Whether you’re looking for a way to cool down or are just in need of a scoop of something creamy and delicious, there are plenty of places to grab a sweet treat around Sydney. The options are so many that it can be quite tiring trying to decide where to start!
Do you want ice cream or traditional gelato? What flavour combination should you pick? Do you opt for a cup or cone?
To help you out, we’ve put together a list of some of our top picks for the best ice cream shops in Sydney. Whether you’re looking for classic artisan gelato or off-the-wall flavours, there’s an ice cream place for you.
Read on to get our inside scoop on where to get the best ice cream in Sydney.
Aqua S
Location: Regent Place Shopping Centre, 27/501 George St, Sydney NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 8668 5957
Visit Aqua S to satisfy your cravings for a sweet treat.
Though the idea of sea salt soft serve was taken from Okinawa in Japan, the team at Aqua S has pushed it one step further towards the artful.
As a result, Aqua S ice creams provide unique soft serve flavors in bright blue soft serve cones, offering a piece of ice cream heaven in every bite.
Why not head inside? Not only will you get to experience its ethereal interior decor with clouds painted on the ceiling, but you can also try out stunningly sweet ice cream concoctions that will tantalize your taste buds.
You can keep things simple with a single-serve, or you can choose a blended swirl of two flavours to change things up. With a range of toppings to choose from, such as Mochi or Brownie Bites, you can customise your ice cream to your exact taste.
Feel like eating Japanese tonight? Here’s our guide to the Best Japanese Restaurants in Sydney.
Editor’s Note: We have been told that the Sydney branch of Aqua S has closed. We will let you know when we know more.
Cow & The Moon Gelato
Location: 181 Enmore Rd, Enmore, NSW 2042 Ph: 0423 660 198
Head on over to Cow & The Moon for ice cream that is definitely worth your time.
In operation since 1993, Cow and The Moon are a sensational gelato institution located in the inner west. Tucked away on Enmore Road, this bustling family-run parlour is well-known for producing some of Sydney’s tastiest and creamiest artisan gelato.
All of their cold treats are made in-house. And, with over 26 ever-changing but still delectable gelato flavours to choose from, including Pistachio and Elderberry, you are truly spoilt for choice.
Cow & The Moon also offers various seasonal sorbet flavours for you to enjoy. The Nectarine is a real stand-out, though the Watermelon and Coconut definitely have their fans.
Finally, they also churn out vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free variations, so there is always something new to try.
N2 Extreme Gelato
Location: 1 Dixon St, Sydney, NSW 2000
If you’re looking for ice cream with a twist, N2 Extreme Gelato has got you covered.
They consistently reinvent the concept of traditional gelato by bringing in creative, decadent creamy flavours. As a result, this delicious instantly made-to-order gelato is not only Instagram-worthy but also leaves a traditional feel on the tongue.
What makes this ice cream parlour unique is that all of its gelatos are created using a liquid nitrogen freezing method. You can even watch as the gelato cups are transformed into the delicious treat that you will soon be devouring.
With freshly sourced ingredients from local dairies and the use of real fruit, it’s no wonder their gelato tastes incredible.
Gelato Messina
Location: Gateway Sydney, Gateway, 1 Macquarie Pl, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9252 4480 For further location, see the website
Though the first Gelato Messina store opened in 2002, it has slowly become an ice cream empire. From Parramatta to Darlinghurst there are 16 different locations across Sydney alone for you to score a staple scrumptious cone of Messina gelato.
If you choose Gelato Messina, you can expect seriously creative flavours and an ever-changing menu of specialty gelato. Everything made by them is designed to appeal to your sweet tooth.
Whether you want to mix up a soup, smoothie or the base for some homemade ice cream, a Blender is one of the most useful items to have in your kitchen. For all the latest, stylish models, see here.
And, instead of buying pre-made ingredients, the Gelato Messina in-house pastry chef team creates everything from scratch – from toppings to honest, high-quality traditional gelato.
Best of all, you have the opportunity to sample the tempting flavours. What’s not to love?
Is your sweet tooth craving a fix? Why not check out Sydney’s Best Chocolate Shops?
Bay Vista
Location: Meriton Suites Church Street, Parramatta, Altitude Building, 1/330 Church St, Parramatta, NSW 2150 Ph: (02) 9056 2775 & 83 The Grand Parade, Brighton-Le-Sands, NSW 2216 Ph: (02) 9556 1727
The folks at Bay Vista have been focused on providing the best dessert experience in Sydney since its establishment in 1991.
Bay Vista’s desire to create a unique but still highly welcoming family-friendly atmosphere has helped the company to stand the test of time. You can now find the two branches of this magnificent dessert empire in two locations; Brighton Le Sands, and Parramatta.
So whether you’re craving traditional soft serve ice cream, frozen yoghurt, or even a fat-free sorbet or ice cream — you’ll find something to suit you.
