RivaReno and Gelato Messina open new venues

Autumn isn't exactly peak season for gelato, but it hasn't stopped two big names of the genre punching out new Sydney venues.

Messina Creative Department, an eight-seater pumping out a dessert degustation opens this week while the long-awaited second Sydney outlet from Surry Hills' RivaReno opens at Barangaroo.

"Gelato sales can be down 30 per cent or more at this time of year," RivaReno owner Kieran Tosolini says.

To counter that hurdle he's added a range of hot chocolates, including one made from "Valrhona Single Origin 64% Manjari", a grand cru of the chocolate world. Tosolini promises only fresh ingredients and no pre-made powders in the gelato. The interior has authentic gelateria touches, with marble finishes.