The Italian's version of the crepe is slightly thinner and pairs wonderfully with, of course, gelato.

Newcastle-based Italian chef Alfonso Muras has introduced the Italian favourite to the menu at his gelato bar, Popolo, which is positioned across the road from his pizza restaurant, Napoli Centrale.

"Crepes are very popular in Italy and they always go hand-in-hand with gelato," Muras says.

The crepe menu launched earlier this week and the offerings will switch regularly.

"We are going to change the crepe menu fortnight or monthly. It depends how things go, but basically you have the option to have the crepe plus one of the different types of spread, then add fruit, crunchy stuff like biscuit, and finish with a scoop of gelato."

He confesses that his all-time favourite crepe is, in fact, French in origin.

"My favourite, honestly, is orange and Grand Marnier, it's a classic French dessert. Or lemon juice and sugar. That's another one of my favourites. On our menu, I have to say the Nutella, banana and coconut combination is also very good."

The crepes have landed in time for winter to entice people through the door during the colder months. Popolo recently scaled back its gelato range and so the extra space made room for their new crepe-making counter.

If you're on the hunt for crepes - including those of the savoury variety - or prefer a pancake stack, here's five to try:

Popolo Artisan Gelateria, 172 King Street, Newcastle

In Italy, crepes and gelato are a match made in heaven. Start with a base (Nutella, white chocolate, dark chocolate, peanut butter, strawberry cream or salted caramel), then choose from banana or strawberries to balance things out, and top with a choice of mixed biscuit, crushed Oreo, shredded coconut, or shaved chocolate before adding a gelato scoop. A classic lemon juice and sugar combination is also available.

Mockingbird, 131 Beaumont Street, Hamilton

Instagram foodies, get your cameras ready. If a prize could be awarded for the prettiest pancakes, Mockingbird could well be in the lead to take the title. When they arrive at your table, it's easy to see why. The red velvet pancakes are bright pink, topped with fresh berries, dotted with mascarpone and lemon curd, and finished off with a fluffy little cloud of pink Persian fairy floss.

Crepe Face Food Truck, check facebook.com/crepefacetruck for locations

There's a crepe for every meal of the day - breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert - on the Crepe Face menu. The travelling food truck offers an extensive menu of crepes, from the simple (egg, bacon, cheese and spinach) to the creative (chicken and spicy pineapple jam). Those who prefer a sweet crepe can choose from: apple, brown sugar and cinnamon; maple syrup; lemon and sugar; or Nutella. The truck caters for vegetarians and vegans with both their sweet and savoury offerings. Catch them at Sacred Tree Markets Nelson Bay on June 9 and 10.

The Village Newcastle, 2/44 Beaumont Street, Hamilton

A little further along Beaumont Street, you'll find The Village. The cafe serves some of the best breakfast offerings in town, including their pancakes. The blueberry pancakes - which are indeed blue - are served with deliciously sticky caramelised banana with fresh strawberries, chocolate ganache and house-made baklava ice-cream - a nod to owner Sam Tsolakis' Greek heritage. For those on a plant-based diet, the good news is these pancakes are vegan.

Paymasters Cafe, 18 Bond Street, Newcastle

It's a Newcastle institution for a beautiful lunch or dinner, but Paymasters is also worth a visit on the weekends for breakfast to try their pancakes. The deep-pan buttermilk pancakes are supremely light and fluffy. There are five versions of the pancake - which can also be ordered gluten-free - on the menu: the original with caramelised banana, butterscotch sauce and bacon; 'berry nice' with mixed berry compote and vanilla ice-cream; strawberry shortcake with poached strawberries, strawberry ice-cream and shortbread crumble; Nutella baked with a swirl of the hazelnut chocolate spread, vanilla ice-cream and whipped cream; or the Canadian with maple glazed bacon, maple syrup, candied pecans and ice-cream. Bookings are advised.