Sydney, get ready to cool down this summer with a scoop (or two) of the finest gelato!

If you’re looking to tick all of your summer cravings with something cold, sweet and crunchy; we’ve got a list worth licking through.

From crowd favourites to interesting flavour combinations, we’ve got your summer of 2022 covered with our list of the four best ice-cream and gelato shops in Sydney:

If you’re wanting something that won’t melt, then you must try Moon Dog’s Splice of Heaven Mango Ice Cream IPA!

<strong>Cow & The Moon</strong>
Image supplied via Destination NSW.

Cow & The Moon

Not surprised? That’s because they continue to simply get it right! Let’s not forget they did win the award for the Best Gelato in the World thanks to their Mandorla Affogato flavour back in 2014 in Rimini, Italy – now that’s saying something. With a line just as busy as Enmore Road, this quaint gelato shop is sure worth the wait. With over 25 rotating flavours, we’re sure that after a lick or two you’ll be sure to find your favourite. On top of their seasonal sorbets, you’ll also be able to find interesting flavours such as Black Sesame, Spiced Pear and Strawberry Balsamic Pannacotta to name a few.

More info

181 Enmore Rd, Enmore, NSW 2042
<strong>Fratelli Fresh</strong>
Photographed by Puk Khantho. Image via Unsplash.

Fratelli Fresh

When you think of Fratelli Fresh you think of delicious pizza and pasta, but they are now so much more than that! Tapping into the culinary credentials of Italian-born head pastry chef, Riccardo Falcone, Fratelli Fresh have unleashed 16 heavenly flavours of handcrafted gelato –some of the best in Sydney! Using only the freshest of products, each batch of gelato is whipped up daily at the Fratelli Fresh Darling Harbour. If you’re looking for the best scoop this summer 2022, we recommend either the Tiramisu, Hazelnut or the Raspberry Sorbet.

More info

Various Locations
<strong>Gelato Messina</strong>
Photographed by Daniel Boud. Image supplied via Destination NSW.

Gelato Messina

If you haven’t had Messina, you are missing out big time! Taking the title of Masters of Gelato, rolling out 17 stores across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Canberra. They’ve even taken their production to the next level with their own dairy farm producing some of the highest quality Jersey milk and, they every have their own hazelnut farm in Victoria, use an imported chocolate-making machine from Italy and make in-house delectable Dulce de Leche. With classic flavours that join their rotating and equally creative weekly specials, Gelato Messina sure know how to whip together the best gelato in Sydney. Don’t forget to order a cake while you’re at it!

More info

Various Locations
<strong>Rivareno Gelato</strong>
Photographed by Kyle Hinkson. Image via Unsplash.

Rivareno Gelato

Italia is here, and we have the legends at Rivareno Gelato to thank for that – grazie mille! Rivareno hails from Bologna, the food capital of the world, and brings with them the passion, imagination and skill to create one of Sydney’s best gelato shops. Worried you won’t know what to pick? You should be! There are over 50 mouthwatering flavours to pick from, so make sure you’ve got yourself an appetite to gorge on as many as possible. Our highlights include the New York which is a mix of Canadian maple syrup and caramelised pecan nuts; creamy chocolate and peanut butter filled Sweet Alabama; and, not to forget, Caramello Salato – salted caramel with pink Himalayan salt and toffeed hazelnut pieces.

More info

Various Locations

Looking for something sweet Sydney? From bread to bagels, croissants and tarts, get your fix at the 10 Best Bakeries in Sydney of 2022. Or, for something unusual, foodies check out these 10 Unique Dining Experiences in Sydney.

Feature image: Cow & The Moon. Image supplied via Destination NSW.
This article was first published on December 05 2018. It was updated and edited by Hunter and Bligh on November 22 2021.