Messina just upped its game with a new snack bar

hero media
Australia’s most beloved gelateria has launched a snack bar at its flagship store in Marrickville.

Messina has brought an exciting new twist to its Marrickville headquarters, with the launch of Snackbar at Messina Creative . The laid-back snack bar will serve up a rotating menu of innovative treats every Sunday afternoon, along with natural wines and gelato-inspired creations.

Select dishes from Messina Snackbar in Marrickville
Snackbar at Messina Creative has opened.

Following the success of their Thursday-to-Saturday degustation at Messina Creative , Snackbar offers a more casual alternative, perfect for those looking to unwind with delicious snacks without the formality of a full-course meal. The restaurant’s experimental approach shines through the new menu, with unique dishes like prawn toast with sriracha and the fan favourite ‘glizzy’ with pork sausage and sauces. Of course, no visit to Messina would be complete without a scoop (or two) of gelato, and Snackbar has that covered with options like spiced dark chocolate gelato with olive oil and sea salt.

Glizzy at Messina Creative Snackbar
The ‘glizzy’ is a fan favourite.

With its walk-in-only format, Snackbar is designed for spontaneous visits where guests can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, accompanied by lo-fi tunes. Whether you’re a long-time Messina fan or a first-time visitor, this new concept is set to be a hit among foodies and gelato enthusiasts alike.

Messina Creative, located inside Messina HQ in Marrickville, has built a reputation as Sydney’s go-to destination for gelato-centric fine dining. Known for pushing the boundaries of traditional flavours, their six-course degustation experience balances sweet, savoury and umami flavours. With this latest venture, Messina continues to innovate, offering Sydneysiders a new way to experience gelato alongside their signature flair for creativity.

Messina’s original degustation experience will continue to run from Thursday to Saturday, with the addition of Snackbar creating the ultimate Sunday indulgence.

Prawn toast at Messina Creative Snackbar
The prawn toast sometimes comes with lobster…

Address: 1 Rich St, Marrickville, NSW

Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
See all articles
hero media

Circular Quay is transforming into a holly jolly Christmas market for 11 nights

Sydney’s favourite Christmas night market will transform Circular Quay and The Rocks for 11 nights.

It’s official: the Christmas season is upon us. Sure, it’s only November. But in Sydney, the shops have transformed, the trees have gone up and Mariah Carey is defrosting for her annual appearance. So it’s only right that the Jolly Christmas night markets have been announced to be returning to Circular Quay this year – bigger and better than ever (and still free to attend). And all with a uniquely Australian flair.

From 11 to 21 December, what began three years ago as a small Christmas activation will now open with over 120 festive stalls stretching from Customs House to The Rocks. They’ll be selling everything from Christmas decorations to the flavours of local producers to creations of local artisans. Think handmade gifts, gourmet street food, boutique wineries and craft distilleries, all under a canopy of fairy lights. Oh, and let’s not forget a shower of fake snow every night. Delightful.

“Sydney deserves a Christmas celebration that feels as grand and joyful as the city itself,” said Vincent Hernandez, Founder and Managing Director of BBR Group, the creative team behind Jolly. “Jolly is our way of giving the city back a little magic, something that brings people together at night, supports local makers and celebrates Christmas’ balmy summer nights in true Sydney style”.

Dining at Jolly Christmas night markets

Dining at Jolly Christmas night markets
Eat your way around the markets.

This year, the markets will feature a Wine & Dine Village with NSW’s best wineries and distilleries, masterclasses and tastings. Here, Christmas enthusiasts can find names like Petersons Family Wines, Savannah Estate, Cooks Lot Wines, Tractorless Vineyard and Ester Spirits alongside Ambrosia Distillery, Hold Fast Distillery, Burly Gin and Aihiki. Get amongst complimentary tastings and free daily masterclasses hosted by the winemakers themselves.

Not to mention gourmet street food sold around the entire market, with local and international flavours.

Live music at Jolly Christmas night markets

musician at Jolly Christmas Markets sydney
Let live music set the scene.

Live music will also be a staple feature of this year’s Jolly Christmas night markets (and not just Christmas carols either, although naturally, they feature heavily. From smooth jazz to acoustic soul to reimagined Christmas classics, there will be plenty of tunes to accompany visitors while they shop or eat.

The details

aerial of Jolly Christmas Markets sydney
Get ready for 11 nights of Christmas joy.

Dates: Thursday, 11 December to Sunday, 21 December 2025

Location: Circular Quay & Customs House, Sydney

Entry: Free to attend

Website: visit Jolly Market

Not enough Christmas? Watch this space for the best Christmas markets around Australia in 2025.