If you’re not in the mood for ice cream, there’s no need to worry. Bay Vista also knocks out amazing cakes, waffles, hot drinks, hot savoury food, and crêpes (sweet and savoury) for you to enjoy.
Gelatissimo
Location: 1,2/25 Harbour St, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9264 5566 For further locations, see the website
Again, the next contender for best ice cream in Sydney has a number of locations across Australia. We think there were about 40 stores, last time we counted.
Whether you’re after traditional ice cream flavours or new, innovative ones, Gelatissimo has plenty to tempt you.
Feel free to choose between ice cream and artisan gelato, or even try a handmade gelato cake.
In each store, you can select your favourite dessert from a wide-ranging selection of 40 flavours – 35 traditional and 5 rotating weekly specials. Pleasingly, all gelato is made fresh in-store with no added artificial flavours or colours.
In addition to their extensive flavour range, you can also find vegan, non-dairy, and gluten-free options.
Anita Gelato
Location: 28 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008 Ph: (02) 8097 8505 For further locations, see the website
Located near Bondi Beach, Anita Gelato is a trendy gelato spot that has lots of appeals. Whether it’s the graffiti-adorned walls or the tempting range of ice cream flavours, Anita’s has lots to recommend it.
The team at Anita Gelato specialises in combinations. And, with over 150 flavours available, that’s quite a lot of gelato for you to get through.
Just like at Gelato Messina, you can taste before you buy.
Moreover, if you aren’t in the mood for traditional ice cream, you can also purchase fruity frozen yoghurts, sorbets, waffles, or delicious soy-based ice creams.
From Pistachio Bronte to Popcorn with Honey and Caramel, feel free to take your pick from a huge range of creative combinations.
With such an extensive flavour menu, you may have a problem narrowing down just one product to buy. That said, this dessert paradise is definitely worth the visit.
Do you love a steak every now and then? Click here for our Best Steaks in Sydney
Fresko Gelato And Waffle House
Location: 301 Victoria Road, Marrickville, NSW Ph: 0401 724 686
Fresko Gelato and Waffle House is a dessert place with a welcome difference. They specialise in creating Greek-inspired gelato flavours for non-traditional customers.
Fresko Gelato and Waffle House have become an institution since their 2015 launch, with stores now dotted around the country. Fitted out in retro design, it’s well worth the detour just to sample the crazy combinations.
If you are one to shun plain flavours and prefer to opt for something out of the box, why not try watermelon and feta, or even a passion fruit cheesecake?
If being able to choose from over 36 Greek-inspired ice cream flavours wasn’t enough, Fresko also has an impressive waffle and beverage list for you to choose from, including their Baklava Frappé & Gelato Shakes.
Whatever you’re craving, there’s something fresh for you at Fresko.
Sydney has some excellent Greek tavernas. Here are our pick of the bunch.
Ciccone & Sons Gelateria
Location: 195 Regent St, Redfern, NSW 2016 & Shop 2/37 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe, NSW 2037
This shop is located in Redfern.
If you’re seeking typical 1950s authentic tasting Italian gelato for your afternoon treat, Ciccone & Sons is the place for you. With stunning small-batch artisan gelato, it’s no surprise that so many people flock back to this space time and time again.
All gelato is made in-house with the best and freshest locally sourced ingredients. As a result, the flavour menu changes depending on the product that is available. However, there are a few Italian favourites that stay on the menu all year round.
Not only do Ciccone & Sons produce high-quality, authentic gelato, but each flavour is really enhanced and allowed to shine. There are no muddled flavours here. Without doubt, is has some of the best ice cream in Sydney.
Hakiki Turkish Ice Cream
Location: Shop 1/63/71 Enmore Road, Newtown, NSW 2042 Ph: (02) 8040 1676
If you’re in the mood to try something different, you should head down to Hakiki Turkish Ice Cream. As the name suggests, this shop serves a stunning array of Turkish sweet treats and beverages. You can find this store on Enmore Road, Newtown.
The store opened intending to merge the traditional tastes of Maras with those present in the Inner West. And, after years of dutifully serving the Australian public and tourists alike, it’s safe to say that the mission has been a success.
At this delightful store, you can expect to find flavours such as Sour Cherry, Turkish Delight, Pistachio, and the simple combination of Milk and Sugar.
The magic ingredient here is salep, which gives all Turkish ice cream its super tacky consistency.
Oh. And their baklava is pretty awesome too.
Rivareno Gelato
Location: 280 Crown St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 9356 2669 For further locations see the website
Rivareno has made traditional crowd-pleasing gelato across the globe since opening its first store in Milan in 2005.
As a result of its distinct Italian origin, Rivareno Gelato does gelato the conventional Sicilian way. So, if you’re hungry for an authentic Italian cone of goodness, this is the spot for you.
All gelato is freshly prepared in-store each day and is stored in covered, stainless-steel pozzetti containers. Though this means you don’t get as much of a visual spectacle as you would in other stores, the use of pozzetti has many benefits. Not only does it keep the gelato at an optimum temperature, but it also ensures freshness and creates a silky texture that makes for a better consumer experience.
