Gelato Messina is opening its first Canberra store

They've popped their heads into Canberra a few times for the Enlighten Night Noodle Markets and other events, but now Gelato Messina is moving in for good.

The purveyors of crazy dessert concoctions and rather addictive ice cream are opening their first Canberra store, moving into the space on Lonsdale Street that was once the Autolyse juice bar.

Due to open in late July, the store will serve up their 35 signature flavours, plus five rotating weekly specials. Everything that goes into their desserts, from the jams and brownies to cookies and fudge, will be made at Messina HQ in Sydney and then sent to Canberra to be prepared on site. And like their other stores, everything will be on full display and you can watch gelato being churned through the 'churners window'.

A Gelato Messina spokesperson said: "We developed a soft spot for Canberra. After coming to the capital with our Night Noodle Market and The Commons set ups for the last two years and fielding many, many requests from locals to open down there, we're really excited about entering a completely new city."

Since first opening in Sydney in 2002, Gelato Messina has expanded with a further 15 stores across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. And they should feel right at home on Lonsdale Street, moving in just a few doors up from fellow Sydney favourite, Sonoma Bakery, which should open not long after.

While July in Canberra isn't quite ice cream weather, they have plans for a heated outdoor seating area lined with breeze blocks to keep things cosy.

As part of their opening shenanigans they will be serving a special launch flavour dedicated to their new home. 'Breakfast in Canberra' will combine milk gelato with milk jam and Milo, and it will be available at all stores nationwide for the opening weekend.

Gelato Messina Canberra, 21 Lonsdale St, Braddon. Opening late July. gelatomessina.com/au.