The heat is beaming down, the beach is calling, and you've got a thirst that only the iciest drink is going to quench. But there's something else calling your name, something that is going to instantly cool that core temp down, something that is totally worth forgoing the summer bod for—ice cream.
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With summer in full swing, we’re ready to indulge in countless scoops, so without further adieu, here are the best ice cream and gelato shops in Melbourne for 2025:
Luther’s Scoops
Brunswick, Thornbury & Reservoir
Image: Luther's Scoops | Supplied
One of Melbourne's true queue-worthy ice cream shops in Melbourne's north is Luther’s Scoops. The hub is named after Luther Burbank, who was a plant breeder that worked alongside the land, rather than on top of it. Luther’s Scoops has adopted this mantra in their ice cream to carry Burbank’s legacy.
They do this by producing seasonal flavours and supporting local farmers. This means their menu is constantly adapting to seasonal produce, all while using a french-style egg custard base that results in an ever-so rich and creamy ice cream.
"We do love introducing people to new and interesting flavours—but it has to taste amazing. I try to avoid novelty for the sake of it," says Christian Williams, founder and ice cream maker.
INSIDER INTEL
- The OG store is in Brunswick, with a second opening in Thornbury and most recently a third in Reservoir.
- Watch out for their collab flavours.
- It’s never too cold for ice cream at Luther’s, especially when served alongside one of their hot apple pies.
Good Daze Canteen
316 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
What started as the dream of two uni students is now some of the best ice cream in Melbourne. Good Daze Canteen celebrates culture through ice cream, taking inspiration from flavours all around the world. Favourites include mangosteen sorbet, mango sticky rice, Vietnamese iced coffee, and Early Grey lemon tea cake.
INSIDER INTEL
- They have a suggestion box for your ice cream ideas. Get creative.
- Plenty of vegan options are on offer.
- Your lactose intolerant friends can purchase a Lacteeze at the counter. Hilarious and very helpful.
Kōri
Hawthorn & Melbourne CBD
Image credit: Kōri | Supplied
Coming in with an exciting take on the dessert variety is Kōri— a boutique ice cream store inspired by the flavours and methods of Japan. The brand is a joint venture between former Masterchef guest chef and dessert specialist, Bernard Chu (LuxBite) and trailblazing Melbourne chef, Joane Yeoh (Press Club, Tonka, Coda). Far from your run-of-the-mill ice cream store, they have a less intense sugar approach and a bigger focus on flavour.
INSIDER INTEL
- There are 24 flavours including eight vegan options.
- Can’t make a decision? Start with a Kōri staple and opt for the matcha pistachio.
- If you’re looking for the best ice cream Melbourne CBD has to offer, this is a hot contender.
Pidapipo
Various Locations
The second the temperature spikes in Melbourne there is a line outside of Pidapipo faster than you can say… well, Pidapipo. Run by gelato-obsessed Lisa Valmorbida who attended gelato university in Italy, you’ll find the real deal at this gelato store in Melbourne. It’s fresh, seasonal, and small batch. The flavours are constantly changing so you always have a new excuse to pop in, and any gelateria that allows you to add extra Nutella is okay in our books—yes, they have a Nutella tap.
INSIDER INTEL
- There’s new flavour drops every month. See them in store or on their Instagram.
- They hold chocolate masterclasses at the Fitzroy Laboratorio.
- Find Pidapipo in Carlton, Windsor, CBD, Fitzroy, and Malvern.
GLO Gelato
131 Lygon Street, Carlton
Image: GLO Gelato | Supplied
If you thought Carlton had enough gelato stores, you’d be mistaken. The owners of the beloved Universal Restaurant on Lygon Street have taken a step into the dessert realm, and we are here for it. GLO Gelato offers 12 core flavours of Italian-style artisanal small batch gelato, plus four regularly rotating specials.
Co-Owner Alfredo Mercuri shared that “the core menu is comprised of our teams’ favourite flavours from childhood, as well as nostalgic flavours from around the world to help make our gelato memorable.”
INSIDER INTEL
- We’re loving the flavour names, like ‘I’m Siciliano’ (lemon sorbetto, blood orange ripple) and ‘Yogi Bear’ (real Greek yoghurt and wild blueberry jam).
- It may be new but it's making its name as one of the best ice cream stores Melbourne has to offer.
- Get it in a cup, cone, or takeaway in a jar.
Kariton Sorbetes
Footscray, Chinatown & Glen Waverley
Image: Kariton Sorbetes | Supplied
Every flavour at this artisanal gelato store is inspired by a classic Filipino dessert, cocktail or produce. Kariton Sorbetes’ handcrafted gelato is untraditional in the best way possible.
They have ten classic gelato and sorbet flavours that have aptly been named “K’s Classics”, as well as two special flavours introduced each fortnight. However the window selection rotates regularly so their offering can be different every day.
INSIDER INTEL
- Their ‘Ube Halaya’ creation is a crowd fave featuring purple yam gelato with purple yam fudge, blackberry jam and caramelised coconut curds.
