2014
Gelato tends to be the default way to end a day out with N, unless there is a specific dessert in mind. Via del Corso Pasticceria e Caffè in Westfield Sydney became the regular option through consistency; flavours rarely missed, which made repeat visits easy.
There was no real intention to get dessert here. The decision came from noticing new flavours on display, combined with the usual assumption that there is always room for it. The removal of green apple was noted, though the new flavours partly offset this.
Three flavours were chosen: lychee, mandarin, and rockmelon.
- Lychee functioned as a control. It delivered its usual clean, floral sweetness with a light finish, and served as a reliable reference point.
- Mandarin was the strongest of the three. It had a rounded sweetness distinct from orange, with lower acidity and a softer citrus profile. The flavour held through the melt without sharpening, and slightly edged out the lychee.
- Rockmelon was less aligned with preference but accurate. It carried the dense sweetness of very ripe fruit, which risked becoming heavy. The lighter, slightly aerated texture reduced that weight and kept it from sitting too thickly.
Overall, a consistent base with mandarin the most balanced of the set.
2015
A return visit here was driven more by familiarity than interest.
Green apple remained the strongest flavour. It balanced sweetness with restrained tartness, avoiding the artificial edge common to this profile. Small candied pieces of apple skin added intermittent texture and variation.
Watermelon was significantly weaker. The flavour was artificial, closer to confectionery than fruit. Initial intensity dropped off quickly, flattening after a few spoonfuls. The bright red colour signalled this early. In comparison to fresher watermelon profiles, the difference was clear
Overall, green apple remains reliable; watermelon lacks persistence and realism.
2017
Black sesame was chosen with the expectation of a strong, nutty profile. The base leaned towards white sesame—creamy and mild—while black sesame appeared mainly through whole seeds. These released stronger, toasted notes when bitten, creating a staggered flavour rather than a continuous one. The texture worked, but the flavour distribution limited impact. A black sesame base would have produced a more consistent result.
Service was inconsistent. Some staff spent extended time in conversation while other customers were waiting, creating avoidable delays. Overall, structurally sound but flavour is uneven; service detracts.
Via del Corso Pasticceria e Caffé is located at Shop 5, Level 5, Westfield Pitt Street Mall, 188 Pitt Street, Sydney 2000