A new world of flavour has arrived on Amoy Street with the opening of Mondo, an enchanting gelato coffee bar that blends craftsmanship, creativity, and a dash of whimsy.
Named after the Italian word for ‘world’, Mondo brings together unexpected flavour combinations, artisanal techniques, and an intimate space that invites exploration.
Stepping inside reveals a space designed to spark curiosity – where lively design elements meet a menu full of surprises. The gelato counter showcases flavour innovation, with creations that dance between sweet and savoury, familiar and unexpected. Every batch is handcrafted in small quantities using premium ingredients sourced from across continents. Mondo’s gelato reflects precision, patience, and a deeply honed palate – the result of countless hours perfecting taste, texture and mouthfeel. The artisans approach each flavour without fixed formulas, working to achieve artful balance in every creation.
Unexpected, Unforgettable
Blue Cheese & Candied Pear is a masterclass in contrast. Made with French blue cheese, its savoury richness is balanced by the tender pieces of homemade candied pear studded throughout the luscious mixture. The pears are slow-cooked in a simple syrup, with the infused syrup thoughtfully repurposed into Mondo’s Earl Grey & Pear Iced Tea – ensuring every element is used with purpose. This same intentionality extends across the menu, where fruit peels, coffee grounds, and other by-products that might otherwise be discarded are creatively transformed into ingredients such as saccharums for cocktails and sorbets.
Designed to mimic the honeyed sweetness of dried figs, Marsala Poached Figs is crafted by poaching dried figs in marsala wine; with a generous splash of port to finish. The result is an intricately caramelised profile that unfolds slowly on the palate. Meanwhile, the Brandy & Raisins offers a deep, luxurious warmth. The raisins are soaked in brandy for four days, which draws out a full-bodied kick without compromising texture.
Fresh, Fruity, Yet Complex
Light on texture yet layered in complexity, Mondo’s sorbets are a showcase of balance – where acidity, sweetness, and body are meticulously calibrated to deliver both refreshment and intrigue.
The Lemon Sake sorbet is a study in aromatic precision, with the natural essential oils from hand-prepared fruit peels forming its backbone. Unfiltered sake is chosen for its more distinct rice flavour and high sediment content, which adds a rounded flavour that emerges in the aftertaste. A tropical twist with a Korean heart, the Pineapple Makgeolli pairs fresh pineapple juice with a generous proportion of makgeolli, favouring the latter for its smooth, slightly tart character and earthy rice undertones. For a delicate balance of tangy, slightly sweet and bitter, the Blood Orange & Campari combines the vibrant citrus notes of blood orange with the bitter complexity of Campari.
Nutty Classics
Nut-based flavours hold a timeless appeal in the gelato world. At Mondo, careful attention to quality of origin and purity of preparation renders flavours that are rich, smooth, and deeply aromatic.
Made with a rich, imported pistachio paste from Sicily, the Sicilian Pistachio delivers an unadulterated punch of pistachio that is both fresh and decadent. Using premium hazelnut paste from Piedmont, the Piedmont Hazelnut is creamy and gently sweet, with a lingering nuttiness that speaks to the ingredient’s exceptional quality.
A single scoop is available for $7, a double for $10, or a triple for $12. For a touch of whimsy, opt for the scoops in Mondo’s signature cone ($1.50) featuring the brand’s quirky logo.
Alcoholic Floats, Coffee and More
Guests can also take their gelato experience up a notch with Mondo’s exclusive, signature alcoholic floats ($22) – unique concoctions combining the artisanal gelato with in-house batch cocktails kept at its optimal ideal temperature and dispensed through a cutting-edge Six Simple Machines system, an innovative tap setup. The cocktail selection ($18) is expertly crafted to pair perfectly with specific gelato and sorbet flavours, enhancing each scoop with a complementary sip and bringing a new dimension to each experience.
Try the Shiso Fine – whisky reimagined with Japanese finesse, combining aromatic shiso, clarified yuzu, and elderflower – best enjoyed with the Lemon Sake sorbet. Matcha lovers can look forward to Cosmo and Wanda, a special blend of smooth whisky, ripe strawberry, earthy matcha, and the gentle creaminess of Korean makgeolli, resulting in a cocktail that is rich in flavour yet light on the palate, which pairs seamlessly with the Pineapple Makgeolli sorbet. Other cocktails include the Peach Don’t Kill My Vibe made with Roku Gin, Campari, red vermouth, white peach and almond, offering a mellow twist on the classic Negroni, as well as the No Filter Needed which leans darker and bolder with ONA Raspberry Candy coffee, pomegranate molasses, and vodka.
For caffeine lovers, Mondo is equally serious about its coffee. The bar serves specialty brews made with award-winning ONA beans from Canberra, known for their complex profiles and sustainable sourcing. Whether it is a classic flat white or a robust espresso, each cup is crafted to highlight the beans’ nuanced flavour profile. Guests can enjoy these classic espresso-based drinks or indulge in a more cheeky pairing of alcoholic affogatos ($10) with their favourite gelato flavour.
A Whimsical Space for Culinary Discovery
Mondo’s interiors mirror its culinary philosophy – inviting, imaginative, and full of thoughtful details. The intimate Amoy Street hideaway blends warm hues with playful accents, creating a setting that feels both refined and a little fantastical. It is a space where time slows down and conversation flows easily, and every visit to this delightfully offbeat sanctuary offers the chance to chart a personal tasting journey through gelato, coffee, and cocktails.
