Gelato-making in Italy is like a cherished family heirloom, with recipes and secrets being handed down through the generations. When these traditions were transplanted to Perth, they became the foundation for creating authentic Italian-style gelato.
So, what is Perth’s gelato scene like? Well, it’s got what it takes to give Sydney and Melbourne a run for their money. The best part is that it’s kind of like Perth’s best-kept secret. However, we’re here to spill the beans on the best local gelato spots.
Kuld Creamery, Fremantle and Northbridge
Mosey over to Kuld Creamery, right in the heart of Fremantle or fringing the trendy Northbridge area. They take pride in making small batches of gelato from scratch every single day. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with flavour. You can go classic with Chocolate and Vanilla Bean or get a bit adventurous with options like Blood Orange Sorbet and Cardamom and Rosewater.
Chicho Gelato, Fremantle and Northbridge
Another gelato joint with locations in Fremantle and Northbridge is Chicho Gelato. Here, they use locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to whip up different flavours. There’s Salted Caramel, Roasted Strawberry, and Lemon Meringue, or you can opt for the special. Sometimes it’s in the form of Grug, a googly-eyed character with a Savoiardi Biscuit nose. They also have a range of tasty treats like the hot apple bun, with burnt butter gelato sandwiched between a brioche bun and drizzled with duck fat caramel.
Gusto Gelato, CBD
This gelato is all about that smooth texture and a depth of flavour that’ll blow your mind. They’ve got a wide range of flavours, from classic Chocolate and Hazelnut to exotic ones like Lychee and Coconut. There are three locations scattered around Perth from East Victoria Park to Leaderville and down by Elizabeth Quay.
Whisk Creamery, Subiaco and Northbridge
Whisk Creamery is all about top-quality, organic ingredients. Their gelato? It’s velvety and punches with flavour. From Tiramisu to Persian Pomegranate and Dark Chocolate, your taste buds are in for a serious adventure. Oh, and you can even pair your gelato with their fresh-baked pastries for a combo that’s pretty hard to resist. One of their famous cones is in the shape of a fish.
Stampede Gelato, Fremantle
How does pork crackle and apple sauce gelato sound? Don’t knock it until you try it. Stampede is known for their inventive and sometimes whacky combinations. You can find them scribbled on the whiteboard if you can read it, or ask for a lucky dip, or shall we say scoop. If salted fennel and rosemary don’t appeal to you, don’t worry. They have plenty of flavours like salted tim tam, red velvet cheesecake, and so much more.
Pietro Gelateria, Inglewood and East Victoria Park
Pietro Gelateria, hidden away in Inglewood, Perth, is a real local treasure. The gelato maestros here are all about whipping up that authentic Italian-style gelato, sticking to traditional recipes and top-quality ingredients. And the flavours? They’ve got everything from your classic favourites to some super creative concoctions such as ricotta, orange and dark chocolate, and lavender and Earl Grey.
Dumbo Gelato, Scarborough
This isn’t your average gelato shop. It’s the kind of shop Italians would take one look at and run out of the store in fear they’ve betrayed their heritage. Why, you ask? Well, because Dumbo Gelato serves flavours like cheese and Vegemite and something called a gorilla biscuit. The flavours are as adventurous as the owners. Each cup or cone of gelato scooped is creamy and packed with flavour. If you’re not as adventurous, don’t worry. They have the usual flavours, too, like pistachio, Nutella, choc mint and more.
Milan Gelato, Victoria Park
If you find yourself wandering around Victoria Park, craving a cold treat, keep your eye out for Milan Gelato’s storefront. Inside, you’ll find a handful of flavours to please even the fussiest of eaters. They have traditional flavours and mashups like Nutella-misu, which is exactly how it sounds: a Nutella tiramisu crossover.
Fry’d, Leederville and Fremantle
Three words: deep-fried ice cream. Yes, the Chinese restaurant favourite finally has its time in the spotlight at Fry’d. Think of a hot, crispy outer shell encased with creamy, smooth Italian gelato. It’s that tantalising balance of hot and cold. As for the flavours, expect vanilla and salted caramel, cookies and cream, baklava, Biscoff, pandan and coconut, and a Ferrero Rocher special that comes with a Ferrero Rocher ball. They also serve donut fries by the cup.
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