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.
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.
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.
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.
Located in the heart of the inner west is Love Crêpe, one of Sydney’s most loved dessert destinations. The team has just expanded its menu to offer an even bigger selection of signature hand-held crêpes plus house-made desserts, gelato, and waffle balls. Paying homage to traditional Greek creperies, this must-visit spot features 20+ house-made gelatos. Signature flavours include Salted Pistachio, Lotus Biscoff, and Greek Yogurt with Sour Cherry. Here’s a hot tip: if you see anything with sour cherry on a gelato menu, order it!
Mapo, Newtown and Bondi Beach
Head to King Street in Newtown or Campbell Parade in Bondi and you’ll find Mapo, a sustainable artisan gelateria serving up some of Sydney’s best scoops. Crafting smooth, delicious gelato from raw and fresh ingredients, their focus is on seasonal local produce. With the rotating menu of flavours, you can be sure that whichever you pick will be exceptional. The matcha green tea flavour is our top pick, followed by the sea salt caramel, and watermelon in the warmer months.
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.
Gelato Franco, Marrickville
There’s a flavour for every type of gelato lover at Gelato Franco. You’ll find delicious scoops of seasonal sorbets, traditional Italian flavours like Donatella and Tiramisu, as well as the occasional black sesame and matcha addition. The welcoming, old-school interior and great atmosphere add to the many reasons this neighbourhood gem makes it on the list of best gelatos in Sydney.
Toscana Gelateria Naturale, George’s Hall
Leave room for dessert and venture to Toscana Gelateria Naturale in George’s Hall. This hidden gem is run by Tuscan-born Nando, who has been making outstanding Italian gelato for over 18 years. With so many different artisan gelatos on offer, you can be sure that every one of them is made with the utmost love and care, using only the best and freshest ingredients. The tiramisu flavour is a must try, as is the ricotta flavours and stracciatella.
Gelateria Gondola, Chatswood
With some of the most creative gelato and sorbet flavours in Sydney, Gelateria Gondola is a must-visit. They serve up generous scoops of Italian artisan gelato using fresh ingredients and jersey milk, and you can even watch the masters at work! On display, you’ll find flavours like yoghurt with sour cherry, black sesame and walnut, passionfruit and mascarpone, and so much more. For us, the mocha has to take the cake, a heavenly mix of coffee and chocolate that will hit the spot every time.
C9 Chocolate & Gelato, Crows Nest, Newtown, Curwood and Marrickville
For a full dessert bar experience, you have to visit C9 Chocolate and Gelato. This is where you go to indulge, with an impressive dessert menu featuring gelato sandwiches, waffles, gelato sundaes, mega shakes and so much more. Their gelato lab uses traditional Italian techniques to pump out some of the best gelatos Sydney has to offer. On display, you’ll find all your favourites like choc mint, pistachio, cookies and cream and Belgium chocolate. We recommend the coffee crunch and green tea matcha for our caffeine loving friends.
