Three ways to sweeten Melbourne lockdown life

There's no getting around it. Lockdown gloom can leave a bitter taste. So here are a few ways to bring a little sugar and spice to your life.

Wallowing in a hot tub of nostalgia, Gelato Messina pays a fond tribute to the layered Viennetta ice-cream cake with its Messinetta, featuring bands of fior di latte gelato, choc-chips and chocolate fudge, and ripples of vanilla chantilly cream sprayed with chocolate velvet ($30 for one litre). Set yourself a reminder – the Iced Vovo-inspired "hot tubs" sold out in a flash.

Pre-orders open on August 10, for collection on August 14, 15 or 16 from its stores in Fitzroy, Richmond, Windsor or Brunswick East. Details: gelatomessina.com

Melbourne gelateria Pidapipo has teamed up with artist Beci Orpin on a limited-edition gelato cake range to spread a little cheer. Orpin has created stickers, postcards and edible wafers featuring messages of love and positivity, which accompany the new trio of gelato cakes. Inspired by the vanilla slice but using traditional Italian flavours such as cassata and pistachio gelato on a puff pastry base, the $15 "nut bombe" cakes serve one or two people.

Pick up from the Carlton or Windsor stores, or order through UberEats. Details: pidapipo.com

Piccolina Gelateria has developed a comforting, wintry bake-at-home dessert range that can be hot and happening in your kitchen within 20 minutes. Priced from $14, the menu includes apple crumble, sticky date pudding, chocolate chip cookie dough, and "better than Nutella" ravioli, most of which serve four to six.

They're available by pre-order to collect from its stores in Collingwood, St Kilda and Hawthorn. Or you can have them delivered via UberEats. Detail: piccolinagelateria.com.au