Looking for the best spots to satisfy your ice cream cravings in Sydney? You’re in the right place. Sydney, known for its bustling food scene, is home to some incredible ice cream and gelato hangouts. Whether you’re a local or a traveler exploring the city, finding that perfect scoop can be a delightful adventure.
From creamy classics to innovative flavors, these ten spots are must-visits for any ice cream lover. Expect a mix of traditional and contemporary choices, perfect for cooling down on a hot day or simply treating yourself to something sweet. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of Sydney’s icy delights.
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1. Cow & The Moon
Cow & The Moon in Enmore, Sydney, is a must-visit for ice cream lovers. This family-run gelateria has been delighting Sydneysiders since it opened in 2010. With fresh gelato churned daily, every scoop is packed with quality and creativity. It’s no wonder this place is a neighborhood favorite.
You’ll find dozens of unique gelato flavors, each more tantalizing than the last. Their attention to detail has earned them both local and international acclaim. Moreover, they serve great coffee and specialty cakes, perfect for satisfying all your sweet cravings.
Next time you’re wandering Enmore Road, pop into Cow & The Moon. You might just find your new favorite dessert spot. The vibe is always buzzing, making it a great place to hang out with friends or family.
Rating: 4.6 (over 3,300 reviews)
Location: 181 Enmore Rd, Enmore NSW 2042, Australia
Contact: +61 423 660 198
Website: Visit Website
2. Ciccone & Sons
Walking into Ciccone & Sons in Redfern, you might feel like you’ve stepped back in time. This cozy gelateria brings the classic charm of a 1950s Italian ice cream shop to Sydney. You’ll find small-batch, artisan gelato made from local produce. Each scoop is crafted with care, offering a delicious taste of tradition.
One of the standout points about Ciccone & Sons is how they collaborate with top Sydney restaurants to create special flavors. This means you can expect some unique and tasty combinations that you won’t find anywhere else. Their commitment to quality and creativity shines through in each scoop.
Located on Regent Street, Ciccone & Sons not only serves up delectable gelato but also honors the traditional custodians of the land. Their respect for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is evident, adding a layer of cultural appreciation to your visit.
If you’re looking to try some of the best ice cream in Sydney, make sure Ciccone & Sons is on your list. The gelato here is not just a treat for your taste buds but a little piece of history and community spirit.
Rating: 4.7 (Over 500 reviews)
Location: 195 Regent St, Redfern NSW 2016, Australia
Website: Visit Website
3. C9 Chocolate & Gelato Sydney Place
If you’re craving a sweet treat in Sydney, C9 Chocolate & Gelato Sydney Place has you covered. This little gem offers a unique blend of chocolate and gelato that will make your taste buds dance. The gelato is crafted by an Italian gelato maker with 20 years of experience, so you know it’s the real deal.
The shop isn’t just about ice cream, though. It also offers a fantastic range of desserts, like donuts, croffles, and cronuts. Each of these treats is made with great care, ensuring the perfect balance of flavors. You’ll never find anything too sweet here; everything is just right.
The atmosphere at C9 is cozy and inviting. You’ll feel right at home enjoying your dessert in their relaxed setting. The customer service is top-notch, too, which makes your visit even more enjoyable.
Rating: 4.9 (Over 200 reviews)
Location: 23 Ah Toy La, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Contact: +61 457 500 526
Website: Visit Website
4. Gelato Messina Darlinghurst
Gelato Messina in Darlinghurst is a gem for anyone with a sweet tooth. The trendy decor catches your eye the moment you step in, setting the stage for an indulgent experience. You’ll have over 40 creative gelato flavors to choose from. It’s heaven for those who love trying new and unique combinations.
One of the coolest things about this place is how they push the boundaries with their gelato. Don’t be surprised to find funky flavors like salted caramel, white chocolate, or pistachio praline. You might hesitate briefly, but trust me, it’s always worth the risk. The friendly staff is more than happy to offer you a taste before you make your final decision.
Thickshakes are another highlight here. They’re thick, creamy, and just what you need on a hot Sydney day. I remember bringing my cousin here for the first time, and he couldn’t stop raving about the chocolate thick shake. Whether with family or friends or just treating yourself, Gelato Messina is always a good idea.
Rating: 4.6 (Over 1200 reviews)
Location: Shop 1/241 Victoria St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Contact: +61 2 9331 1588
5. Rivareno Gelato
If you are craving something sweet in Sydney, head over to Rivareno Gelato in Darlinghurst. This place is not just any ice cream shop; it is a colorful and light-filled parlor that brings a slice of Italy to your tastebuds. The gelato here is crafted traditionally, making it rich and flavorful.
