Gelato Meccanica opens in Bowden, a sister venue to Pizza Meccanica, on Hawker St

The team behind an award-winning western suburbs pizzeria has launched a homemade gelato bar – including a new ‘boozy’ range of flavours.

The team behind an award-winning Western Suburbs pizzeria has launched a new homemade gelato bar right next door.

Gelato Meccanica opened this week in Bowden, a sister venue to Pizza Meccanica, located in the same converted warehouse on Hawker St.

Owner Stelio Birbas described the eatery as an “old school, authentic” gelato bar using the same “timeless philosophies” employed in Italy.

“Our goal was to craft a product unlike any other, aligning with the same principles we apply to our renowned Neapolitan pizzas,” he said.

“By exclusively using distinctive and fresh ingredients we are genuinely passionate about, we aim to share our philosophy with everyone, confident that they would embrace it with the same enthusiasm.”

Gelato Meccanica, a new Gelato store in Brompton.

Gelato Meccanica, a new Gelato store in Brompton.

Graphic designer and car enthusiast Birbas first launched Pizza Meccanica in 2016, which was named the best pizza restaurant in SA at the national restaurant and catering awards in 2018.

The same year it also made The Advertiser’s delicious 100 list of the state’s top restaurants.

Now Birbas has turned his attention to gelato, with flavours including traditional favourites such as pistachio, plus strawberries and cookies, espresso and lemon sorbet.

There’s also a “Boozy Gelato” range featuring alcohol-infused gelato.

“We’re thrilled about embarking on this new venture and eagerly anticipate everyone’s visit to taste and enjoy our gelato,” he said.

The Italian dessert has enjoyed a boom around Adelaide in recent months, with several new stores opening around town.

Gelato Meccanica, a new Gelato store in Brompton.

Bottega Gelateria opened a second shop on Prospect Rd, while Ovo Gelato launched a store in the East End late last year.

Cult ice cream brand Gelato Messina, started by two South Aussie brothers, is also set to open its first Adelaide store in coming weeks.

Gelato Meccanica’s soft launch will be followed by a grand opening event on February 10, which will include a masterclass session, All You Can Eat gelato event and ticketed opening night party.