It only takes a glance to know that we are spoiled for choice when it comes to gelato in Sydney/Eora, which makes sense considering our location as a beachside metropolis.
Whether you’re craving wacky flavours, booze-infused scoops, or all-natural ingredients that will send you straight into a bout of summertime bliss, we’ve got your back.
Here are Urban List's picks for the best gelato shops in Sydney.
Ciccone And Sons
195 Regent Street, Redfern
Image credit: Ciccone and Sons | Instagram
Small-batch and produce-driven are words you'd typically associate with a high-end restaurant or bakery, but they're the foundations of gelato masters Ciccone and Sons. Expect interesting and refined combos that use Australian raw ingredients, fresh fruit, cream and whole nuts. Some flavours include pear and riesling, salted cashew and cucumber and rosemary.
Insider Intel:
- Ciccone and Sons is also licensed, meaning you can pair your ice cream hit with a cheeky cocktail.
Mapo Gelato
123 King Street, Newtown and Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach
Image credit: Mapo Gelato | Instagram
Taking the gelato trade and turning it up a notch, Mapo is serving incredible fresh gelato made from real seasonal ingredients. There might be something different every time you visit, but you can expect the likes of smoked macadamia sorbet, truffle and wildflower honey, or on-trend collabs with local businesses.
Insider Intel:
- Scoops here are all sans artificial colours, flavours and aromas, and the ingredients are transparent and natural.
Anita Gelato
Various Locations
Image credit: Anita Gelato | Instagram
Anita Gelato is all about homemade flavours, serving up 150 rotating options of gelato, frozen yoghurt, sorbet, and organic, sugar-free, fat-free and soy-based treats. With humble beginnings more than 20 years ago, Mama Anita, alongside her youngest son, Nir, began creating delicious frozen treats in their small kitchen. Shout out to their banana and Biscoff, pavlova and berries, macadamia gelato, and watermelon and mint sorbet.
Insider intel:
- In terms of fro-yo, real ones know Anita knocks it out of the park. Pay for the scoop, and get unlimited toppings and sauces (cookieman, you have my heart).
Rivareno
280 Crown Street, Darlinghurst and 4/33 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo and Shop 3/101-103 Macleay Street, Potts Point
Image credit: Rivareno | Instagram
Buckle up for an Italian adventure straight to Bologna, the home of gelato. The gelato and sorbets at Rivareno are forged in the laboratorio to ensure everything's made with natural ingredients (that is, no hydrogenated fats, artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives) and with epic flavours.
Insider Intel:
- The pistachio is a favourite flavour among Urban List readers, as well as their nostalgic Cremino.
Gelato Franco
281 Marrickville Road, Marrickville
Image credit: Gelato Franco | Instagram
Using natural and fresh ingredients in his creamy gelato creations, Franco Riservato is the man who functions as the heart and soul of this classic Italian dessert parlour. Decked out with quaint tables dressed in fresh flowers, you are in old-school gelato heaven and, in other words, about to indulge in the best kind of gelato.
Insider Intel:
- If you happen to come across their black sesame and stracciatella, it is guaranteed to knock your socks off.
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Cow & The Moon
181 Enmore Road, Enmore
Image credit: Cow & The Moon | Instagram
This late-night family-run gelato and coffee bar has scored international acclaim and creates mouth-watering and delectable flavours that are absolutely worth a visit. Cow And The Moon churns out vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free variations, making everything in-house daily, as they have been since 1993.
Insider Intel:
- They run over one hundred flavours, with 26 on offer daily, but if you had to decide for your last meal, you’d want to make sure you hit their iconic strawberry and balsamic vinegar panna cotta flavour.
Gelato Messina
Various Locations
Image credit: Gelato Messina | Instagram
It's the gelato that needs no introduction, but if you're new here, settle in. There’s a reason the line at Gelato Messina is always (and we mean always) winding out the door. Urban List readers said their fave flavs are pistachio praline, milk chocolate with fudge, and the pandan and coconut, but the gelato kings here create five new specials every week: memorable and wacky combos with equally deserving titles.
Insider intel:
- We love their gelato cakes for special occasions—keep your eyes peeled for specials like their cookie pie and special collaborations.
Gelateria Gondola
2/77 Archer Street, Chatswood
This neighbourhood gelateria serves up a mix of classic Italian combos (the pumpkin and amaretti is a must-try), as well as new-school faves (hello, lamington) using only natural ingredients. They also have a very beautiful interior, making it feel like you have just stepped into coastal Italy.
Insider iNtel:
- Gone are the days of the classic Freddo cake—this joint is whipping up premium gelato cakes for all kinds of occasions.
Trovatino Cafe
268 Great N Road, Wareemba
Image credit: Trovatino Cafe | Instagram
Say hello to Sydney’s award-winning gelato joint. Trovatino Cafe is the place to be in summer when you’re craving the good stuff and the team here is known for whipping up the best chocolate and strawberry gelato around, created out the back and made fresh daily (yep, this stuff sells out in summer).
Insider intel:
- While they change out their flavours seasonally, the peach iced tea sorbet should also be on your hit list.
C9 Chocolate & Gelato
Various Locations
Image credit: C9 Chocolate & Gelato | Instagram
First and foremost, make sure you hit up C9 Chocolate & Gelato on an empty stomach because the creamy treats here are mammoth. The real hype is around the cronut, brownie and sweet brioche gelato sandwiches you can build yourself, with your choice of gelato, chocolate drizzle and fruit served alongside.
Insider intel:
- Most locations are pet-friendly, offering "pup-pops" that you can offer to your furriest companion.
Fresko Gelato & Waffle House
301 Victoria Road, Marrickville
Image credit: Fresko Gelato | Instagram
Developing, mastering and perfecting their flavours with passion, Fresko Gelato offers over 36 different flavours, with many, like baklava, drawing from the owners' Greek heritage, as well as the classics.
Insider Intel:
If you're feeling extra indulgent, top a fresh waffle with a scoop of your pic for a real treat.
Zini Contemporary Gelateria
6 Loftus Street, Circular Quay
Image credit: Zini Contemporary Gelateria | Instagram
Zini Contemporary Gelateria elevates Italian gelato with sustainable practices and top-notch quality. Enjoy classic flavours like Stracciatella with crunchy choc-chip ribbons or pure pistachio; however, these are subject to change, as owner Matteo Zini loves to get creative with many seasonal influences. With a modern, pastel-toned space and inviting outdoor seating, Zini is perfect for a sweet Italian escape.
Insider Intel:
- What sets Zini apart are their artisan treats—gelato sticks, cannoli, and cookies, which pair perfectly with their curated coffee blends.
Main image credit: Ciccone and Sons | Instagram
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