Melbourne’s Best Gelato and Ice Cream: the City’s Best Scoops

Melbourne » Guides » Melbourne’s Best Gelato and Ice Cream: the City’s Best Scoops
Article published: 1 November 2023

Alright Melbourne. You loved our articles on the best crepes, galettes and steak restaurants in Melbourne. So we decided to tackle a big one here – Melbourne’s best gelato and ice cream scoops!

And can I just say, this was a fun one to write about (and taste test…). Among Melbourne’s culinary delights, there really is a stand out when it comes to the ultimate sweet escape – gelato and ice cream!

Gelato ain’t just a dessert here. It is a passion, a work of art. An escape. Join us as we embark on a delicious journey to uncover the best ice cream and gelato scoops available in Melbourne.

 

What is the difference between gelato and ice cream?

They have similar ingredients and the terms are often used interchangeably. But what is the difference between ice cream and gelato?

According to The Spruce Eats, one of the main differences is:

Ice cream contains more cream than milk, whereas gelato is made with a greater proportion of whole milk to cream.

Another difference is that ice cream ingredients often include egg yolks while gelato usually has no eggs. There are also subtle differences are in the storage and speed of churning. The unique characteristics account for the difference in taste and texture.

Ice cream generally has more fat compared to gelato. Therefore, gelato is probably a little healthier. Gelato also tends to be a little more dense and smoother in texture.

 

Where to get the best gelato and ice cream in Melbourne

Both ice cream and gelato are famous (and delicious) in Melbourne, we have found gelato is the more commonly found and popular of the two.

Without further delay, let’s take a journey of Melbourne Buddy’s list of the best scoops available in Melbourne.

 

Map of top gelato and ice cream scoops in Melbourne

Enjoy this interactive map of the best gelato and ice cream in Melbourne we made for you.

We thought it would be handy to have on your sweet scoop journey.

 

Pidapipo

Locations: Several locations in Melbourne including CBD, Fitzroy, Carlton and Windsor

Our sweet scoop journey begins at Pidapipo, a true Melbourne gelato icon. At Pidapipo, they abide to the best of Italian gelato traditions utilising fresh local produce to make some of the top gelato in Melbourne on site. Pidapipo’s founder actually attended a gelato university in Bologna, Italy. I am not kidding.

Pidapipo has a range of flavours to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re a fan of classics like Stracciatella, Vanilla or Hazelnut or feeling a little more adventurous, Pidapipo’s got you covered. The scoops really make you feel like you are in Italy.

Tip: Give the classic Hazelnut a try. Thank us later.

 

Piccolina Gelateria

Locations: Various locations in Melbourne including CBD, Richmond, Collingwood, St Kilda, Chadstone and Hawthorn.

Piccolina is another staple of Melbourne gelato and our next stop. Open every day except on Christmas, Piccolina Gelateria is a boutique gelato maker dedicated to the tradition and craft of artisanal gelato.

Quality is in focus here and the carefully sourced ingredients are local, fresh and tasty. It is a labour of Italian gelato love. Classic and unique flavours abound at Piccolina so do not miss it.

Tip: The Better Than Nutella and Fior Di Latte are just sensational. If you can, make sure you also try the Coffee Gelato with Brownie Pieces (yum!) if available (occasionally found in weekly specials).

 

Spring Street Grocer

Location: 157 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Tucked away in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD is the Spring Street Grocer. Across from the parliament, few locations on this list will come even close to the glamour of this one.

Spring Street Grocer is a hidden gem with a reputation for an excellent range of local and imported delicacies. And the gelato here (called the Gelateria Primavera) is sublime. With an eclectic selection of seasonal flavours and an unwavering dedication to using only the finest gelato ingredients, Spring Street Grocer gelato is not to be missed.

Tip: You must not pass up the Spring Street Grocer’s Pistachio flavour

 

Messina Gelato

 

Location: Several locations in Melbourne including Windsor, Richmond, Brunswick East and Malvern

No list of the best gelato in Melbourne would be complete without mentioning the amazing Gelato Messina. Originating in Sydney, and still dominating the NSW gelato scene, the Melbourne Messina stores have also been growing in popularity locally.

Similarly to Piccolina and Pidapipo, Messina has a sizeable collection of classic gelato but also regularly launches new and innovative creations that push the boundaries of what gelato can be.

Tip: Vanilla or opt for boysenberry. Both are divine.

