No matter the weather, ice cream is always a good idea.
There’s nothing like a scoop of Italian gelato to transport you to the holiday you wish you were on, or some old school flavours to take you right back to the days of childhood bliss.
With so much European influence in Melbourne, we do pretty damn good on the ice cream/gelato front.
Whether you’re after a vegan delight, a classic Italian scoop, a fruity sorbet or a fully decked out sundae with toppings galore, we’ve got something you’ll enjoy.
Here are the best ice cream and gelato spots in Melbourne.
Pidapipo
Carlton
Pidapipo is so popular, that there are lines streaming out of the tiny gelateria even in the middle of Winter. It’s for good reason, though. It’s the most authentic Italian gelato we’ve ever tried here in Melbourne and with constantly circulating flavours, there’s always something new to try as well as an old classic.
How to order: You can pick up takeaway from their stores in Windsor or Carlton, or order delivery via UberEats
Piccolina Gelateria
Collingwood
Despite the original Piccolina’s location being Hawthorn, this beautiful Collingwood store has become its HQ. It’s known for fresh and simple Italian gelato, made the old fashioned way, with minimal flavours. It’s quality over quantity, baby. They also offer an incredible range of cakes and other sweet treats too.
How to order: You can get takeaway at their store or order online
Kenny Lover
Thornbury
This kitschy Aussie ice-creamery will not only give you iconic ‘70s vibes, but also weird and wonderful handmade flavours, that come with crazy toppings such as soy sauce, yuzu and sake, olives and white chocolate. Plus, there are hot chippies for dipping.
How to order: Go pick yourself up a treat or pre-order online on their website
Billy Van Creamy
Fitzroy North
An old-school ice-creamery, doing new and exciting things. They’ve got delish vegan options, an all organic and natural range and they even have ice-cream trucks for wedding hire. Located next to Piedemontes, it’s perfect for an ice-cream picnic.
How to order: Pop in for takeaway or buy some cute merch online
Beku Gelato
Brunswick East
This gelato shop takes inspiration from Southeast Asia, rather than Italy, offering eccentric flavours such as durian, lychee, Turkish Delight and Malaysian condensed milk tea. Owner Agusta Triwahyu learnt to make gelato in Rome, and her skills mixed with Southeast Asian flavours is truly something not to be missed.
How to order: You can order delivery online via their website
Gelato Messina
Fitzroy
Sydney’s beloved gelato chain is super popular here in Melbourne, with its bustling crowds, cool staff and loud music… it’s truly a cool kids hangout spot and we understand why. They have an incredible line-up of flavours, with new ones dropping all the time. They also offer coffee, sweets and sometimes, giant cookie cakes. Our fave location is Fitzroy, but there’s a few Messina’s around Melbourne, including Fitzroy, Windsor and Richmond.
How to order: You can order delivery via their website or pop past for a browse and take away
Minnot Gelato
Pascoe Vale South
The owner of Minnot, Emma Nicholas-Jennis, grew up in a gelato store (jealous!), so it’s unsurprising that she scoops up some of the best in Melbourne-town. Our pick for unbeatable flavour is the burnt fig: it will truly take you to Venice.
How to order: Go past for takeaway or buy some cute merch online
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