The vibe at Rivareno Gelato is casual and welcoming. You will find it hard to resist the pastries and coffee drinks they serve alongside their incredible gelato. It’s a fantastic spot for a quick treat or a relaxing break with friends. The interior is bright and cheerful, making it a pleasant place to hang out.
One of the things that makes Rivareno stand out is its dedication to quality. The ingredients used are top-notch, ensuring that every scoop of gelato is smooth and delicious.
Rating: 4.6 (Over 1,300 reviews)
Location: 280 Crown St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Contact: +61 2 9356 2669
Website: Visit Website
6. Mapo Newtown
If you’re craving ice cream in Sydney, Mapo Newtown should be on your list. This spot might be relatively new to Newtown, but it’s already a favorite among chefs and locals. What sets it apart is its dedication to using high-quality, local ingredients.
You’ll find unique flavors like fior di latte, made with milk from Barambah Organics. This place takes pride in keeping things fresh with small-batch churning, so you know you’re getting some of the best ice cream. Another must-try is their salted caramel, made with Pepe Saya butter, which adds a special touch.
For something different, try their Hazelnut Piedmont flavor, which is great when served in a brioche bun. Their menu is pretty seasonal, so you might get to enjoy some fresh, fruit-based options depending on when you visit.
Rating: 4.7 (Over 900 reviews)
Location: 123 King St, Newtown NSW 2042, Australia
Contact: +61 2 8937 4919
Website: Visit Website
7. Hakiki Newtown
Hakiki Newtown is a hidden gem in the heart of Sydney. This ice cream shop is not just any ordinary place; it’s where tradition meets a cozy, modern vibe. When you step inside, you’re greeted by exposed brick walls and a warm atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Perfect for settling down with a sweet treat.
The menu is packed with traditional flavors that you won’t find just anywhere. Turkish ice cream here is a must-try, known for its unique texture and resistance to melting. They also serve homemade baklava and slow-brewed Turkish coffee, making it a great spot for dessert lovers.
Hakiki Newtown is not only about ice cream; it’s an experience. The locals rave about it, and the high rating shows that this place is loved by many. It’s located in Newtown, a trendy area known for its lively streets and eclectic mix of shops.
Rating: 4.4 (Over 1,600 reviews)
Location: Shop 1/63/71 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042, Australia
Contact: +61 2 8040 1676
Website: Visit Website
8. Gelato Messina Surry Hills
Gelato Messina in Surry Hills is an absolute gem in the heart of Sydney. If you love gelato, this place is heaven. They offer over 40 unique and creative flavors—some of which are unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before! It’s a bit trendy, but that adds to the charm.
The interior is vibrant and fun, making it a perfect spot to hang out with friends or family. Picture this: a hot Sydney afternoon, and you’re escaping it all with a thickshake from Messina. Pure bliss, right? They have thickshakes that are just as inventive as their gelato flavors.
One thing to keep in mind is that this place can get crowded, especially in the evenings. So, if you want to avoid the rush, maybe swing by in the afternoon. Plus, it’s located on Crown Street, which is central, making it easy to pop in while exploring Surry Hills.
Rating: 4.6 (Over 1500 reviews)
Location: 389 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Contact: +61 2 9332 1191
9. French Riviera Icecreamery
When you’re in Sydney and craving something sweet, French Riviera Icecreamery in Double Bay is a great spot. Their vibrant shop serves up some pretty impressive sundaes, milkshakes, and dessert boxes. It’s a place where you can really treat yourself.
You can enjoy your dessert there or take it with you. The colorful atmosphere inside makes it a fun spot for families and friends. And if you’ve had a tough day, their sundaes might just make everything better.
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I remember finding this gem one hot afternoon. The ice cream was a lifesaver. My personal favorite was their rich, creamy chocolate shake. It tasted like pure heaven. Trust me, it’s worth the trip.
Rating: 4.9 (Over 300 reviews)
Location: 1/5 Knox St, Double Bay NSW 2028, Australia
Contact: +61 2 9362 1444
Website: Visit Website
10. Gelato Franco
Gelato Franco is a delightful spot tucked away in Marrickville. This ice cream shop has built quite a local following thanks to its creamy and rich gelato, perfect for cooling down on a hot day. You can expect a variety of flavors, each crafted with care and high-quality ingredients.
You’re greeted with a warm, welcoming atmosphere when you step inside. The shop also doubles as a café, so you can relax with your gelato. The owners have a passion for what they do, which shows in every scoop.
You might just find yourself chatting with the friendly staff about your favorite flavors. It’s this personal touch that makes Gelato Franco stand out. It’s a great spot to take a break during a day out in the city.