- There’s gelato, sorbet, soft serve, hand held ice creams, cakes and other desserts on offer too.
- You’ll find their stores in Footscray, Chinatown and Glen Waverley.
Fluffy Torpedo
Fitzroy & Brunswick
Image: Fluffy Torpedo | Supplied
Taking out the mantle for the best moniker for an ice cream store, Fluffy Torpedo is a weird and wonderful by-the-scoop boutique. Sure, you’ll find some traditional flavours like hazelnut and lemon sorbet. But Fluffy's approach focuses more on left-of-centre combinations, such as Vegemite and white chocolate, sour green apple and iceberg lettuce, and vanilla Coke and whipped cream.
INSIDER INTEL
- 50% of their profits are donated to The Life You Can Save.
- Got a wacky ice cream flavour that needs to be invented? Submit it here, and if they make it you’ll get free tubs.
- They’re dedicated to sustainability, even using reusable stainless steel tasting sticks.
Gelato Messina
Various Locations
Image credit: Gelato Messina Melbourne | Supplied
This joint's popular in the Melbourne gelato stakes, with queues that spill out onto the street, come rain, hail or, hopefully, more prevalent, shine. Us Melburnians do love to queue, but the reality is we won't unless it's worth it, and the fact of the matter is, Gelato Messina is pumping out some of the city's finest gelato.
They make every single thing that goes into each scoop, and that includes producing their own milk, chocolate and dulce de leche. They even have their own hazelnut farm here in Victoria. So grab your mates to keep you company, or a really good book, and get in line. It’s worth it.
INSIDER INTEL
- We’re currently obsessed with the Rhum Baba flavour — vanilla clotted cream gelato with rum-soaked baba.
- You’ll find Messina in Brunswick East, Fitzroy, Richmond, Windsor, and Malvern.
- If a store isn’t in your vicinity, you can now get a tub at most Woolworths.
Miinot Gelato
71 Melville Road, Pascoe Vale South
On an unsuspecting stretch of Melville Road, Miinot Gelato is worth the detour for some of the best gelato Melbourne has to offer. Husband and wife team, Emma and Gary, are killing it with a small but perfectly formed gelato list that steadfastly avoids pre-mixed bases. The ice cream is made by hand and new flavours are invented almost daily. They're packed with real fruit goodness, too, like their mouth-watering watermelon.
INSIDER INTEL
- Fancy a Roman Holiday? Same. With roasted almost, pistachio crumble and toffee swirl, it’s hard to walk past.
- They run Saturday disco nights complete with Disco Biscuits (choc chip cookie sandwich with fudge & butterscotch).
- Check their Instagram for current flavour offerings.
Jock's
83 Victoria Avenue, Albert Park
Boasting a fair few medals to their name, Jock's is one of the best southside spots to grab a cool gelato fashioned from top-notch ingredients. We can't go past their good ol' US of A special, the Obamarama, involving the obligatory peanut butter and jelly combo so beloved Stateside.
INSIDER INTEL
- Get it in a cup, cone, or sandwiched between two thin salted chocolate biscuits.
- The hokey pokey has a cult following.
- Looking for the best ice cream cake Melbourne has to offer? This is a hot contender. Our fave is the lemon curd blueberry ice cream cheesecake.
Gelato Papa
Fairfield & Preston
Image: Gelato Papa | Supplied
Gelato Papa pays homage to the Sicilian tradition of gelato making. It opened eight years back, and both Preston and Fairfield are all the better for it. With a range of freshly-made gelato with ingredients all made from scratch in store, you can expect flavours like white chocolate pandan, pineapple Vietnamese mint, and mascarpone fig jam. Don’t miss their gelato cakes either, like the Vegan Bombe Alaska or the Gaytime with a mash of caramel and chocolate ganache covered in crumbled malt.
INSIDER INTEL
- Gelato Papa’s gelato is the perfectly balanced treat—sweet but not so sweet that it’ll send you in a sugar coma. We’re all about that balance.
- They’re Coeliac accredited, with all gluten free ice creams and gluten free desserts like hot Italian doughnuts and sticky date pudding.
- You’ll find some great vegan options here too.
Gelateria Bico
288 Albert Street, Brunswick
Father and son duo, Domenico and Davide Gaglioti spent years in Bologna studying the art of gelato. With all that knowledge and lots of time put into perfecting their craft, they opened up Gelateria Bico in Brunswick. They serve a range of classic gelato and sorbets, including plenty of vegan options too—and they’re always spicing up their menu with new specials to keep you crawling back. Think brown butter, honey and rosemary or pecan pie with flakes of pie crust. Don’t worry, we’re drooling too.
INSIDER INTEL
- Bico’s mind-blowing dessert, tartufo, is a ball that combines two flavours of gelato with a creamy or sweet centre. It’s a must-try.
- They’re also serving up coffee, cannolis, granita (we recommend watermelon), and meringue tarts.
- Check their Instagram for the latest flavour specials.
