Melbourne is a city brimming with culinary delights, and when it comes to indulging your sweet tooth, its ice cream scene is second to none. From creamy gelatos to artisanal scoops, the city offers a variety of flavors and textures that cater to every palate. In this guide, we’ll explore the 7 best ice cream shops in Melbourne, where you can experience everything from innovative flavor combinations to traditional recipes crafted with love. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing treat on a sunny day or a cozy dessert to pair with your evening stroll, Melbourne’s ice cream shops deliver unforgettable moments of pure sweetness. Below, you’ll find some common services offered in ice cream shops, key considerations, and price ranges to keep in mind before diving into the icy goodness:
Number of companies
Verified reviews
Average rating
1. Ben & Jerry’s
- Ice cream shop
- Bakery
- Candy store
- Caterer
Why we chose them
Ben & Jerry’s is an iconic and creative ice cream shop that brings a touch of joy to Melbourne’s Flinders Lane with its euphoric flavors and vibrant atmosphere. Known for its chunky and swirly ice cream creations, the shop offers a delightful menu featuring freshly baked waffle cones, decadent sundaes, and creamy milkshakes. With a legacy dating back to 1978, this beloved establishment serves up its treats in the same fun and flavorful way it was first envisioned. Beyond just scoops, the shop also caters to ice cream enthusiasts with delivery options and takeout services, ensuring everyone can savor their favorites in their preferred way.
In addition to its role as an ice cream shop, Ben & Jerry’s also functions as a bakery, candy store, and caterer, making it a go-to destination for any sweet tooth craving. The Flinders Lane location stands out not only for its delicious offerings but also for its commitment to thoughtful ingredients and progressive values, using its business as a platform to make a positive impact. Whether you’re indulging in exclusive flavors at the shop or celebrating a special occasion with their catering services, this establishment is dedicated to spreading smiles and creating memorable experiences with every scoop.
2. Bingsoo Desserts Cbd
- Ice cream shop
- Dessert restaurant
- Frozen yogurt shop
- Dessert shop
- Korean grocery store
- Korean restaurant
- Pancake restaurant
Why we chose them
Bingsoo Desserts CBD stands out as Melbourne CBD’s newest haven for dessert lovers, offering a delightful menu of sweet creations that cater to every craving. Their signature bingsu, crafted with fluffy shaved ice and an array of irresistible toppings, is a must-try for anyone seeking a refreshing treat. Beyond bingsu, the shop also boasts an assortment of mouth-watering waffles, mini pancakes, and other delectable desserts, making it a versatile destination for indulgence. The cozy ambiance invites visitors to unwind, whether they’re catching up with friends or taking a well-deserved break from the bustling city life.
As an ice cream shop, dessert restaurant, frozen yogurt shop, dessert shop, Korean grocery store, Korean restaurant, and pancake restaurant, this establishment offers a unique blend of options that go beyond traditional dessert spots. Its diverse offerings make it a standout choice for those looking to explore new flavors and textures, all while enjoying a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Perfectly situated in the heart of Melbourne CBD, this dessert destination is quickly becoming a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
3. Mixue Ice Cream & Tea
- Ice cream shop
Why we chose them
Mixue Ice Cream & Tea stands out as a global favorite, boasting an impressive network of over 26,000 stores worldwide. Renowned for its high-quality offerings, this franchise specializes in crafting delightful beverages and refreshing ice creams that cater to a diverse range of tastes. The company’s commitment to delivering exceptional flavors and an engaging customer experience has solidified its position as a leader in the industry.
This popular ice cream shop has become a go-to destination for those seeking a perfect blend of indulgence and refreshment. With an emphasis on quality and consistency, the brand has cultivated a loyal following across the globe. Its presence in Melbourne brings a taste of its celebrated menu to the local community, making it a must-visit spot for ice cream and beverage enthusiasts.
4. Gelateria Primavera
- Ice cream shop
Why we chose them
Gelateria Primavera stands out as a delightful destination for ice cream enthusiasts, offering an exceptional selection of artisanal frozen treats. Known for its inviting atmosphere and dedication to quality, this ice cream shop has earned a reputation for crafting flavors that satisfy every palate. Whether you’re craving classic options or seeking unique creations, their commitment to freshness and taste ensures a memorable experience for dessert lovers.