If you get a chance, try the seasonal special called Darkside – a chocolate fondant gelato with dark chocolate fudge and cocoa nib nougatine.

 

Kariton Sorbettes

Locations: Melbourne CBD (Chinatown), Footscray and Glen Waverley.

This one is a little different. Melbourne’s culinary scene is renowned for its diversity, and Kariton is a testament to this. Kariton brings the gelato flavours of the Philippines to Melbourne, offering a refreshment to the traditional gelato and ice cream scene. Asian and yet Australian.

Unique flavours abound here – try the Ube Halaya or Mango Float are just a few of the tasty choices, giving you a taste of Filipino culture right in the heart of Melbourne.

If you are feeling brave, (carefully) try the Durian Chiffon.

 

Miinot Gelato

Location: 71 Melville Rd, Pascoe Vale South VIC 3044

Worth the detour from other areas of Melbourne, Miinot Gelato is another standout gelato destination.

With an ever changing menu of exquisite flavours designed daily by husband and wife team Emma and Gary, you are in for a treat. A range of vegan and dairy free options usually available as well.

 

7 Apples

Location: 75 Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182. Also present at the ground level of Chadstone Shopping Centre.

Acland Street, aka the “cake street”, is not all about cakes.

7 Apples is your go to St Kilda location for authentic, tasty gelato. 7 Apples offers a taste of Tuscan tradition with every scoop.

Tip: Sorbets are a must have here.

 

Luther’s Scoops

Location: 528A Sydney Road, Brunswick VIC 3056

Adding to the lineup, we move onto Brunswick’s Luther’s Scoops. A hub of handcrafted gelato and ice cream, with flavours changing with the seasons. This means their menu is constantly adapting to fresh seasonal produce from local Victorian farmers. Luther’s Scoops will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

Tip: Try the Boysenberry Sour Cream or vegan Dark Chocolate.

 

Fluffy Torpedo

Location: 5/159 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065

How could we leave out Fluffy Torpedo from this list? This relatively new Smith Street ice cream scoop boutique takes creativity to a whole new level. And you better believe it.

As soon as you enter Fluffy Torpedo, you will notice it is not like the other ice cream shops. You will find a colourful collection of art and centrally, a wall filled with A4 sheets of ever changing vegan and dairy flavour descriptions on offer.

Their whimsicaland playful ambiance make this one a bit of an up and comer favourite among locals and tourists alike.

Vegemite and White Chocolate or Honey, Soy Sauce ice cream, anyone?

 

Hareruya Pantry

Location: 15-17 Lincoln Square South, Carlton VIC 3053

Hareruya Pantry brings a Japanese twist to this collection. Hareruya, translating to “sunny shop” in Japanese,  specialises in crafting gelato from locally sourced, farm fresh ingredients.

But that is not what sets Hareruya apart. How about your choice as to whether you want your gelato in a cup or wrapped in a sheet of mochi skin? Or maybe in a sandwich between two rice wafer crisps? The flavours are a range of uniquely Japanese flavours you have to try. This one is a special experience and you to make sure you visit.

Tip: Try the Strong Matcha or Houjicha Chocolate flavours. Thank me later.

 

Gelateria Bico

Location: 288 Albert St, Brunswick VIC 3056

Bico is another amazing Italian inspired gelato maker. A father and son powerhouse team with a focus on quality, Bico offers a smorgasbord of classic gelato vanities, sorbets with a number of unique flavours available and a selection of vegan options too.

Tip: Our suggestion is to try the salty Snickers and fior de banana flavours. And the tartufo of course.

 

Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth

You’re a gelato purist who craves classic flavours? Or an adventurous spirit seeking one of a kind combinations creations? Melbourne’s gelato and ice cream scene has something for everyone.

So, pick a destination from our list and start your sweet journey through Melbourne’s best gelato and ice cream makers – I think your taste buds will thank you!

 

We wrote this Melbourne’s Best Ice Cream and Gelato article in November 2023.  At Melbourne Buddy, we try very best to provide up to date and useful information, we do not guarantee the accuracy of any of the information provided in this article. Mistakes can and do happen. If you spot one, send us an email so we can fix it. Keep in mind, things can change at any time in addition so always have a look at the official Melbourne gelateria and ice creamery websites for details including their open times and dates. Note that gelato and ice cream images used are sometimes stock photos not representing actual product from store.