Whether the forecasters say that we’re in an El Nino or a La Nina weather pattern, there’s one thing that we’re sure of. At the first sign of sunshine, Ice Cream sales boom.
It doesn’t matter if you’re an old skool Golden Gaytime kind of person, or a Cookies ‘n’ Cream addict, most of us can happily devour a tub or 2 of our favourite frozen ice without too much trouble.
But where so you go for the most unusual flavours? And are you a devotee of all natural ingredients?
Happily, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to research the best Ice cream and gelato in Melbourne. Well. Someone had too. And it’s currently 32 degrees in the shade outside, so it seems like as good a time as any…!
Location: 296 Smith St, Collingwood, VIC 3066 Ph: (03) 8456 0071 See Website for Further Locations
We’re starting with one of the big-hitters of the Melbourne gelato scene. Piccolina Gelateria. All you need to know about this mob is that they are now so well-known that just talking about Piccolina ice cream is enough.
Why the success? Because the folks at Piccolina Gelateria understand that people want a great product, made from the finest of ingredients. And whilst each store carries certain standard gelato, the team never rest on their laurels. In fact, every Wednesday, 3 new flavours are announced – always based on the best seasonal fare.
Indeed, at the time of writing this (Summer 2025), the 3 limited edition choices are a Banoffeee, a Frothy Fruit and an utterly sublime Wattleseed Espresso Martini. If you aren’t familiar with Wattlseed, get yourself down to your nearest Piccolina. This native Australian bush food has rich nutty, coffee notes which work fabulously with the creamy, lush embrace of this Wattleseed Espresso Martini Ice Cream. Superb!
But hey. Whatever the specials are, they are only the tip of the ice (cream ) berg. From Honeycomb, to Peanut Butter, to Salted Caramel, to Mango to Passionfruit. Everything is to die for.
No wonder every Piccolina Gelateria has queues outside the door. They without doubt make some of the best ice cream and gelato in Melbourne.
We love the Choc Fudge Gelato – rich, decadent and – dare we say it? – creamy. And we’d honestly walk to Fitzroy for the Pecan Miso Orange. And did we mention that you can add your own fav toppings?
But Girls & Boys is so much more than a simple gelato shop. The team also knocks-out amazing Ice Cream Sundaes, Ice Cream Sandwiches, incredible plant-based Desserts, Acai Bowls and even Ice Cream Cakes. It’s a genuine treasure trove of vegan treats. And everything tastes sublime.
Location: 299 Lygon St, Carlton, VIC 3053 See Website For Further Locations
Now we can’t talk about the best ice cream and gelato in Melbourne and not mention Pidapipo.
What began as a Gelato ‘Test Lab’ in Carlton back in 2013 has transformed into a Melbourne institution. The store in Carlton, with its renowned innovative flavours, soon became just one of three Pidapipo outlets. All of them with queues of eager customers, flowing out of the door.
And no wonder. The dedicated team at Pidapipo are constantly refining their product – playing with flavour combinations and creating amazing Ice Cream Cakes. Each month, their menu gets a seasonal tweak, keeping customers guessing as to what they are concocting.
As I write this, we’re in prime Gelato weather – hot and sunny. Happily, amongst the current Limited Edition Flavours at Pidapipo, there are some fabulous combinations. The Mojito Sorbetto is wonderfully refreshing as the mercury hits 34 degrees. Similarly, we’re totally addicted to the Mascarpone Zabaione with Amaretti Biscuits & Peach Jam. In fact, we’d be more than content to eat that particular delight whatever the temperature!
We’re pleased to tell you that Pidapipo has returned to their roots and opened a fully-blown Test Kitchen – over in Fitzroy.
Best of all, on their website they promise “We’re going full Wonka at Pidapipo Laboratorio”. Oh goody!
What this means is that the crew are giving full reign to their colourful imaginations and throwing together all kinds of ingredient combinations. And best of all, it’s open for the public to pop in and give their verdict.