Chosen for our directory due to its focus on delivering high-quality ice cream, this shop embodies the essence of indulgence and craftsmanship. With a variety of flavors and textures, it caters to diverse preferences, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Its dedication to providing a sweet escape through expertly made ice cream makes it a perfect addition to our curated list of outstanding businesses.
5. Chimnutz CBD
- Ice cream shop
- Açaí shop
- Bubble tea store
- Dessert shop
Why we chose them
Chimnutz CBD stands out as a vibrant destination for sweet treat lovers, offering a delightful combination of indulgent options that cater to diverse cravings. Specializing as an ice cream shop, açaí shop, bubble tea store, and dessert shop, this establishment has mastered the art of crafting treats that are as visually captivating as they are delicious. Its unique menu and variety of services make it a must-visit spot for anyone seeking a memorable and flavorful experience.
Renowned for its dedication to quality and creativity, this dessert haven offers something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for refreshing bubble tea, nourishing açaí bowls, or indulgent scoops of ice cream. The passion for innovation and customer satisfaction sets it apart, making it a standout choice for our directory. This is a place where dessert dreams come true, and every bite feels like a celebration of flavor and craftsmanship.
6. Geloso Gelateria
- Ice cream shop
- Dessert shop
Why we chose them
Geloso Gelateria stands out for its commitment to creating fresh, artisan gelato daily using high-quality, seasonal produce sourced from Queen Victoria Market traders. Their gelato is crafted in micro batches to ensure maximum flavor and freshness, offering customers a delightful variety of treats. For those seeking dairy-free options, their sorbet gelato is an excellent choice, catering to diverse dietary preferences without compromising on taste.
7. Hareruya Pantry
- Ice cream shop
Why we chose them
Hareruya Pantry CBD offers a delightful fusion of Japanese culture and culinary artistry, specializing in handcrafted gelatos and catering services. Translating to “sunny shop” in Japanese, the business is dedicated to spreading joy through its vibrant menu, which includes authentic Japanese bentos, snacks, and celebration cakes. Whether you’re indulging in their creamy gelatos or pre-ordering a Bento for a convenient and flavorful meal, this establishment is a haven for food lovers seeking high-quality, artisanal treats.
This charming ice cream shop is part of the TSUNAGU Project, a cultural initiative aimed at sharing Japanese flavors and the warm hospitality of Omotenashi culture. With its inviting atmosphere and diverse offerings, it caters to a wide range of occasions—from casual park outings to special celebrations. Open daily, the shop stands out for its commitment to authenticity and community connection, making it a must-visit for those seeking a unique and memorable dining experience.
Frequently asked questions
Melbourne ice cream shops typically offer a wide variety of flavors, including classic options like vanilla and chocolate, as well as unique creations such as salted caramel, matcha, and locally-inspired flavors using Australian ingredients.
The average price for a single scoop of ice cream in Melbourne ranges from €3 to €5, depending on the shop and the quality of ingredients used.
Yes, many ice cream shops in Melbourne offer vegan and dairy-free options, including sorbets and plant-based ice creams made with almond, coconut, or oat milk.
Look for shops with high customer ratings, a variety of unique flavors, and a commitment to using high-quality ingredients. Visiting a shop known for making their ice cream in-house can also be a good indicator of quality.
Many ice cream shops in Melbourne do offer catering services for events such as birthdays, weddings, and corporate functions. These services may include custom flavors, ice cream carts, or even mobile ice cream trucks.
Consider the shop's menu variety, ability to customize flavors, experience with events, and their availability on your preferred date. It’s also important to inquire about pricing, setup, and whether they provide serving staff.
The timeline for fulfilling custom orders can vary, but most shops in Melbourne require at least 3-7 days’ notice, depending on the complexity of the order and the shop’s current workload.
Yes, many ice cream shops in Melbourne introduce seasonal or limited-edition flavors using fresh, seasonal ingredients. These flavors are often available for a short period, so it’s best to check with the shop for current offerings.