Craving a chilly treat? From traditional flavours to velvety gelatos, we’ve got the scoop on where to find the coolest cones in town.
ANITA GELATO | WEST VILLAGE, WEST END
First mixed in Mama Anita’s Mediterranean kitchen nearly 20 years ago, Anita Gelato has melted hearts from the US to Australia. This family-run store serves up over 150 flavours, from creamy gelatos to refreshing sorbets, with plenty of vegan and sugar-free options. Every scoop is handmade with love using top-notch, locally sourced ingredients and still gets Mama Anita’s stamp of approval. Whether you’re indulging in Cookieman or savoring a vegan strawberry, each bite is a nostalgic trip back to its humble beginnings.
Flavour pick: Cookieman
BENNIE ADAM ICE CREAM | BULIMBA AND CAPALABA
Already beloved by locals, Bennie Adam Ice Cream has two spots located in Bulimba and Capalaba. It’s a must-visit for ice cream enthusiasts with over 30 fresh, daily-made flavours. This family-owned spot offers everything from classic Vanilla Bean to indulgent Pistachio Praline and Ferrero Rocher. Dairy-free options like Strawberry, Chocolate, and Mango ensure everyone can indulge. And definitely don’t miss the Brown Sugar Bubble Tea ice cream—it’s as fun as it sounds!
Flavour pick: Brown Sugar Bubble Tea or Pistachio Praline
GELATO MESSINA | SOUTH BRISBANE
For gelato that’s a cut above the rest, head to Gelato Messina, which boasts a 40-flavour cabinet with classics and ever-rotating specials. Everything’s made in-house from scratch, using top-quality ingredients like their creamy jersey milk and Ecuadorian cacao. Dive into unique flavours like Poached Figs in Marsala or Italian Nougat. And don’t miss their quirky gelato cakes!
Flavour pick: Super Dulce de Leche, duh!
MISS SOPHIA’S GELATERIA | STAFFORD
Scooping seven days a week, Miss Sophia’s Gelateria is your new go-to for delicious, house-made gelato. This chic, modern gelateria churns out fresh gelato daily using top-notch Maleny milk and cream, Bundaberg sugar, and Australian fruit. With tempting flavours like Pine Mint and Nutella Brittle, every visit offers something new. Don’t miss out on their sundaes, thickshakes, and custom celebration cakes, all enhanced by a Cadbury chocolate tap and a toppings bar.
Flavour pick: Red Velvet Funfetti
MILANI HOUSE OF GELATO | HAMILTON AND SUNNYBANK
Milani House of Gelato is a gelato lover’s dream come true. With over 40 flavours made fresh on-site every morning, this place turns ice cream into an art form. Whether you’re dining in and enjoying your gelato in a chilled glass or grabbing a cone to go, you’re in for a treat. They even have over eight vegan sorbets to choose from! Known for their award-winning flavours and whimsical presentations (gelato served like spaghetti, anyone?), Milani is the perfect place to cool down and indulge in some sweet, creamy bliss.
Flavour pick: Tiramisu delight
LA MACELLERIA GELATERIA | TENERIFFE AND WEST END
The brainchild of two friends, Matteo & Matteo (who happen to share the same last name), who trained under Italy’s top gelato masters, La Macelleria brings authentic Italian gelato to Aussie shores. Their menu includes gelato tubs, sticks, and signature flavours that promise a refreshing experience with every scoop. Whether you’re diving into a 500ml Gelato Tub or grabbing a gelato stick on the go, you’re in for a true taste of Italy. Buon appetito!
Flavour pick: caramello salato or crema bologna
KNEAD GELATO | MORNINGSIDE AND NORTHGATE
Indulge in pure bliss at Knead Gelato, Brisbane’s latest gem from Flour & Chocolate. They whip up small batches of gelato and sorbet infused with their signature pastries and nut butters. Dive into flavours like Palmier, Fruit Mince Pie, and Lamington Gelato, alongside classics such as Vanilla Bean and Choc Mint. Swing by for a taste of their next-level gelato that pairs perfectly with Flour & Chocolate’s mouthwatering treats!
Flavour pick: Lamington Gelato or Plum Sorbet
ROLL IT ICE CREAM CO | VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Remember that feeling of chasing after the neighborhood ice cream van as a kid? Well, get ready to relive that excitement with a gourmet twist! Roll It Ice Cream Co is Brisbane’s coolest dessert sensation, serving up freshly crafted rolled ice cream from their mobile food van. Using -25°C cold pans, they mix your chosen flavours, add-ins, and toppings right before your eyes, ensuring a personalized and delicious treat every time. Whether you catch them at a local event or seek them out for your own gathering, Roll It Ice Cream Co brings fun, flavour, and a touch of nostalgia to every scoop.
Flavour pick: Biscoff cookie butter with pretzel topping
LICK ICE CREAM | GRACEVILLE
You might already recognize Lick Ice Cream for their famous strawberry sundaes at Ekka, but it’s well worth a trip to Graceville to lick through their other 24 signature flavours. With over 200 recipes and new weekly introductions, there’s everything from Redskin to Nutella waiting to be savored.
Flavour pick: Salted Nut Brown Butter with roasted almond
SHIRO GELATO & SNACK | BRISBANE CBD
For a Japanese twist on your dessert cravings, check out the new kid on the block, Shiro Gelato & Snack. Open since early June, this hotspot is going viral on TikTok with its unique menu of mochi-wrapped gelato, onigiri, and Japanese-inspired sodas. Indulge in gelato flavours like matcha, hojicha, black sesame, and miso caramel, with fun toppings like sprinkles, pop rocks, Kit Kats, and Oreos. Pair your sweet treat with a freshly made onigiri and wash it all down with a matcha or yuzu soda.
Flavour pick: Matcha Gelato
Honourable Mention: Beyond Brisbane
UNGERMANN BROTHERS MILK BAR | IPSWICH CBD
With its 1960s-inspired décor, electro-swing tunes, and a menu crafted from scratch, this spot is a nostalgic dream come true. Indulge in over 20 handcrafted ice cream flavours like salted caramel, bacon and pecan, lavender, and Dutch Spice, or dive into their unique savoury offerings with burgers and waffles that will blow your mind. Open every day, Ungermann Brothers is the perfect place to enjoy homemade ice cream, decadent desserts, and quirky milkshakes.
Flavour pick: Dutch Spice
Here’s to scooping up happiness, one cone at a time.