Location: 528A Sydney Rd, Brunswick, VIC 3056 See Website For Further Locations
There’s an old saying that ‘from small things, but things grow’. Well, this certainly appears to be the case with local success story, Luther’s Scopps.
What started as a tiny Ice Cream Parlour a stone’s throw from Tiba’s Lebanese Restaurant in Brunswick has already blossomed into 2 additional sites. The team recently took over the old Kenny Lover spot on High Street Thornbury and also have a production kitchenslaving away over in Reservoir. And word is that that will also soon have a shop attached.
So what makes this some of the best ice cream and gelato in Melbourne?
The answer is small-batch, artisan made products, created using only the finest, seasonal ingredients. Adn that seasonality is really important as the menu changes to reflect what is available.
At present, Luther’s has flavours such as a rich, creamy Butterscotch Ripple, a vibrant (and Vegan) Strawberry Sorbet and an unforgettable Banoffee Pie. However, visit in a couple of weeks and you’re sure to find something new to excite your tastes buds.
Location: 177 Russell St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 See Website For Further Locations
In case you haven’t noticed, Filipino cuisine is very much in at the moment, with restaurants like Serai Kitchen and Inasal Express leading the charge. So it was only a matter of time before Melbourne became aware of Filipino Ice Cream. Enter Kariton Sorbetes.
Kariton do Gelato, Sorbet and Desserts with distinctly Asian flavours. And yes, there is a definite focus on the colourful ingredients of The Philippines.
For example, there’s the vivid purple hue of their Ube Halaya. Ube is a Purple Yam, used extensively in Filipino sweets. At Kariton Sorbetes is the star of a Gelato, along with Purple Yam Fudge, Blackberry Jam & Caramelised Coconut Curds. Another fabulous taste sensation is the Brazo De Mercedes. This comprises a Toasted Marshmallow Gelato & Mandarin Yuzu Sorbet with Baked Meringue Powder. Meanwhile, for the brave, there’s the Durian Chiffon. A Durian Gelato with Chiffon Cake & Palm Sugar Jelly. And trust us when we say that everyone should try the divisive Durian at least once in their life!
Along with their regular flavours, the team also creates Limited Edition treats. As we write, they have a new Yin Yang frozen delight in their freezers. A black and white vision of White Sesame Gelato & Black Sesame Cookies, it’s a very Asian take on Cookies & Cream.
Editor’s Update: Since we first wrote this article, Melbourne’s love of Kori Ice Cream has grown. Now, the team have 3 venues, including a spanking new outlet at 143 Chapel St, Windsor, VIC 3181 Ph: 0401 718857. Furthermore, Kori Ice Cream Windsor holds the largest range of flavours, with 24 Ice Cream tastes available – 6 of them constantly changing. Cool hey?
From The Philippines, we hop over to Japan for our next nomination for the best ice cream and gelato in Melbourne. Kori Ice Cream describes itself as “Japanese inspired, Melbourne bred” and we’re here to tell you that it’s a knock-out combination.
Wedged between an office and a bank, Kori Ice Cream Hawthorn is a two-tone sliver of colour. Step through the doors and you’re in a cantelope and coral-hued jewel of a shop. Clean lines, a striking refrigerated, metal-topped, serving counter and minimal seating. The vibe is stylish, but fun.
But obviously, the real draw at Kori is the frozen treats, and happily, the Japanese-influence sings loud and clear.
The plant-based Yuzu (Japanese Lemon) gives a zinging slap of fresh citrus before melting on the tongue into a silky syrup. Also vegan and delicious, the Matcha Pistachio is our new favourite Ice Cream sensation. Meanwhile, from the milk-based section, the Caramel Purin (Custard Pudding) has a richness reminiscent of Dulce de Leche. And for those used to the heady charms of a scoop of old-fashioned Rum ‘n’ Raisin, the Chestnut Rum provides an exciting contrast.
Alongside their regular range, the kitchen makes ‘Limited Special’ flavours – as we write there is a light, fragrant Melon. Indeed, at the Hawthorn shop they do an entire menu of ‘Exclusives’ – both vegan and including diary.
