13. Nominom – Elizabeth Street, Brisbane City
Whether you prefer it plain and simple or stacked with toppings, this froyo shop gives you all the options. Simply fill it, top it, weigh it, eat it. Nominom is also very popular with international students as it serves some of Brisbane’s best bingsu – a Korean shaved ice dessert with sweet toppings.
12. Baskin Robbins – Albert Street, Brisbane City
It doesn’t get much more classic than Baskin Robbins. Its cabinets contain the most colourful of flavours with everything from rainbow sherbet to green tea along with all of the classics we know you love. Check out the flavour of the month for something unique and if it’s a special occasion, order one of its famous custom ice cream cakes.
11. San Churro – Charlotte Street, Brisbane City
Come with a hearty appetite – San Churro is famous for its large servings and extravagant toppings. Enjoy your ice cream in a classic sundae, cup, cone or one of its signature ‘Churro Bowls’. You can even get an ice cream slider complete with churro fries. If you aren’t feeling ice cream, check out the shared churro plates, cakes and fondue. There’s vegan options here too.
10. Gelare – Little Stanley Street, South Bank
Little Stanley Street’s Gelare nails its ice cream offering and also boasts warm waffles and golden pancakes. If you’re new to the venue, we suggest you try the Coconut Alley non-dairy scoop to-go (you can enjoy it along the river at South Bank). Gelare has vegan options as well.
9. Cowch – Grey Street, South Bank
Cowch is a dessert and cocktail bar, serving dessert, cocktails, and dessert cocktails. The delicious diner has everything from chocolate-covered pizza to fresh-topped ice cream slabs. It’s a South Bank hot spot for students so get in early if you want a seat.
8. Max Brenner – Grey Street, South Bank
Do you dream of ice cream dipped in melted chocolate, and sundaes with toppings for days? Then this is your go-to. Enjoy everything from your chocolate daydreams at dessert destination Max Brenner, from hot chocolate, to icy choc-tails, to its special I-Scream sundaes and everything in between. Finish with a walk along South Bank to burn off the calories (or not). #YOLO
7. Quench – Skyring Terrace, Newstead
Quench is for when you’re wanting to pretend you’re being healthy but still want to indulge in all of the ice cream goodness. Its wide-range of gelato and sorbet are made from the freshest of ingredients and you can’t go past the gelato and sorbet-based smoothies. Perfect for a summer day.
6. Goodtimes Gelateria – Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane City
This funky gelateria has 22 flavours on offer, so you’ll definitely find the perfect ice cream for you. Top flavours include the classics such as vanilla and chocolate and creations like baked apple pie and brown butter with caramelised popcorn.
5. Ciao Gelato – Sandgate Road, Nundah
While friendly for all ice cream lovers, Ciao Gelato gets a special shout-out for its dairy-free and vegan range. From your classic vegan fruit flavours to fancier options such as peanut butter fudge brownie and caramel cookie dough, it’s a winner. They also look after gluten- and nut-free needs. Plus their one of a kind fit-lato range is low calorie, high protein, low sugar and full flavoured.
4. Happy Pops – Stanley Street Plaza, South Bank
This Noosa resident has found a new home in South Bank and we are very grateful for it. Its handcrafted gelato and gourmet waffles on a stick are made fresh daily and are fully customisable. Start with your base, pick your drippings, add your favourite toppings and finally, treat yourself. Make sure to snap some pics as these ice creams are ‘gram worthy.
3. Gelatissimo – Albert Street, Brisbane City
They call themselves Australia’s favourite ice cream brand, and they are probably right. This fan favourite has all your traditional gelato flavours with limited edition scoops popping up every so often. All flavours are made fresh in store and have no artificial colours or flavours so your body and your taste buds will be thanking you. They have ice cream cakes and ice cream donuts too… *orders 10*
2. La Macelleria Gelateria – Montague Road, West End
This is a new gelato experience and is quickly becoming a loca favourite. Its authentic approach to gelato has the full range of what you would expect from a traditional Italian gelateria – sorbet, espresso, gelato cakes and of course, fresh Italian gelato. You can even watch gelato being made and served from its open-plan kitchen. Feast your eyes, and then your taste buds.
1. Gelato Messina – Melbourne Street, South Brisbane
Hands down the best gelato spot in Brisbane (and Australia for that matter). With over 40 flavours including five rotating weekly specials – the gelato is made fresh in store using secret recipes that are a sure hit with the city goers. Gelato Messina packs out on weeknights and weekends alike so go early and go often. It’s the perfect spot for a dessert date.
Tip: A new contender for the top spot is also the new Anita Gelato in West Village, West End. These guys are open till 11pm, 7 days a week. And if you just want something in a rush, IGA under Student One Adelaide Street has you sorted.
