Picoletta Cafe & Gelato

Picoletta Cafe & Gelato is a mobile cafe and gelateria parked at the Olivers Hill Boat Ramp on the Frankston foreshore, a walk-up truck run as a collaboration between Paletto Pops and Mercetta. With the bay on one side, the coastal path running past and everything served outdoors, it is a natural stop on a beach walk with a dog.

The dog setup

There is no indoor space at all, so dogs are welcome throughout the grassy areas and on the concrete beside the truck and seating. Puppaccinos are sometimes available, so ask at the window. The beach is right there for a water break. Note that the Olivers Hill foreshore itself is on-lead under Frankston City Council rules, and dogs are barred from general beaches during the summer peak hours of 9:30am to 7:30pm from 1 December to 31 March, so plan the visit outside those windows or keep to the path.

The menu

The draw is the gelato and sorbet pop range, with gluten-free Paletto Pops in flavours like Oreo, Snickers and Pistachio. Alongside the cold treats there is proper coffee, smoothies, Just Beet It cold-pressed juices, toasties, sandwiches, pastries and healthier snacks from Horribly Healthy. Reviewers consistently praise the happy staff and the waterfront views. It runs daily from around midday until sunset, weather dependent, which makes it an afternoon or early evening stop rather than a breakfast one.

Getting there and parking

Find the truck at the Olivers Hill Boat Ramp, with ample free parking right at the ramp and direct access from the Frankston coastal path. The Olivers Hill lookout is a short walk up for bay views, and you can check the truck's current hours on its Instagram before heading out on a marginal weather day.

Make a day of it

For genuine off-lead time, Seaford (Keast Park) Off-Leash Dog Beach is a dedicated year-round off-leash stretch up the coast, and Ballam Park pairs an off-leash area with fenced agility equipment inland. Flourish Cafe Olivers Hill is the sit-down option just up the hill.

More of the bayside strip is on the Victoria cafe guide and the Frankston page.