You won’t need to look far when searching for Sydney’s best ice cream and gelato shops. You’ll have to try refreshing scoops of salted caramel from Messina or the fresh gelato flavours from Rivareno Gelato. Luckily, plenty of shops in every corner of Sydney serve delicious flavours for you to enjoy, and our team of expert foodies and editors have compiled an independent list of their favourite cold treats in Sydney.
No matter where you are or whether you’re craving classic gelato, whole tubs or some weird and wacky flavours, you have so many options, here are some of our favourites.
Best Ice Cream in Sydney at a Glance
Our list of best ice cream and gelato shops in Sydney goes like this.
- Best overall experience: Messina
- Best for gelato: Rivareno Gelato
- Best for value for money: The Scoop Artisan Gelato
- Best for vegans: Mapo
- Best for groups: Rivareno Gelato
If you’re ever in Sydney asking, where is the best ice cream near me? Here’s a list to help you find the answer.
13 Best Ice Cream and Gelato Shops in Sydney
1. Gelateria Gondola Chatswood
Head to the most underrated ice cream shop in Sydney, Gelateria Gondola in Chatswood, for deliciously executed and simple gelato. Just like something out of Italy, a team of Venetian chefs are responsible for creating this little gelato shop and turning it into one of the most popular places for ice cream lovers. A seemingly average-looking gelato shop, this is just part of its appeal.
Address: 2/77 Archer St, Chatswood
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 2 pm – 9 pm
Phone: (02) 8084 1714
What We Like: Venetian chefs creating authentic gelato.
Check out Gondola Chatswood Gondola Chatswood Menu
2. Rivareno Gelato
With locations in Darlinghurst, Barangaroo and Parramatta, Rivareno Gelato is a Sydney gelato institution. The shop is known for only making small batches of each flavour on a daily, so nothing goes to waste, and it’s all fresh. Their range of flavours is inspired by Italian notes, including mascarpone made with a splash of Sicilian dessert wine. They also have Grantia if you’re looking for something a little more refreshing.
Address: 280 Crown St, Darlinghurst
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 1 pm – 11 pm, Friday – Saturday 1 pm – 12 am
Phone: (02) 9356 2669
What We Like: Daily rotations of fresh flavours.
Check out Rivareno Gelato Rivareno Gelato Menu
3. Mapo Newtown
With so many gelato shops scattered along King Street, it can take time to know where to go. But you can’t go wrong with a visit to Mapo, one of the best ice cream and Gelato shops in Sydney and one that also cares about sustainability. Their cups are compostable, they use wooden sticks, and half of their flavours are vegan! Another Italian-owned and run joint, there are plenty of traditional Italian flavours on the menu as well.
Address: 123 King Street, Newtown
Hours: Sunday – Wednesday 12 pm – 10 pm, Thursday 12 pm – 10.30 pm, Friday – Saturday 12 pm – 11 pm
Phone: (02) 8937 4919
What We Like: Sustainable and vegan-friendly ethos.
4. Messina
They now have stores all over Sydney, from a single store on a bustling Darlinghurst Street to a Sydney ice cream and gelato powerhouse. Messina makes ice cream seem effortlessly cool, and the best thing about it is the wide range and constantly evolving flavours, with 35 much-loved favourites and five weekly specials to surprise your taste buds each week. The flavours are just as innovative as delicious- we recommend the peanut butter with peanut fudge brownie for something decadent and slightly different. If you’re feeling adventurous, they also make ice-cream cakes made from gelato.
Address: Shop 1/241 Victoria St, Darlinghurst
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 12 pm – 10 pm, Friday – Saturday 12 pm – 10.30 pm
Phone: (02) 9331 1588
What We Like: The amount of flavours and ice-cream alternatives.
Check out Messina Messina Menu
5. Gelato Franco
What better way to top off our recommendations of Sydney’s best ice-cream and gelato shops with this classic Italian dessert parlour. Located in Sydney’s trendy Marrickville, Gelato Franco is the old-school gelato store of your childhood dreams. With quaint decor and everything served on charming silver, you could fool yourself into thinking you were in Italy! In terms of flavours, we can’t pick, so you’ll have to try them all!
Address: 281 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 2 pm – 10 pm, Friday 1 pm – 10 pm, Saturday – Sunday 12 pm – 10 pm
What We Like: The decor will make you feel like you’re in Italy
6. Cremeria Giuseppina Five Dock
Haven’t you had the chance to try a gelato burger? Now is your opportunity, and our advice is don’t diss it until you’ve tried it! At Cremeria Giuseppina, choose any gelato flavour you desire, and devour the brioche-bunned goodness you deserve! We recommend going for chocolatey and caramel flavours to go out with a bang.
Address: 84 Ramsay Rd, Five Dock
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 9 am 10.30 pm, Sunday 9 am – 6 pm
Phone: (02) 9712 4606
What We Like: Ice cream creations that are Italian-inspired.
Check out Cremeria Giuseppina Five Dock
7. Ciccone & Sons
Ciccone & Sons in Sydney’s Redfern means business when it comes to serving up top-quality, no-fuss ice cream and gelato. The decor has an old-school charm that is bound to put a smile on your face before you even get your ice cream. When it comes to flavours, expect plenty of fresh fruity inspiration and whole ingredients. They’re also licensed, so you know where to go if you like your ice cream with a Negroni on the side.
