our gelati and our new desserts,” Marcus says.

“Our gelatis are number one.”

Gelato Bello is located at 87 Glynburn Road, Glynde 5070 and will reopen on September 13.