Pidapipo

The narrative of Pidapipo and owner Lisa Valmorbida would not be out of place in a children’s fairytale. It has it all – a trip to Italy to attend Carpigiani’s Gelato University, taps of flowing Nutella and, of course – gelato.

After her time at Carpigiani, Lisa worked in a gelateria in Vicenza before returning home to open Pidapipo on Lygon Street in December, 2014.

Off the back of great success in Carlton, Lisa opened a second location southside on Chapel Street earlier this year. Since then she has been bringing happiness in the form of gelato to thousands of Melbournians.

“Everybody loves gelato, when people come in here they are always smiling because it makes them happy. That’s a big part of why we do it.” Lisa said.

In keeping with the fairytale narrative, both Pidapipo stores feature Nutella taps which are a sight to behold, especially for any chocolate lover or sweet tooth.

As a launch partner on UberEATS, Pidapipo surprised everyone by how popular they were in Melbourne’s colder months. 

“We see gelato as something enjoyed all year round but with UberEATS it’s a way to skip the line, particularly coming into summer when it can get busy.” Lisa said.

Her heritage has always been a big factor in the formation of her passion for gelato. Lisa holds fond memories of making gnocchi with her nonna and laughs in hindsight at regularly being offered cash bribes from her father to eat his food.

“Dad would pay us if we didn’t want to eat something. I remember I’d always convince myself that I would hate whatever it was, even when I liked the food.” Lisa said.

It certainly doesn’t require a bribe to try Pidapipo’s distinctly Italian flavours like Bacio or Fior di Latte. Not confined to traditional flavours, Lisa’s love for creativity is on show in her popular Nutella adaption of stracciatella.

Then there’s the smaller details – the delightful Italian accent that greets you when you call, the large Italian gelato tins and the striking 50’s – 60’s interior design of Melbourne based designer, Rabindra Naidoo.

Celebrate the arrival of summer in style, with a tub of Nutella Swirl from Pidapipo.