Address: 195 Regent St, Redfern
Hours: Wednesday- Saturday 1 pm – 10 pm, Sunday 1 pm – 8 pm
Email: [email protected]
What We Like: A liquor licensed gelato store.
Check out Ciccone & Sons Ciccone & Sons Menu
8. The Scoop Artisan Gelato
For one of the best ice cream and gelato shops in Sydney, if you’re in the Western suburbs, The Scoop Artisan Gelato in Campbeltown answers all your prayers on those hot summer days. Their gelato is made from scratch daily from only the freshest, seasonal ingredients. Plus, they sell gelato cakes- the perfect idea for your mate’s birthday dinner next weekend.
Address: Macarthur Square, c14/200 Gilchrist Dr, Campbelltown
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 11 am – 9 pm
Phone: (02) 4627 7566
What We Like: The flavours are made from scratch each day.
Check out The Scoop Artisan Gelato The Scoop Artisan Gelato Menu
9. Cow & The Moon
Easily mistaken for an old milk store or deli, this inconspicuous ice cream and gelato shop is one of Enmore’s most-loved spots. The small team makes all their delicious flavours in-house from original recipes developed over the years in the tiny store. FYI, this place gets busy, so don’t be surprised if the line is out the door—but it’s worth it!
Address: 181 Enmore Rd, Enmore
Hours: Monday – Wednesday 8.30 am- 8 pm, Thursday – Sunday 8.30 am – 11 pm
Phone: (02) 9557 4255
What We Like: The old-school, petit ice cream shop atmosphere
Check out Cow & The Moon Cow & The Moon Menu
10. C9 Chocolate & Gelato
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic ice-cream cone, a cup packed with three flavours, a cronut or a gelato sandwich, C9 Chocolate & Gelato has you covered. Experts at all things dessert, the flavours here are rich, creamy, oh-so-decadent and not for the faint-hearted. Of course, the gelato sandwich with your choice of gelato with a side of fruit is a must-have!
Address: 55 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest
Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 11 am – 10 pm, Friday – Saturday, 11 am – 10.30 pm
Phone: (02) 9516 4575
What We Like: Cronuts and gelato sandwiches are a must try.
Check out C9 Chocolate & Gelato
11. Hakiki
Ever tried Turkish- ice-cream? Well, now is your chance! Hakiki in Newtown is Sydney’s favourite Turkish ice creamery for a good reason, too. Turkish ice cream is known for its rich, creamy texture, which comes from the classic Turkish ingredient, an orchid root grown in Southern Turkey. You can also grab your favourite other traditional Turkish treats here- they serve Turkish coffee, baklava and Turkish delight.
Address: Shop 1/63/71 Enmore Rd, Newtown
Hours: Monday – Thursday 11.30 am – 10.30 pm, Friday – Saturday 11.30 am – 11.30 pm, Sunday 11 am – 10.30 pm
Phone: (02) 8040 1676
What We Like: A specific type of ice-cream from a designated country.
12. Toscana Gelateria Naturale
Don’t come to Toscana with an empty stomach- their flavours are simply so irresistible you’ll want to try them all! The Tuscan-owned suburban ice cream and gelato shop contains delicious flavours, with some traditional Italian and Tuscan notes woven. Our recommendation – is the ricotta and cinnamon for out-of-this-world deliciousness.
Address: 103 Denman Rd, Georges Hall
Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 11 am – 6 pm, Saturday, 11 am – 9 pm
Phone: (02) 9723 1349
What We Like: Traditional Tuscan-inspired flavours using ricotta and cinnamon
Check out Toscana Gelateria Naturale
Key Things to Consider for Sydney’s Best Ice Cream and Gelato Shops
The key factors to keep in mind when deciding where to go:
- Price – How expensive is your ice cream or gelato?
- Variation – Flavour variety and ability to rotate frequently.
- Location – Whether that be in the centre of all the action or somewhere quaint and quiet.
- Service – Good service makes the experience at a shop that much more enjoyable.
How Man Of Many Chose The Best Ice Cream and Gelato Shops In Sydney
With an editorial team full of foodies, Man Of Many has had the unique opportunity to sample ice cream and gelato from the best spots in Sydney. It is also based on our own personal experience, in-depth research and customer reviews of ice cream and gelato shops in Sydney. As expert journalists who guide people between competing products and services, we have provided our independent opinion in formulating Man of Many’s selections. Our editors have taken into account, price points, flavour choice and quality of the gelato, while also making a concerted effort to highlight a few ice-cream and gelato spots outside of the CBD. You can review our editorial policy here surrounding how we maintain our independence in our editorial reviews.
Alternatives to Ice cream and gelato Shops in Sydney
If you’re looking for other things to do in and around Sydney, we’ve got you covered with some of the options listed below. You can also check out our list of the Best Coffee Shops & Brands in Australia with expert commentary from Australian coffee expert and Campos Chief Coffee Officer, Adam Matheson. Or, if you don’t feel like heading out for coffee, you can look to invest in one of the best Coffee Machines For Your Daily Brew or French Press Coffee Makers for a Fresh Brew.
General FAQs
For the best chocolate ice-cream in Sydney, head to C9 Chocolate & Gelato in Crows Nest.
Messina is the most awarded gelato shop in Sydney.
The best place for late-night gelato in Sydney is Rivareno Gelato.
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