There’s always room for dessert when you visit Sydney’s best spots for gelato and ice cream.
When the sun is shining and you’re craving something sweet, it’s hard to go past a scoop (or tub) of gelato. Whether you enjoy the classics like Pistachio and Salted Caramel or you like to branch out and try innovative flavours like Bounty or Coconut Lychee, here are our top spots to find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney.
Gelato Messina, Various Locations
Every true Sydneysider has spent an evening queuing at a Messina outpost. From Parramatta to Darlinghurst there are 11 locations across NSW to score a delicious cone of Messina gelato. Expect seriously creative flavours and an ever-changing menu of inventive creations.
The Dulce De Leche is basically pure gold, made with their very own house-made dulce de leche. But we recommend the Super Dulce, which features delicious swirls of sweet caramel throughout. The world-class raspberry sorbet is the perfect accompaniment in our humble opinion.
Ciccone & Sons Gelateria, Redfern
Step back in time at Ciccone & Sons Gelateria in Redfern. Inspired by gelato bars in the 1950s, this pastel-hued spot crafts small-batch artisan gelato in the heart of Redfern. They keep it simple by using traditional methods and seasonal produce. But don’t fear, Italian classics like Tiramisu are on the menu year-round. Fan favourites like the Stracciatella, Jersey Milk and Maraschino Cherry flavours give Ciccone & Sons its title as one of the best gelato spots in Sydney.
Mapo, Newtown and Bondi Beach
Mapo delivers artisan gelato crafted with simplicity and quality at its core. Every scoop is made using only the good stuff (no colourings here)—just pure, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers. Recipes are designed to highlight natural flavours, with standouts like Sicilian pistachio, sea-salt caramel, and sweet-tart nectarine gelato. With its sleek pozzetti and minimalist design, Mapo ensures each gelato is served at its perfect texture. Recommended to be enjoyed while strolling down Bondi’s promenade.
Cow and The Moon, Enmore
Since 1993, Cow and The Moon have been a gelato institution in the Inner West. Nestled on Enmore Road, this bustling family-run spot is renowned for some of the best gelato Sydney has to offer. With 26 delicious flavours to choose from (and changing daily), there’s always something new to try at Cow and The Moon. You’ll find their banana salted caramel gelato on our Best Desserts in Sydney list, so you know that’s going to be our top pick.
Anita Gelato, various Sydney locations
Anita’s boutique ice creams are 100% hand-made and come in a large selection of flavours to suit any taste preferences. You can pick from over 150 different kinds of frozen yoghurt, sorbets, and organic sugar-free, fat-free, soy-based and real cream-based ice creams. Each new flavour still has to get Mama Anita’s personal stamp of approval. We recommend the Cookieman, another pick to make it on our top desserts list, swirled with a heavenly mix of meringue, hazelnuts and biscuits.
Mr Gelato By Matteo, Collaroy & Freshwater
Mr Gelato in Rome has been a sensation for over 25 years and it has since set up shops in Collaroy and Freshwater. The team makes authentic Italian gelato using only the best ingredients such as Sicilian pistachio, locally sourced fresh fruits and top-quality Australian milk. There’s a wide range of gluten-free gelatos to choose from as well as vegan and dairy-free.
Rivareno Gelato, Darlinghurst, Barangaroo, Paramatta
The aim of the game at this place is to create the best traditional Italian gelato in Sydney! The flavours are vibrant and the textures velvety smooth as a result of the gelato being stored in the pozzetti. Our top picks include the hazelnut, as well as The Alive with mascarpone and marsala. Everything is made in batches to last one day only which means it’s as fresh as possible.
