Imagine a place where every scoop of gelato takes you back to your childhood memories—that’s exactly what Mavi Gelati aims to do. This unique gelato bar, inspired by Greek traditions, is not just about dessert; it’s about rekindling those sweet moments from the past.
Founded by Odi Dagseven and three lifelong friends, Mavi Gelati was born from a simple yet exciting conversation while they soaked up the sun on Mollymook beach two years ago. They asked themselves, "Why not start our own gelato shop?" And thus, Mavi Gelati emerged as a delightful haven for gelato lovers, bringing a taste of Santorini right to Ulladulla. Now, in its second year, the team has joyfully expanded with a new location at the Hellenic Club in Woden.
Odi shared with Region that although they always envisioned opening additional shops, the opportunity at the Hellenic Club came sooner than expected. "Last summer, the director of the Hellenic Club visited our Ulladulla location and exclaimed, 'We need this here!''" This enthusiasm led to the opening of the second venue just a few months later, in December 2025, which has quickly become a buzzing spot for locals and visitors alike.
What makes Mavi Gelati truly special is the quality of its ingredients. All gelato is crafted on-site, using creamy milk sourced from Tilba Dairy and fresh fruits for their refreshing sorbets. The commitment to quality means there are no shortcuts taken in the creation process, and the results speak for themselves.
One standout flavor introduced at the Hellenic Club is Olive Oil and Sea Salt, which showcases the creativity of the Mavi team. Odi explains that while the Ulladulla shop focuses on crowd-pleasing favorites, they wanted to venture into more adventurous tastes at the Hellenic Club, celebrating their diverse heritage of Greeks, Turks, and various Mediterranean influences. This club serves as a gathering point for the Greek community, inspiring flavors that evoke nostalgia.
Among the innovative offerings is a baklava gelato, created in partnership with the nearby Éla Cafe. Here, fresh baklava is delivered, and before it's swirled into the gelato, the syrup is drizzled on top, allowing the bakery's flavors to infuse into the ice cream as it churns. The result is a delightful combination of nutty, crunchy, and sweet notes that transport patrons back to their childhood. Additionally, their mixed berry frozen yogurt features real Greek yogurt, lending an extra creamy and tangy profile.
Mastika, a flavor derived from the sap of the mastic tree and popular in Greek desserts, offers a pine-like essence that mingles beautifully with the creamy gelato base, creating an herbal delight that many find deeply nostalgic. Odi recounts heartwarming moments when older Greek women try this flavor, often moved to tears by the memories it stirs.
Another must-try is the silky milk gelato topped with olive oil and sea salt—truly a culinary masterpiece. The rich, velvety texture of the gelato, combined with the complementary floral notes of olive oil and the boldness of sea salt, creates an experience that many chefs have come to adore.
Despite their backgrounds in other hospitality ventures, Odi admits that learning the art of gelato making has been a fresh challenge for them. "We feel like school kids again, discovering everything from the ground up. But we’re keen on excelling—aiming to be straight-A students!" he laughs.
Looking ahead, the ambitious group envisions expanding Mavi Gelati beyond Canberra, with dreams of reaching Sydney and other regions, thereby spreading their love for gelato even further.
You can visit Mavi Gelati at the Hellenic Club Woden, located at 1 Matilda Street, Phillip, where they serve customers daily from noon until 10 PM. Their original location in Ulladulla can be found at 22 Wason Street, and they invite everyone to follow their sweet journey on Instagram.
In a world where local flavors and community spirit merge beautifully, Mavi Gelati stands out as a reminder of the joy that comes from shared experiences and cherished memories. What flavors remind you of your childhood? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
