Brisbane’s weather is pretty much perfect for ice cream or gelato all year round. We’re not discriminating between ice cream and gelato, either. Each has its loyal following and we’ve all got our own tastes. But if you’re not sure which you prefer, then you’re just going to have to taste them both (or all).
1. La Macelleria Gelateri, Various Locations in Brisbane
When you talk about gelato, you’re talking about Italy and the owners of La Macelleria want you to know that their hometown is in fact the Bologna, the Italian capital of Gelato. But not only that, one of the owners worked gained his gelato credentials in one of Bologna’s most famous gelato joints in the world, La Sorbetteria Castiglione. And then they’ve both studied it at school.
In other words, this gelato is serious science and business, which is why they also hold workshops in making your own gelato at their West End venue. If you want to taste gelato just like they make it in Italy, this is probably your best bet in Brisbane.
You can find La Macelleria in Teneriffe, West End, King Street and Coorparoo.
2. Lick! Ice Creams, Various Locations in Brisbane
Lick! has been making all natural ice cream since 2004, and they’ve been supplying EKKA with its Strawberry Sundae since 2011. But it wasn’t until 2015 that the premium ice cream makers in Queensland opened up their first store. Since then, they’ve opened up two more (three if you include the wholesale location) and we can’t get enough.
Its 24 ice cream and sorbet flavour range can be found at all stores but the real cherry on top is the innovation of new flavours, which is pretty much a constant so long as local products from primary producers are available. Lately, they’ve also been trying their hand at vegan flavours too. So keep an eye out for them on your socials.
Find Lick! in Paddington, Graceville and Morningside.
3. Happy Pops, South Bank
Who would’ve thought that ice cream on a stick would be such a hit? Well, doesn’t matter because Happy Pops make gelato and made their way from Noosa to South Bank and have been delighting us with its all natural and preservative-free flavours since 2019.
You can even make your own happy pop in store by choosing from gelato, sorbet, yoghurt, brownie, or waffle, then chocolate submersion or just a drizzle, followed by toppings. Instant happiness.
Pop into Happy Pops South Bank and you won’t be disappointed. They’ve even made crafty solution to stop the inevitable drip.
4. Ciao Gelato, Nundah
If you’ve got a dietary requirement that you need, must, want to follow, then Ciao Gelato is the place for you. Not only do they do the traditional style, but they also do vegan, gluten free, keto friendly, low calorie, high protein and macro friendly gelato. They’re the pioneers of alternative gelato in Brisbane.
Find Ciao Gelato in Nundah.
5. Goodtimes Gelateria, City
You’re more than likely going to find yourself somewhere around Howard Street Wharves this summer. When you do and that sweet tooth of yours needs a fix, then look no further than Goodtimes Gelateria, headed up by HSW Executive Pastry Chef Rhian Shellshear who’s done time at Gelato Messina and Adriano Zumbo’s patisseries.
The colourful gelateria keeps 22 flavours in the fridge year round, with 12 gelatos flavours there on a permanent basis. There are also six sorbets in the mix and the remaining spots are for special concoctions. De-lish!
Find Goodtimes Gelateria underneath the Fantauzzo Hotel at the Howard Street Wharves.