Top taste sensations at Rivareno Gelato include classic gelato combos, tangy fruit sorbets, and Sicilian granita. You’ll also find a selection of other artisan desserts, including crêpes, waffles, brioche, and gelato sticks.
If all this talk of Italian food is making you feel like pasta for dinner, try our Boscaiola Recipe
Serendipity
Location: Contact (02) 9557 8986 for stockists
Another must-visit ice cream parlour, Serendipity, first opened in 1966. With backing from founder Alix Mandelson and the local community, Serendipity has perfected the balance between addictive flavour and quality across its products.
They are a 100% carbon-neutral company and use only the most premium natural ingredients in all of their ice creams.
Of course, you could always try your hand at making your own ice creams and sorbets. Click here for the latest easy-to-use Ice Cream Makers.
Serendipity favours slightly unusual, yet still highly inspired, ice cream flavours like Salty Pistachio Praline and a scrumptious honeycomb-based Hokey Pokey. This is gourmet ice cream at its finest.
If you aren’t in the mood for rich ice cream, feel free to try their just-as-tasty sorbets.
All things considered, it’s very easy to see why Serendipity has become one of the most awarded ice cream places in Australia.
Mapo Newtown
Location: 123 King St, Newtown, NSW 2042 Ph: (02) 8937 4919
Mapo is a sustainable and artisan gelateria with locations in Newtown and Bondi Beach. According to their website, it’s ‘A little Laboratory where gelato is made every day from raw and fresh ingredients.’
If that wasn’t enough, the perfect tasting gelato is freshly made each day, so you must be quick to catch a flavour before it is sold out. In addition, over half of the 14 flavours on offer are also dairy-free, so you can consume your cold treat without feeling stressed or guilty.
Behind the scenes of this Italian gelateria, everything appears to be green. With sustainable packaging (edible cones and compostable containers), you can have your ice cream any way you want – with the knowledge that everything can be recycled.
Pompei’s
Location: 126-130 Roscoe St, Corner of Gould St, Bondi Beach, NSW Ph: (02) 9365 1233
It’s back to the beach as we continue to look for the best ice cream in Sydney.
Operating since 1999, Pompei’s are highly regarded for their expertly made pizza, but that’s not all. The range of artisan gelato and sorbet available at Pompei’s has been created from a mix of tradition and a passion for flavour.
Owner George Pompei spent over 20 years in Italy learning the ins and outs of the gelato trade to replicate the taste of authentic gelato for residents of Sydney.
As a result, Pompei’s has established itself as the place to go for authentic, creamy Italian gelato.
The high degree of dedication required to accomplish this shines through in the richness of their flavours. Whether you choose to consume Hazelnut and Dark Chocolate or opt for subtle Pistachio, you’ll find something to enjoy.
The best part? You can enjoy your ice cream inside the venue, or you can take it away and savour it as you stroll along the beachfront.
Do you love the fuss and drama of afternoon tea? Then book one of our Best High Teas in Sydney
Cremeria Giuseppina
Location: 84 Ramsay Rd, Five Dock, NSW 2046 Ph: (02) 9712 4606
Located in Five Dock, Cremeria Giuseppina proudly serves a variety of Italian treats to the surrounding neighbourhood.
From the classic Sicilian granita to artisan desserts including cannoli’s, panini’s, and cakes, Cremeria Giuseppina provides delicious treats, for any occasion. Whatever you choose, you’ll find this is amongst the best ice cream in Sydney.
Some classic gelato flavours include a mouthwatering Hazelnut, old-school Cassata, and Stracciatella. Other gelato flavours are also regularly rotated, so it’s a great idea to keep an eye out for availability.
There is also a variety of vegan and gluten-free options available in-store. What’s not to love?
If you’re heading to Sydney in colder weather and want to forgo ice cream, why not try a cup of their luxurious Italian-style hot chocolate? It is so thick that it can be eaten with a spoon, and you also receive a delicious creamy Panna as an added extra.
Overall
And that brings us to the end of our article. We hope that we’ve shown you the array of ice cream that the Harbour City has to offer. And now you know where to go for the best ice cream in Sydney.
Each place offers its has a unique approach to serving ice cream and gelato, and so it’s very likely that you’ll have an excellent experience whichever venue you choose. In fact, why not visit more than one? We won’t judge!
This is why I decided to set up my blog, Eatability, to share the best food and drink spots in Australia with as many people as possible. Hi, my name is Dylan Cole, and I moved to Australia five years ago from England, UK.
Through this blog, I will be sharing and recommending some of my favorite places you need to visit, such as where to find the best pizza in Adelaide, and the best bakery in Brisbane. Whatever food you are fancying, I have got you covered!
- The 15 Best Indian Restaurants In Melbourne - December 5, 2023
- The 15 Best Indian Restaurants In Adelaide - December 4, 2023
- The 15 Best Indian Restaurants In Sydney - December 4, 2023