Aside from Cones, Kori Ice Cream also does a number of takeaway tubs and some pretty cool Ice Cream Cakes. The Mango Cheesecake has Cheesecake Sponge, Mango Jelly Cubes, Mango Semifreddo, Hokkaido Cheesecake Ice Cream – and more. All topped by a very cute rendition of Remy from Ratatouille. How could you resist?
Oh. And did we mention those Cones? At Kori Ice Cream, they come in Chocolate, Black, Green Tea – with sprinkles, no less. Just another reason to make a pilgrimage to Hawthorn or the CBD.
Location: 5/159 Smith St, Fitzroy, VIC 3065 & 213 Sydney Rd, Brunswick, VIC 3056
We’re are going out on a limb and declaring that you’ve never been to an Ice Cream Parlour quite like Fluffy Torpedo before.
From the Sour Strap Lollies set into the floor to the butcher’s paper menu, tacked to the wall, the folks here clearly march to the beat of their own drum. And that goes for the Ice Cream flavours too.
Yes, they do a ‘Traditional’ range, where you can get your fill of Strawberry and Hazelnut. But where’s the fun in that? Instead, why not try the Salted Liquorice? Too tame? Then maybe the very Australian Vegemite White Chocolate will get you excited. Personally, we love the sweet, sour, fruity heat of the Salted Chilli Pineapple & Coconut Sorbet. And then there’s the bonkers sugar-hit of Marshmallow, Grape Aeroplane Jelly & Pink Salt.
Importantly, it isn’t all fun and games at Fluffy Torpedo. The team has a serious side too. They are both committed to sustainable production practices and are actively involved in the charity The Life You Can Save Australia. Yet another reason to head in store and sample their Orange and Poppyseed Cake Batter Ice Cream!
Location: 397 Swanston St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 See Website For Further Locations
Mmm. Chocolate & Gelato. Count us in!
The concept at C9 Chocolate & Gelato is simple, but effective. A laid-back Dessert Bar where you can order a scoop of fresh Gelato or 2 if you feel like something small, or an entire Ice Cream Cake if you want to celebrate in style.
The C9 Gelato range covers all the usual winners, plus a couple more left-of-centre options, like Smurf Bubble Gum. From there, you can dip into their Pastry selection – their Fresh Coated Croffles are extremely popular. However, we feel that C9 really come into their own with their Shakes and Sundaes.
Let us expand. A definitive conversation-starter is the Cronut Shake ($16). A filthy, great Milkshake featuring 2 scoops of Gelato of your choice, a shot of Chocolate in a syringe, Strawberries and, of course, a Fresh Cronut, it’s quite an afternoon snack. In contrast, you could try one of their stacked Sundaes. Our pick is the Ferrero Sundae ($19), combining Rocher & Vanilla Gelato, Brownie Cubes, Nutella & Strawberries. It’s not for the faint-hearted.
With franchises popping up across the country, you’ll near be far from a Dessert Bar again.
Location: 237 Smith St, Fitzroy, VIC 3065 Ph: 0489 951 231 See Website For Further Locations
Gelato Messina is a huge Australian success story. From a small venture in Sydney, Messina now has outlets across the country, with regular collaborations popping up all over the place, branded merchandise and even a range of Messina products in Woolworths supermarkets.
Of course, to earn this kind of following, your product has to be outstanding. Well luckily, the team at Gelato Messina haven’t let the fame go to their heads and continue to make smooth, creamy Gelati using the best ingredients that they can lay their skilled hands on. All whilst creating innovative combinations of flavours.
Now we know you should never have a favourite child, and we believe the same to be true of great Gelato. That said, we are rather partial to Messina’s decadent Milk Chocolate with Chocolate Peanut Fudge. And we are felling fruity, then the heavily rippled Pear & Rhubarb is the ideal marry of sweet and tart.
All this along with Thick Shakes and some of the lushest Ice Cream Cakes in town. No wonder the Gelato Messina empire continues to grow.
