Tucked away on a quiet residential street in Avondale Heights, Cannoli Bar is more than just an Italian dessert bakery. Since opening in 2018, it has become a much-loved local hub and destination for dessert lovers, earning its reputation as Australia’s first dedicated cannoli shop, a true cannolificio.
Founded by the Mellini family, Cannoli Bar is the result of three generations of Sicilian pastry-making tradition. What began as cherished Sunday memories of sweet ricotta-filled treats in Italy has evolved into a place where those traditions are shared with the wider community.
Father-and-son duo Achille and Carlo Mellini have poured their hearts into creating something that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary, with every creation rooted in family history, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for authentic Sicilian desserts.
At the heart of Cannoli Bar is a story that stretches back to the streets of Italy in the 1960s, where family gatherings were marked by the flavours of traditional Sicilian sweets. After migrating to Melbourne, those childhood memories became the inspiration behind the business. Drawing on generations of pastry-making knowledge and years spent refining his craft in Melbourne kitchens, Achille Mellini set out to recreate those same flavours with the care, honesty, and tradition they were built upon.
That commitment to tradition is woven into everything they do. Every element is made in-house, including the delicate cannoli shells using the family’s authentic Sicilian recipe. But the menu extends far beyond tradition; Nutella, Oreo, and Ferrero Rocher-filled cannoli, alongside custard variations, offer a contemporary take that appeals to a new generation of dessert lovers. It’s this balance of heritage and innovation that has helped define Cannoli Bar’s identity.
While cannoli is undoubtedly the hero, the offering extends well beyond it. Visitors can also enjoy other Sicilian favourites, including almond biscuits and cassata siciliana. A small selection of savoury options, including pizza and focaccia, further positions Cannoli Bar as a true neighbourhood destination rather than simply a dessert stop.
Part of Cannoli Bar’s charm is its setting. Housed in a converted 1950s milk bar on Riviera Road, the space carries a warm sense of nostalgia. Inside, shelves are lined with Italian knick-knacks, vintage coffee pots, lush greenery, and treasured family photographs, creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming, familiar, and unmistakably Italian.
What began as a passion project grounded in family heritage has quietly grown into a destination for dessert lovers from across Melbourne. Yet despite its growing popularity, the heart of Cannoli Bar remains unchanged: a family-run kitchen dedicated to tradition, quality, and the simple joy of sharing food, fostering a stronger sense of community and belonging for those who come from far, or just around the corner.
In the latest feature in our Local Stories series, Carlo Mellini shares the memories and heritage that make Cannoli Bar so authentic and special. Introduced by Nelson Alexander Keilor East’s Stephanie Fedele, it’s a place full of heart, community, and authenticity that must be experienced.
It’s this deep understanding of neighbourhoods, people, and place that our local property experts bring to every conversation about buying, selling, leasing and living locally.
Watch the full Local Stories Interview below