Beku Gelato
150 Lygon Street, Carlton
Image: Beku Gelato | Supplied
Gracing the gelato grail of Lygon Street in Carlton, Beku has set itself apart from the crowd with a slew of South East Asian-influenced scoops. The tidy little store typically has a crowd of eager ice cream punters spilling out onto the street, getting their hands on the ever-evolving menu of flavours that change each month. On the cards can be anything from a creamy durian fruit number to coconut sorbet with jackfruit bits, and even a milky lychee yuzu.
INSIDER INTEL
- You’ll also find matcha tiramisu and regular tiramisu pots in the fridge.
- There’s around 25 flavours to choose from and multiple vegan options.
- Check their drinks list for some seriously refreshing tipples.
Little Sky
332 Bay Street, Brighton
Image: Little Sky | Supplied
This all natural, house-made, award-winning gelato is your new go-to for ice cream in Brighton. Sure you can enjoy ice cream anywhere, but it hits different at the beach. So pop into Little Sky for a scoop or two and skedaddle straight to the beach so you can enjoy your treat with ocean views.
The gelato is made in small batches each day which means the flavours are constantly changing. But you can expect delicacies like raspberry frozen yoghurt, banana choc chip with peanut butter, and ruby grapefruit. For some of the best ice cream in Melbourne, hit up this bayside spot.
INSIDER INTEL
- They’ve taken out multiple Victorian Dairy Industry Association of Australia (DIAA) awards.
- The gelato cakes are the ultimate special occassion treat.
- Check out their fun Decades Era collection where they tailor flavours to suit a different decade each month.
Hareruya Pantry
Carlton & Melbourne CBD
Image: Hareruya Pantry | Supplied
Hareruya Pantry is a Japanese convenience store that quickly earned a stellar reputation for the best mochi ice cream Melbourne has to offer. Scooping a wide range of Japanese flavours from strong matcha and genmaicha to edamame and the luscious allure of red fruits, the transparently thin sheets of mochi envelop the ice cream, creating a harmonious marriage of creamy yet chewy textures.
INSIDER INTEL
- The genmaicha flavour has mini mochi pearls inside. It's yum.
- You can even get your ice cream sandwiched between rice wafer crisps for some crunchy goodness.
- Their drinks are spot on as well, we can never say no to a matcha.
Cuppa Turca
Northcote & Campbellfield
Image: Cuppa Turca | Supplied
Formerly a tour guide in Cappadocia, Harun Yalcin has brought Turkey to Melbourne through Cuppa Turca, an ice cream shop specialising in dondurma. Dondurma is a stretchy, chewy, sticky ice cream which combines botanical ingredients with various milk options and natural flavourings, offering a one-of-a-kind taste and texture.
Serving some of the most unique flavours as well as ice cream sandwiches constructed with Koska wafers, Cuppa Turca scoops up some of the best ice cream Melbourne has to offer, infusing Turkish flair in every bite.
INSIDER INTEL
- The pistachio flavour is a big crowd favourite.
- The Paan Masala ice cream is an Indian-inspired flavour with tutti frutti bits.
- Why not have your ice cream as a side to serving of künefe, a sweet cheese dessert covered in pastry and syrup.
L’Arte Della Gelato
191 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Fresh and natural gelato is on the menu at L’Arte Della Gelato. There’s a variety of gelato, vegan sorbet, and some unique rotating flavours to keep things interesting. Check the menu on the exposed brick wall inside, and you can expect options like maple chipotle bacon, earl grey, Biscoff cheesecake, Milo Tim Tam, and matcha strawberry.
INSIDER INTEL
- They run gelato workshops for kids, a perfect school holiday activity.
- The Dubai Pistachio Strawberry Cup is next level.
- Vegan pistachio is a top pick for the vegans.
Luna Blu
1D Staniland Grove, Elsternwick
Image: Luna Blu | Supplied
The crew behind Luna Blu definitely know a thing or two about gelato. Often picking the freshest fruit from local markets and farms, and using single origin jersey milk and cream for their homemade small batch gelato, you can count on them churning every flavour from pistachio and banana caramel to wattleseed stracciatella, roasted strawberry, and rum raisin. If you’re in and around the southeast, beeline to Luna Blu for some of the best gelato in Melbourne.
INSIDER INTEL
- Don’t miss their killer affogatos and milkshakes.
- In particular, the affogato with Vietnamese iced coffee is life changing.
- There’s doggie gelato on the menu so your four legged friends won’t miss out.
Boca Gelato
Ivanhoe & Balwyn
Chefs Adam D’Sylva and Monika Frkovic, who are also behind Tonka and Coda, have created a lovechild—Boca Gelato. Their gelato is immaculate. Behind the bright terrazzo counter, you can try anything from fresh lemon gelato to Basque burnt cheesecake or pumpkin spice. It really is some of the best gelato Melbourne has to offer.
INSIDER INTEL
- Don’t be alarmed, but yes, they have dark chocolate on tap.
- Their gelato choc-tops are game changers. You won’t be able to go back to the ones at the cinema.
- The Golden Apple Sundae is fluffy, warm, crunchy, and addictive.
Main Image Credit: Piccolina
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