Whilst Hareruya is best known as a Japanese dessert shop, sweet treats aren’t the only string to its bow. This is a great place to pick up a Bento Box of goodies. Our go-to is the Osakana (Fish) – especially is the fish of the day is the Yuzu Miso Salmon. In addition, the team creates one of the finest Egg Mayo Sandos in town.
But really, the big drawcard is the Japanese Gelato. Not too sweet, but bursting with flavour and with a wonderfully creamy mouth-feel, they are the real deal. If you’re partial to Tahini, then the Double Sesame Swirl should hit the spot. Meanwhile, there’s a very good reason why the Houjicha & Chocolate sells out in a flash.
However, simple Gelato isn’t all that’s on offer at Hareruya Pantry. The stores attract devotees for their Daifuku and Monaka. Daifuku is gelato wrapped in glutinous, squishy Mochi Skin. In contrast, Monaka is Gelato sandwiched between Rice Crackers. The result looks like an Ice Cream Hamburger and is a fantastic marriage of toasty crunch and melting softness.
Whether you try the Daifuku, Monaka or are happy with a plain cup of Gelato, we’re show you’re agree that Hareruya Pantry makes some of the best ice cream and gelato in Melbourne.
Location: 99 Lygon St, Brunswick East, VIC 3057 Ph: (03) 9994 5303 See Website For Further Locations
From modest beginnings in Brunswick, 400 Gradi has, slowly but surely, grown into a mini Italian food empire. Alongside 400 Gradi and its fabulous Pizzas, there is now the Gradi Mercato Grocer & Delicatessen and, of course, Zero Gradi Gelateria & Dessert Bar.
Zero Gradi sells hand-churned Gelato which is smooth and rich. The Pistachio is satiny and that perfect pale green colour, whilst the Bacio is a harmonious balance of Chocolate and Hazelnut. And although Cookies & Creme may be not the most traditional of Italian flavours, our resident tells us the Zero Gradi version is superior to other brands.
All we know is that on a hot day, finding a Zero Gradi is a joyous event!
Deciding to open a Gelato Shop in Italian-centric Carlton seems like a crazy idea. Unless you have a trick or 2 up your sleeve.
Thankfully, the team behind Beku Gelato have a whole box of tasty wizardry to draw on. And the ace in the pack is their highly original Asian-infused flavours. Yes, their Vanilla Bean offering is rich and creamy, but why go for that when you could try a gelato based on the beloved Indonesian street food snack Jasuke? And if you think that Sweet Corn, Condensed Milk and Cheese sounds like a strange combo, you really should give it a go.
Other more unusual scoops are the Tolak Angin, which is a Medicinal Honey, and the crowd-dividing Durian. However, our pick is the Paan Flavour – Betel Leaf & Fennel. But then we have a soft spot for an Aniseed hit.
Lastly, the crew also put together some interesting Malaysian and Indonesian drinks, so check out the wall menu when you pop by.
Melbourne chilled dessert lovers who have experienced the superior frosty offerings from ANITA Gelato up in NSW have been eagerly awaiting the brands launch down in Victoria. And finally that wait is over.
ANITA GELATO has arrived in the CBD. And it’s less of an Ice Cream Parlour and more of a flavour and coloured-packed Gelato emporium. We’re talking a beautiful, elegant space with a sophisticated olive green and gold livery. The same dedication to premium ingredients which has made the Sydney shops such as hit is on display here. As is the almost bewildering array of Ice Creams, Sorbets and Yoghurts.
If you like your Chocolate with a bitter twist, then try the Dark Chocolate Sorbet. Fancy something refreshing? The Watermelon & Fresh Mint is like summer on a Waffle Cone. Feel experimental? The Creme Brulee Pistachio Crumble is a clever spin on an Italian winner.
What’s more, with Vegan options, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free and even Sugar-Reduced scoops, we reckon this won’t be the last ANITA Gelato to wow the good people of the Victorian capital.
Editor’s Note: We are currently in the process of updating this article. Please come back soon for more of the best Ice Cream and Gelato in Melbourne.
