The sweetest of treats has arrived in Adelaide just in time for the weekend, with Sydney’s cult favourite Gelato Messina and Shadow Baking officially landing in North Adelaide at their highly anticipated new 88 O’Connell Street dual flagship.
Opening the doors officially on April 17th, the dual concept debuts as a first-of-its-kind collaboration at this location between the two brands. Designed to be welcoming and immersive, the space promises to be just as visually delightful as the treats on offer.
“The area has so much cultural heritage and history, along with the design quality and finishes within the development at 88 O’Connell Street,” shared Messina founder Nick Palumbo. “Having such stellar retail neighbours also made it an easy decision; we’re in good company.”
Titled “Two Delights” and brought to life by Vie Studio, the flagship has been inspired by the whimsical world of The Grand Budapest Hotel. The result is a playful yet sophisticated design that pays homage to the suburb’s historic charm while embracing a contemporary edge.
As you walk through the door, you will feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook setting where woven vinyl flooring climbs the walls of Shadow Baking’s eccentric entrance, centred around a theatrical ‘reception’ oven. Next door, Gelato Messina’s bright orange tiles are softened by warm stone and timber accents, with a cinematic connecting door encouraging visitors to wander between the two indulgent worlds.
Shadow Baking founder Tom Mitchell says this collaboration is his favourite part of the new store. “Our products and menus overlap and complement each other in so many ways, we can’t wait to collaborate on desserts and drinks, starting with the gelato-stuffed brioche that will be available exclusively from North Adelaide.”
Both brands are united by a shared obsession with premium ingredients and from-scratch craftsmanship, making it a truly perfect fit. If you’ve been lucky enough to try the baked goods from Shadow Baking or the unique flavours from Messina, you’d know that these are treats you’ll want to indulge in again and again. Alongside the long list of goods that keep customers returning, exclusive menu items like Shadow Baking’s freshly baked brioche buns filled with your choice of Messina’s 40 gelato flavours, including 35 classics and five rotating weekly specials, will be available exclusively at the North Adelaide store. A standout opening special will also debut, combining croissants and gelato made with rich Jersey milk sourced directly from Messina’s farms.
“If you’re wondering which gelato flavour to stuff in your brioche… try gianduia, a classic that finds itself right at home,” shared Nick.
To celebrate the launch, a limited-edition flavour titled O’Crumbell Street will be available while stocks last. The decadent creation features croissant gelato swirled with chocolate fudge and sprinkled with caramelised croissant crunch, offering a playful tribute to its O’Connell Street address.
Customers can also download the Messina app and enjoy double loyalty points during the first week of trading.
Shadow Baking will be open bright and early each day, serving sweet and savoury pastries, tarts, focaccias and coffee. Adelaide fans can also look forward to favourites like the Custard Tart Danish, alongside a dine-in menu featuring indulgent dishes like croissant loaf French toast with maple butter and crème anglaise. Messina will open from midday until late, scooping its iconic gelato, shakes, cakes and take-home tubs well into the evening.
Shadow Baking and Gelato Messina are officially open now!
Gelato Messina
When: Sunday to Thursday, 12pm to 11pm, Friday to Saturday, 12pm to 11:30pm
Where: Shop AG02, 88 O’Connell Street, North Adelaide, SA 5006
For more information, click here.
Shadow Baking
When: Monday to Sunday, 7am to 2:30pm
Where: Shop AG03, 88 O’Connell Street, North Adelaide, SA 5006
For more information, click here.
