With a section of its imported Italian cabinet dedicated to buffalo-milk gelati, a 365-days-a year opening policy and staff direct from Italy, the team behind Augustus is truly dedicated to its craft.

Owners Joe Molinaro and Paul Vernuccio have been in hospitality for years. Molinaro owns Roasting Warehouse in North Melbourne and Vernuccio runs Augustus’s neighbour, George Jones.

This is a passion project for the two friends. They chose to focus on gelato for its fun elements – the colours, the textures, and the nostalgic link to their childhoods growing up in Italian families.

There are 32 flavours on offer, made fresh each day. The pistachio is a popular choice, as are the dairy-free sorbets and the slightly left-of-centre offerings such as charcoal vanilla.

But it’s the range of buffalo-milk gelati that really makes this shop unique. After being approached by a farmer in North Queensland to test his milk, Augustus became the first place in Victoria to churn the lactose-free product into gelato. It’s deliciously creamy and flavours are kept simple to showcase the milk in its purest form. The fior di latte is a must, with its silky texture and a flavour reminiscent of vanilla.