Rating: 4.6 (Over 700 reviews)
Location: 281 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204, Australia
Website: Visit Website
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History of Ice Cream in Sydney
Sydney has a rich history of ice cream. The city’s frozen treat culture has evolved, with influences from various immigrant communities shaping the unique flavors and styles you see today.
Origins and Evolution
Early settlers in Sydney brought their ice cream recipes with them, and it wasn’t long before local parlors started popping up. By the mid-1800s, Sydney had its first ice cream shops. These were often small family-run businesses, serving simple flavors like vanilla and chocolate.
Fast forward to the 20th century, technology advancements changed everything. The introduction of refrigeration made it easier to store and sell ice cream. This led to a boom in popularity, and soon you could find ice cream stands at beaches and parks. Today, Sydney’s ice cream scene blends tradition with innovation, offering everything from classic scoops to experimental flavors.
Influences from Immigrant Communities
Sydney’s diverse population brought many different ice cream traditions to the city. Italian immigrants, for example, introduced gelato, which is now a staple. Places like Gelato Messina have made a name by serving high-quality, innovative gelato flavors crafted from Italian techniques.
Asian communities also had an impact. Unique flavors inspired by Asian ingredients, such as matcha and black sesame, are a hit, and shops dedicated to them can be found in places like Chinatown.
In recent years, South American and Middle Eastern influences have also become more prominent. Think dulce de leche from Argentina or pistachio from Lebanon. These flavors bring something new and exciting, making Sydney’s ice cream culture even richer and more diverse.
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Types of Ice Cream Available
Sydney offers fantastic ice cream flavors to satisfy every sweet tooth. From classic favorites to unusual concoctions and vegan options, you’ll find something to enjoy in Sydney’s vibrant ice cream scene.
Traditional Flavors
Many ice cream shops in Sydney take pride in their traditional flavors. You can find classic vanilla, rich chocolate, and refreshing strawberry at many establishments. Gelato Messina, for instance, serves up their renowned traditional flavors that have been loved by locals for years. They are known for their creamy texture and authentic taste.
Another spot, Toscana Gelateria Naturale, offers traditional Tuscan-inspired flavors, like ricotta and cinnamon. It’s a delightful experience to enjoy these old-school tastes that remind you of simpler times. The pleasure of tasting a perfectly made traditional gelato is something every ice cream lover should experience.
Innovative and Unique Creations
Sydney is also a hub for those looking for something a bit more adventurous. Gelato Messina frequently features special editions, like A Salt On The Senses, which blends vanilla, salted caramel, and choc chip cookies. This creative approach keeps customers returning to see what new flavor combinations are available.
Duo Duo offers inventive choices that aren’t just about the ice cream but the accompanying treats. Their doughnut ice creams, with flavors like Biscoff and crème brûlée, add an exciting twist to the usual ice cream experience. You can always find something unexpected that delights the eyes and the taste buds.
Dairy-Free and Vegan Options
For those who are lactose-intolerant or vegan, Sydney has plenty of options, so you don’t miss out on the fun. Many ice cream shops now offer dairy-free and vegan-friendly alternatives that are just as delicious as the traditional options.
Mapo Gelato, in particular, shines in this area with its eco-friendly, vegan recipes. Its flavors, like dark chocolate and passion fruit sorbet, are not only dairy-free but also bursting with flavor. Even Mrs Jones the Baker has included a range of dairy-free gelatos, proving you can find great options nearly anywhere in the city.
Ice Cream Trends in Sydney
Sydney’s ice cream scene constantly evolves, embracing new trends like local ingredients and sustainable practices. These trends enhance flavor and support the environment and local economy.
Use of Local Ingredients
More and more ice cream shops in Sydney are sourcing their ingredients locally. This means you might find flavors featuring Australian macadamias, fresh berries from local farms, or even unique spices found only in this region.
For example, Toscana Gelateria Naturale uses traditional Tuscan-inspired techniques but with a twist—ricotta and cinnamon sourced from nearby producers. Having local ingredients doesn’t just make the ice cream taste better; it also supports local farmers and reduces the environmental impact from transport.
You’ll also find places like Messina Gelato, which prides itself on making everything from scratch. Ever tried their salted caramel gelato? The rich, creamy taste comes from local dairy farms, making it a must-try in town.
Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a big deal in Sydney’s ice cream shops. Many are adopting eco-friendly practices to reduce their carbon footprint. This might mean using biodegradable cups and spoons or focusing on energy-efficient appliances.
Icy Spicy and Tasty Towns are two shops that have gone the extra mile. They’re committed to using green energy and even offer discounts if you bring your cup. It’s a small step, but it makes a huge difference.
When you visit these shops, you’re not just indulging in a cold treat but also supporting environmentally conscious businesses. It’s ice cream you can feel good about eating.
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